Jeremiah 6:17

KJV

Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also I set {H6965} watchmen {H6822} over you, saying, Hearken {H7181} to the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}. But they said {H559}, We will not hearken {H7181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I appointed sentinels to direct them: 'Listen for the sound of the shofar.' But they said, 'We will not listen.'

Berean Standard Bible

I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

American Standard Version

And I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 6:17 powerfully illustrates God's persistent and compassionate efforts to warn His people, Judah, through His appointed messengers, the prophets. Despite the clear and urgent divine summons to heed the impending danger—symbolized by the trumpet's sound—the verse tragically reveals the nation's defiant and willful refusal to listen or obey. It encapsulates a profound tension between divine patience and human rebellion, foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of unheeded warnings and highlighting a recurring theme of spiritual deafness within the biblical narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 6:17 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements (chapters 4-6) detailing the impending judgment upon Judah. These chapters vividly describe the "foe from the north," often identified as the Babylonians, as God's instrument of chastisement against His unfaithful people. The preceding verses in chapter 6 lament Jerusalem's spiritual corruption and moral decay, portraying it as a city ripe for destruction. God's repeated warnings through Jeremiah and other prophets are presented as a last, merciful attempt to call Judah to repentance before the full weight of judgment falls, making this verse a poignant summary of divine initiative met with human obstinacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. The Assyrian Empire was in decline, and the Babylonian Empire was rising to prominence, posing a significant threat to Judah's sovereignty. Culturally, Judah had largely abandoned the covenant stipulations of Yahweh, embracing idolatry and social injustice. In ancient Israel, "watchmen" (Hebrew: *tsophim*) were vital figures stationed on city walls or towers to observe approaching dangers, whether military threats or natural disasters, and to sound an alarm. The "trumpet" (Hebrew: *shofar*) was used not only for religious festivals but crucially as a military alarm, a call to assembly, or a signal of impending war. Thus, the imagery in this verse would have been immediately understood by the original audience as a dire warning of imminent invasion and destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **Divine Warning and Mercy**, demonstrating that God, in His steadfast love, provides ample warning and opportunity for repentance before enacting judgment, as seen in His patient dealings with Israel throughout their history ([Nehemiah 9:26-30](/nehemiah/9-26 "Nehemiah 9:26-30 - God's Patience with Rebellious Israel")). The verse also highlights **The Role of the Prophet as Watchman**, emphasizing their divinely appointed duty to observe spiritual and physical dangers and to courageously deliver God's often unpopular messages, a role explicitly detailed in passages like [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Responsibility"). Most tragically, it portrays **Human Stubbornness and Rebellion**, revealing Judah's active, willful rejection of God's counsel, a characteristic problem for ancient Israel's heart, as lamented in [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Judah's Stubborn Heart"). This refusal to "hearken" ultimately leads to the **Consequences of Disobedience**, which, while not explicitly stated in this single verse, is the pervasive message of Jeremiah's prophecies, culminating in exile and destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise" or "to cause to stand." In this context, it signifies God's deliberate and purposeful act of establishing or appointing. It conveys the divine initiative and authority behind the placement of the watchmen, indicating that their role was not random but divinely ordained and firmly established.
* **watchmen (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** H6822, a primitive root meaning "to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await." This word emphasizes the primary function of the watchmen: to be vigilant observers, looking intently for approaching danger. It speaks to their responsibility to be alert and to discern threats, whether physical or spiritual, so they could sound the necessary alarm.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** H7181, a primitive root meaning "to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken; attend, give heed, incline, mark (well), regard." This word implies more than mere auditory perception; it denotes a deep, attentive listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, obedience. The people's refusal to "hearken" indicates not just a failure to hear, but a deliberate unwillingness to pay attention, incline their hearts, and respond obediently to God's urgent message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also I set watchmen over you":** This clause highlights God's proactive and merciful provision. He, the sovereign Lord, takes the initiative to appoint and position individuals—the prophets—specifically for the protection and guidance of His people. This act underscores His desire to warn and save, rather than to merely condemn.
* **"saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet":** This part reveals the specific command and the urgent nature of the warning. The "trumpet" is a metaphor for a clear, unmistakable alarm, signifying imminent danger and a call to action or repentance. God's message through the watchmen was direct and unambiguous, demanding an immediate and attentive response from the people.
* **"But they said, We will not hearken":** This final clause presents the tragic and defiant response of the people. The conjunction "But" introduces a stark contrast to God's gracious provision. Their declaration, "We will not hearken," is not a passive failure to hear, but an active, willful, and rebellious rejection of God's voice and His warnings. It signifies a hardened heart and a deliberate choice of disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 6:17 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The central device is **Metaphor**, where the "watchmen" serve as a metaphor for the prophets, divinely appointed to warn the people of impending judgment. Similarly, the "sound of the trumpet" is a metaphor for the urgent, unmistakable divine warning of war and impending destruction. There is a strong use of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing God's benevolent and persistent efforts to warn His people ("I set watchmen... saying, Hearken") with their stubborn and defiant refusal ("But they said, We will not hearken"). This stark contrast underscores the tragedy of human rebellion against divine grace. The inclusion of **Direct Speech** ("Hearken to the sound of the trumpet" and "We will not hearken") brings immediacy and dramatic tension to the interaction, allowing the reader to hear both God's command and the people's defiant response directly. This combination of devices makes the verse not only informative but also emotionally resonant, highlighting the profound spiritual conflict at its core.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 6:17 is a microcosm of the entire biblical narrative concerning God's relationship with humanity: a loving God who consistently reaches out with warnings and calls to repentance, met by humanity's recurring tendency towards rebellion and spiritual deafness. The verse underscores the divine attribute of patience and long-suffering, demonstrating that God does not desire the destruction of the wicked but their turning and living. However, it also highlights the grave consequences of rejecting divine counsel. The "watchmen" represent the prophetic office, a crucial aspect of God's communication strategy throughout salvation history, designed to hold humanity accountable and guide them toward righteousness. The people's refusal to "hearken" signifies not merely a lack of hearing, but a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that prioritizes self-will over divine wisdom, ultimately leading to self-inflicted judgment.

* [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Responsibility and Accountability")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Unheeded Call and Its Consequences")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The People's Hardened Hearts and Spiritual Blindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 6:17 serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly assess our own responsiveness to God's voice. Just as God appointed watchmen for ancient Judah, He continues to provide warnings and guidance in our lives today through His inspired Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of spiritual leaders. The "sound of the trumpet" might manifest as a conviction from Scripture, a gentle nudge from the Spirit, a challenging sermon, or even the natural consequences of our choices. The crucial question for us is whether we, like Judah, choose to harden our hearts and declare, "We will not hearken," or if we cultivate a spirit of attentiveness and obedience. Our spiritual well-being and alignment with God's will depend on our willingness to listen deeply, repent genuinely, and respond faithfully to His ongoing calls, recognizing that spiritual apathy or deliberate disobedience carries profound consequences for our lives and our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be sounding a "trumpet" warning that I have been slow or unwilling to "hearken" to?**
* **Who are the "watchmen" in my life (e.g., spiritual mentors, wise friends, biblical teachings) through whom God might be speaking, and how well am I listening to their counsel?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both immediate and long-term, of consistently choosing not to "hearken" to God's voice in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more attentive and obedient heart, actively seeking to "hearken" to God's Word and promptings daily?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "watchmen" in a modern context, and how do they deliver God's warnings?**

Answer: In a modern context, the "watchmen" can be understood as those whom God has appointed and gifted to speak His truth and warn His people. This primarily includes biblical preachers, teachers, and faithful spiritual leaders who diligently study and proclaim God's Word. They deliver warnings by expounding Scripture, highlighting sin, calling for repentance, and discerning spiritual dangers within the church and the wider culture. The "sound of the trumpet" today is often the clear, uncompromising declaration of biblical truth, which serves as a call to attention, a warning of judgment, and an invitation to return to God, much like the prophets of old. We are called to test all things by the authoritative Word of God, as encouraged in [1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything").

**What does it mean for people to "not hearken" to God's warnings?**

Answer: To "not hearken" (Hebrew: *qâshab*) goes beyond merely not hearing; it signifies a deliberate and active refusal to listen attentively, to pay heed, or to obey. It implies a hardened heart and a willful rejection of divine counsel. In the context of Jeremiah 6:17, it means that despite clear, urgent warnings from God's appointed messengers, the people chose to ignore, dismiss, or actively resist the call to repentance and change. This spiritual deafness is often rooted in pride, self-will, and a love for sin, leading to a path of continued disobedience and eventual judgment, as seen in [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Judah's Stubborn Heart").

**Why did God keep sending warnings if He knew the people would not listen?**

Answer: God's persistent sending of warnings, even when He foreknew the people's rejection, underscores His unwavering love, patience, and justice. Firstly, it demonstrates His **merciful character**; He is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Compassion of the Lord")). He desires repentance, not destruction. Secondly, it establishes the **justice of His judgment**. By providing ample warning, God ensures that His people are without excuse when judgment finally comes. Their condemnation is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their deliberate choice to reject His grace and counsel. This divine pattern is consistent throughout Scripture, from the warnings before the Flood ([Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God's Spirit Will Not Always Strive with Man")) to the ministry of Jesus Himself ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 6:17, with its poignant portrayal of God's persistent warnings met by human rebellion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme "Watchman," the very Word of God made flesh, sent by the Father to deliver the ultimate warning and call to repentance. Just as the prophets sounded the trumpet of impending judgment for sin, Jesus declared the arrival of the Kingdom of God and the urgent need for all to repent and believe the good news ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel")). He stood as the final, clearest voice of God, warning of the consequences of unbelief and offering the path to life. Yet, tragically, like ancient Judah, "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - The Word Came to His Own")). The very people to whom He was sent, and for whom He came to lay down His life, rejected His warnings and His person, leading to His crucifixion. However, in this ultimate act of rejection, God's patient pursuit of humanity reached its zenith. Through Christ's death and resurrection, the "sound of the trumpet" now calls not merely to warning, but to salvation, offering forgiveness and new life to all who will finally "hearken" to the voice of the Good Shepherd ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). Thus, Jeremiah's lament foreshadows the greater tragedy of Christ's rejection, yet also points to the greater grace found in His atoning work, which offers a path for all to turn and live.

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 25:4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Isaiah 21:11

¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Habakkuk 2:1

¶ I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Isaiah 56:10

His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.