Jeremiah 26:5

KJV

To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending [them], but ye have not hearkened;

KJV (with Strong's)

To hearken {H8085} to the words {H1697} of my servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030}, whom I sent {H7971} unto you, both rising up early {H7925}, and sending {H7971} them, but ye have not hearkened {H8085};

Complete Jewish Bible

and listen to what my servants the prophets, whom I send to you, say - I have sent them frequently, but you haven't listened -

Berean Standard Bible

and if you do not listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have sent you again and again even though you did not listen,

American Standard Version

to hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send unto you, even rising up early and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:5 encapsulates God's unwavering and compassionate persistence in calling His people, Judah, to repentance through His chosen messengers, the prophets. Despite His diligent and repeated warnings concerning their idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, the nation consistently refused to listen and obey, setting the stage for the severe judgment of the Babylonian exile. This verse underscores the divine initiative in seeking reconciliation and highlights the tragic human failure to respond to God's gracious overtures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26:5 is embedded within a pivotal sermon delivered by the prophet Jeremiah in the temple court during the early reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah (circa 609-598 BC). This sermon, detailed in [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Trial"), serves as a direct and severe warning to the people that Jerusalem and its revered Temple would be destroyed if they did not repent and obey the Lord. The specific verse functions as a summary of God's long-standing plea to His people, emphasizing His consistent efforts to avert disaster. Immediately following this sermon, Jeremiah is seized by priests, prophets, and the people, and put on trial for prophesying destruction against the holy city and its sanctuary, a charge punishable by death. The verse thus sets the theological and narrative stage for the ensuing conflict between divine warning and human rejection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King Jehoiakim's reign was one of significant political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Having recently become a vassal state to Babylon after the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, Judah faced immense pressure from the rising Babylonian empire. Culturally, the people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant stipulations of Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial reliance on the Temple as a magical charm against judgment, rather than a place of genuine worship and repentance. Jeremiah's message, including the plea in [Jeremiah 26:5](/jeremiah/26-5 "Jeremiah 26:5 - God's Persistent Call to Judah"), directly challenged this false security and spiritual complacency, reminding them of the historical pattern of God's patience and their ancestors' repeated failures, which had led to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel centuries earlier, as recounted in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **God's persistent and compassionate pursuit** of His people, illustrated by the idiom "rising up early, and sending [them]," signifying His tireless effort to communicate His will and offer a path to repentance. Secondly, it underscores the **crucial role of the prophets** as God's "servants" and direct spokespersons, who delivered divine warnings and calls to obedience, often at great personal cost, as seen in Jeremiah's own suffering (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:7-9](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7-9 - Jeremiah's Complaint")). Thirdly, the verse starkly reveals the pervasive theme of **human disobedience and stubbornness**, encapsulated in the repeated phrase "ye have not hearkened." This chronic refusal to obey God's voice is consistently presented as the root cause of Judah's impending judgment and exile, a consequence foretold in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this word means to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention, obedience, or consent. It signifies more than merely perceiving sound; it implies an active, responsive listening that leads to understanding and action. In the context of the covenant, to "hearken" to God's voice is to obey His commands and live in accordance with His will, as foundational to the relationship between God and Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")).
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, this term refers to a prophet or, more generally, an an inspired person. Prophets were divinely appointed messengers who received direct revelation from God and were tasked with communicating His "words" (dâbâr) to the people, often challenging the status quo, calling for repentance, and foretelling future events, both judgment and restoration. They served as God's primary means of communication with His covenant people.
* **rising up early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** From H7925, this primitive root literally means to incline the shoulder to a burden, or to load up early in the morning. Figuratively, it conveys the sense of diligence, earnestness, and tireless effort. When applied to God, as here and in other prophetic texts, it vividly portrays His unwavering commitment, patience, and persistent initiative in sending His messengers, indicating that He left no stone unturned in His attempts to call His people back to Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets":** This clause establishes the divine expectation and the means of communication. God's desire is for His people to "hearken" (listen and obey) the "words" (messages, decrees, instructions) delivered by His "servants the prophets." This highlights the authoritative nature of the prophetic message as God's own voice and the non-negotiable requirement for Israel's covenant fidelity.
* **"whom I sent unto you":** This emphasizes the divine origin and intentionality of the prophetic ministry. The prophets were not self-appointed, nor did they speak their own words; they were divinely commissioned and dispatched by God Himself, underscoring their legitimacy and the weight of their message.
* **"both rising up early, and sending [them]":** This powerful idiom vividly portrays God's extraordinary diligence, earnestness, and tireless effort. It signifies that God was not passive or occasional in His warnings but consistently and persistently initiated communication, demonstrating His deep compassion and desire for His people's repentance and well-being. He spared no effort in reaching out to them.
* **"but ye have not hearkened;":** This final, stark declaration reveals the tragic reality of Judah's response. Despite God's persistent and earnest efforts, the people consistently refused to "hearken"—to listen obediently and respond with repentance. This repeated failure to obey God's voice is presented as the fundamental reason for the impending judgment, highlighting their stubbornness and culpability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **idiom** "rising up early, and sending [them]" (Hebrew: *hashkim v'shaloach*). This vivid phrase, frequently used in Jeremiah and other prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:13](/jeremiah/7-13 "Jeremiah 7:13 - God's Persistent Call")), is a **personification** of God's tireless diligence and earnestness. It paints a picture of God as one who diligently wakes early to attend to a crucial task, emphasizing His unwavering commitment and compassionate initiative in communicating with His people. The **repetition** of the verb "hearken" (Hebrew: *shama*) at the beginning and end of the verse creates an **inclusio**, framing the divine plea and the human failure. This repetition underscores the central theme of obedience and highlights the stark contrast between God's persistent call and Judah's persistent disobedience, amplifying the tragedy of their unresponsiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:5 profoundly reveals the character of God as a patient, persistent, and compassionate Father who tirelessly seeks the repentance and restoration of His wayward children. It underscores His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their rebellion, demonstrating that His warnings are not arbitrary but are born out of a desire to avert judgment and preserve life. The verse also highlights the profound responsibility of humanity to "hearken" to God's voice, emphasizing that true listening involves not just hearing, but obedient action. The consistent failure of Judah to heed these divine warnings illustrates the tragic consequences of spiritual deafness and stubbornness, ultimately leading to divine discipline.

* [2 Chronicles 36:15](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15 - God's Compassion and Persistent Warnings")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - The Power and Purpose of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:5 serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly assess our own responsiveness to God's voice. Just as God diligently sent His prophets to ancient Judah, He continues to communicate with us today through His inspired Word, the Holy Spirit, and the wise counsel of His church. The question for us is whether we are truly "hearkening"—listening with an intent to understand and obey—or merely hearing without internalizing and acting. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, recognizing that God's warnings and instructions are always for our good, even when they challenge our comfort zones. Ignoring divine wisdom carries serious consequences, while embracing repentance and obedience leads to life and flourishing. It is a profound reminder that God desires our active participation in His will, not just passive acknowledgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "rising up early and sending" His word to me today, through Scripture, prayer, or other means?**
* **What areas of my life might indicate that I have "not hearkened" to God's clear instructions or warnings?**
* **How can I cultivate a more attentive and obedient heart, moving beyond mere hearing to active "hearkening" in my daily walk with God?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both personal and communal, of consistently ignoring God's voice in our lives and in society?**

### FAQ

**What does the phrase "rising up early, and sending [them]" truly signify about God?**

Answer: The idiom "rising up early, and sending [them]" (Hebrew: *hashkim v'shaloach*) is a powerful anthropomorphism that signifies God's extraordinary diligence, earnestness, and tireless effort in communicating with His people. It paints a picture of God as one who diligently wakes early to attend to a crucial task, emphasizing His unwavering commitment and compassionate initiative. It means He spared no effort, consistently and persistently sending His messengers, the prophets, to warn, instruct, and call His people to repentance, demonstrating His deep desire for their well-being and His patience in the face of their rebellion. This phrase is used multiple times in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:13](/jeremiah/7-13 "Jeremiah 7:13 - God's Persistent Call to Repentance"), [Jeremiah 25:4](/jeremiah/25-4 "Jeremiah 25:4 - God's Diligence in Sending Prophets")) and other prophetic books to highlight God's compassionate persistence.

**Why is the concept of "hearken" (shâmaʻ) so crucial in this verse and throughout the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *shâmaʻ* (hearken) is far more profound than simply hearing a sound. It implies listening attentively with the intent to understand, internalize, and, most importantly, obey. It signifies a responsive and obedient heart. In the context of the Old Testament covenant, "hearkening" to God's voice was foundational to Israel's relationship with Yahweh. It meant actively living in accordance with His commands, as outlined in the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Hear O Israel")). Jeremiah 26:5 highlights that Judah's failure was not merely an auditory one, but a deep-seated spiritual rebellion—they refused to obey, despite God's clear and persistent communication through His prophets. This lack of "hearkening" was the root cause of their impending judgment.

**What were the ultimate consequences of Judah's failure to "hearken" to God's prophets?**

Answer: The ultimate consequence of Judah's persistent failure to "hearken" to God's warnings through His prophets was the fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Specifically, it led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the Babylonian Exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. This was not an arbitrary punishment, but the inevitable outcome of their prolonged rebellion, idolatry, and social injustice. The exile, beginning in earnest around 597 BC and culminating in 586 BC with the destruction of the city (e.g., [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")), served as a severe but ultimately redemptive discipline, intended to bring Judah to a place of repentance and renewed fidelity to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:5, with its poignant depiction of God's persistent sending of prophets and Israel's stubborn refusal to "hearken," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The long line of "servants the prophets" culminated in the ultimate "Sent One" from God Himself, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word"). God, who "at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")). Jesus is the final and perfect Prophet, the very embodiment of God's "words" (dâbâr), who came not only to deliver a message but to *be* the message of salvation. His arrival was the ultimate act of God "rising up early and sending," demonstrating the Father's boundless love and relentless pursuit of humanity. Yet, just as ancient Judah rejected the prophets, many in Israel, and indeed throughout history, have tragically "not hearkened" to the voice of Christ, as Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")). The call to "hearken" now becomes the call to believe in and obey the Son, for He is the one through whom God has spoken His final and decisive word of grace and truth, offering eternal life to all who hear and obey His voice ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing in Jesus")).

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

Jeremiah 11:7

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

Jeremiah 25:3

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that [is] the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

Jeremiah 25:4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

2 Kings 9:7

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

Jeremiah 7:25

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]:

Jeremiah 7:13

And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

Ezra 9:11

Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.