Jeremiah 33:24

KJV

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Considerest {H7200} thou not what this people {H5971} have spoken {H1696}, saying {H559}, The two {H8147} families {H4940} which the LORD {H3068} hath chosen {H977}, he hath even cast them off {H3988}? thus they have despised {H5006} my people {H5971}, that they should be no more a nation {H1471} before {H6440} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Haven't you noticed that these people are saying, 'ADONAI has rejected the two families he chose'? Hence they despise my people and no longer look at them as a nation.

Berean Standard Bible

“Have you not noticed what these people are saying: ‘The LORD has rejected the two families He had chosen’? So they despise My people and no longer regard them as a nation.

American Standard Version

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which Jehovah did choose, he hath cast them off? thus do they despise my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:24 encapsulates the profound skepticism and despair prevalent among the surrounding nations, and even within Judah itself, regarding God's covenant faithfulness to His chosen people. The verse records the accusation that the Lord has abandoned "the two families"—Israel and Judah—thereby despising His own people and ensuring their complete dissolution as a nation. This statement stands in stark contrast to the divine promises of restoration and an everlasting covenant that permeate the surrounding chapters of Jeremiah, highlighting the tension between human perception of dire circumstances and God's unwavering, sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:24 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section of prophecy delivered by Jeremiah during a period of immense national crisis—the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile. While the immediate context is one of judgment and destruction for Judah, these chapters pivot to offer profound messages of hope, restoration, and the reaffirmation of God's covenant promises. Specifically, [Jeremiah chapter 33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - Promises of Restoration") begins with God's assurance of future healing and prosperity for Jerusalem and Judah (e.g., [Jeremiah 33:6](/jeremiah/33-6 "Jeremiah 33:6 - Healing and Abundance")), culminating in an unbreakable covenant with David's line and the Levitical priesthood (e.g., [Jeremiah 33:17-22](/jeremiah/33-17-22 "Jeremiah 33:17-22 - Davidic and Levitical Covenants")). Verse 24 serves as a rhetorical question, presenting the people's doubt as a foil against which God's subsequent, emphatic reaffirmation of His covenant faithfulness in [Jeremiah 33:25-26](/jeremiah/33-25-26 "Jeremiah 33:25-26 - God's Unchanging Covenant") is powerfully displayed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 33:24 is the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (circa 586 BCE). Jerusalem was besieged, the temple was destroyed, and a significant portion of the population was deported to Babylon. This catastrophic defeat led to widespread despair and a crisis of faith among the Israelites, as well as mockery and disdain from surrounding nations. From a cultural perspective, national identity was deeply intertwined with land, temple, and kingship. The loss of all three, coupled with the scattering of the people, made it seem as though God had indeed "cast off" His chosen nation, rendering them "no more a nation." The "two families" refer to the northern kingdom of Israel (which had fallen to Assyria centuries earlier) and the southern kingdom of Judah, both descendants of Jacob and recipients of God's covenant promises, now seemingly abandoned.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Jeremiah 33:24 is the profound **tension between human doubt and divine faithfulness**. The verse articulates the prevailing human skepticism that God could or would restore a nation that appeared utterly defeated and scattered, challenging the very notion of God's enduring commitment to His covenant. This directly contrasts with the overarching theme of **God's unbreakable covenant** found throughout the Book of Consolation, particularly the **New Covenant** promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). The verse also touches on the theme of **national identity and destiny**, as the enemies' desire for Israel to be "no more a nation" highlights the spiritual battle over God's people and His sovereign purposes for them. Ultimately, the verse sets the stage for God's powerful declaration of His steadfast love and commitment to His chosen people, affirming His **sovereignty over history** and His ability to fulfill His promises despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This term (H4940) refers to a family, a circle of relatives, and by extension, a tribe or people. In the context of Jeremiah 33:24, "the two families" specifically denotes the divided kingdom of Israel—the northern kingdom (often referred to as Israel or Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (Judah). The use of this word underscores that God's covenant promises extended to both branches of Jacob's descendants, emphasizing a comprehensive and enduring commitment to the entire nation, even after their political and spiritual division.
* **cast them off (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** This primitive root (H3988) means to spurn, abhor, cast away, contemn, despise, or reject. It conveys a strong sense of utter rejection or disdain. The people's accusation that the LORD "hath even cast them off" implies a complete and irreversible abandonment of His covenant people, suggesting that God had broken His promises and relinquished His claim on them, leading to their perceived demise as a nation.
* **despised (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** This root (H5006) means to scorn, abhor, blaspheme, contemn, or provoke. Here, it describes the attitude of "this people" (likely the surrounding nations or even disheartened Israelites) towards God's chosen people. Their despising stems from the belief that God Himself had rejected Israel, making it acceptable, even logical, for others to view them as a failed and discarded entity, no longer worthy of national existence or divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying,"**: This opening phrase is a rhetorical question, likely posed by God to Jeremiah or to the people themselves. It draws attention to a widely circulated and deeply troubling sentiment. "This people" refers to those observing Judah's downfall—both foreign nations gloating over Israel's demise and perhaps even disillusioned Israelites—who have concluded that God's plan for His chosen nation is irrevocably over.
* **"The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off?"**: This is the core accusation. It directly challenges God's faithfulness and covenant promises. "The two families" explicitly refers to Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom), both descended from Jacob and both chosen by the LORD. The assertion that God "hath even cast them off" implies a complete and final abandonment, a breaking of the divine covenant that would render God unfaithful and His promises void.
* **"thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them."**: This clause reveals the consequence and motivation behind the accusation. Because "this people" believe God has rejected Israel, they themselves feel justified in despising God's people. Their ultimate desire and conviction is that Israel's distinct national identity and existence would cease permanently, confirming their belief that God's purposes for them had failed and that they were no longer a unique people set apart by God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:24 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "Considerest thou not...?", which immediately draws the listener or reader into the dialogue, inviting them to confront the prevailing despair and the accusations leveled against God. This question serves to highlight the gravity of the people's doubt and to set the stage for God's subsequent, emphatic refutation. There is strong **Irony** present, as the people's statement—that God has "cast off" His chosen families—is uttered precisely at a moment when God is reiterating His unbreakable covenant and promises of future restoration. The verse also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the human perception of abandonment and national annihilation with the divine reality of enduring covenant faithfulness, which will be explicitly affirmed in the verses that follow. Finally, the phrase "this people have spoken" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, as it gives voice to a collective sentiment or widespread rumor, making the doubt almost a palpable entity that God must address.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:24 serves as a crucial theological pivot, articulating the depth of human despair and the challenge to divine faithfulness during a period of national catastrophe. It underscores the profound truth that God's covenant promises are not contingent upon human performance or the vicissitudes of history, but upon His unchanging character and sovereign will. The accusation that God has "cast off" His chosen families is a direct assault on His immutability and trustworthiness. However, the very inclusion of this doubt within the "Book of Consolation" highlights God's willingness to confront and ultimately overcome such skepticism, reaffirming that His commitment to His people, rooted in His eternal covenant, is unbreakable. This passage thus becomes a powerful testament to God's enduring love and His ultimate triumph over all appearances of defeat, ensuring the preservation and restoration of His people according to His divine purpose.

* [Romans 11:1-2](/romans/11-1-2 "Romans 11:1-2 - God Has Not Rejected Israel")
* [Psalm 89:33-34](/psalms/89-33-34 "Psalm 89:33-34 - God's Unfailing Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 54:10](/isaiah/54-10 "Isaiah 54:10 - God's Steadfast Love and Covenant of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:24 offers a profound mirror for contemporary believers, reflecting the human tendency to doubt God's promises when circumstances appear overwhelming or contradictory. In moments of personal or collective crisis—whether it be illness, financial hardship, relational brokenness, or societal upheaval—it is easy for the "people" around us, and even our own hearts, to whisper that God has abandoned us or that His plans for us have failed. This verse calls us to confront such despair with the unwavering truth of God's character. Just as God would not "cast off" Israel and Judah, despite their sin and the devastation they faced, so too does He remain faithful to His covenant with us. Our security and hope are not found in the stability of our circumstances, but in the immutable faithfulness of the One who chose us. We are challenged to trust His word above the evidence of our senses or the opinions of a skeptical world, remembering that God's plans for His people are ultimately for their good, His glory, and the fulfillment of His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "voices" or circumstances in your life currently tempt you to believe that God has "cast off" His promises to you or to His people?**
* **How does understanding God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, even in their darkest hour, strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways might you be inadvertently "despising" God's work or people by allowing doubt or cynicism to prevail over faith in His ultimate plan?**

### FAQ

**What are "the two families" mentioned in Jeremiah 33:24?**

Answer: "The two families" refer to the northern kingdom of Israel (also known as Ephraim or Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah. After the reign of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel divided into these two separate entities ([1 Kings 12:16-20](/1_kings/12-16-20 "1 Kings 12:16-20 - Division of the Kingdom")). While both had fallen into idolatry and faced God's judgment—Israel to Assyria in 722 BCE and Judah to Babylon in 586 BCE—God's covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David, encompassed both branches of His chosen people. The people's accusation in [Jeremiah 33:24](/jeremiah/33-24 "Jeremiah 33:24 - The People's Doubt") highlights the widespread belief that God had abandoned both, but God's subsequent reaffirmation in the chapter demonstrates His enduring commitment to restore and reunite them.

**Why did "this people" believe God had cast off Israel and Judah?**

Answer: "This people" likely refers to the surrounding Gentile nations who witnessed the catastrophic downfall of both Israel and Judah, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the deportation of the Jewish people into exile. From their perspective, the God of Israel had failed to protect His people, leading them to conclude that He had "cast them off" and that Israel would "be no more a nation." This belief was fueled by the visible evidence of national defeat and dispersion, which seemed to contradict God's earlier promises of protection and blessing. Even some disheartened Israelites may have shared this despair, struggling to reconcile their current suffering with God's covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:24, with its portrayal of human doubt against the backdrop of divine faithfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The accusation that God had "cast off" His chosen families, rendering them "no more a nation," is powerfully refuted by God's unwavering commitment, which culminates in the New Covenant established through Christ. Jesus, as the true Israel and the ultimate Son of David, embodies the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to both "families." He gathers not only the scattered remnant of Israel but also brings in Gentiles, forming one new people of God, the Church ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The apparent "casting off" of Israel through judgment and exile ultimately paved the way for a greater, more expansive work of redemption. Christ's death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension demonstrate God's unshakeable faithfulness, proving that He never abandons His people. Instead, He provides the means for their ultimate restoration and eternal security, not through nationalistic power, but through spiritual transformation and inclusion in His eternal Kingdom ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superior New Covenant")). In Christ, the promise that God's people would "be no more a nation" is overturned, as He builds an everlasting spiritual nation, a "holy nation, a peculiar people" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), whose identity and destiny are eternally secured in Him.

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

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Psalms 44:13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Nehemiah 4:2

And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Lamentations 4:15

They cried unto them, Depart ye; [it is] unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn [there].

Ezekiel 26:2

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken [that was] the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, [now] she is laid waste: