Jeremiah 6:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Jeremiah 6:17 presents a poignant illustration of God's persistent efforts to warn His people and their stubborn refusal to heed those warnings. This verse encapsulates a central theme throughout the book of Jeremiah: divine patience met with human rebellion.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of pronouncements from the prophet Jeremiah concerning the impending judgment upon Judah due to their pervasive sin and idolatry. Chapters 4-6 describe the coming invasion from the north, often identified as the Babylonians, as God's instrument of chastisement. God, in His mercy, repeatedly sent prophets—the "watchmen" mentioned here—to alert the people to the imminent danger and call them to repentance. The "sound of the trumpet" (shofar in Hebrew) historically served as an alarm for war or an assembly call, here signifying a warning of impending judgment and invasion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Warning and Mercy: God, in His steadfast love, does not bring judgment without first providing ample warning and opportunity for repentance. He actively "set watchmen" to guide His people away from destruction.
  • The Role of the Watchman: The watchmen represent the prophets (like Jeremiah himself) who were divinely appointed to relay God's messages. Their duty was to observe the spiritual and physical dangers and sound the alarm, even when the message was unpopular. This role is further elaborated in passages like Ezekiel 33:7, where the watchman is held accountable for delivering the warning.
  • Human Stubbornness and Rejection: The tragic core of the verse lies in the people's defiant response: "But they said, We will not hearken." This was not merely passive ignorance but an active, willful rejection of God's counsel, a characteristic problem for ancient Israel as seen in Jeremiah 7:24. Their refusal to listen sealed their fate.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the immediate context of Jeremiah's prophecies makes it clear that ignoring God's warnings leads inevitably to severe consequences, including exile and destruction.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "watchmen" is tzophim (צֹפִים), emphasizing their role as vigilant observers, looking out for danger. The word "hearken" is from the Hebrew shama (שָׁמַע), which means more than just to hear; it implies to listen attentively and obey. Thus, "We will not hearken" signifies a deep-seated rebellion, a refusal to obey God's voice and His warnings.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 6:17 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. God continues to provide warnings and guidance through His Word, spiritual leaders, and the Holy Spirit. We are called to be attentive listeners (to shama) to divine instruction and spiritual warnings, recognizing that ignoring them carries spiritual consequences. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly hearkening to God's voice, or are we, like ancient Judah, choosing a path of stubborn resistance?

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 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.

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