Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

I will get {H3212} me unto the great men {H1419}, and will speak {H1696} unto them; for they have known {H3045} the way {H1870} of the LORD {H3068}, and the judgment {H4941} of their God {H430}: but these have altogether {H3162} broken {H7665} the yoke {H5923}, and burst {H5423} the bonds {H4147}.

I will go to the prominent men, and I will speak to them; for they know the way of ADONAI and the rulings of their God." But these had completely broken the yoke and torn the harness off.

I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains.

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they know the way of Jehovah, and the law of their God. But these with one accord have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

Jeremiah 5:5 presents a poignant snapshot of ancient Judah's spiritual decay, highlighting the widespread rebellion against God's authority, even among those expected to know better. This verse is part of Jeremiah's prophetic message delivered during a time of deep moral and spiritual corruption in Jerusalem, prior to its destruction and the Babylonian exile.

Context

In the preceding verse (Jeremiah 5:4), the prophet Jeremiah notes that the "poor" or "common people" did not know the way of the Lord or the judgment of their God, attributing their ignorance to their simple, uneducated state. In Jeremiah 5:5, Jeremiah then turns his attention to the "great men" – the leaders, nobles, and influential figures of society. His expectation is that these individuals, due to their position and presumed education, would surely understand and uphold God's law and righteous standards. This verse reveals the prophet's desperate search for any remnant of faithfulness in Judah, moving from the common populace to the elite.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership Accountability: The verse underscores the significant responsibility of leaders. They are expected not only to know God's commands but also to live by them and guide their people accordingly. The phrase "they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God" emphasizes their inherent obligation due to their knowledge and position.
  • Rebellion Despite Knowledge: The shocking revelation is that these "great men," despite their supposed knowledge, were even more defiant. Their actions demonstrate a deliberate and profound rejection of divine authority, indicating that intellectual understanding alone is insufficient without a heart of obedience. This highlights a deeper spiritual problem, where knowledge did not translate into reverence or submission.
  • Complete Rejection of Divine Authority: The vivid imagery of "broken the yoke, and burst the bonds" powerfully illustrates their total refusal to submit to God's law and His covenant. A "yoke" symbolizes submission and service, often used for oxen under control. To break it signifies casting off all restraints and obligations to God, refusing to bear the burden of His commands or live under His governance. Similarly, "burst the bonds" reinforces this complete rejection of moral and spiritual boundaries, revealing a society bent on unrestrained self-will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "yoke" (עֹל, 'ol) and "bonds" (מוֹסֵרָה, moserah or מוֹסְרוֹת, moseroth) are rich in metaphorical meaning. The 'ol refers to a wooden bar joining two animals for work, symbolizing servitude or submission. The moserah/moseroth refers to ropes or fetters, representing restraints or obligations. The verbs "broken" (שָׁבַר, shavar) and "burst" (נָתַק, nataq) convey forceful, deliberate actions, emphasizing the intentional and violent nature of their rebellion. This was not accidental ignorance but a willful casting off of God's rule, despite their privileged access to His word.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse directly contrasts with the prior verse, Jeremiah 5:4, showing the prophet's escalating disappointment.
  • The concept of greater accountability for those with greater knowledge is echoed in the New Testament, such as Luke 12:48, which states, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."
  • The imagery of breaking the yoke and bonds is also seen in other prophetic warnings against rebellion, highlighting the spiritual state of Judah as seen in Jeremiah 2:20, where Judah is described as having "broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands."

Practical Application

Jeremiah 5:5 serves as a timeless warning. It reminds us that knowledge of God's ways, even extensive theological understanding, is insufficient without genuine obedience and submission to His will. Leaders, whether in government, community, or the church, bear a greater responsibility to exemplify righteousness, as their actions profoundly impact those they lead. For individuals, the verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly bearing the "yoke" of Christ, which is easy and light (Matthew 11:29), or are we, like the great men of Judah, attempting to break free from God's loving and righteous boundaries, ultimately leading to our own destruction?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 2:20

    ¶ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, [and] burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • James 2:7

    Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

  • Luke 18:24

    And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

  • Micah 3:1

    ¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

  • Micah 3:4

    Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

  • Ezekiel 22:25

    [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

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