Jeremiah 2:9

KJV

¶ Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children's children will I plead.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore I will yet plead {H7378} with you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and with your children's {H1121} children {H1121} will I plead {H7378}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So again I state my case against you," says ADONAI, "and state it against your grandchildren too.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.

American Standard Version

Wherefore I will yet contend with you, saith Jehovah, and with your children’s children will I contend.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:9 encapsulates the LORD's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, even in the face of their profound spiritual apostasy. It declares God's intention to continue His "pleading" or legal dispute not only with the current rebellious generation but also with their descendants, underscoring His persistent justice, patience, and the generational implications of their unfaithfulness. This verse highlights the divine resolve to hold His people accountable for their breach of the covenant, even as He extends an ongoing call for repentance and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2:9 is situated within the opening chapters of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, specifically within a divine lament and indictment against Judah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 2:1-3) recall Israel's initial devotion to the LORD during their wilderness journey, likening it to a newlywed's love. However, this nostalgic recollection quickly gives way to a stark contrast in Jeremiah 2:4-8, where God expresses His profound disappointment and grief over Israel's abandonment of Him for "worthless things." The people, including priests, rulers, and prophets, are accused of failing in their covenant duties and leading the nation into idolatry. Verse 9, therefore, serves as a solemn declaration of God's resolve to pursue His case against them, emphasizing that their rebellion is not a minor transgression but a serious breach of their covenant relationship, demanding a divine response that extends into future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Kings Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BCE). This era was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, and the rise of Babylon. Spiritually, despite Josiah's reforms, deep-seated idolatry and syncretism persisted among the people, often involving Baal worship and child sacrifice, practices abhorrent to the LORD. The concept of a "covenant lawsuit" (Hebrew: _rib_) was a familiar legal and cultural framework in the ancient Near East, where a suzerain (like God) would bring charges against a vassal (like Israel) for breaking a treaty. Jeremiah 2:9 employs this legal metaphor, portraying God as the divine judge and prosecutor, bringing a formal charge against His unfaithful people for violating the covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 2:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **God's unwavering justice and faithfulness** to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. He does not simply abandon them but actively engages in a "pleading" process, demonstrating His righteous character and commitment to upholding His divine law. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **generational accountability and the enduring consequences of sin**. God's intention to plead with "your children's children" signifies that the spiritual choices of one generation can have profound and lasting impacts on subsequent ones, emphasizing the long-term perspective of God's relationship with His people and the potential for the ripple effects of idolatry, as seen in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry"). Finally, the language of "pleading" reinforces the central theme of **covenant lawsuit (rib)**, portraying God as actively prosecuting His case against Israel for their spiritual adultery and rebellion, as vividly described in [Jeremiah 3:8](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8 - Israel's Unfaithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** From H7378, this word signifies more than a gentle request; it denotes a legal contention, a dispute, or a lawsuit. It implies grappling, wrangling, or holding a controversy. When the LORD declares He will "plead," it conveys His intention to formally present His case, to argue His cause against Israel's unfaithfulness, acting as both plaintiff and judge in a divine covenant lawsuit. It speaks to God's righteous assertion of His claims against human rebellion.
* **Saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** From H5002, this term functions as an oracle or a solemn declaration, often used to introduce a divine pronouncement. It emphasizes that the words spoken are not merely human utterances but carry the full authority and weight of God Himself. "Saith the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores the divine origin and unchangeable nature of this declaration of persistent judgment and accountability.
* **Children's (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word broadly refers to a son, child, or descendant, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons, subjects, or nations. Its repetition ("children's children") powerfully emphasizes the generational scope of God's engagement, indicating that the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's persistent call to account will extend beyond the immediate generation to future descendants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the nature of God's engagement. "Wherefore" links back to the preceding indictment of Israel's apostasy. The LORD, by His own sovereign will, declares His intention to continue His "pleading" – a legal dispute or formal contention – with the current generation of Israel. The phrase "saith the LORD" authenticates this as a direct, authoritative divine utterance, not a human conjecture.
* **"and with your children's children will I plead."**: This second clause extends the scope of God's legal engagement. It reveals that the divine case against Israel's unfaithfulness is not limited to the present; it will persist and be brought against future generations. The repetition of "plead" underscores the consistency of God's righteous character and His long-term perspective on the covenant relationship, implying that the consequences of sin and the call to accountability are generational.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:9 employs several potent literary devices. **Legal Metaphor** is central, with the word "plead" (Hebrew _rîyb_) casting the LORD as a divine prosecutor bringing a covenant lawsuit against Israel. This frames the spiritual unfaithfulness of the nation as a serious breach of contract, demanding a formal legal response from God. The phrase "saith the LORD" functions as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and finality to the divine pronouncement, emphasizing that these are not mere human words but the unalterable will of the Almighty. Furthermore, the repetition of "children's children" utilizes **Emphasis** and **Hyperbole** to underscore the generational breadth and enduring nature of God's commitment to justice and accountability, highlighting that the consequences of sin are not confined to a single generation but ripple through time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:9 profoundly reveals God's character as both just and patient. His decision to "yet plead" with Israel, even after their repeated acts of spiritual adultery, demonstrates an enduring faithfulness to His covenant and an incredible reluctance to abandon His people. This "pleading" is not a sign of weakness, but of righteous indignation combined with persistent love, seeking to restore a broken relationship through a formal presentation of their wrongdoing. It underscores the gravity of sin as a breach of covenant and highlights God's commitment to holding His people accountable, not just for their actions but also for the generational impact of their choices. This divine patience, however, is not limitless; it is a prelude to judgment if repentance is not forthcoming, serving as a final, earnest call to return before the full weight of consequences descends.

* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - God's Invitation to Reason")
* [Hosea 4:1](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1 - The Lord's Case Against Israel")
* [Micah 6:2](/micah/6-2 "Micah 6:2 - God's Controversy with His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:9 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, reminding us that God's engagement with humanity is deeply personal and persistently just. It reveals that even in our straying, God does not immediately cast us off but continues to pursue us, presenting His case, calling us to account for our unfaithfulness. This divine "pleading" is an act of both love and justice—love that desires our repentance and restoration, and justice that demands acknowledgment of our sin. It compels us to consider the seriousness of our own covenant with God, whether through creation, law, or grace, and to recognize that our spiritual choices have far-reaching implications, not only for ourselves but also for those who come after us. This verse challenges us to live with intentional faithfulness, understanding that our walk with God sets a precedent for future generations, and that God's patient call for repentance remains open.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be "pleading" with me, calling me to account for unfaithfulness or disobedience?**
* **How do my current spiritual choices potentially impact future generations, within my family or community?**
* **What does God's persistent "pleading" reveal about His character, and how does this truth encourage or challenge me today?**
* **Am I taking God's covenant relationship seriously, or have I allowed "worthless things" to replace Him in my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "plead" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 2:9, the Hebrew word translated "plead" is _rîyb_ (H7378), which carries a strong legal connotation. It signifies a formal dispute, a lawsuit, or a contention. It's not merely a gentle request or a casual conversation, but rather God presenting His case, His charges, against Israel for their breach of the covenant. This is significant because it portrays God as a righteous judge who takes His covenant seriously and holds His people accountable for their actions. It highlights the gravity of their spiritual unfaithfulness, framing it as a legal offense against the divine suzerain. This concept of a "covenant lawsuit" is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, emphasizing God's justice and His unwavering commitment to the terms of His relationship with Israel, as seen in [Hosea 4:1](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1 - The Lord's Case Against Israel").

**Why does God say He will plead with "your children's children"?**

Answer: The extension of God's "pleading" to "your children's children" underscores the generational impact of sin and the enduring nature of God's justice and patience. It signifies that the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness are not confined to the present generation but will ripple through time, affecting their descendants. This also implies God's long-term perspective on His covenant relationship, demonstrating that His call for accountability and repentance persists across generations. It serves as a solemn warning that spiritual choices have lasting legacies and that God's righteous demands will ultimately be met, whether through repentance or judgment. This principle is echoed in the Mosaic Law, which speaks of the consequences of idolatry extending to the third and fourth generations in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 2:9 speaks of God's persistent "pleading" with Israel in a covenant lawsuit, this divine engagement finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament "pleading" was a call to repentance under the Law, highlighting humanity's inability to perfectly uphold the covenant. Christ, however, is the ultimate answer to this divine lawsuit. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf, silencing the charges against us. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the perfect advocate and the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He satisfied the demands of God's justice, making a way for reconciliation where humanity had failed. The "pleading" of God against sin is met not with a continued legal battle for those who believe, but with the definitive declaration of "no condemnation" for those who are in Christ Jesus ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, the persistent call for accountability in Jeremiah points forward to the gracious provision of salvation in Christ, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). He is the true and lasting answer to God's righteous controversy with humanity, offering not a continued lawsuit, but an eternal covenant of grace.

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

Ezekiel 20:35

And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Ezekiel 20:36

Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 2:35

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

Micah 6:2

Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Isaiah 43:26

Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

Leviticus 20:5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.