Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

And thou shalt swear {H7650}, The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, in truth {H571}, in judgment {H4941}, and in righteousness {H6666}; and the nations {H1471} shall bless {H1288} themselves in him, and in him shall they glory {H1984}.

and if you will swear, 'As ADONAI lives,' in truth, justice and righteousness; then the nations will bless themselves by him, and in him will they glory."

and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”

and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Commentary

Jeremiah 4:2 stands as a pivotal verse within the prophet Jeremiah's urgent call for repentance and restoration to the people of Judah. It outlines the conditions for their return to favor with God, emphasizing a genuine, ethical commitment.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's plea in Jeremiah 4:1 for Israel to return to the LORD, remove their detestable things, and not waver. The prophet is delivering God's message to a nation on the brink of judgment due to widespread idolatry and moral corruption. The promise of blessing for the nations is contingent upon Judah's sincere repentance and adherence to God's ways, suggesting a future where God's truth will be universally acknowledged.

Key Themes

  • Sincere Allegiance to God: The command to "swear, The LORD liveth" isn't just about uttering an oath, but about a deep, genuine commitment to God as the living and true God. It stands in stark contrast to the vain oaths and worship of idols prevalent in Judah.
  • Ethical Living: The qualifiers "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness" are crucial. They indicate that true worship and allegiance must be accompanied by integrity, justice, and moral uprightness in all aspects of life. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge God; one must live consistently with His character.
  • Universal Blessing and Glory: The powerful prophecy that "the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory" points to a future, broader impact of God's covenant. This echoes the original promise to Abraham that all families of the earth would be blessed through him. It suggests a Messianic age or a time when the knowledge of the true God will spread globally, leading others to find blessing and purpose in Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Hebrew: Yahweh chai) was a common form of oath, affirming the living God's active presence and power. However, Jeremiah's emphasis is not on the form of the oath, but on the *manner* in which it is taken: "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness." This highlights the importance of internal disposition and ethical conduct over mere outward profession. The Hebrew words for "truth" ('emeth), "judgment" (mishpat), and "righteousness" (tsedaqah) are foundational concepts in biblical ethics, signifying faithfulness, justice, and moral rectitude, respectively.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 4:2 calls believers today to a life of authentic faith. It reminds us that our profession of faith in God must be backed by genuine integrity and ethical living. Our words and actions should reflect the truth, justice, and righteousness of the God we serve. Furthermore, it encourages us to participate in God's redemptive plan, understanding that His desire is for "the nations" to ultimately find blessing and glory in Him. Our lives, lived "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness," can be a testimony that draws others to acknowledge and glorify the living God.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 65:16

    That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

  • Genesis 22:18

    And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:17

    But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:31

    That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • Deuteronomy 10:20

    Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

  • Galatians 3:8

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.