Jeremiah 5:24

KJV

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither say {H559} they in their heart {H3824}, Let us now fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, that giveth {H5414} rain {H1653}, both the former {H3138} and the latter {H4456}, in his season {H6256}: he reserveth {H8104} unto us the appointed {H2708} weeks {H7620} of the harvest {H7105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They don't say to themselves, "Let's fear ADONAI our God, who gives the fall and spring rains in season, who reserves us the weeks assigned for harvest."

Berean Standard Bible

They have not said in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring, in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.’

American Standard Version

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear Jehovah our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in its season; that preserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:24 serves as a profound indictment against the people of Judah, exposing their deep spiritual apathy and profound ingratitude despite God's consistent and vital provision. The verse highlights their failure to acknowledge the Lord as the benevolent source of their sustenance, specifically His faithful provision of seasonal rains and the assurance of harvest. It laments their hardened hearts, which neglect to cultivate a reverential fear of God, demonstrating a severe disconnect between divine faithfulness and human forgetfulness, ultimately foreshadowing impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:24 is embedded within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 4-6) that delivers a scathing indictment against Judah for its pervasive apostasy, idolatry, and moral decay. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah details the nation's spiritual blindness and their refusal to heed God's warnings, even as judgment looms. The immediate verses, such as [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - Blindness and Deafness"), speak of a people "foolish and without understanding," who have "eyes, and see not; who have ears, and hear not." Following this verse, [Jeremiah 5:25](/jeremiah/5-25 "Jeremiah 5:25 - Sins Withhold Blessings") explicitly states the consequence of their sin: "Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you." Thus, verse 24 functions as a pivotal point, illustrating *why* judgment is deserved by highlighting their ungrateful neglect of God's most fundamental provisions, setting the stage for the severe consequences that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, heavily dependent on rainfall for agricultural success and survival. The "former rain" (autumn) was crucial for softening the ground for planting, while the "latter rain" (spring) was essential for the maturation of crops before the harvest. The timing and abundance of these rains were literally a matter of life and death, directly impacting the nation's food supply and economy. In this context, God's consistent provision of rain "in his season" and the "appointed weeks of the harvest" was a tangible, undeniable sign of His covenant faithfulness and sovereign control over creation. The people's failure to "fear the LORD our God" despite such evident and vital provision was not merely spiritual oversight but a profound act of rebellion against the very source of their existence, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual malaise amidst a culture where agricultural prosperity was seen as a direct blessing from God, often tied to covenant obedience as seen in [Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Deuteronomy 11:13-15 - Blessings of Obedience").

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's meticulous care and control over the natural world, ensuring sustenance for His people even when they are unfaithful. His provision of the "former and latter rain" and the "appointed weeks of the harvest" reveals His unwavering commitment to sustaining life. Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **Human Ingratitude and Spiritual Amnesia**. The core indictment is that the people "Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God," indicating a deliberate choice to ignore or forget the benevolent source of their prosperity. This spiritual forgetfulness is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, where God's people often take His blessings for granted. Finally, it addresses the critical theme of the **Lack of Reverential Fear**. The "fear of the LORD" here is not a terror-filled dread but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, goodness, and covenant demands. Their failure to cultivate this fear demonstrates a broken covenant relationship and spiritual blindness, contrasting sharply with the wisdom tradition that links the [fear of the LORD with the beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) signifies more than mere fright; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful obedience. In the context of Jeremiah 5:24, the absence of this "fear" among the people indicates a spiritual apathy and a lack of proper acknowledgment of God's authority and goodness. It points to a failure to respond with appropriate worship and obedience to the One who sustains them.
* **reserveth (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This term (H8104) means "to guard," "to protect," or "to preserve." When applied to God, it emphasizes His active, intentional, and faithful preservation of the natural order and its cycles. God doesn't merely "give" rain; He "reserves" or "guards" the appointed times for the harvest, implying a meticulous, ongoing care and control that ensures the continuity of life-sustaining processes.
* **appointed (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** This word (H2708) refers to an "enactment" or "ordinance," implying something established, fixed, or decreed. When used in conjunction with "weeks of the harvest," it highlights God's sovereign establishment of the agricultural calendar and His unwavering commitment to upholding these natural laws for the benefit of humanity. It speaks to the reliability and order inherent in God's creation, which the people of Judah had failed to recognize and appreciate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither say they in their heart":** This clause reveals the internal spiritual condition of the people. Their failure to "say in their heart" implies a deep-seated spiritual indifference, a lack of introspection, and a deliberate refusal to acknowledge God's hand. It's not merely an outward omission but an inward spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that prevents them from recognizing God's active role in their lives.
* **"Let us now fear the LORD our God":** This is the missing response, the spiritual posture that should naturally follow from recognizing God's provision. The "fear of the LORD" here is a call to reverential awe, obedience, and worship. The people are so spiritually dull that they do not even consider acknowledging God, let alone fearing Him in the proper sense, despite overwhelming evidence of His goodness.
* **"that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season":** This phrase highlights God's specific and crucial provision for an agrarian society. The "former rain" (autumn) prepares the ground for planting, and the "latter rain" (spring) is essential for crop maturation. God's giving of both "in his season" emphasizes His perfect timing, control, and faithfulness in sustaining life, making agricultural success possible year after year.
* **"he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest":** This further elaborates on God's meticulous care. "Reserveth" implies God's active preservation and guardianship of the harvest season. The "appointed weeks" underscore the divine order and regularity of the agricultural cycle, which is not left to chance but is a direct result of God's decree and ongoing faithfulness, ensuring the sustenance of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the verse starkly contrasts God's unwavering faithfulness in providing essential sustenance with the people's profound ingratitude and spiritual apathy. God consistently provides the life-giving rains and ensures the harvest, yet the people fail to even consider fearing or acknowledging Him. This creates a tragic irony, highlighting the depth of their spiritual blindness. Another device at play is **Merism**, particularly in the phrase "the former and the latter rain." This pairing covers the entire agricultural cycle, from planting to harvest, signifying God's complete and comprehensive provision throughout the entire year, leaving no aspect of their sustenance unaddressed. The verse also uses **Anthropomorphism** by attributing the act of "saying in their heart" to the people, emphasizing their internal disposition and deliberate choice not to acknowledge God, making their spiritual neglect a conscious act of rebellion rather than mere ignorance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:24 powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth: God's unwavering faithfulness in sustaining His creation, even in the face of human rebellion and ingratitude. It underscores His sovereign control over the natural world, demonstrating that all life-sustaining provisions, from the seasonal rains to the bountiful harvest, flow directly from His hand. The people's failure to acknowledge this truth reveals a profound spiritual brokenness, a rejection of the covenant relationship, and a dangerous spiritual amnesia that ultimately leads to judgment. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true reverence for God is expressed not only in worship but also in grateful recognition of His daily provisions, fostering a heart of humility and dependence.

* [Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Promise of Rain")
* [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God Provides for All")
* [Acts 14:17](/acts/14-17 "Acts 14:17 - God's Universal Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:24 stands as a timeless mirror, reflecting the human tendency to take God's consistent blessings for granted. In our modern world, where food, water, and resources often seem readily available through human ingenuity and infrastructure, it's easy to forget the ultimate divine source. This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of gratitude and spiritual awareness, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe to the food on our tables. It calls us to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment to a deep, reverential fear of the Lord – a fear born not of terror, but of awe, respect, and obedient love for the One who faithfully provides. It compels us to examine our hearts: do we genuinely acknowledge God as our Provider, or do we, like ancient Judah, allow spiritual indifference to harden our hearts against Him? Cultivating this grateful and reverent heart transforms our relationship with God, moving us from passive recipients to active worshipers who see His glory in every sunrise and every meal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be taking God's consistent provision for granted?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more intentional sense of gratitude for God's daily blessings?**
* **What does "fearing the LORD" practically look like in your daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over natural processes (like rain and harvest) impact your trust in Him during times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "former and latter rain" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The "former rain" (Hebrew: _yoreh_) typically fell in autumn (October-November), softening the hard ground after the dry summer and preparing it for planting. The "latter rain" (Hebrew: _malqôwsh_) arrived in spring (March-April), providing the necessary moisture for the crops to mature before the hot, dry harvest season. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the timely and sufficient provision of both these rains was absolutely critical for a successful harvest and, consequently, for their very survival. God's consistent provision of these rains "in his season" was a direct, tangible demonstration of His covenant faithfulness and His sovereign control over creation, ensuring the sustenance of His people. The people's failure to acknowledge this, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 5:24](/jeremiah/5-24 "Jeremiah 5:24 - God's Provision Ignored"), underscored their deep spiritual ingratitude.

**What does it mean to "fear the LORD" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In biblical terms, "fearing the LORD" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) does not primarily mean being terrified of God. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness, power, and goodness. It involves acknowledging His supreme authority, His covenant faithfulness, and His just character. This fear leads to obedience, worship, and a deep trust in Him. In [Jeremiah 5:24](/jeremiah/5-24 "Jeremiah 5:24 - God's Provision Ignored"), the people's failure to "fear the LORD" means they lacked this reverential awe and respect. They did not acknowledge Him as the source of their blessings, nor did they respond with the appropriate obedience and gratitude that such a relationship demanded. This spiritual indifference was a sign of their broken covenant relationship and a precursor to judgment, as the [fear of the LORD is often presented as the beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:24, with its lament over Judah's failure to acknowledge God's physical provision, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. While the Old Testament highlights God's faithfulness in providing temporal sustenance, the New Testament reveals God's ultimate provision in Jesus, who is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, Living Water"). Just as God faithfully provided the former and latter rains for physical harvest, He has provided Christ as the spiritual sustenance for eternal life. The people of Judah failed to "fear the LORD" despite His visible blessings; similarly, humanity often fails to recognize and receive God's greatest provision, salvation through Christ. Jesus Himself lamented this spiritual blindness in His own day, echoing Jeremiah's sorrow over those who had [eyes but did not see, and ears but did not hear](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness"). In Christ, God not only gives physical rain but pours out the Spirit, bringing forth a spiritual harvest of righteousness and eternal life. The ultimate "appointed weeks of the harvest" point to the eschatological ingathering of believers, made possible by the perfect obedience and sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, Jeremiah's lament foreshadows the greater spiritual apathy that rejects the very source of eternal life, while simultaneously pointing to the One in whom all of God's promises of provision, both temporal and eternal, are [Yes and Amen](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ").

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 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Joel 2:23

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month].

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Jeremiah 14:22

Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Job 38:37

Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,