Jeremiah 25:2

The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,

The which Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} spake {H1696} unto all the people {H5971} of Judah {H3063}, and to all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, saying {H559},

Yirmeyahu the prophet proclaimed it before all the people of Y'hudah and all the inhabitants of Yerushalayim:

So the prophet Jeremiah spoke to all the people of Judah and all the residents of Jerusalem as follows:

which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying:

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 25:2 serves as a critical introductory verse, setting the stage for a profound and extensive prophecy delivered by Jeremiah the prophet. This verse anchors the upcoming message in a specific historical moment and identifies its intended audience. It marks the beginning of an oracle concerning the seventy years of Babylonian captivity and the subsequent judgment upon various nations, including Judah itself. Historically, this period was tumultuous for the Kingdom of Judah, marked by moral decay, political instability, and a persistent refusal to heed divine warnings. Jeremiah had been delivering warnings for many years, often facing opposition and ridicule, before this culminating series of pronouncements.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Messenger: The phrase "Jeremiah the prophet spake" immediately establishes the divine origin and authority behind the message. Jeremiah is not speaking his own thoughts but God's word, underscoring the gravity and truthfulness of the prophecy to follow.
  • Universal Reach within Judah: By addressing "all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem," the verse highlights that the message was comprehensive and intended for everyone within the kingdom, from common citizens to leaders. No one was exempt from hearing God's pronouncements or from the consequences they portended.
  • Urgency of Spoken Word: The act of "spake unto" implies a direct, public, and urgent declaration. This was not a private communication but a proclaimed message, signifying its immense importance and the need for immediate attention and response from the people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prophet" is navi (נָבִיא), which fundamentally means "one who is called" or "one who announces." A navi acts as God's mouthpiece, delivering His messages, warnings, and future revelations. Jeremiah's identity as a navi in this verse is crucial, as it validates the divine origin of the stern words he is about to declare concerning the impending judgment and the Babylonian exile.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 25:2 is more than a mere introduction; it serves as a foundational statement that validates the divine source and widespread relevance of the prophecy that follows. It reminds us of the serious nature with which God communicates His will and warnings through His chosen messengers. For ancient Judah, it was a clear, final warning before the devastating judgment of the Babylonian captivity. For believers today, this verse underscores the enduring importance of heeding God's word, whether revealed through the Scriptures or proclaimed through faithful teachers and God's chosen messengers. Just as Judah was called to listen and repent, so are we called to pay attention to divine instruction and prophecy concerning God's plans for humanity and our responsibilities within His kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 18:11

    ΒΆ Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

  • Jeremiah 38:1

    ΒΆ Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

  • Jeremiah 38:2

    Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

  • Jeremiah 19:14

    Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD'S house; and said to all the people,

  • Jeremiah 19:15

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

  • 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:

  • Mark 7:14

    And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand:
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