Jeremiah 35:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have sent {H7971} also unto you all my servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030}, rising up early {H7925} and sending {H7971} them, saying {H559}, Return {H7725} ye now every man {H376} from his evil {H7451} way {H1870}, and amend {H3190} your doings {H4611}, and go {H3212} not after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to serve {H5647} them, and ye shall dwell in {H3427} the land {H127} which I have given {H5414} to you and to your fathers {H1}: but ye have not inclined {H5186} your ear {H241}, nor hearkened {H8085} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have also sent you all my servants the prophets, sent them frequently, with the message, "Every one of you should turn back now from his evil way, improve your actions and not follow other gods in order to serve them. Then you will live in the land I gave you and your ancestors. But you have not paid attention or listened to me.

Berean Standard Bible

Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:15 encapsulates God's profound and persistent efforts to call His people, Judah, back to covenant faithfulness, contrasting His unwavering diligence with their persistent spiritual deafness and rebellion. Through a continuous stream of prophetic messengers, the Lord earnestly pleaded for them to abandon their wicked ways, forsake idolatry, and return to Him, promising continued dwelling in the land given to their ancestors. Yet, despite this divine grace and clear warning, Judah stubbornly refused to heed His voice, setting the stage for the inevitable consequences of their disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 35:15 stands as a pivotal summation of God's lament over Judah's spiritual stubbornness, delivered immediately after the striking narrative of the Rechabites in [Jeremiah 35](/jeremiah/35 "Jeremiah 35 - The Rechabites' Obedience"). In this preceding account, God uses the unwavering obedience of the nomadic Rechabite clan to their ancestor Jonadab's commands (to abstain from wine, building houses, sowing seed, or planting vineyards, and to live in tents) as a stark and powerful indictment against the people of Judah. The Rechabites' faithfulness to a human command highlights Judah's profound disloyalty and disobedience to the divine commands of their covenant God. This verse, therefore, serves as God's direct accusation, emphasizing His consistent outreach and their utter failure to respond, setting the stage for the impending judgment detailed in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and political intrigue, often vacillating between alliances with Egypt and Babylon. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people largely ignored God's calls to repentance, clinging to syncretistic religious practices and false security. The phrase "rising up early and sending [them]" reflects a common cultural idiom for diligent and earnest effort, underscoring God's tireless commitment to His covenant people, even as they plunged deeper into apostasy. The promise of "dwelling in the land" was central to the [Mosaic Covenant](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"), signifying God's faithfulness to His promises and the conditional nature of their continued enjoyment of the land based on obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the Old Testament prophetic tradition. It underscores **God's Persistent Love and Patience**, vividly portraying His earnest desire for His people's repentance and well-being despite their rebellion, as seen in His continuous sending of prophets. It is fundamentally a **Call to Repentance**, urging Judah to "Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings," a timeless summons to turn from sin and align with divine commands. The explicit warning "go not after other gods to serve them" highlights the critical theme of **Warning Against Idolatry**, emphasizing that exclusive devotion to Yahweh is foundational for a right relationship and continued blessing, a principle deeply rooted in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods"). Furthermore, the promise of dwelling in the land, coupled with their failure to heed, illustrates the **Conditional Nature of the Covenant and Consequences of Disobedience**, where blessings are contingent on obedience, and rebellion inevitably leads to judgment and exile, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"). Finally, the lament "but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me" tragically captures the theme of **Human Stubbornness and Spiritual Deafness**, a recurring motif in Israel's history of rejecting God's voice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate, active, and continuous initiative in commissioning and dispatching His messengers, the prophets, to His people. It conveys a sense of divine purpose and authority behind the prophetic ministry.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." Here, it is a direct imperative for repentance, signifying a complete turning away from sin and a turning back to God. It implies a change of direction, mind, and action, which is central to the prophetic call.
* **inclined (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** From H5186, a primitive root meaning "to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection)." When paired with "ear" (H241, _ʼôzen'_), "inclined your ear" forms an idiom signifying an active turning of one's attention, a willingness to listen attentively and consider. Judah's failure to "inclined their ear" indicates a deliberate choice to be unresponsive and spiritually deaf.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them],"**: This opening clause highlights God's relentless and proactive engagement with His people. The phrase "rising up early and sending" is an idiom signifying God's earnestness, diligence, and continuous effort, demonstrating His tireless pursuit of Judah's repentance, not merely a one-time warning but a sustained campaign of divine communication through numerous prophets.
* **"saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings,"**: This is the core of God's message, a direct and urgent call to repentance. "Return... from his evil way" demands a turning away from sinful conduct and idolatry, while "amend your doings" calls for a concrete change in behavior and a rectification of their actions to align with God's righteous standards. The call is personal ("every man") and immediate ("now").
* **"and go not after other gods to serve them,"**: This specific command targets the pervasive idolatry that was Judah's primary transgression. It reiterates the fundamental covenant requirement of exclusive worship of Yahweh, emphasizing that devotion to foreign deities was a direct violation of the first commandment and the root of their spiritual decline.
* **"and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers:"**: This clause presents the conditional promise of blessing tied to obedience. Continued security and prosperity in the Promised Land, a gift from God to Abraham and his descendants, were contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant. This highlights God's desire for their well-being and His faithfulness to His promises, even as they were being forfeited.
* **"but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me."**: This concluding lament reveals the tragic reality of Judah's response. "Inclined your ear" implies a lack of attentiveness and willingness to listen, while "hearkened unto me" signifies a deeper failure to obey. Despite God's persistent efforts and clear instructions, Judah remained spiritually deaf and disobedient, choosing their own path over God's.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 35:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "rising up early and sending [them]" is a potent **idiom** (specifically, an anthropomorphism) that attributes human-like diligence and earnestness to God, vividly portraying His tireless and persistent efforts to reach His people. This creates a sense of divine urgency and care. The entire verse functions as a profound **contrast**, setting God's unwavering faithfulness and proactive grace against Judah's stubborn and consistent rebellion. This juxtaposition is further amplified by the preceding narrative of the Rechabites, making Judah's disobedience even more glaring. The phrase "inclined your ear" is a **metaphor** for actively listening and being receptive to instruction, while its negation highlights Judah's spiritual deafness and unwillingness to obey. The structure of the verse itself, moving from divine action to divine command, conditional promise, and finally to human failure, creates a dramatic **rhetorical arc** that underscores the tragedy of Judah's choices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 35:15 serves as a microcosm of the entire Old Testament narrative concerning God's relationship with Israel: a God of infinite patience and persistent love reaching out to a perpetually rebellious people. It powerfully articulates the covenant principle that divine blessings, particularly the security of the land, are contingent upon obedience and exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His desire for His people's repentance, even in the face of their consistent rejection. It highlights the profound tragedy of human free will exercised in disobedience, leading to the forfeiture of blessings and the experience of divine judgment. The "evil way" and "other gods" represent the fundamental human propensity to stray from the Creator, seeking fulfillment in idols of our own making, rather than in the one true God. This divine lament over human stubbornness resonates throughout scripture, revealing a God who grieves over His people's self-destructive choices.

* [Isaiah 5:4](/isaiah/5-4 "Isaiah 5:4 - God's Vineyard and Israel's Unfruitfulness")
* [Proverbs 1:24-25](/proverbs/1-24-25 "Proverbs 1:24-25 - Wisdom's Unheeded Call")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 35:15 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, revealing God's enduring patience and relentless pursuit of humanity's true well-being. Just as God tirelessly sent prophets to ancient Judah, He continues to speak to us today through His inspired Word, the Holy Spirit, and the witness of His church. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's truth and to cultivate a heart that is truly inclined to hear and obey. Our "evil ways" may not be overt idolatry of stone images, but they can manifest as the worship of self, success, comfort, or material possessions, diverting our devotion from the one true God. The promise of "dwelling in the land" reminds us that obedience leads to a life of peace, security, and blessing in God's presence, while disobedience inevitably leads to spiritual barrenness and separation from His intended path. This passage calls us to a profound humility and genuine repentance, recognizing God's boundless love and patience, and responding with a willing heart to His persistent call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "not inclining my ear" or "not hearkening" to God's voice, despite His clear guidance in Scripture or through His Spirit?**
* **What "other gods" (e.g., materialism, career, relationships, self-reliance) might be subtly or overtly competing for my ultimate allegiance and service, distracting me from full devotion to Christ?**
* **How does God's persistent "rising up early and sending" messengers, even in the face of rejection, encourage me about His character and His desire for my repentance and restoration?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to "amend my doings" and align my daily life more fully with God's righteous ways?**

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

Answer: The phrase "rising up early and sending [them]" (Hebrew: _shakam v'shalach_) is an idiomatic expression in Hebrew that signifies intense diligence, earnestness, and continuous effort. It does not literally mean that God woke up at dawn. Instead, it vividly portrays God's tireless, proactive, and persistent commitment to communicating His will to His people. It emphasizes that God did not just send a prophet once or twice, but repeatedly and with great urgency, demonstrating His profound desire for Judah to repent and avoid judgment. This idiom is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to convey a similar sense of earnest and diligent action, such as in [Jeremiah 7:13](/jeremiah/7-13 "Jeremiah 7:13 - God's Persistent Call to Judah") and [2 Chronicles 36:15](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15 - God's Compassion and Sending of Messengers").

**Who are "all my servants the prophets" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: "All my servants the prophets" refers to the long line of God's chosen messengers whom He sent to Israel and Judah throughout their history. This includes prominent figures like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Micah, Hosea, Amos, and many others, including Jeremiah himself. These prophets served as God's spokespersons, delivering His warnings, calls to repentance, and promises of restoration. They consistently urged the people to turn from idolatry and injustice back to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their messages often highlighted the consequences of disobedience, as seen in [Jeremiah 7:25](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25 - God's Consistent Sending of Prophets").

**What is the significance of "dwelling in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers"?**

Answer: The promise of "dwelling in the land" refers to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants as part of His covenant (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of the Land to Abram")). This land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and a place where His people were meant to live in blessing and security under His rule. However, the continued enjoyment of the land was conditional upon their obedience to the covenant laws (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). By failing to "return from their evil way" and "amend their doings," Judah was forfeiting their right to remain in the land, leading to the impending Babylonian exile. Thus, the promise here underscores both God's gracious provision and the serious consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 35:15, with its poignant portrayal of God's persistent call and humanity's stubborn refusal, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "servants the prophets" were but shadows of the ultimate Prophet, the Son of God Himself, whom God "sent" into the world. Just as God "rose up early and sent" His prophets, He ultimately sent His only Son, demonstrating the zenith of His earnestness and love (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Jesus embodied the complete and perfect call to "Return... from his evil way, and amend your doings," not merely through words but through His life, atoning death, and resurrection, which provide the means for true repentance and transformation (cf. [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance")). He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the law and offered Himself as the sacrifice for the "evil way" of humanity, enabling us to be reconciled to God and no longer "go after other gods" but to worship Him in spirit and truth (cf. [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The promise of "dwelling in the land" for ancient Israel finds its spiritual and eternal reality in Christ; through Him, believers inherit the "new heavens and new earth" (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")) and dwell eternally in the presence of God, experiencing true rest and security that transcends any earthly inheritance (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God's People")). The tragic lament, "but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me," culminates in the world's rejection of Christ, yet His persistent call continues through the Gospel, inviting all to hear and obey, offering eternal life to those who respond (cf. [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word and Having Eternal Life")).

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 18:11

¶ Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Jeremiah 25:5

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

Jeremiah 25:6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.

Jeremiah 7:3

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

Jeremiah 7:7

Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.