Jeremiah 7:23

KJV

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

But this thing {H1697} commanded {H6680} I them, saying {H559}, Obey {H8085} my voice {H6963}, and I will be your God {H430}, and ye shall be my people {H5971}: and walk {H1980} ye in all the ways {H1870} that I have commanded {H6680} you, that it may be well {H3190} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, what I did order them was this: 'Pay attention to what I say. Then I will be your God, and you will be my people. In everything, live according to the way that I order you, so that things will go well for you.'

Berean Standard Bible

but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.

American Standard Version

but this thing I commanded them, saying, Hearken unto my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people; and walk ye in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:23 encapsulates the quintessential heart of God's covenant with Israel, articulating His fundamental desire for a relationship founded on responsive obedience rather than mere ritualistic observance. This verse, a pivotal statement within Jeremiah's Temple Sermon, declares the divine command for the people to listen and adhere to God's voice, promising in return the profound covenantal blessings of His presence as their God and their identity as His cherished people, leading to holistic well-being. It underscores that true flourishing for the nation was contingent upon their faithful adherence to the divine path laid out before them, a path that was consistently neglected by the Judahite people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:23 is a core component of the prophet Jeremiah's powerful "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15), delivered at the very gate of the Jerusalem Temple. This sermon confronts the deeply ingrained false security of the Judahite people, who believed that the physical presence of God's Temple within their city guaranteed their safety and God's protection, regardless of their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and blatant disobedience to the Mosaic Law. Jeremiah vehemently challenges this superficial religiosity, asserting that God never primarily desired sacrifices and burnt offerings in the wilderness, but rather a direct, intimate covenant relationship characterized by genuine obedience. Verse 23, therefore, serves as a concise summary of God's original and enduring expectation, contrasting sharply with the people's current rebellious behavior described in the surrounding verses, such as their turning to other gods and their unrepentant hearts (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:9-10](/jeremiah/7-9 "Jeremiah 7:9-10 - Idolatry and False Security")). The prophet emphasizes that their misplaced trust in the Temple, while engaging in abominable practices, was a profound misunderstanding of God's covenantal demands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is late 7th century BCE Judah, during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE), a period marked by significant political instability as Judah was caught between the waning power of Assyria and the rising dominance of Babylon. Internally, the nation was riddled with syncretism, social injustice (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:6](/jeremiah/7-6 "Jeremiah 7:6 - Oppression of the Alien, Orphan, and Widow")), and a general disregard for God's covenant commands, despite the reforms attempted by King Josiah just prior. The people had adopted pagan practices, including child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Child Sacrifice in Topheth")), while simultaneously maintaining outward religious rituals at the Temple, believing these rituals would appease God and avert judgment. Jeremiah's message directly addresses this spiritual hypocrisy, reminding them of the foundational principles of the covenant established centuries earlier at Mount Sinai, where obedience was paramount for their identity and well-being as God's chosen people (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Hear and Obey")). This historical backdrop highlights the profound disconnect between Israel's covenant obligations and their actual conduct.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several central themes running through the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Covenant Foundation** – the enduring promise "I will be your God, and ye shall be my people," which echoes the foundational language of the Mosaic Covenant (e.g., [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Priestly Kingdom")). This signifies a reciprocal relationship of profound intimacy and loyalty, established by divine initiative. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Call to Obedience**, repeatedly stressing "Obey my voice, and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you." This is not a legalistic burden but the very pathway to maintaining the covenant relationship and experiencing its benefits. It implies an attentive and responsive hearing (Hebrew: *shama*) to God's instruction, leading to a life lived in accordance with His divine will, a theme profoundly explored throughout [the Deuteronomic covenant](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse presents the **Promise of Well-being**, stating "that it may be well unto you." This "well-being" (Hebrew: *yâṭab*) encompasses not just material prosperity but holistic flourishing, peace, security, and true blessing in all aspects of life, as consistently promised throughout the Mosaic Law for those who walk in God's ways (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obey (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** H8085. This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the strong implication of attention, understanding, and, crucially, obedience. It's more than just auditory perception; it signifies listening with an intent to respond and act upon what is heard. In the context of Jeremiah 7:23, it demands a responsive hearing to God's voice, translating into active submission to His commands, reflecting a heart yielded to divine authority.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** H1870. Derived from a root meaning "to tread," this word literally refers to a "road" or "path." Figuratively, as used here, it denotes a "course of life" or a "mode of action." God commands His people to walk in "all the ways" He has commanded, implying a comprehensive lifestyle and moral conduct that aligns with His revealed will, encompassing every facet of their existence, rather than a select few observances or rituals.
* **Well (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** H3190. This primitive root means "to be (causative) make well." It encompasses a broad range of positive states: sound, beautiful, happy, successful, and right. When God promises "that it may be well unto you," it signifies a holistic flourishing, prosperity, peace, security, and a favorable outcome in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, communal, and relational—as a direct and benevolent result of living in harmony with His commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this thing commanded I them, saying,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message, highlighting its foundational importance. It underscores that the subsequent commands are not new or arbitrary impositions, but a reiteration of God's consistent and foundational expectations for His people from the very beginning of their covenant relationship. The "thing" (H1697, *dâbâr*) refers to the core principles of the covenant, the very essence of God's revealed will, not merely peripheral regulations.
* **"Obey my voice,"**: This is the primary and most direct command, demanding an active and responsive hearing of God's spoken word. "My voice" (H6963, *qôwl*) refers to God's direct revelation, His instructions, and His will as communicated through His law and His prophets. It is a call for attentive listening that leads to action, rather than passive hearing or mere intellectual assent, signifying a deep, personal engagement with divine truth.
* **"and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people:"**: This is the core covenant promise, a declaration of mutual belonging and relationship, the very heart of God's redemptive purpose for Israel. God commits Himself to Israel as their exclusive deity, protector, and provider, while Israel, in turn, is affirmed as His chosen, set-apart people, uniquely bound to Him. This relationship is the foundation and ultimate goal of the entire covenant, signifying intimacy, security, and divine favor.
* **"and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you,"**: This expands upon "Obey my voice," specifying the practical outworking of that obedience. "Walk" (H1980, *hâlak*) signifies a continuous lifestyle, a journey, and a mode of daily conduct. "All the ways" (H1870, *derek*) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's commands, encompassing every aspect of life—moral, ethical, social, and religious—not just select rituals or ceremonial observances. It is a call to align one's entire conduct with God's revealed will, demonstrating consistent faithfulness.
* **"that it may be well unto you."**: This concluding clause states the blessed outcome and benevolent purpose of God's commands. The "well-being" (H3190, *yâṭab*) promised is holistic, signifying flourishing, prosperity, peace, security, and a favorable existence in every dimension of life. It demonstrates that God's commands are not burdensome restrictions but pathways designed by His loving wisdom for the ultimate good, true happiness, and abundant life of His people, reflecting His character as a benevolent Father.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:23 makes effective use of several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Covenant Language**, which directly echoes the foundational declarations of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly from Exodus and Deuteronomy. Phrases like "I will be your God, and ye shall be my people" are classic formulations of the covenant relationship, serving as a powerful **allusion** that reminds the audience of their historical and theological roots and the terms of their sacred bond with Yahweh. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure of the commands: "Obey my voice" is paralleled by "walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you," emphasizing both the internal disposition (attentive hearing and heeding) and the external manifestation (living out the commands). This creates a rhythmic and reinforcing effect, underscoring the comprehensive nature of required obedience. Furthermore, the verse employs a **Conditional Promise**, where the blessing ("that it may be well unto you") is explicitly contingent upon the obedience ("Obey my voice... and walk ye in all the ways"). This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between human responsiveness and divine favor, a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature and the Deuteronomic theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:23 is a profound theological statement that encapsulates the essence of the Old Covenant relationship: God's benevolent desire for His people's flourishing is intrinsically linked to their obedient response to His revealed will. It highlights that true relationship with God is not predicated on outward religious performance or national identity alone, but on a deep, internal commitment to hear and live out His commands. This verse underscores the consistent biblical truth that God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to life, peace, and security, reflecting His character as a loving Father who desires the best for His children. The breakdown of this relationship, as seen in Israel's disobedience, inevitably leads to divine judgment, yet the divine standard remains clear: a life lived in harmony with God's voice is the foundation of His covenant blessings and the pathway to experiencing the fullness of His presence. It speaks to the enduring principle that genuine faith is demonstrated through faithful action.

* [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "If you will obey my voice...")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - To obey is better than sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:23 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder that our relationship with God is fundamentally about responsive obedience, not merely outward religious performance or inherited faith. In a world often preoccupied with external displays of piety, adherence to traditions, or even intellectual assent to doctrine without practical application, this verse calls us back to the core: listening intently to God's voice, primarily found in His written Word and discerned through the Holy Spirit, and then actively walking in the ways He has commanded. True spiritual well-being, peace, and flourishing—individually and corporately—are found in aligning our lives with God's perfect will. This means prioritizing His Word as our guide, cultivating a heart that is quick to hear and obey, and allowing His commands to shape our daily choices, relationships, and priorities. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a genuine, living relationship of trust and submission, recognizing that God's commands are always for our ultimate good and designed to lead us into abundant life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on outward religious acts or inherited faith rather than genuine, responsive obedience to God's voice?**
* **How consistently do I actively "obey God's voice" in my daily decisions, and what practical steps can I take to listen more attentively and respond more faithfully?**
* **What does "that it may be well unto you" mean for my holistic well-being today, and how does my obedience contribute to experiencing that promised flourishing?**
* **Am I truly walking in "all the ways" God has commanded, or am I selectively choosing which commands to follow based on personal preference or convenience?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Obey my voice" in this verse?**

Answer: "Obey my voice" (Hebrew: *shama qoli*) is profoundly significant because it goes beyond mere auditory hearing. The Hebrew word *shama* implies listening with understanding, attention, and, crucially, an intent to act upon what is heard. It denotes a responsive and active obedience. In Jeremiah 7:23, it underscores that God's primary desire for His people was not ritualistic performance or sacrifices, but a genuine, heartfelt submission to His direct instructions and covenant stipulations. This emphasis on active listening and obedience is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, distinguishing true faith from superficial religiosity and highlighting the relational nature of God's covenant with His people (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")).

**How does Jeremiah 7:23 relate to the broader concept of God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: Jeremiah 7:23 is a concise summary of the core principles underlying God's covenant with Israel, particularly the Mosaic Covenant. The phrase "I will be your God, and ye shall be my people" is foundational covenant language, first articulated at Mount Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - I will be your God")). This verse reiterates that the reciprocal relationship—God's commitment to be their God and Israel's identity as His people—is conditional upon their obedience. It highlights that the covenant was not merely a legal agreement but a personal, binding commitment of love and loyalty, where blessings and well-being flowed from faithful adherence to the "ways that I have commanded you." It serves as a stark reminder that Israel's failure to obey was a breach of this sacred covenant, leading to the consequences prophesied by Jeremiah and ultimately to exile, demonstrating the inseparable link between covenant fidelity and national destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:23, with its emphasis on obedience as the pathway to relationship and well-being, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel consistently failed to "obey God's voice" and "walk in all the ways" He commanded, Jesus perfectly embodied this obedience. He declared, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus always does what pleases the Father")), and His entire life was a seamless demonstration of perfect submission to the Father's will, culminating in His obedience even to death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ fulfills the Law's demands on our behalf, establishing a New Covenant where the promise "I will be your God, and ye shall be my people" is realized not by human effort, but by grace through faith in Him ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Furthermore, Christ enables true obedience in believers by sending the Holy Spirit, who writes God's laws on our hearts and empowers us to walk in His ways, transforming our desires and enabling us to bear fruit that honors Him ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the "well-being" promised in Jeremiah 7:23 is ultimately found in Christ, who is our peace and our life, granting us not just temporal flourishing but eternal life and a restored, intimate relationship with God, a life more abundant than we could ever achieve on our own ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

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

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Deuteronomy 5:33

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and [that it may be] well with you, and [that] ye may prolong [your] days in the land which ye shall possess.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Jeremiah 42:6

Whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Deuteronomy 6:3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do [it]; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.