Jeremiah 17:21

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Take heed {H8104} to yourselves {H5315}, and bear {H5375} no burden {H4853} on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}, nor bring {H935} it in by the gates {H8179} of Jerusalem {H3389};

Here is what ADONAI says: "If you value your lives, don't carry anything on Shabbat or bring it in through the gates of Yerushalayim;

This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day.

Thus saith Jehovah, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Jeremiah 17:21 delivers a direct and emphatic command from the LORD to the people of Judah, specifically concerning the observance of the Sabbath day. This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in Jeremiah 17 (verses 19-27) where God addresses the nation's spiritual state and reiterates the importance of a foundational covenant sign: the Sabbath.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, just before the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, moral corruption, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals. God, through Jeremiah, consistently called His people to repentance and a return to the covenant. This specific warning about the Sabbath, delivered at the gates of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 17:19), highlights that even as the nation faced imminent judgment for its deep-seated sins, God still emphasized obedience to fundamental laws, particularly those that symbolized their unique relationship with Him. The carrying of burdens and bringing goods through the city gates represented commercial activity and labor, which were prohibited on the holy day of rest.

Key Themes

  • Sabbath Sanctification: The primary theme is the sanctity of the Sabbath. God commanded Israel to set apart the seventh day as a day of rest and worship, distinct from the other six days of labor. This rest was not merely idleness but an act of trust in God's provision and a recognition of His sovereignty over all time and creation.
  • Obedience and Covenant: The command underscores the importance of obedience to God's covenant stipulations. The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13). Disregarding it was seen as a rejection of God Himself and His gracious provision.
  • Personal Responsibility: The phrase "Take heed to yourselves" emphasizes individual and collective responsibility for upholding God's commands. It's a call for careful consideration and intentional adherence to the divine instruction.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While not stated in this verse, the verses immediately following (Jeremiah 17:24-27) clearly link obedience to Sabbath keeping with blessing and national prosperity, and disobedience with divine judgment, including the destruction of Jerusalem. This echoes earlier warnings found in the Law (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Take heed to yourselves" is from the Hebrew verb shamar (שָׁמַר), which means to watch, guard, or preserve. It conveys a strong sense of personal vigilance and careful observance.
  • The word "burden" comes from the Hebrew masa (מַשָּׂא), referring to a load, a burden, or merchandise. This clearly indicates a prohibition against engaging in commercial or laborious activities on the Sabbath, activities that would involve carrying goods for trade or work.
  • "Sabbath day" is Shabbat (שַׁבָּת), derived from the verb shavat (שָׁבַת), meaning "to cease" or "to rest from labor." This highlights the core purpose of the day: cessation from ordinary work.

Practical Application

While Christians today generally understand the Sabbath in a different light than ancient Israel, the principles embedded in Jeremiah 17:21 remain highly relevant. The command to "take heed to yourselves" reminds us of the importance of personal spiritual discipline and intentionality in our walk with God. The underlying message encourages:

  • Setting Apart Time for God: In a demanding world, it's crucial to intentionally set aside time for spiritual rest, worship, and focusing on God, rather than being consumed by endless work or commercial pursuits. This can involve regular church attendance, personal devotion, and restful activities that refresh the soul.
  • Trusting God's Provision: Observing a day of rest, whether on the Sabbath or another day, is an act of faith that God will provide for our needs even when we cease from our labors. It counters the temptation to believe that our security lies solely in our own efforts.
  • Prioritizing Spiritual Over Material: The prohibition against bearing burdens or engaging in commerce on the Sabbath serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize spiritual values and relationship with God over material gain and worldly activities.

This verse challenges us to consider how we honor God with our time and whether we truly guard the sacred spaces in our lives for Him, allowing for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with our Creator, a rest ultimately found in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 15:32

    And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.

  • Numbers 15:36

    And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Nehemiah 13:15

    ¶ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

  • Nehemiah 13:21

    Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do [so] again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no [more] on the sabbath.

  • John 5:9

    And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

  • John 5:12

    Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

  • Deuteronomy 4:15

    Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

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