Jeremiah 26:4

KJV

And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; If ye will not hearken {H8085} to me, to walk {H3212} in my law {H8451}, which I have set {H5414} before {H6440} you,

Complete Jewish Bible

So tell them that this is what ADONAI says: "If you will not pay attention to me and live according to my Torah, which I have given you,

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘If you do not listen to Me and walk in My law, which I have set before you,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah: If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:4 delivers a profound divine ultimatum through the prophet Jeremiah, emphasizing the conditional nature of God's covenant with Judah. It warns that continued refusal to "hearken" to God and "walk" in His clearly revealed "law" will inevitably lead to severe judgment. This verse encapsulates the core prophetic message of repentance and adherence to divine instruction as the prerequisite for averting disaster and retaining God's favor and protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26 opens with a direct divine command to Jeremiah, instructing him to deliver a pivotal message in the court of the Lord's house, addressing all the cities of Judah. This specific verse is integral to the conditional warning issued by God. The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 26:2-3](/jeremiah/26-2-3 "Jeremiah 26:2-3 - God's Call to Repentance and Willingness to Relent"), set the stage by highlighting God's compassionate willingness to "repent of the evil" He intends to bring, *if* the people listen and turn from their wicked ways. [Jeremiah 26:4](/jeremiah/26-4 "Jeremiah 26:4 - The Condition of Obedience") then articulates the precise condition for averting this impending disaster. The immediate follow-up in [Jeremiah 26:5-6](/jeremiah/5-6 "Jeremiah 5:6 - The Consequence of Disobedience") declares the certain judgment if this condition is not met. This powerful sermon, delivered during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim, underscores the escalating tension between God's persistent calls for national repentance and Judah's deep-seated idolatry and rebellion, ultimately leading to Jeremiah's arrest and trial.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a critical and turbulent era in Judah's history, spanning the late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE. This period witnessed the decline of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the formidable rise of Babylon as the dominant regional power, which would eventually lead to Judah's exile. King Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) was a particularly unrighteous ruler who systematically reversed the religious reforms initiated by his father, Josiah, plunging Judah deeper into idolatry, social injustice, and a general disregard for God's covenant. Culturally, many in Jerusalem, especially, harbored a false sense of security, believing that the mere presence of the Temple guaranteed God's unwavering protection, irrespective of their moral and spiritual conduct (a sentiment challenged in [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")). Jeremiah's message directly confronted this dangerous presumption, reminding the people of the conditional nature of their covenant with God, a principle deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law, particularly as articulated in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"). The widespread syncretism, social inequality, and pervasive rejection of prophetic warnings formed the challenging backdrop against which Jeremiah delivered his vital, yet perilous, pronouncements.

* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a potent articulation of several foundational themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that Yahweh is not a passive deity but an active, righteous judge who holds His covenant people accountable to His established standards. Secondly, the explicit conditional clause, "If ye will not hearken to me," highlights the **Conditional Nature of the Covenant**, a core principle of Israel's relationship with God where blessings are contingent upon obedience and curses upon disobedience, a concept extensively detailed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience"). Thirdly, the emphasis on "walk in my law" establishes the **Centrality of God's Law (Torah)** as the divine blueprint for righteous living and the immutable standard by which Israel's fidelity is measured. The call to "walk in my law" is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, representing a holistic commitment to God's revealed will, as beautifully expressed in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord"). Finally, this verse starkly foreshadows the theme of **Impending Judgment**, which becomes an increasingly dominant and unavoidable reality in Jeremiah as Judah consistently refuses to heed God's persistent warnings and calls to repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be," this is the sacred covenant name of God, Yahweh, signifying the self-existent and eternal One. Its use here, in the authoritative phrase "Thus saith the LORD," underscores that the warning originates from the ultimate, unchanging, and sovereign authority who established the covenant with Israel. This divine self-designation imbues the pronouncement with immense weight and solemnity, clarifying that this is not merely Jeremiah's human opinion but a direct, non-negotiable decree from the God of Israel.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often carrying the crucial implication of attention and, most significantly, obedience. This is not a passive reception of sound but an active, discerning listening that demands a responsive action. In this context, "hearken to me" requires more than simply hearing God's words; it necessitates internalizing His divine instruction and acting upon it, signifying a willing and active submission to His authority and will.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** Meaning "instruction" or "teaching," this term primarily refers to the Mosaic Law—God's revealed will, statutes, and commands given specifically to Israel. It represents the comprehensive divine blueprint for their covenant relationship, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial aspects. This "law" was designed not as a burden but as a gracious provision for their well-being, intended to set them apart as God's holy people and guide them in righteous living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message Jeremiah is commanded to deliver. Jeremiah functions solely as God's messenger; the words themselves are a direct utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The formula "Thus saith the LORD" is a quintessential hallmark of prophetic speech, imbuing the subsequent pronouncement with undeniable weight, urgency, and divine truth. It signifies that what follows is a non-negotiable declaration from the Creator and Sovereign.
* **"If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,":** This is the pivotal conditional clause of the verse, articulating the precise requirement for averting the impending judgment. "If ye will not hearken to me" demands active, obedient listening—not merely hearing the words, but internalizing them with a responsive heart and mind. This active hearing is then explicitly defined as "to walk in my law," meaning to live a life that is consistently aligned with God's revealed instruction, embodying its principles in daily actions and decisions. The concluding phrase, "which I have set before you," emphatically underscores that God's law was neither ambiguous nor unknown; it was clearly presented, accessible, and explicitly laid out for the people to understand and follow. This highlights God's gracious provision and, conversely, the people's inexcusable and deliberate choice to disobey. This entire clause sets the stage for the dire consequences that will inevitably follow if the condition of obedience is not met, emphasizing human responsibility within the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and weighty message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, introduced by the conjunction "If ye will not," which clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the people's actions (disobedience) and the subsequent divine response (judgment). This structure is fundamental to covenant theology throughout the Old Testament, creating a palpable sense of immediate choice and impending accountability. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight, incontestable truth, and divine imprimatur to Jeremiah's words, underscoring that this is a direct ultimatum from God, not a human opinion or counsel. Furthermore, the verbs "hearken" and "walk" function as a form of **Metonymy** for a holistic lifestyle of covenant fidelity. "Hearken" stands for the internal reception, understanding, and acceptance of God's word, while "walk" represents the external, practical manifestation of that acceptance through consistent daily conduct. Together, they form a powerful and comprehensive call to complete and active obedience to the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:4 profoundly articulates the foundational biblical principle that God's covenant relationship with humanity is always predicated on active obedience to His revealed will. This verse highlights divine justice, demonstrating that God is righteous in holding His people accountable for their actions, and that His warnings are not empty threats but expressions of His unwavering character and commitment to His covenant. It underscores the profound importance of the Torah as God's gracious instruction for life, designed for the flourishing and distinctiveness of His people. The verse emphasizes that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or ritualistic adherence, but is tangibly demonstrated through active, obedient living. This principle of conditional blessing and curse, based on adherence to the divine covenant, is a recurring theological thread woven throughout the entire Old Testament narrative, from the Pentateuch through the historical books and the prophets.

* [Deuteronomy 11:26-28](/deuteronomy/11-26-28 "Deuteronomy 11:26-28 - Blessings and Curses")
* [Isaiah 1:19-20](/isaiah/1-19-20 "Isaiah 1:19-20 - Invitation to Obedience and Warning of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 119:34](/psalms/119-34 "Psalm 119:34 - Understanding and Keeping God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:4 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring truth that God desires our active and obedient response to His word. While the specific covenant context of ancient Israel differs from the New Covenant under which believers live today, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: our relationship with God is not passive, but calls for intentional engagement with His revealed will. This verse challenges us to move beyond merely hearing sermons or reading Scripture to genuinely "hearkening" to God's voice—listening with the intent to obey. It prompts us to examine whether our daily lives truly "walk in" the principles of love, justice, mercy, and holiness that God has clearly "set before" us in His Word. Disregarding God's instructions, whether explicit commands or general biblical principles, inevitably leads to spiritual barrenness and a diminished experience of His blessing, just as it led to judgment for Judah. Our willingness to align our lives with God's truth is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in His good and perfect will for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I merely "hearing" God's word, but not truly "hearkening" to it with an intent to obey?**
* **What specific "laws" or principles has God "set before me" in Scripture that I am currently neglecting to "walk in"?**
* **How does my daily conduct demonstrate a holistic commitment to living out God's revealed will, or does it reveal a pattern of selective obedience or outright disregard?**

### FAQ
**What does "hearken to me, to walk in my law" truly mean for us today?**

Answer: For us today, "hearken to me" signifies much more than passive listening; it means to listen attentively, understand deeply, and respond obediently to God's revealed will. This involves engaging with Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God's voice. To "walk in my law" means to live a life consistent with the principles and commands found in the Bible. While believers are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation (cf. [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")), God's moral law and His divine character, expressed throughout the Old and New Testaments, remain the standard for righteous living. This "walking" implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle of obedience, motivated by love for God and neighbor, reflecting the transformative work of Christ in us (cf. [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

**Was God's law "set before" everyone in ancient Israel, or just the religious leaders?**

Answer: God's law was indeed "set before" all of Israel, not just the religious leaders. The covenant at Sinai was made with the entire nation (cf. [Exodus 19:8](/exodus/19-8 "Exodus 19:8 - Israel's Covenant Promise")). The Law (Torah) was publicly read and taught, and parents were commanded to teach it diligently to their children (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Commands")). While priests and Levites had specific roles in interpreting and administering the law, the responsibility to "hearken" and "walk in" it fell upon every individual in the community. Jeremiah's sermon in the Temple court was addressed to "all the cities of Judah" ([Jeremiah 26:2](/jeremiah/26-2 "Jeremiah 26:2 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon")), indicating a widespread audience and collective accountability.

**Does this verse imply that God changes His mind based on human actions?**

Answer: This verse, particularly when read in conjunction with [Jeremiah 26:3](/jeremiah/26-3 "Jeremiah 26:3 - God's Willingness to Relent"), speaks to God's **relational responsiveness** rather than a change in His immutable character or ultimate plan. When the Bible speaks of God "repenting of the evil" He intends to bring, it refers to His willingness to alter His declared course of action in response to human repentance and obedience. This demonstrates God's mercy and justice; He is just in warning of consequences for sin, and merciful in offering a path to avert them. It's not that God's mind changes arbitrarily, but that His declared intentions are often conditional upon human response within the covenant framework. His ultimate purpose remains steadfast, but His interaction with humanity is dynamic and responsive to their choices (cf. [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Return to the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:4, with its profound emphasis on hearkening to God's law and walking in it, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redefinition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant revealed God's perfect standard and starkly highlighted humanity's inherent inability to consistently "walk in" it, Jesus perfectly embodied this very obedience. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), living a life of flawless submission to the Father's will and perfectly demonstrating what it means to "hearken" to God (cf. [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus' Perfect Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the sole means for sinful humanity to be reconciled to God, not by perfectly keeping the Law ourselves, but by faith in His perfect obedience and redemptive work (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, under the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ, the "law" is no longer merely an external code that condemns, but is supernaturally written on the hearts of believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The Law Written on Hearts")). This divine indwelling empowers believers to genuinely "walk" in obedience, not out of fear of judgment, but out of love and gratitude for the immeasurable grace received (cf. [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit") and [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")). Thus, Christ is both the perfect example of obedience to God's will and the divine enabler of our transformed lives, allowing us to truly "hearken" and "walk" in God's ways through the power of His Spirit.

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

1 Kings 9:6

[But] if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments [and] my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

Jeremiah 44:10

They are not humbled [even] unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.

Isaiah 1:20

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:25

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.