Jeremiah 35:17

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will bring {H935} upon Judah {H3063} and upon all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389} all the evil {H7451} that I have pronounced {H1696} against them: because I have spoken {H1696} unto them, but they have not heard {H8085}; and I have called {H7121} unto them, but they have not answered {H6030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore - " here is what ADONAI Elohei-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: "I will inflict on Y'hudah and all the inhabitants of Yerushalayim all the disaster I have decreed against them; because I have spoken to them, but they have not listened; and I have called out to them, but they have not answered."'"

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will bring to Judah and to all the residents of Jerusalem all the disaster I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them but they have not obeyed, and I have called to them but they have not answered.’”

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:17 serves as a solemn divine declaration of impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, directly linking the promised calamities to the people's persistent and defiant refusal to heed God's repeated warnings. It underscores the Lord's unwavering justice and the inevitable consequences of spiritual deafness and disobedience, highlighting that despite God's patient communication, His people remained unresponsive to His call for repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 35:17 concludes a pivotal narrative in Jeremiah 35 where God uses the steadfast obedience of the Rechabites as a stark contrast to the rebellious disobedience of Judah. The chapter begins with God commanding Jeremiah to present the Rechabites with wine, which they refuse, citing their ancestor Jonadab's command to abstain from wine, build no houses, sow no seed, and live in tents. This unwavering adherence to a human command, even centuries later, serves as a powerful object lesson. God then confronts Judah, lamenting their failure to obey His divine commands, despite His persistent sending of prophets. Verse 17, therefore, acts as the climactic pronouncement of judgment, a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual apathy and stubbornness, setting the stage for the escalating prophecies of exile and destruction found in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 35 occurs during a turbulent period in Judah's history, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC), a time marked by political instability, idolatry, and moral decay. Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt. Despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people and their leaders largely ignored God's covenant demands, instead embracing pagan practices and relying on political alliances rather than divine faithfulness. The Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to their ancestral vows (rooted in the Kenite tradition, see [Judges 1:16](/judges/1-16 "Judges 1:16 - The Kenites and Judah")), provided a living example of faithfulness to a transmitted word, a stark indictment of Judah's failure to adhere to the eternal covenant word of Yahweh. The "evil" pronounced refers to the impending Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem, which would culminate in the exile of 586 BC, a direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in the covenant for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting God's absolute authority to execute judgment when His covenant people persistently violate His commands. It highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that ignoring God's voice inevitably leads to severe repercussions, a principle echoed throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Joshua 23:15-16](/joshua/23-15 "Joshua 23:15-16 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **God's Persistent Call and Patience**, with the phrases "I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered" revealing God's long-suffering and desire for His people to return to Him before judgment falls, a theme central to prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 1:18-20](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18-20 - God's Call to Reason")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Accountability**, holding Judah and Jerusalem fully responsible for their choices and their willful rejection of divine revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to arrange" but is used figuratively for "to speak." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions, including declaring, commanding, promising, and teaching. In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate and authoritative communication to Judah through His prophets and His law, indicating that His warnings were not random but were clearly articulated and consistently delivered.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This root signifies more than mere physical hearing; it implies intelligent listening, often with the strong implication of attention, understanding, and obedience. When God states that Judah "have not heard," it means they failed to truly listen, comprehend, or, crucially, to act upon His words, demonstrating a profound spiritual deafness rather than a lack of auditory perception.
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This word means "to heed," "pay attention," and by implication, "to respond" or "to comply." It suggests an active engagement with the call received. Judah's failure to "answer" God's call indicates not just a passive lack of obedience, but an active refusal to engage with or submit to His divine summons, highlighting their stubborn rebellion and unwillingness to repent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening clause establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the pronouncement. "The LORD God of hosts" (YHWH Elohei Tzeva'ot) emphasizes God's omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, while "the God of Israel" underscores His covenant relationship with His chosen people, making their disobedience all the more grievous. The "therefore" links this judgment directly to the preceding narrative of Judah's unfaithfulness contrasted with the Rechabites' obedience.
* **"Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them:":** This is the core declaration of judgment. "Behold" (Hinnēh) serves as an attention-grabbing interjection, signaling the certainty and severity of what is to follow. God Himself declares His intention to bring "evil" (raʻ), meaning calamity, disaster, or affliction, upon the entire population of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. This "evil" is not arbitrary but is precisely "all the evil that I have pronounced against them," referring to the curses and warnings previously articulated through the Law and the prophets.
* **"because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard;":** This clause provides the primary justification for the impending judgment. God explicitly states that His judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's failure to "hear" Him. Despite His active and consistent communication ("I have spoken"), their response was one of spiritual indifference and willful neglect, demonstrating a deep-seated rejection of His word.
* **"and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.":** This second justifying clause reinforces the first, emphasizing the interactive nature of God's communication and Judah's lack of response. God "called" to them, inviting them to repentance and obedience, but they "have not answered," signifying their stubborn refusal to engage with His divine summons or to turn from their wicked ways. This highlights their active rebellion rather than passive ignorance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 35:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Oracle**, as the verse presents a direct divine declaration, beginning with the authoritative formula "Thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel." This immediately establishes the pronouncement as an infallible word from the sovereign Creator. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in God's description of Himself as having "spoken" and "called," implying a personal, relational engagement with His people, which makes their failure to "hear" and "answer" all the more tragic. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, clearly articulating that the "evil" (effect) is directly and justly brought about "because" (cause) of Judah's persistent disobedience and spiritual deafness. Finally, there is a strong element of **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in the phrases "I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered." This rhetorical device emphasizes the consistency of God's efforts and the stubbornness of Judah's rejection, underscoring the completeness of their spiritual failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 35:17 is a profound statement on divine justice, emphasizing that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are the just and inevitable consequences of persistent human rebellion against His revealed will. It underscores the principle that God holds humanity accountable for its response to His word, demonstrating His patience in repeatedly calling His people to repentance before executing judgment. This verse highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, and serves as a stark reminder that spiritual indifference and active rejection of divine truth will ultimately lead to severe repercussions. The "evil" is not moral wickedness on God's part, but the calamitous outcomes that result from humanity's own moral evil and spiritual rebellion, demonstrating God's righteous governance over history.

* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-31 - Wisdom's Rejection and Its Consequences")
* [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 35:17 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the critical importance of hearing and responding to God's voice. In an age saturated with information and distractions, the temptation to become spiritually deaf, to tune out divine wisdom, or to simply ignore God's persistent calls to righteousness is ever-present. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and active obedience, recognizing that God communicates through His written Word, the promptings of His Spirit, and the circumstances of life. Our spiritual well-being, both individually and corporately, hinges on our willingness to not only hear what God says but to genuinely "answer" Him through repentance, faith, and transformative action. It compels us to examine whether our lives reflect a true listening heart or a stubborn refusal to submit to His loving authority, knowing that the consequences of persistent disobedience are as real today as they were for ancient Judah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually deaf or unresponsive to God's warnings or calls to obedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a more attentive and responsive heart to God's voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the counsel of godly community?**
* **What are the potential "evil" (calamities or negative consequences) that might arise in my life or community if we consistently fail to hear and answer God?**
* **How does the patience of God, even in His judgment, encourage me to seek Him more earnestly now?**

### FAQ
**What does "LORD God of hosts" mean, and why is it used here?**

Answer: The title "LORD God of hosts" (Hebrew: _YHWH Elohei Tzeva'ot_) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and power. "YHWH" is the covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent and eternal nature. "Elohei" is a plural form for God, often used to denote His majesty and fullness. "Tzeva'ot" means "hosts" or "armies," referring to the celestial armies (angels) and all the created order that God commands. Its use here reinforces the absolute certainty and authority behind God's pronouncement of judgment. It signifies that the God who is speaking is not merely a local deity but the omnipotent commander of all creation, whose word carries ultimate weight and whose judgments are inescapable. This title underscores the gravity of Judah's rebellion against such a powerful and faithful God.

**What specific "evil" is God referring to that He will bring upon Judah and Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "evil" (Hebrew: _raʻ_) refers to the calamities, disasters, and afflictions that God had repeatedly warned Judah would befall them if they persisted in their disobedience to His covenant. Specifically, in the context of Jeremiah, this primarily points to the impending Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem, the burning of the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the people to Babylon. These were not arbitrary punishments but the direct fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant for covenant infidelity, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") and [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Covenant Breaking"). God's pronouncements through His prophets, including Jeremiah, served as final warnings before these prophesied judgments were executed.

**Why did God say "I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's persistent and patient efforts to draw His people back to Himself before judgment. It underscores Judah's profound spiritual deafness and stubborn rebellion. "Spoken" (dâbar) implies God's consistent communication through His Law, His prophets, and His covenant. "Heard" (shâmaʻ) means more than just auditory perception; it implies listening with understanding and a willingness to obey. Similarly, "called" (qârâʼ) signifies God's invitation and summons to repentance, while "answered" (ʻânâh) implies a responsive compliance or engagement. The repetition emphasizes that Judah's failure was not due to a lack of divine communication but a deliberate and willful refusal to listen, understand, and respond in obedience. This demonstrates their culpability and the just nature of the impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 35:17, with its stark declaration of judgment for spiritual deafness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in both the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "evil" pronounced upon Judah for their refusal to hear God's voice foreshadows the ultimate judgment that falls upon all who reject God's final and most complete revelation in His Son. Just as God "spoke" through prophets in the Old Testament, He has now "spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I wanted to gather your children together... but you were not willing!" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), echoing the very heart of God's lament in Jeremiah 35:17.

Yet, Christ is also the divine answer to humanity's spiritual deafness. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the "evil" of judgment that we deserve for our disobedience. Through His atoning sacrifice, He opens the ears of the spiritually deaf and enables hearts of stone to respond to God's call. Those who "hear My voice and follow Me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")) are granted eternal life, demonstrating that in Christ, the persistent call of God finally receives a living, saving answer. The judgment for not hearing is real, but so is the grace that enables us to hear and respond through faith in the One who perfectly heard and obeyed the Father.

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

Isaiah 66:4

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.

Romans 10:21

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Isaiah 65:12

Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

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;

Proverbs 16:2

¶ All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Jeremiah 11:8

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.