Jeremiah 7:2

KJV

Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all [ye of] Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Stand {H5975} in the gate {H8179} of the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}, and proclaim {H7121} there this word {H1697}, and say {H559}, Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, all ye of Judah {H3063}, that enter in {H935} at these gates {H8179} to worship {H7812} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Stand at the gate of the house of ADONAI and proclaim this word: 'Listen to the word of ADONAI, all you from Y'hudah who enter these gates to worship ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

“Stand in the gate of the house of the LORD and proclaim this message: Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship the LORD.

American Standard Version

Stand in the gate of Jehovah’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of Jehovah, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:2 serves as the dramatic opening to Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon," a pivotal prophetic address delivered at the very entrance of the Jerusalem Temple. In this verse, the prophet is divinely commanded to confront the people of Judah directly as they arrive for worship, proclaiming a stern message from the LORD. It immediately establishes the urgent and confrontational nature of God's indictment against a nation that had substituted genuine obedience and righteousness for a superficial reliance on religious ritual and the physical presence of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:2 initiates a powerful and extended prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 7:1-15) often referred to as the "Temple Sermon." This sermon follows a series of pronouncements of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 4-6), setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the people's false security. The preceding chapters have detailed Judah's widespread spiritual adultery and rebellion, making the setting at the Temple gate particularly poignant, as it targets the very heart of their misguided piety. The sermon's immediate follow-up in Jeremiah 7:3-7 outlines the conditions for averting disaster, emphasizing a radical change in behavior rather than mere ritual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is delivered during the late 7th century BC, likely early in the reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability and increasing Babylonian dominance. Despite the reforms under King Josiah (Jeremiah's contemporary), Judah had largely reverted to idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial religiosity. The people held a deep-seated, yet misplaced, belief that the Jerusalem Temple, as God's dwelling place, rendered their city inviolable, providing an automatic shield against foreign invasion or divine judgment. This cultural assumption, rooted in a misunderstanding of God's covenant, is precisely what Jeremiah is sent to dismantle. The Temple gate was a bustling public space, a place of commerce, legal proceedings, and religious entry, making it an ideal location for a public, confrontational pronouncement.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 7:2 introduces several critical themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the **Divine Commission** of the prophet, underscoring that Jeremiah is not speaking his own words but delivering an authoritative message from the LORD, a recurring motif throughout his ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Call to Jeremiah")). Second, the verse emphasizes **Urgency and Public Confrontation**, as the message is to be proclaimed at a highly visible and frequented location, ensuring maximum exposure to those who most needed to hear it. Third, it sets up the theme of **Authentic Listening and Obedience**, as the command "Hear the word of the LORD" is not a passive invitation but a demand for active engagement and transformation, echoing the foundational covenant call to "hear and obey" found in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"). Finally, the verse immediately signals the sermon's central purpose: **Challenging False Security**, dismantling the people's misguided trust in external religious forms over internal spiritual transformation and covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This word signifies not merely a physical posture but also a firm, resolute position or a public declaration. Here, it implies Jeremiah's unwavering resolve and the divine authority behind his presence and message. He is to take a stand, literally and figuratively, against the prevailing spiritual complacency.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** Referring to the main entrance of the Temple complex, this word highlights the public and strategic location of Jeremiah's address. Gates were vital points of entry, commerce, and judgment in ancient cities, symbolizing access, authority, and public life. Standing at the Temple gate underscored the confrontation with those who believed they were entering sacred space for legitimate worship.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is central to prophetic literature, denoting not just spoken language but also a divine message, decree, or matter of significance. When it is "the word of the LORD," it carries ultimate authority, demanding attention and obedience. It contrasts sharply with the "lying words" (Jeremiah 7:4) that the people had come to trust.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** More than just auditory perception, this imperative verb implies intelligent listening, understanding, and, crucially, obedience. It is a fundamental call in the covenant relationship, signifying a responsive and transformative engagement with God's commands. The people are called not just to listen, but to heed and act upon the divine message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house":** Jeremiah is commanded to take a public and prominent position at the entrance of the Temple, the very symbol of Judah's perceived security and spiritual identity. This physical act immediately signals a confrontational message directed at those who are actively participating in religious rituals.
* **"and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah is not speaking his own thoughts but is a direct mouthpiece for Yahweh. The repetition of "word" (dâbâr) underscores its importance, and the imperative "Hear" (shâmaʻ) demands active, obedient listening from the audience.
* **"all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD":** The target audience is precisely identified: the entire community of Judah, specifically those who are engaged in the act of worship at the Temple. This direct address highlights the hypocrisy of their outward religious devotion contrasted with their inward spiritual rebellion, setting the stage for the sermon's critique of their empty rituals.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the commands "Stand," "proclaim," "say," and "Hear." These direct commands underscore the divine authority behind Jeremiah's mission and the non-negotiable nature of God's message. **Direct Address** is also central, as Jeremiah is instructed to speak directly to "all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD," immediately drawing the audience into the confrontation. The **Symbolism** of the "gate of the LORD'S house" is profound; it represents not only a physical entry point but also the threshold between outward religious performance and inward spiritual reality. By standing there, Jeremiah challenges the very foundation of their false security. Furthermore, the repetition of "word of the LORD" (dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the singular, authoritative source of the message and contrasting it with the "lying words" (Jeremiah 7:4) that the people had embraced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's persistent call for genuine repentance and obedience over superficial religious observance. It highlights the prophetic tradition's unwavering commitment to exposing hypocrisy and challenging a false sense of security derived from ritual rather than relationship. The LORD, through Jeremiah, asserts His sovereignty over even His own dwelling place, demonstrating that His presence is conditional upon His people's faithfulness to the covenant. This verse sets the stage for a profound theological truth: God desires a transformed heart and righteous living, not merely outward acts of worship. It underscores the danger of spiritual complacency and the necessity of truly "hearing" God's word, which implies not just listening, but understanding, believing, and obeying.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - God's Rejection of Empty Rituals")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Desire for Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:2 offers a timeless challenge to all who claim to worship God. It forces us to examine the authenticity of our faith, questioning whether our religious practices are accompanied by genuine heart transformation and ethical living. We are called to stand before God not with empty rituals or a false sense of security based on our church attendance or religious affiliation, but with a humble and obedient heart. The command to "Hear the word of the LORD" resonates deeply, urging us to move beyond passive listening to active engagement with Scripture, allowing it to convict, correct, and guide our lives. This verse reminds us that true worship is holistic, encompassing both our devotion to God and our treatment of others, and that God prioritizes righteousness and justice over mere outward performance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be relying on outward religious practices (e.g., church attendance, prayer, Bible reading) without a corresponding transformation of my heart and actions?**
* **What "lying words" or false securities might I be trusting in today, instead of fully trusting in God's word and His character?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I have truly "heard the word of the LORD" and am actively seeking to obey it?**
* **Am I willing to be confronted by God's truth, even when it challenges my deepest assumptions or comforts?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah deliver this message at the Temple gate?**

Answer: Jeremiah delivered his message at the Temple gate for several critical reasons, primarily to ensure maximum public exposure and confront the people's false security head-on. The Temple gate was a bustling public thoroughfare, the main entry point for all who came to worship the LORD. By standing there, Jeremiah directly addressed the very individuals who believed their presence at the Temple guaranteed God's favor, regardless of their sinful behavior. This strategic location underscored the urgency and seriousness of God's indictment, targeting the heart of their misguided trust in external ritual over genuine covenant faithfulness. It was a symbolic act, challenging the people's assumption that the physical structure of the Temple offered inviolable protection.

**What was the "word of the LORD" that Jeremiah was to proclaim?**

Answer: The "word of the LORD" that Jeremiah was commanded to proclaim at the Temple gate (Jeremiah 7:2) was a comprehensive indictment against Judah's spiritual apostasy and a call to genuine repentance. It was not a message of comfort but of confrontation. The core of this message, elaborated in the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 7:3-15), was that God would not protect His Temple or His people if they continued in their idolatry, injustice, and empty rituals. Jeremiah famously declares, "Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these" ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Trust in the Temple")). Instead, God demanded a radical change in their ways: "Amend your ways and your doings" ([Jeremiah 7:3](/jeremiah/7-3 "Jeremiah 7:3 - Amend Your Ways")). This "word" warned that without true repentance, God would abandon and destroy His Temple, just as He had done with His sanctuary at Shiloh ([Jeremiah 7:12-14](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-14 - The Example of Shiloh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:2, with its stark confrontation of superficial worship and false security in a physical temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redefinition in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself becomes the true "gate" and the ultimate "Temple" through whom humanity accesses God. He declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). Furthermore, Jesus prophesied the destruction of the physical Temple ([Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")), signifying that the era of localized worship was passing. He then redefined the Temple as His own body, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Refers to His Body as the Temple")), which the Apostle John clarifies was a reference to His resurrection. This points to a new covenant reality where God's presence is no longer confined to a physical building but dwells in Christ and, through Him, in believers who are collectively the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")). The "word of the LORD" that Jeremiah proclaimed, demanding genuine obedience and heart transformation, is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). He not only speaks God's word but *is* God's word, calling His followers to worship in "spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), fulfilling Jeremiah's call for authentic devotion over empty ritual.

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 26:2

Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:

Jeremiah 22:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

Amos 7:16

Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Ezekiel 2:4

For [they are] impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 2:5

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.