Jeremiah 6:18

¶ Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what [is] among them.

Therefore hear {H8085}, ye nations {H1471}, and know {H3045}, O congregation {H5712}, what is among them.

So hear, you nations; know, you assembly, what there is against them.

Therefore hear, O nations, and learn, O congregations, what will happen to them.

Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.

Jeremiah 6:18 serves as a solemn declaration from God, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, calling both the surrounding nations and the people of Judah to witness and understand the deep spiritual corruption that has taken root within God's own chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated within a significant section of the Book of Jeremiah (chapters 6-10) where the prophet pronounces severe judgment against Jerusalem and Judah for their widespread apostasy, idolatry, and social injustice. The people, including their leaders and false prophets, had repeatedly rejected God's warnings and refused to return to the "old paths" of righteousness. The call to "hear, ye nations" was likely a summons for other peoples to observe God's just dealings with His disobedient covenant people, serving as a powerful lesson or a testimony to His sovereignty over all. The impending Babylonian invasion, which Jeremiah foretold, was God's chosen instrument of judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice. He holds His own people accountable for their actions, and their persistent sin necessitates a severe response.
  • Universal Witness: By calling the "nations" to hear, God demonstrates that His justice is not confined to Israel but is a universal principle, visible to all. This prepares the ground for understanding God's ultimate plan for all peoples, as seen in later prophecies.
  • Internal Corruption: The phrase "what [is] among them" points directly to the pervasive sin and moral decay within Judah. It wasn't merely external threats, but internal spiritual sickness that led to their downfall. This includes their reliance on false prophets who proclaimed "peace, peace" when there was no peace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nations" is goyim (גּוֹיִם), which typically refers to non-Israelite peoples or gentiles. Their inclusion in this divine summons highlights the public nature of God's judgment on Judah. The word for "congregation" is edah (עֵדָה), referring to the assembly or community of Israel. The implication is that both outsiders and insiders are to "know" or discern the truth of Judah's condition and the divine response to it.

Related Scriptures

This warning is part of a larger prophetic message concerning Judah's rebellion and God's justice. It echoes themes found throughout Jeremiah, such as their refusal to listen to God's word (Jeremiah 7:23-26) and the inevitability of judgment due to their persistent sin (Jeremiah 5:25). The idea of God calling nations to witness or execute judgment is also seen in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 1:2.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 6:18 serves as a timeless reminder that God observes the actions of all people, including those who claim to be His. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, obedience, and living in accordance with God's word. It challenges us to examine "what is among" us—our hearts, our communities, our churches—to ensure that we are not harboring sin or spiritual complacency. Just as God held Judah accountable, He calls His people in every generation to live righteously, lest their actions become a public testimony to disobedience rather than faithfulness.

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.

  • Isaiah 5:3

    And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

  • Jeremiah 31:10

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

  • Psalms 50:4

    He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

  • Psalms 50:6

    And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.

  • Jeremiah 4:10

    Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

  • Deuteronomy 29:24

    Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

  • Deuteronomy 29:28

    And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

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