29:23 29:23

Jeremiah 29:24

29:25 29:25

Bible Versions

¶ [Thus] shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,
Thus shalt thou also speak {H559} to Shemaiah {H8098} the Nehelamite {H5161}, saying {H559},
"To Sh'ma'yah the Nechelami you are to communicate this message:
You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that
And concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite thou shalt speak, saying,

Jeremiah 29:24 serves as a brief but crucial introductory statement within the prophet Jeremiah's broader message to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This verse sets the stage for a direct divine rebuke against a specific individual, Shemaiah the Nehelamite.

Context of Jeremiah 29:24

The book of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's challenging ministry during the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to its destruction and the Babylonian exile. Chapter 29 contains Jeremiah's famous letter to the exiles in Babylon, urging them to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, and pray for the peace of their captors, for their welfare was tied to Babylon's (Jeremiah 29:5-7). This was a message of long-term exile, contradicting the popular, comforting, but false prophecies that promised a swift return to Judah.

Shemaiah the Nehelamite was one such false prophet operating among the exiles. He sent letters back to Jerusalem, specifically to the priest Zephaniah and the other priests, criticizing Jeremiah and advocating for his imprisonment (Jeremiah 29:26-28). Shemaiah's message was one of immediate hope and return, which resonated more with the people's desires than Jeremiah's hard truth. Verse 24 marks the beginning of God's direct response to Shemaiah's deceitful actions, signaling that divine judgment is about to be pronounced upon him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority: The phrase "Thus shalt thou also speak" underscores that the following words are not Jeremiah's own, but a direct command from God. It highlights God's absolute authority over His prophets and His message.
  • Confrontation of False Prophecy: This verse introduces a direct confrontation between God's true word, delivered through Jeremiah, and the deceptive messages of false prophets like Shemaiah. It demonstrates God's active involvement in exposing and judging those who mislead His people.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst the exile and the conflicting voices, God remains sovereign, addressing the specific individuals who oppose His will and spread falsehoods.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of Jeremiah 29:24 is straightforward and clear. There are no complex Hebrew words or phrases within this specific verse that require extensive linguistic analysis to understand its meaning. It serves as a direct directive, indicating a command from God to Jeremiah to deliver a specific message.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Jeremiah 29:24, while brief, reminds us of the critical importance of discerning truth from falsehood, especially in matters of spiritual guidance. It highlights that God takes seriously those who claim to speak for Him but lead others astray. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Discernment: Be vigilant in testing all teachings and prophecies against the established word of God (1 John 4:1).
  • Trust in God's True Word: Rely on the unchanging truth of the Bible, even when it presents difficult or unpopular realities.
  • Accountability: Recognize that those who speak for God have a high calling and are accountable for the truthfulness of their message.
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.

  • Jeremiah 29:31

    Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

  • Jeremiah 29:32

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.
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