Jeremiah 17:26

KJV

And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall come {H935} from the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and from the places about {H5439} Jerusalem {H3389}, and from the land {H776} of Benjamin {H1144}, and from the plain {H8219}, and from the mountains {H2022}, and from the south {H5045}, bringing {H935} burnt offerings {H5930}, and sacrifices {H2077}, and meat offerings {H4503}, and incense {H3828}, and bringing {H935} sacrifices of praise {H8426}, unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will come from the cities of Y'hudah, from the places surrounding Yerushalayim, from the land of Binyamin, from the Sh'felah, from the hills and from the Negev, bringing burnt offerings, sacrifices, grain offerings, frankincense and thanksgiving sacrifices to the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And people will come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, and from the foothills, the hill country, and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places round about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowland, and from the hill-country, and from the South, bringing burnt-offerings, and sacrifices, and meal-offerings, and frankincense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving, unto the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:26 presents a vivid prophetic vision of national and spiritual restoration for Judah, contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's covenant, particularly regarding the sanctity of the Sabbath. It describes a future where people from all regions of the land will joyfully converge upon the Temple in Jerusalem, bringing a diverse array of offerings—burnt offerings, sacrifices, grain offerings, incense, and sacrifices of praise—signifying a complete and heartfelt return to proper worship and fellowship with the Lord. This verse serves as a powerful promise of blessing and renewal if the people choose faithfulness over rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:26 is embedded within a significant prophetic discourse (Jeremiah 17:19-27) delivered by Jeremiah at the gates of Jerusalem. This passage specifically addresses the critical importance of observing the Sabbath day. The verses immediately preceding (Jeremiah 17:21-23) issue a stern warning against profaning the Sabbath, highlighting past failures and their consequences. Verse 24 then lays out the explicit condition for blessing: "If you diligently obey me, declares the LORD, to bring no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but keep the Sabbath day holy and do no work on it..." Jeremiah 17:26, therefore, describes the glorious outcome of this obedience, standing in direct contrast to the dire judgment threatened in [Jeremiah 17:27](/jeremiah/17-27 "Jeremiah 17:27 - Consequences of Sabbath Desecration") if the people fail to hallow the Sabbath. The passage as a whole underscores the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, where national well-being is inextricably linked to faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah delivered this message during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, likely under kings Jehoiakim or Zedekiah, just prior to the Babylonian exile. This was a period marked by widespread spiritual apostasy, idolatry, social injustice, and political instability. The people had largely abandoned the covenant of their forefathers, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The Sabbath, a foundational command given at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), served as a sign of God's covenant with Israel and a reminder of His creative and redemptive work. Its desecration symbolized a deeper rejection of God's authority and a breakdown of the covenant relationship. The Temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship, where various sacrifices and offerings were prescribed by the Mosaic Law, forming the core of Israelite religious life. The geographical references in the verse—Judah, Jerusalem, Benjamin, the plain, mountains, and south—encompass the entire territory of the southern kingdom, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the promised restoration.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Conditional Nature of Covenant Blessing**, where national prosperity, security, and the flourishing of worship are directly tied to the nation's obedience to God's commands, particularly the Sabbath. This echoes the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Another crucial theme is **Restoration of True Worship**. The detailed listing of various offerings signifies a return to the full, vibrant, and heartfelt worship prescribed by God, moving beyond mere ritual to genuine devotion. This vision of abundant offerings from all parts of the land speaks to a profound spiritual revival. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Enduring Desire for Relationship and Repentance**. Despite Judah's persistent rebellion, God, through Jeremiah, extends a gracious offer of restoration, demonstrating His patience and His ultimate desire for His people to return to Him, as seen in His repeated calls for repentance throughout the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** (H935) This primitive root means "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications, including to arrive, enter, or approach. In Jeremiah 17:26, its repeated use ("they shall come," "bringing") emphasizes the active, voluntary movement of the people. It signifies a gathering, an assembly, and a purposeful approach to the divine presence at the Temple, indicating a reversal of their previous spiritual distance and apathy.
* **sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** (H2077) Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter," this term primarily refers to animal sacrifices. By implication, it denotes the act of offering or the victim itself. While a general term, it often refers to peace offerings (shelamim), which involved communal feasting and symbolized fellowship with God and one another. Its inclusion alongside burnt offerings and praise offerings indicates a comprehensive return to the full spectrum of prescribed worship, encompassing atonement, dedication, and fellowship.
* **praise (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** (H8426) This word properly signifies an "extension of the hand," implying avowal or adoration. Specifically, it refers to a "sacrifice of praise" or "thanksgiving offering." Unlike other offerings that might be obligatory or for atonement, the _todah_ offering was voluntary and expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His deliverance or blessings. Its prominent mention here suggests that the restored worship will not merely be ritualistic but will be characterized by genuine appreciation, joy, and thanksgiving, reflecting a transformed heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall come from the cities of Judah":** This phrase initiates the description of a widespread movement. "Cities of Judah" refers to the urban centers throughout the southern kingdom, indicating that the revival would not be confined to Jerusalem but would emanate from the broader population.
* **"and from the places about Jerusalem":** This specifies the immediate environs and suburbs of the capital city, emphasizing that even those closest to the spiritual center would participate in this renewed devotion.
* **"and from the land of Benjamin":** Benjamin was a tribe closely allied with Judah, whose territory bordered Jerusalem. Its inclusion further expands the geographical scope, signifying participation from a historically significant region.
* **"and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south":** This tripartite geographical merism (the Shephelah or lowland, the central hill country, and the Negeb or southern desert region) comprehensively covers all the diverse topographical and demographic areas of Judah. It underscores that the spiritual awakening would be universal within the kingdom, drawing people from every corner.
* **"bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense":** This clause lists various types of prescribed offerings. **Burnt offerings** (`'oloth`) symbolized complete dedication, entirely consumed by fire. **Sacrifices** (`zevachim`) often referred to peace offerings, signifying fellowship. **Meat offerings** (`minchah`) were grain or meal offerings, representing the fruits of labor and gratitude. **Incense** (`levonah`) symbolized prayers ascending to God. This comprehensive list indicates a full restoration of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the richness and variety of their renewed worship.
* **"and bringing sacrifices of praise":** This specific mention of "sacrifices of praise" (`todah`) highlights a crucial aspect of the restored worship. It implies a shift from mere ritualistic duty to heartfelt thanksgiving and joyful adoration, indicating a genuine spiritual transformation and appreciation for God's goodness.
* **"unto the house of the LORD":** This is the ultimate destination and focal point of all these activities. "The house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the designated place where God's presence dwelt among His people and where atonement and worship were offered. It signifies a return to the proper center of their religious life and a renewed commitment to God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:26 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the extensive geographical listing: "cities of Judah," "places about Jerusalem," "land of Benjamin," "the plain," "the mountains," and "the south." By enumerating these diverse regions, the prophet emphasizes the totality and comprehensive nature of the promised restoration, implying that people from every part of the land would participate. There is also a strong sense of **Catalogue** or **Litany** in the detailed enumeration of the various offerings ("burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and sacrifices of praise"). This not only paints a vivid picture of the richness of restored worship but also underscores its completeness, covering all aspects of prescribed devotion. The **Repetition** of the verb "bringing" (implied by "come" and explicitly stated with "bringing burnt offerings" and "bringing sacrifices of praise") creates a rhythmic emphasis on the active, voluntary, and abundant nature of the people's return to worship. Finally, the verse functions as a **Conditional Promise**, implicitly contrasting with the preceding warnings and the subsequent threat of judgment. It presents a hopeful vision of what *will* happen *if* Judah obeys, making the potential for blessing palpable and desirable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:26 beautifully articulates God's enduring desire for His people's complete and heartfelt worship, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology. It reveals that true worship is not merely ritualistic but involves obedience, gratitude, and a comprehensive dedication of life and resources to God. The diverse offerings symbolize different facets of humanity's relationship with the divine: complete surrender (burnt offerings), fellowship (sacrifices), provision and gratitude (grain offerings), and ascending prayers (incense). Crucially, the "sacrifices of praise" highlight that the most pleasing offering to God is a heart overflowing with thanksgiving. This vision of restoration, contingent on obedience, underscores God's covenant faithfulness and His readiness to bless those who turn to Him wholeheartedly, even after prolonged periods of rebellion. It foreshadows a time when worship would be restored to its rightful place, not as a burden, but as a joyful expression of devotion.

* [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God desires steadfast love, not sacrifice")
* [Malachi 3:4](/malachi/3-4 "Malachi 3:4 - The offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:26, while rooted in the Old Covenant context of Sabbath observance and Temple sacrifices, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our obedience to His revealed will. Just as God desired the Judahites to hallow the Sabbath as a sign of their covenant faithfulness, so too does He call us to live lives marked by intentional devotion and obedience in every sphere. The variety of offerings—from complete dedication to joyful praise—challenges us to consider the comprehensiveness of our own worship. Is our worship merely a ritual, or does it stem from a heart of genuine gratitude and surrender? This verse calls us to move beyond perfunctory religious acts to a vibrant, Spirit-filled offering of our entire lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that when God's people turn to Him in sincere repentance and wholehearted worship, He promises spiritual renewal and blessing, transforming our communities and drawing others to His light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to greater obedience, similar to Judah's call to Sabbath observance?**
* **How can your daily life become a "sacrifice of praise" to the Lord, beyond formal worship services?**
* **What does "bringing offerings" mean for you today, considering that Christ has fulfilled the sacrificial system?**
* **How does the promise of widespread spiritual renewal in Jeremiah 17:26 inspire your prayers for your community or nation?**
* **Are there any "places about Jerusalem" in your own spiritual landscape—areas of neglect or apathy—that God is calling you to bring into renewed worship?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the Sabbath in this passage?**

Answer: The Sabbath is presented as a foundational covenant command, a litmus test of Judah's obedience and faithfulness to God. Its proper observance symbolized their recognition of God's sovereignty and their commitment to His covenant. Desecrating the Sabbath was not merely a minor transgression but a profound act of rebellion that broke the covenant and invited divine judgment, as detailed in [Jeremiah 17:27](/jeremiah/17-27 "Jeremiah 17:27 - Consequences of Sabbath Desecration"). Conversely, hallowing it was the key to national blessing and the restoration of vibrant worship.

**Why are so many types of offerings listed in Jeremiah 17:26?**

Answer: The detailed listing of "burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and sacrifices of praise" signifies a complete and comprehensive return to the full range of prescribed worship under the Mosaic Law. Each type of offering had a specific meaning: burnt offerings for complete dedication, sacrifices (often peace offerings) for fellowship, meat (grain) offerings for gratitude and provision, incense for prayer, and sacrifices of praise for thanksgiving. Their collective mention paints a picture of a holistic spiritual revival where every aspect of the people's devotion—from atonement to joyful thanksgiving—would be restored to its proper place at "the house of the LORD."

**Is the promise of Jeremiah 17:26 still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific context of Sabbath observance and animal sacrifices belongs to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of Jeremiah 17:26 remain profoundly relevant. God still desires obedience, heartfelt worship, and genuine gratitude from His people. The verse teaches us that faithfulness to God's commands leads to blessing and spiritual flourishing, while disobedience leads to judgment. For Christians, the "rest" is found in Christ (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God")), and our "offerings" are spiritual: our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present your bodies as a living sacrifice")), our praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A sacrifice of praise")), and acts of service and generosity ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Do not neglect to do good and to share")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:26, with its vision of restored worship and abundant offerings at "the house of the LORD," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, to which the people brought their sacrifices, was a shadow pointing to the true Temple, which is Christ Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus speaks of the temple of his body")). All the various offerings—burnt offerings, sacrifices, meat offerings, and incense—culminated in the singular, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate **burnt offering** of complete dedication, and the perfect **sacrifice** that establishes new covenant fellowship ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's superior sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, the need for repeated animal sacrifices was forever removed ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's one sacrifice for all time")). Moreover, the "sacrifices of praise" anticipated in Jeremiah are now offered by believers through Christ, who enables us to offer [spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones, spiritual sacrifices"). The geographical breadth of those coming to the Temple foreshadows the global reach of the Gospel, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" will come to worship God through Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A great multitude worships God")). Thus, the prophetic hope of Jeremiah 17:26 is not merely a historical promise for Judah, but a glorious reality realized in the person and work of Jesus, who brings true spiritual restoration and enables all who believe to draw near to God in genuine, heartfelt worship.

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

Zechariah 7:7

[Should ye] not [hear] the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when [men] inhabited the south and the plain?

Jeremiah 32:44

Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them], saith the LORD.

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Psalms 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.