Jeremiah 29:19

KJV

Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them]; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because they have not hearkened {H8085} to my words {H1697}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, which I sent {H7971} unto them by my servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030}, rising up early {H7925} and sending {H7971} them; but ye would not hear {H8085}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they have not paid attention to my words,' says ADONAI, 'which I sent to them through my servants the prophets. I sent them frequently, but you refused to listen,' says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will do this because they have not listened to My words, declares the LORD, which I sent to them again and again through My servants the prophets. And neither have you exiles listened, declares the LORD.”

American Standard Version

because they have not hearkened to my words, saith Jehovah, wherewith I sent unto them my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:19 serves as God's divine justification for the Babylonian exile, revealing that Judah's suffering was a direct consequence of their persistent and unrepentant disobedience. Despite God's diligent and continuous efforts to communicate His will and warnings through His chosen messengers, the prophets, the people stubbornly refused to heed His words, ultimately bringing about the promised judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles already deported to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1-23). While the letter famously contains messages of future hope and restoration, particularly in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"), verse 19 provides the essential theological backdrop, explaining *why* the exile was necessary. It immediately follows a section detailing the severe judgment awaiting those who remained in Jerusalem and continued to follow false prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:15-18](/jeremiah/29-15 "Jeremiah 29:15-18 - Judgment on those remaining in Jerusalem")). Thus, this verse clarifies that the exiles' predicament was not arbitrary but a just outcome of generations of unfaithfulness, framing the subsequent promises of restoration within a context of divine righteousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the early stages of the Babylonian exile, specifically after Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. Jeremiah, remaining in Jerusalem, sent this letter to the exiles (including King Jehoiachin, Ezekiel, and Daniel) to counter false prophecies of imminent return and to instruct them to settle down for a long stay. Culturally, prophets like Jeremiah were divinely appointed spokespersons, acting as God's direct voice to the people. Their messages often challenged the status quo, called for repentance, and warned of covenant curses for disobedience. The phrase "rising up early and sending" reflects a common cultural practice of diligent effort, here applied anthropomorphically to God, underscoring His persistent, loving, and tireless commitment to warn His people before judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:19 powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Persistence and Patience**, illustrated by the vivid idiom "rising up early and sending [them]," which emphasizes God's unwavering and diligent effort to communicate His will and call His people to repentance, as also seen in [Jeremiah 7:25](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25 - God's Persistent Sending of Prophets") and [Jeremiah 25:4](/jeremiah/25-4 "Jeremiah 25:4 - God's Tireless Warnings"). Secondly, it underscores **Human Stubbornness and Disobedience**, as the people consistently "would not hear" or "hearken to my words," reflecting a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority that characterized much of Israel's history, leading to the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the verse explicitly defines **The Indispensable Role of the Prophets** as God's "servants" and faithful messengers, delivering His challenging words even when met with rejection. Finally, it establishes **Justice as a Consequence of Disobedience**, affirming that the exile was not a random misfortune but a righteous judgment for generations of unheeded warnings and persistent sin, linking cause (rebellion) directly to effect (punishment).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root means to hear intelligently, often implying attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience. In this context, it signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but the spiritual act of listening with a receptive heart and acting upon what is heard. The repeated use of this word (or its negation) highlights the core issue: Israel's failure to obey God's commands.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** More than just spoken sounds, _dâbâr_ encompasses a wide semantic range, including a matter, thing, affair, decree, or even a deed. Here, it refers to God's divine pronouncements, commands, warnings, and promises delivered through His prophets. It conveys the authoritative and substantive nature of God's communication, emphasizing that His "words" are weighty and demand a response.
* **rising up early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** While literally meaning "to rise early in the morning," this verb is used idiomatically in prophetic literature (especially Jeremiah) to convey diligence, earnestness, and persistence. When applied to God, it anthropomorphically illustrates His tireless, unwavering, and proactive effort in sending His messengers. It underscores His deep desire for His people's repentance and His patience before bringing judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they have not hearkened to my words":** This opening clause immediately establishes the fundamental reason for God's judgment. The people's failure was not merely a lack of information, but a deliberate and persistent refusal to listen with the intent to obey God's authoritative pronouncements. This "not hearkening" signifies spiritual deafness and active rebellion against divine instruction.
* **"saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets":** This parenthetical phrase reinforces the divine origin and authority of the message. It emphasizes that the words were not human opinions but direct communications from "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God). Furthermore, it highlights God's consistent method of communication: through His chosen "servants the prophets," who acted as His faithful intermediaries, delivering His message directly to the people.
* **"rising up early and sending [them]; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD.":** This concluding clause powerfully reiterates God's immense effort and the people's obstinate rejection. The idiom "rising up early and sending" vividly portrays God's diligent, persistent, and loving initiative in warning His people repeatedly. Despite this tireless divine outreach, the people's response was a stubborn "ye would not hear," mirroring the initial "not hearkened." The final "saith the LORD" serves as a solemn, authoritative pronouncement, underscoring the certainty and justice of the divine verdict.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the Hebrew phrase "rising up early and sending [them]." This anthropomorphic expression, frequently used in Jeremiah, portrays God as diligently and tirelessly engaged in the act of warning His people, much like a human master who rises early to attend to important business. It emphasizes God's proactive care and persistent patience before enacting judgment. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "saith the LORD," which bookends the central declaration, serving as an authoritative divine stamp on the message and reinforcing its undeniable truth. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "not hearkened" and "would not hear" creates a powerful sense of **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the persistent and unyielding nature of Judah's disobedience as the core problem. The verse also implicitly uses **Personification** by attributing human-like diligence ("rising up early") to God, making His earnest efforts more relatable and impactful to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:19 profoundly reveals aspects of God's character and the nature of humanity's relationship with Him. It showcases God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. His persistent sending of prophets, "rising up early," demonstrates His profound patience and desire for His people's repentance, revealing a God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, even in the face of rebellion. Yet, it also underscores His absolute righteousness and justice; unheeded warnings and persistent sin inevitably lead to consequences. The verse highlights the gravity of human stubbornness and the perilous nature of spiritual deafness, where a hardened heart actively resists divine truth, leading to self-inflicted judgment. This dynamic between divine grace and human responsibility is a central theological theme throughout Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [2 Chronicles 36:15-16](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15-16 - God's Persistent Sending of Messengers and Israel's Rejection")
* [Hebrews 3:7-12](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-12 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:19 stands as a timeless warning and a profound invitation for believers today. Just as God diligently sent His prophets to ancient Judah, He continues to speak to us through His inspired and infallible Word, the Bible, and through faithful teachers and preachers who expound its truths. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's words and to cultivate a heart that truly "hearkens"—a heart that listens with intent to obey, recognizing that divine warnings are not punitive but redemptive, designed to guide us away from destructive paths and towards life. It calls us to soberly examine our own lives: Are there areas where we are stubbornly resisting God's known will, perhaps dismissing His gentle nudges or explicit commands? True spiritual growth and blessing come not from hearing alone, but from actively responding in obedience, trusting that God's words are always for our good, even when they challenge our comfort or desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's Word (through Scripture, preaching, or conscience) confronts an area of disobedience in my life?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "not hearing" or resisting God's words today, perhaps out of fear, pride, or complacency?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more responsive and obedient heart, actively seeking to "hearken" to God's voice in all areas of my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "rising up early and sending [them]" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "rising up early and sending [them]" is a powerful Hebrew idiom (from the verb _shâkam_) that literally means to get up early in the morning. However, in this biblical context, especially when applied to God, it figuratively conveys diligence, earnestness, and persistent effort. It emphasizes God's tireless, proactive, and unwavering commitment to communicate His warnings and calls to repentance to His people through His prophets. It shows that God did not casually or occasionally warn Judah; rather, He made every conceivable effort, with great patience and love, before bringing judgment. This idiom highlights God's deep desire for His people to turn from their wicked ways, as seen in other passages like [Jeremiah 7:25](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25 - God's Persistent Warnings to Israel").

**Why did God keep sending prophets if the people wouldn't listen?**

Answer: God's persistent sending of prophets, even in the face of widespread disobedience, demonstrates His incredible patience, mercy, and faithfulness to His covenant. Firstly, it underscores His desire for His people's repentance and restoration, not their destruction. He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord's Compassion and Mercy")). Secondly, it served as a continuous witness and a clear record of His divine warnings, leaving the people without excuse for their rebellion. By sending prophets, God ensured that His people knew His will and the consequences of disobedience, thus demonstrating His perfect justice when judgment eventually came. This divine persistence highlights God's character as one who gives ample opportunity for turning back to Him.

**Is Jeremiah 29:19 only about judgment, or does it offer any hope?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 29:19 explicitly states the reason for judgment—Judah's unheeded disobedience—it is crucial to understand it within its broader literary context. This verse is part of a letter that also contains one of the Bible's most famous promises of hope and a future, [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). The judgment described in verse 19 is not God's final word; rather, it is a necessary, just consequence that precedes the promised restoration. The hope offered in the chapter is for a disciplined people who, having experienced the consequences of their sin, would eventually turn back to God with their whole heart ([Jeremiah 29:12-14](/jeremiah/29-12 "Jeremiah 29:12-14 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")). Thus, verse 19 explains *why* the exile happened, setting the stage for the redemptive purposes God had for His people even in their suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:19, with its lament over Judah's failure to "hearken" to God's words delivered by His prophets, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The persistent disobedience of Israel, culminating in their rejection of God's messengers, foreshadows humanity's universal inability to perfectly obey God's law and hear His voice through mere human channels. This highlights the desperate need for a new and living way, which is found in Jesus Christ. He is the **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate and final revelation of God, surpassing all previous prophetic utterances ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Where Israel failed to hear and obey, Jesus perfectly embodied obedience, fulfilling the law on our behalf ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). Moreover, Jesus is the **Good Shepherd** whose sheep "hear his voice" and follow him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), indicating that through Him, a new capacity for spiritual hearing and obedience is granted by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to truly "hearken" to God's words, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh that desire to obey ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the persistent "not hearing" of Jeremiah's day is overcome in Christ, who not only perfectly heard and obeyed the Father but also enables His followers to do the same, ushering in a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, not just on stone tablets ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

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 6:19

Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, [even] the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.

Jeremiah 26:5

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;

Jeremiah 32:33

And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them], yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.

Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Zechariah 1:4

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

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.