Jeremiah 44:4

KJV

Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them], saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit I sent {H7971} unto you all my servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030}, rising early {H7925} and sending {H7971} them, saying {H559}, Oh, do {H6213} not this abominable {H8441} thing {H1697} that I hate {H8130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I had sent you all my servants the prophets, sent them frequently, with the message, "Don't do this horrible thing which I hate!"

Berean Standard Bible

Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’

American Standard Version

Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:4 encapsulates a profound divine lament, revealing God's tireless and compassionate efforts to warn the people of Judah against their persistent idolatrous practices. Despite His unwavering communication through numerous prophets, whom He sent with diligent earnestness, urging them to abandon the "abominable thing" that He detests, the verse tragically underscores Judah's stubborn refusal to heed these warnings. This persistent rebellion ultimately led to their calamitous judgment and exile, highlighting the tragic interplay between God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's persistent, self-destructive defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Jeremiah's Final Message to the Remnant in Egypt"), a chapter that records Jeremiah's final major prophetic message, delivered to the Jewish remnant who had fled to Egypt after the devastating fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This flight was a direct act of defiance against God's explicit command, communicated through Jeremiah, to remain in the land and submit to Babylonian rule, as detailed in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - Warning Against Going to Egypt"). The people, now settled in various Egyptian cities such as Tahpanhes, Migdol, Noph, and Pathros, continued their entrenched idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of the "queen of heaven," believing it brought them prosperity. [Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning") serves as a poignant divine recollection, emphasizing that their current dire circumstances were not due to a lack of divine guidance or compassion, but rather their deliberate and historical rejection of God's repeated warnings. This historical pattern of rebellion sets the stage for God's final, severe judgment pronounced upon them, even in their supposed place of refuge in Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, a cataclysmic event for the people of Judah. Rather than submitting to Babylonian rule as God commanded, a significant remnant sought refuge in Egypt, a land that historically represented both a place of security and, ironically, the very bondage from which God had delivered their ancestors. This act was a profound spiritual betrayal, as Egypt was deeply steeped in polytheism and idolatry. Culturally, the worship of the "queen of heaven" (likely Ishtar or Astarte, a prominent fertility goddess in the ancient Near East) was widespread, promising prosperity, fertility, and protection. The people of Judah, despite having witnessed the destruction of their homeland as a consequence of their idolatry, ironically clung to these foreign deities. This demonstrated a deep-seated spiritual apostasy that had plagued them for centuries, revealing a persistent inclination to syncretism and a profound lack of trust in the one true God, despite the consistent prophetic calls to repentance and fidelity to the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning Against Idolatry") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **God's Persistent Warning and Patience**, showcasing His unwavering commitment to communicate His will and provide abundant opportunities for repentance. The phrase "rising early and sending them" vividly illustrates God's tireless diligence and earnestness in sending His prophets, a testament to His covenant faithfulness and deep desire for His people's welfare, even when they are unfaithful (compare [2 Chronicles 36:15](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15 - God's Compassion and Sending of Messengers")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Gravity of Idolatry and Disobedience**, labeling it an "abominable thing that I hate." Idolatry was the foundational sin that violated the first two commandments of the Decalogue, representing a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty, holiness, and exclusive claim to worship, leading to severe consequences for the nation (see [Deuteronomy 18:12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Deuteronomy 18:12 - Abominations to the Lord")). Finally, it vividly portrays **Human Stubbornness and Rebellion**, revealing the tragic, recurring pattern of Judah's persistent refusal to listen to divine truth, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, faithfulness, and the impending judgment. This deep-seated stubbornness ultimately sealed their fate, demonstrating the biblical principle that persistent rejection of God's word inevitably leads to judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, this term refers to an inspired messenger of God, one who speaks on behalf of the divine. In [Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning"), "all my servants the prophets" emphasizes the comprehensive and continuous nature of God's communication to His people. It signifies not merely isolated warnings but a consistent, divinely ordained stream of revelation through numerous individuals, all commissioned by God to deliver His message. This highlights the extensive effort God expended to reach His people.
* **Rising early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** From H7925, this idiom literally means "to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning." Figuratively, it conveys diligence, earnestness, and continuous effort. When applied to God sending His prophets, it underscores His tireless, urgent, and persistent attempts to reach His people. It paints a vivid picture of God's active pursuit of His people, leaving no stone unturned in His efforts to call them to repentance, demonstrating His deep concern and desire for their welfare and His reluctance to bring judgment.
* **Abominable thing (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this word denotes something morally or religiously disgusting, an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol. Its inclusion here highlights the profound revulsion God has for the practices of His people, particularly their worship of other gods. It's not merely a dislike but a holy hatred for anything that defiles His creation, dishonors His name, and fundamentally undermines His covenant relationship with Israel. This term signifies a deep moral and spiritual offense against God's character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets":** This initial clause establishes God as the sovereign initiator of communication, emphasizing His deliberate and active engagement with His people. The phrase "all my servants the prophets" highlights the comprehensive and consistent nature of God's warnings. He did not send just one or a few isolated messengers, but a multitude, signifying the breadth and depth of His tireless efforts to reach His people. The term "servants" underscores their divine commission and their role as faithful, obedient messengers of God's word.
* **"rising early and sending [them], saying":** This phrase intensifies the preceding statement, conveying God's extraordinary diligence and profound urgency. "Rising early" is a potent Hebrew idiom denoting earnestness, persistence, and tireless effort, painting a picture of God's proactive and repeated attempts to warn Judah. It illustrates His deep concern and His reluctance to bring judgment, emphasizing that He left no stone unturned in His appeals. The repetition of "sending" further reinforces the continuous and unwavering nature of these divine appeals.
* **"Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate":** This final clause reveals the specific content and the intense emotional gravity of God's message. "Oh, do not" is a heartfelt plea, an earnest entreaty from God's very being, demonstrating His desire for their repentance rather than their destruction. The "abominable thing" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) refers primarily to idolatry and its associated detestable practices, which violated the very core of God's covenant and His holy character. God's declaration, "that I hate," is not a fickle emotion but a holy revulsion against sin that defiles His creation, dishonors His name, and fundamentally undermines His covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores the profound offense their actions caused to His righteous and holy character.

#### Literary Devices
[Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning Against Idolatry") employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human actions and emotions. The phrase "rising early" (Hebrew: _shâkam_) is a vivid image conveying God's tireless diligence and earnestness in sending His prophets, as if He is a human diligently waking up early to ensure His vital message is delivered. Similarly, His declaration "that I hate" attributes a strong human emotion to God, emphasizing His profound moral revulsion against idolatry, which is not a capricious dislike but a holy opposition to sin that defiles His creation and dishonors His name. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "all my servants the prophets," which, while not literally every single servant, emphasizes the vast number and consistent stream of messengers God sent. This serves to underscore the overwhelming extent of His warnings and the inexcusable nature of Judah's rebellion. Finally, the verse functions as a profound **Lament** from God's perspective, expressing His deep sorrow, frustration, and righteous indignation over His people's persistent disobedience despite His exhaustive and compassionate efforts to prevent their self-destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning Against Idolatry") is a poignant testament to God's enduring patience and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their persistent rebellion. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent, but actively engaged in warning, pleading, and tirelessly seeking the repentance of His beloved, demonstrating His profound love, justice, and long-suffering. The "abominable thing" that God hates underscores His absolute holiness and His intolerance for anything that defiles His creation or usurps His rightful place as the sole object of worship. This divine hatred is not arbitrary but arises from His perfect righteousness, which demands purity, exclusive devotion, and adherence to His moral law. The verse also highlights the tragic reality of human free will and the devastating consequences of choosing disobedience over divine wisdom, a theme woven throughout biblical history, culminating in the exile of Judah.

* [2 Chronicles 36:15](/2_chronicles/36-15 "2 Chronicles 36:15 - God's Compassion and Sending of Messengers")
* [Proverbs 1:24-25](/proverbs/1-24-25 "Proverbs 1:24-25 - Wisdom's Call Rejected")
* [Isaiah 5:4](/isaiah/5-4 "Isaiah 5:4 - What More Could I Have Done?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning Against Idolatry") serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting God's persistent grace and our often-stubborn hearts. It compels us to consider how diligently God continues to communicate His will to us today—through His inspired written Word, the Holy Spirit's conviction, the wise counsel of faithful believers, and even the providential circumstances of life. The "abominable thing" in our lives may not be overt idolatry of physical statues, but anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts: our careers, possessions, relationships, comfort, personal desires, or even our own self-sufficiency and plans. God's "hatred" for such things is not an emotional outburst but a holy revulsion against anything that separates us from His perfect will, dishonors His name, and ultimately leads to spiritual destruction. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives with brutal honesty: are we truly listening to God's voice, or are we stubbornly clinging to practices, attitudes, or hidden idols that He detests? Our ultimate well-being, spiritual flourishing, and eternal destiny hinge on our willingness to heed His warnings and turn from the "abominable things" that hinder our intimate relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "rising early" for my own pursuits and ambitions, but neglecting to "rise early" to seek God's will and listen to His warnings?**
* **What are the "abominable things" in my life—whether overt actions, subtle attitudes, or hidden idols—that God might "hate" because they draw me away from exclusive devotion to Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness, humility, and responsiveness to God's persistent warnings and guidance in my daily life, ensuring I do not harden my heart?**
* **Considering the severe consequences faced by Judah due to their persistent disobedience, what profound lessons can I apply to my own life regarding the seriousness of ignoring divine truth?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The phrase "rising early and sending [them]" is a powerful Hebrew idiom (from the root _shâkam_) that signifies diligence, earnestness, and continuous, tireless effort. When applied to God, it vividly portrays His profound commitment and persistent pursuit of His people. It means that God did not merely send a prophet once or occasionally, but He did so repeatedly, with great urgency and unwavering determination, making every possible effort to warn Judah and call them back from their destructive path of idolatry. It underscores His deep care, His long-suffering patience, and His reluctance to bring judgment, highlighting His exhaustive efforts to prevent their downfall despite their rebellion, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:13](/jeremiah/7-13 "Jeremiah 7:13 - God's Persistent Call")).

**What is the "abominable thing" that God hates?**

Answer: The "abominable thing" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) primarily refers to idolatry and the detestable practices associated with it, which were rampant among the people of Judah, especially their worship of the "queen of heaven" as described in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17-19 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - Worship of the Queen of Heaven"). This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe actions that are morally or religiously detestable to God, often specifically in the context of pagan worship, child sacrifice, sexual immorality, and other practices that violate God's holy character and His covenant with Israel. God's "hatred" for these acts is not an emotional outburst but a holy revulsion against anything that defiles His creation, dishonors His name, and fundamentally undermines His unique sovereignty and the purity of His relationship with His people. It signifies His absolute opposition to sin and unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Jeremiah 44:4](/jeremiah/44-4 "Jeremiah 44:4 - God's Persistent Warning Against Idolatry"), with its depiction of God's persistent sending of "all my servants the prophets" to warn against the "abominable thing" of idolatry and sin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets were but shadows and foretellers of the one true Prophet whom God would send, the very Word made flesh. While God sent many messengers throughout history, He ultimately "spoke to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Jesus is the culmination of God's persistent, "rising early" effort to reach humanity. He came not merely to warn against sin, but to deal definitively with the "abominable thing" itself—the sin that separates humanity from God—by offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). The idolatry and rebellion that God hated in Jeremiah's day were symptoms of humanity's deeper problem of sin, a problem that only the Lamb of God could fully address and atone for ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection, God offers not just a warning, but a complete deliverance from the power and penalty of sin, inviting all who believe to turn from their "abominable things" and find new life, reconciliation, and transformation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17-21](/2_corinthians/5-17-21 "2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the ultimate expression of God's persistent love, His perfect righteousness, and His final, complete solution to humanity's rebellion.

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 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;

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 7:25

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending [them]:

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:

Ezekiel 8:10

So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.

Jeremiah 29:19

Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the LORD, which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them]; but ye would not hear, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 7:7

[Should ye] not [hear] the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when [men] inhabited the south and the plain?