Jeremiah 24:4

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Again the word ^{H1697} of the LORD ^{H3068} came unto me, saying ^{H559},

The word of ADONAI came to me:

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Jeremiah 24:4 serves as a crucial introductory statement, signaling the divine origin of the message that follows. It's a common prophetic formula, establishing that the words spoken by Jeremiah are not his own thoughts or opinions, but direct revelation from God Himself.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the significant vision of the good and bad figs in Jeremiah chapter 24. Historically, this prophecy is given shortly after the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC, when King Jehoiachin and many leading citizens of Judah were taken into exile. Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem, delivering messages that often stood in stark contrast to the false hopes offered by other prophets. This specific declaration, "Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," sets the stage for God's clear distinction between those exiled (the "good figs") and those remaining in Judah (the "bad figs"), a powerful message about judgment and restoration. The phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of God's communication with His prophet during a tumultuous period for Judah.

Key Themes

Divine Revelation: The most prominent theme is that God actively communicates with humanity. This verse asserts that the message Jeremiah is about to deliver originates directly from the Almighty, not from human wisdom or speculation.
Prophetic Authority: By stating "the word of the LORD came unto me," Jeremiah establishes the authoritative basis for his pronouncements. His message carries the weight of divine decree, demanding attention and obedience from the people. This is a consistent theme throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.
Continuity of God's Message: The word "Again" highlights that God's communication with Jeremiah was not a one-time event but an ongoing, repeated process. This underscores God's faithfulness in continually guiding and warning His people, even when they were disobedient.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" translates the Hebrew davar Yahweh (דְּבַר יְהוָה). Davar means "word," "matter," or "thing," implying not just speech but also action and decree. Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, active, and sovereign involvement in the affairs of His people. This combination signifies a message of ultimate authority and divine power, a living and active word.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 24:4 reminds us of the foundational truth that the Bible is not merely human literature but inspired by God. Just as "the word of the LORD came" to Jeremiah, so too do we believe that the Scriptures are God's revealed truth for us. This verse encourages believers to approach the Bible with reverence, recognizing its divine authority and seeking to understand and apply its timeless truths. It also highlights God's desire to communicate with His people, inviting us to listen for His voice through His written word and through the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. The subsequent message about the figs (starting in Jeremiah 24:5) then shows how God's word often brings both judgment and hope.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.