Jeremiah 32:23

KJV

And they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came in {H935}, and possessed {H3423} it; but they obeyed {H8085} not thy voice {H6963}, neither walked {H1980} in thy law {H8451}; they have done {H6213} nothing of all that thou commandedst {H6680} them to do {H6213}: therefore thou hast caused all this evil {H7451} to come {H7122} upon them:

Complete Jewish Bible

They entered and took possession of it; but they did not pay attention to your voice, did not live according to your Torah, and did nothing of all you ordered them to do. Therefore you made this complete disaster befall them -

Berean Standard Bible

They came in and possessed it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law. They failed to perform all that You commanded them to do, and so You have brought upon them all this disaster.

American Standard Version

and they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:23 serves as a poignant lament within the prophet's prayer, articulating the tragic history of Israel's covenant infidelity and its dire consequences. It powerfully recounts how, despite God's faithful act of bringing His people into and granting them possession of the Promised Land, they persistently and comprehensively refused to obey His voice or walk in His law, failing to perform any of His commands. This profound and sustained disobedience is then explicitly identified as the direct cause for the severe calamity and judgment that God, as a righteous and just covenant Lord, has brought upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jeremiah's profound prayer to God, recorded in [Jeremiah 32:17-25](/jeremiah/32-17-25 "Jeremiah's Prayer of Affirmation and Lament"). This prayer is offered while Jeremiah is imprisoned during the final, devastating Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, a period of immense national crisis. Immediately preceding the prayer, God commands Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah Buys a Field as a Sign of Hope")), an act that serves as a powerful prophetic sign of future restoration and return, even amidst the present destruction. Jeremiah's prayer begins with an awe-filled affirmation of God's omnipotence and faithfulness in creation and in bringing Israel into the land, as detailed in [Jeremiah 32:17-22](/jeremiah/32-17-22 "Jeremiah's Praise for God's Power and Past Faithfulness"). Verse 23 then marks a dramatic shift, pivoting from God's faithfulness to Israel's consistent failure to uphold their covenant obligations. This lament serves as a theological justification for the impending judgment, affirming God's justice even in His severe discipline, and setting the stage for God's subsequent response in [Jeremiah 32:26-44](/jeremiah/32-26-44 "God's Response: Judgment and Promise of Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 32:23 is the grim twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, facing imminent destruction by the Babylonian Empire (circa 588-586 BC). For centuries, the nation of Israel had resided in the Promised Land, a divine gift contingent upon their unwavering obedience to the Mosaic Covenant. This covenant, established at Mount Sinai and meticulously reiterated in the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"), outlined clear stipulations: blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. The phrase "possessed it" vividly recalls the initial conquest under Joshua, where God faithfully delivered the land to Israel, as affirmed in [Joshua 21:43](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43 - God's Fulfillment of the Promise to Israel"). However, from the period of the Judges through the monarchy, Israel repeatedly turned away from God, engaging in widespread idolatry, pervasive social injustice, and a fundamental disregard for God's holy laws. The long line of prophets, including Jeremiah, consistently warned them of the escalating consequences of this covenant unfaithfulness. The "evil" referred to in the verse is the direct and inevitable culmination of this prolonged history of rebellion, manifesting as the devastating Babylonian invasion, siege, and impending exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:23 powerfully articulates several core biblical themes that resonate throughout Scripture. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Infidelity**. God faithfully fulfilled His promise to give Israel the land, demonstrating His unwavering commitment. In stark contrast, Israel consistently failed to be faithful to their part of the covenant, particularly in obeying His voice and walking in His law. This dynamic echoes the intricate stipulations found throughout [Deuteronomy, especially chapter 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Secondly, the verse underscores the undeniable **Consequences of Disobedience**. The "evil" (calamity and judgment) that has come upon them is presented as a direct, divinely ordained consequence of their actions, illustrating the biblical principle that sin inevitably carries repercussions. This is a recurring motif from [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") to the prophetic books. Thirdly, it profoundly affirms **Divine Justice**. God is not arbitrary or capricious in His judgment; He is perfectly righteous in responding to sustained rebellion, even from His chosen people. Finally, the verse implicitly touches on **Human Responsibility**, emphasizing that Israel's choices were their own, freely made, and directly led to their tragic plight.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **possessed (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This word (H3423) signifies more than mere occupation; it denotes taking possession, often by driving out previous tenants, inheriting, or seizing. In this context, it emphasizes God's gracious act of giving Israel the land as an inheritance, a direct fulfillment of His ancient promise to Abraham. It highlights the divine gift that Israel then squandered through their subsequent disobedience.
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This root (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the strong implication of attention, understanding, and, crucially, obedience. It is not merely passive hearing but an active heeding and responsive action. The negation "obeyed not" underscores a deliberate, active refusal to listen to and respond to God's commands, indicating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion rather than simple ignorance or oversight.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** While this word (H7451) can refer to moral wickedness, in this specific context, especially when God is stated to "cause" it, it primarily denotes calamity, disaster, affliction, or punishment. It signifies the negative consequences and just judgment that God, as a righteous judge, brings upon His people due to their sustained disobedience, rather than implying God is the author of moral evil. It refers to the destructive outcome of their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came in, and possessed it;":** This initial clause refers to the historical entry of the Israelites into the land of Canaan, a monumental event that represented the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in granting them the promised inheritance, establishing them in a land described as flowing with milk and honey. This sets the stage by highlighting God's gracious provision.
* **"but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law;":** This marks the dramatic and tragic pivot of the verse. Despite receiving God's gracious gift of the land, Israel consistently failed to live up to the terms of the covenant. "Obeyed not thy voice" indicates a willful refusal to listen to God's direct commands, His prophetic warnings, and His revealed will. "Neither walked in thy law" signifies a comprehensive failure to live according to the principles and statutes of the Mosaic Law, which was divinely given to guide their lives, maintain their covenant relationship with God, and distinguish them among the nations. This points to a pervasive and persistent spiritual rebellion that characterized their history.
* **"they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do:":** This is a powerful, emphatic declaration of Israel's utter and complete failure in their covenant obligations. It is not merely partial disobedience or occasional lapses, but a profound and sweeping disregard for God's entire body of commands. This highlights the depth of their covenant breaking and their fundamental rejection of God's authority, wisdom, and loving guidance. It underscores the totality of their spiritual rebellion.
* **"therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them:":** This final clause establishes the direct and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship. The "evil" (referring to the calamity, disaster, and judgment) that Jerusalem is currently experiencing, specifically the Babylonian siege and impending destruction, is not arbitrary or accidental. Instead, it is presented as a just and direct consequence of their prolonged and profound disobedience. God, as the righteous covenant Lord, is executing the curses and penalties explicitly stipulated in the covenant for unfaithfulness, demonstrating His holiness and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Cause and Effect** is central to the verse, explicitly linking Israel's comprehensive disobedience ("obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing") to the resulting divine judgment ("therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them"). This highlights the theological principle of divine retribution and the inevitable consequences of covenant breaking. There is also a strong **Contrast** presented: God's faithful act of bringing them into and giving them possession of the land is starkly contrasted with Israel's unfaithful response of persistent and pervasive disobedience. The **Repetition** of negative actions and their comprehensive nature ("obeyed not," "neither walked," "done nothing of all") emphasizes the totality and depth of their rebellion. Furthermore, the use of **Covenant Language** ("thy voice," "thy law," "commandedst") grounds the entire statement in the established covenant relationship between God and Israel, underscoring the profound violation of sacred trust and the solemn obligations that were disregarded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:23 stands as a stark reminder of the conditional nature of God's covenant blessings under the Old Covenant and the unwavering principle of divine justice. It underscores that while God is faithful to His promises, human responsibility for obedience remains paramount. Israel's failure to "obey God's voice" and "walk in His law" was not a minor oversight but a fundamental rejection of the very relationship God sought to establish with them. This verse teaches that God's judgment is not capricious or arbitrary but a righteous and necessary response to sustained rebellion and covenant infidelity, demonstrating His holiness and commitment to upholding justice. It also highlights a recurring pattern in biblical history: God's gracious provision and patient forbearance are often met with human ingratitude and disobedience, leading to inevitable and just consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:23 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. Just as ancient Israel was called to obey God's voice and walk in His law, so too are New Covenant believers called to live in active, Spirit-empowered obedience to Christ. This verse prompts us to engage in honest self-examination: are we truly listening to God's voice as revealed in His inspired Word, or are we selectively hearing only what aligns with our desires? Do we actively "walk" in His commands, allowing His truth to profoundly shape our daily decisions, priorities, and character, or do we neglect His precepts, assuming grace covers all apathy? The "evil" that came upon Israel serves as a sober reminder that while we live under the glorious umbrella of grace, there are still spiritual consequences for persistent disobedience, apathy, and a casual disregard for God's revealed will. Our choices have profound ramifications, and a life of genuine faith is characterized by a deep desire to honor God through obedience, not primarily out of fear of punishment, but out of profound love, gratitude, and reverence for His saving grace. This verse calls us to a deeper, more intentional commitment to Christ-like living, recognizing that true spiritual flourishing and intimacy with God come from aligning our lives wholeheartedly with His perfect and good will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "possessing" God's abundant blessings (such as gifts, opportunities, or relationships) but simultaneously failing to "obey His voice" or "walk in His law" in a consistent manner?**
* **How does my understanding of God's unwavering justice, as powerfully demonstrated in this verse, shape my view of His holy character and my own personal responsibility before Him?**
* **What concrete, actionable steps can I commit to taking this week to cultivate a more consistent, active, and joyful obedience to God's commands in my daily life?**
* **How does the "evil" (calamity or consequence) described in this verse relate to the concept of spiritual consequences for sin and the loving discipline of God within the New Covenant framework?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) specifically mean in Jeremiah 32:23, and does it imply God is the author of moral evil?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 32:23, the Hebrew word for "evil" (רָע, _raʻ_) primarily refers to calamity, disaster, or punishment, rather than moral wickedness. When the text states, "therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them," it means God, as a righteous and holy judge, is bringing about the just consequences or judgment for Israel's sustained disobedience and covenant breaking. It does not imply that God is the perpetrator of moral evil or that He is morally corrupt. Instead, it signifies His sovereign act of executing justice in response to human sin, fulfilling the curses outlined in the covenant for disobedience, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience"). This crucial distinction is vital for understanding God's character and His actions in judgment throughout the entirety of Scripture.

**How does this verse, which speaks of God bringing "evil" upon His people, reconcile with God's loving and gracious nature?**

Answer: This verse highlights a profound tension between God's boundless love and His perfect justice. While God is indeed infinitely loving, merciful, and gracious, He is also perfectly righteous, holy, and just. His covenant with Israel included clear stipulations, blessings for obedience, and severe consequences for disobedience. The "evil" (calamity and judgment) brought upon them was not an act of arbitrary malice or a lack of love, but a just and necessary discipline for their persistent rebellion against His commands and their repeated rejection of His grace. It was a severe, yet ultimately redemptive, act intended to call His people back to Himself and to uphold His own holy character. This divine discipline, though painful and devastating in its immediate impact, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and His fervent desire for His people to live in a right and obedient relationship with Him, even if it requires severe measures to address their deep-seated sin. This concept of disciplinary judgment is consistently seen throughout the biblical narrative, for example, in the New Testament, where the author of [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves") explains that the Lord disciplines those He loves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:23, with its stark portrayal of Israel's profound failure to obey God's voice and walk in His law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where Israel, the corporate Son of God, repeatedly failed to uphold the covenant and consequently incurred divine judgment, Jesus, the perfect and obedient Son of God, lived a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's voice and law. He perfectly "walked in His law" and declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Unlike Israel, who "done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do," Jesus consistently affirmed, "I always do what pleases him" [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father"). The "evil" or calamity that justly came upon Israel for their sin was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became the curse for us, taking upon Himself the righteous judgment that humanity deserved for its universal disobedience, thereby redeeming us from the curse of the law [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse"). Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus inaugurated a New Covenant, not based on human performance of an external law, but on God's grace, radical forgiveness, and the internal transformation of the heart by the Holy Spirit [Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant"). Thus, in Christ, believers are freed from the condemnation of the law and are empowered to truly obey God's voice, walking in newness of life through His indwelling Spirit [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - Law Fulfilled in Christ").

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

Ezra 9:7

Since the days of our fathers [have] we [been] in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, [and] our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as [it is] this day.

Psalms 78:54

And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, [even to] this mountain, [which] his right hand had purchased.

Psalms 78:55

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Daniel 9:10

Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Lamentations 1:18

The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.