Jeremiah 17:19

KJV

¶ Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus said {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto me; Go {H1980} and stand {H5975} in the gate {H8179} of the children {H1121} of the people {H5971}, whereby the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} come in {H935}, and by the which they go out {H3318}, and in all the gates {H8179} of Jerusalem {H3389};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI said this to me: "Go, and stand at the People's Gate, where the kings of Y'hudah go in and out, and at all the gates of Yerushalayim;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand at the gate of the people, through which the kings of Judah go in and out; and stand at all the other gates of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Thus said Jehovah unto me: Go, and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:19 records a pivotal divine command to the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to take a highly visible and public stand at the gates of Jerusalem. This strategic placement ensured that God's forthcoming message, particularly concerning the sanctity of the Sabbath, would be heard by all segments of society, from the common people to the highest authorities. It underscored the universal reach and accountability inherent in God's covenant demands, initiating a crucial public proclamation that would determine the nation's future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within Jeremiah 17, shifting from a lament and a theological discourse on Judah's deep-seated sin and the curse of trusting in humanity (Jeremiah 17:1-18) to a direct, imperative divine commission. The preceding verses vividly portray Judah's spiritual idolatry and their reliance on human strength, contrasting it with the blessedness of trusting the Lord. Jeremiah's personal struggles and prayers for vindication are also interwoven. The abrupt command, "Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate," serves as a dramatic shift, setting the stage for a public prophetic act. The content of this public proclamation, revealed immediately in the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 17:21-27), focuses specifically on the observance of the Sabbath, framing it as a critical test of Judah's covenant faithfulness and a determinant of their national destiny. This structural shift underscores the urgency and divine authority of the message that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a period of profound political and spiritual decline in Judah, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). Jerusalem's gates were not merely points of ingress and egress; they were the bustling epicenters of ancient urban life. These fortified entrances served as the primary venues for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, public announcements, and social interaction. Elders and judges convened there to dispense justice, merchants conducted business, and citizens gathered for news and community life. By specifically commanding Jeremiah to position himself at "the gate of the children of the people" and "all the gates of Jerusalem," God ensured His message would permeate every facet of society. The explicit mention of "whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out" further highlights that the message was intended for the nation's leadership as much as for its common citizens, emphasizing their collective and individual accountability to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 17:19 powerfully introduces and reinforces several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Commission and Authority**, as the introductory phrase "Thus said the [LORD](/jeremiah/17-19 "Jeremiah 17:19 - The Lord's Command") unto me" unequivocally establishes that Jeremiah's actions and words are not his own but a direct, authoritative mandate from the sovereign God, affirming his [prophetic calling](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Calling"). Secondly, the instruction to deliver the message in the most prominent and public locations highlights the theme of **Public Proclamation and Accessibility of God's Word**. God desires His truth to be widely known and understood, not confined to private circles. Thirdly, the specific mention of "whereby the [kings](/jeremiah/17-19 "Jeremiah 17:19 - Kings of Judah") of Judah come in, and by the which they go out" emphasizes **Universal Accountability**. God's message, and the call to repentance, applies equally to the highest authorities and the common citizens; no one is exempt from divine scrutiny or the imperative of obedience to the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Sabbath Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude, including to appoint, command, declare, or utter speech. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative utterance from God, emphasizing the divine origin and mandatory nature of the instruction given to Jeremiah. It underscores that Jeremiah is merely the mouthpiece of the Lord, relaying a non-negotiable divine decree.
* **Go (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, a primitive root meaning "to walk," "to go," or "to move." This imperative verb conveys a sense of immediate action and purposeful movement. Jeremiah is not to merely receive the message passively but to actively and physically position himself in a specific, public place, demonstrating obedience and initiating the public phase of his prophetic task. It demands a visible, public act of compliance.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, meaning "an opening," specifically a "door or gate." In ancient Near Eastern cities, the *sha'ar* was the focal point of civic, commercial, and judicial life. It was the place of public assembly, legal proceedings, and official announcements. Jeremiah's assignment to this location is highly significant, ensuring the message's maximum public exposure, official recognition, and unavoidable confrontation with all strata of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus said the LORD unto me":** This opening phrase functions as a classic prophetic formula, immediately establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the subsequent command. It signifies that the words Jeremiah is about to speak are not his own thoughts, opinions, or political agenda, but a direct, unadulterated revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This legitimizes Jeremiah's difficult and often unpopular mission, imbuing his message with ultimate gravity and demanding attention.
* **"Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people":** Jeremiah receives two direct imperatives: "Go" (implying a purposeful journey to a specific location) and "stand" (implying a firm, public, and perhaps authoritative posture, a stance of unwavering resolve). The "gate of the children of the people" refers to a prominent public entrance, likely one of Jerusalem's main thoroughfares, where ordinary citizens would congregate and pass through. This ensures the message reaches the populace directly, making it accessible to the common person.
* **"whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out":** This clause specifies the particular importance and strategic nature of the chosen gate. It was a route frequently traversed by the highest authorities of the land—the kings of Judah. This detail highlights that God's message is intended not only for the common people but also for the nation's leadership, emphasizing their unique accountability and the universal scope of God's demands. It implies that even those in positions of power are subject to divine law and cannot escape its scrutiny.
* **"and in all the gates of Jerusalem":** This final directive broadens the scope of Jeremiah's mission beyond a single, prominent gate. The command to proclaim the message in "all the gates of Jerusalem" signifies a comprehensive and pervasive proclamation. It ensures that the message permeates the entire city, leaving no excuse for ignorance and underscoring the widespread nature of the sin and the universal call to repentance that God is issuing to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, where the Lord speaks personally and immediately to Jeremiah ("Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand..."), emphasizing the intimate yet authoritative nature of the divine commission. This direct communication establishes Jeremiah's indisputable role as God's chosen messenger. The **Symbolism** of the "gate" is also crucial; it is not merely a physical opening but a powerful symbolic representation of the city's civic, economic, and judicial life. By commanding Jeremiah to stand there, God transforms a common urban feature into a sacred platform for prophetic utterance, highlighting the public, official, and inescapable nature of the message. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "gates" ("the gate of the children of the people... and in all the gates of Jerusalem") serves to emphasize the comprehensive and pervasive reach that God intends for His message, ensuring that no part of the city or its inhabitants remains untouched by the prophetic word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:19 is a profound statement on the nature of divine communication and human responsibility. It underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His desire for all, from the highest ruler to the humblest citizen, to hear and heed His word. The public setting of the proclamation highlights that God's truth is not meant to be private or exclusive but is for the entire community, demanding a public response of obedience and repentance. This act of "standing in the gate" serves as a powerful theological image of prophetic faithfulness—a willingness to confront societal norms and leadership with uncomfortable truths, rooted in the conviction that God's word is ultimate authority. It exemplifies the prophet's role as God's watchman, warning the people and calling them back to covenant fidelity.

* [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Prophet as a Watchman")
* [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - The Husband Known in the Gates")
* [Matthew 10:27](/matthew/10-27 "Matthew 10:27 - Proclaim from the Housetops")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:19 presents a timeless challenge for believers today, mirroring the divine imperative for public witness. Just as Jeremiah was called to a highly visible and sometimes uncomfortable stand, we too are commissioned to be God's messengers in our contemporary "gates"—the public squares of social media, the boardrooms of our workplaces, the community forums, and the family tables where influence is wielded and decisions are made. This verse reminds us that God's truth is not confined to sacred spaces but is meant to permeate all aspects of life, confronting injustice, calling for righteousness, and inviting all people to a right relationship with Him. It demands a posture of courage and faithfulness, a willingness to speak God's word plainly and publicly, even when it is counter-cultural or challenges established norms, trusting that the authority of the message rests not on our eloquence but on the divine sender. Our obedience, like Jeremiah's, is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of God's truth for every generation, calling us to be faithful conduits of His message in every sphere of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where is God calling me to "stand" and boldly proclaim His truth in my sphere of influence today, whether in my family, workplace, or community?**
* **How does the universal nature of God's message, applicable to both "kings" (leaders) and "children of the people" (common citizens), shape my understanding of accountability and evangelism?**
* **What specific "gates" or public platforms in our contemporary society most urgently need to hear God's truth, and what is my role in delivering it?**

### FAQ
**Why were city gates so important in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, city gates were far more than mere entry and exit points. They were the bustling centers of public life and served multiple crucial functions. This is where legal judgments were rendered by elders and judges (e.g., [Ruth 4:1-11](/ruth/4-1-11 "Ruth 4:1-11 - Boaz at the Gate")), business transactions and contracts were made (e.g., [Proverbs 31:23](/proverbs/31-23 "Proverbs 31:23 - The Virtuous Woman's Husband Known in the Gates")), public announcements and proclamations were delivered, and social gatherings took place. They were also strategic military points, often heavily fortified, and served as potent symbols of a city's strength, authority, and identity. Thus, when God commanded Jeremiah to stand in the gates, it ensured his message would reach the widest possible audience—from common citizens to the highest authorities—in the most public and official setting available.

**What was the specific message Jeremiah was to deliver at the gate?**

Answer: Following the command in Jeremiah 17:19, the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 17:21-27) reveal that Jeremiah's primary message at the gates of Jerusalem concerned the strict observance of the Sabbath. The Lord warned the people and their kings not to carry burdens out of their houses or through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, but to hallow it as He commanded their fathers. God promised prosperity, an enduring Davidic dynasty, and a thriving city if they obeyed, but threatened devastating judgment, including the burning of Jerusalem's gates and palaces, if they continued to profane the Sabbath. This message underscored the foundational importance of covenant obedience for national well-being.

**How does Jeremiah's public ministry relate to the role of a prophet?**

Answer: Jeremiah's public ministry, exemplified by his standing at the city gates, perfectly illustrates the quintessential role of an Old Testament prophet. Prophets were divinely appointed messengers, called to speak God's word directly to His people, often confronting their sin and calling them to repentance. Their ministry was rarely private; it was a public, often confrontational, and sometimes dangerous task. Like a "watchman" (as described in [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman's Duty")), the prophet was responsible for warning the people of impending judgment if they continued in disobedience and for reminding them of God's covenant demands and promises. Jeremiah's willingness to stand publicly in the face of opposition, delivering an unpopular message from the Lord, underscores the prophet's obedience to God's command, regardless of personal cost, popular opinion, or the status of those being addressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:19, with its emphasis on a prophet publicly proclaiming God's word at the city gates to all people, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke God's word, Jesus is the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate and final revelation of God, through whom God has spoken definitively (as seen in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Jeremiah was commanded to stand in the public squares, Jesus' ministry was profoundly public. He taught in the synagogues, on mountainsides, by the sea, and in the temple courts of Jerusalem, engaging directly with the crowds, the common people, and the religious and political leaders of His day (e.g., [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Preaching in Galilee")). He did not whisper His message but proclaimed the kingdom of God openly, challenging the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of His generation. Furthermore, the message Jeremiah brought was one of conditional judgment and a call to covenant faithfulness, particularly regarding the Sabbath. Jesus, however, brought the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, ushering in a new covenant of grace through His atoning sacrifice. His public proclamation culminated in the Great Commission, where His followers are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations" (as in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), extending the public proclamation of God's truth far beyond the gates of Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, establishing a global witness to His saving work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 26:2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Jeremiah 7:2

Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all [ye of] Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

Proverbs 8:1

¶ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

Jeremiah 36:6

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

Proverbs 9:3

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

Acts 5:20

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Proverbs 1:20

¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: