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.

And they have turned {H6437} unto me the back {H6203}, and not the face {H6440}: though I taught {H3925} them, rising up early {H7925} and teaching {H3925} them, yet they have not hearkened {H8085} to receive {H3947} instruction {H4148}.

They have turned their backs on me, not their faces; and although I taught them, taught them frequently, they have not listened so as to receive instruction.

They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.

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

Context of Jeremiah 32:33

Jeremiah 32 is set during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically while Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army. The prophet Jeremiah himself is imprisoned for his prophecies of impending doom. Yet, amidst this judgment, God instructs Jeremiah to buy a field, symbolizing a future restoration and the return of His people to the land (Jeremiah 32:15). Verse 33, however, looks back and explains why the current judgment is occurring. It highlights Israel's persistent disobedience and rebellion against God, despite His continuous efforts to teach and guide them. This verse encapsulates God's lament over His people's spiritual stubbornness that led to their current predicament, even as He holds out hope for their eventual return.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Rebellion and Rejection: The phrase "turned unto me the back, and not the face" vividly illustrates a deliberate act of contempt and rejection. It signifies a turning away from fellowship, instruction, and the very presence of God, choosing instead a path of independence and disobedience. This spiritual posture of turning one's back on God is a recurring theme throughout Israel's history (Judges 2:11).
  • God's Diligent Instruction: "though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them]" underscores God's tireless and earnest efforts to guide His people. The imagery of "rising up early" conveys a sense of diligence, urgency, and consistency, much like a devoted parent who makes every effort to instruct their children. It highlights God's unwavering patience and commitment to His covenant with Israel, despite their repeated failures.
  • Spiritual Deafness and Unresponsiveness: "yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction" points to a profound spiritual deafness. It wasn't a lack of teaching on God's part, but a deliberate refusal to listen, understand, and obey. This spiritual apathy and unwillingness to receive divine wisdom ultimately led them astray and brought about the consequences foretold by the prophets. The importance of hearkening (listening and obeying) is foundational in the covenant relationship (Deuteronomy 28:15).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Turned unto me the back, and not the face": This is a powerful Hebrew idiom (`oreph lo' panim) that expresses utter disrespect and rejection. To turn one's back on someone is a sign of dismissal, contempt, and severance of relationship, contrasting sharply with turning one's face (panim) towards someone, which implies attention, favor, and presence.
  • "Rising up early": The Hebrew verb hashkim (השכים) literally means "to rise early" or "to do diligently." In this context, it emphasizes the consistent, persistent, and earnest nature of God's attempts to communicate His will and instruction to His people. It's not a casual or occasional effort, but one marked by profound dedication.
  • "Hearkened to receive instruction": The verb "hearken" (shama`, שמע) in Hebrew encompasses more than just hearing sounds; it implies listening with intent to understand and obey. Their failure was not just auditory, but a volitional refusal to internalize and act upon God's truth.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 32:33 serves as a timeless warning and a profound insight into the nature of God and humanity:

  • The Danger of Spiritual Apathy: This verse calls us to examine our own hearts. Are we truly listening to God's Word, or have we, like ancient Israel, turned our backs, preferring our own ways? Spiritual apathy and a refusal to receive instruction can lead to separation from God's blessings and guidance.
  • God's Persistent Love: Despite humanity's stubbornness, God's diligence in teaching and guiding remains constant. He continually seeks to draw us to Himself, offering wisdom, correction, and grace. This verse highlights His unwavering patience and desire for a relationship with His creation.
  • The Call to Obedience: True faith involves not just hearing God's voice, but actively hearkening—listening and obeying. Our response to God's instruction determines our path. May we always turn our face towards Him, eager to receive and live by His truth, understanding that obedience is better than sacrifice.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

  • Jeremiah 2:27

    Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

  • Ezekiel 8:16

    And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:15

    And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Jeremiah 35:15

    I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

  • 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;

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