Jeremiah 7:7

KJV

Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will I cause you to dwell {H7931} in this place {H4725}, in the land {H776} that I gave {H5414} to your fathers {H1}, for {H5704} ever {H5769} and ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then I will let you stay in this place, in the land I gave to your ancestors forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.

American Standard Version

then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, from of old even for evermore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:7 presents a crucial conditional promise from the Lord to the people of Judah: if they genuinely repent, practice justice, and abandon their idolatry, they will be permitted to dwell permanently in the land given to their ancestors. This verse, embedded within Jeremiah's powerful Temple Sermon, directly challenges the false sense of security the people derived from the mere presence of God's Temple in Jerusalem, unequivocally stating that true security and continued blessing in the promised land were contingent upon covenant fidelity and righteous living, rather than superficial religious ritual or inherited privilege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:7 is a pivotal component of the prophet Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon," a direct divine confrontation delivered at the gate of the Lord's house in Jerusalem, spanning [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon"). This sermon directly addresses the profound spiritual delusion of the people of Judah, who clung to the belief that the physical presence of the Temple guaranteed their safety and God's protection, irrespective of their rampant moral corruption, social injustice, and widespread idolatry. Their repeated chant, "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 Confidence in the Temple")), functioned as a superstitious charm against impending judgment. Verse 7, following the explicit conditions for covenant renewal and ethical transformation laid out in [Jeremiah 7:3-6](/jeremiah/7-3-6 "Jeremiah 7:3-6 - Conditions for Remaining in the Land"), presents God's gracious offer for continued dwelling, but it unequivocally ties this offer to their radical repentance and transformation, thereby setting the stage for the stark warnings of judgment if they fail to comply. The verse serves as the hopeful pivot point, illustrating what *could* be if they turned back to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Temple Sermon" was delivered during a highly volatile and precarious period in Judah's history, most likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), just before the first wave of Babylonian exiles. The nation found itself caught in a dangerous geopolitical struggle between the declining Assyrian empire, the ascendant power of Babylon, and the lingering influence of Egypt. Culturally, Judah had largely abandoned the foundational Mosaic covenant, embracing rampant syncretism where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with the abhorrent practices of Baal and other pagan deities, often involving child sacrifice and cultic prostitution. Socially, the powerful oppressed the vulnerable, with widespread injustice against foreigners, orphans, and widows. The people's deeply ingrained belief that Jerusalem and its Temple were inviolable, a concept perhaps stemming from earlier miraculous deliverances (e.g., Sennacherib's siege in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat")), fostered a dangerous complacency. This led them to believe that God would protect them irrespective of their covenant breaking. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this spiritual and moral decay, forcefully reminding them of the conditional nature of their dwelling in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **Conditional Dwelling** in the land, a foundational principle established in the Mosaic covenant, where blessing and continued presence were directly linked to obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). The land was a gift, but its *enjoyment* was conditional. Secondly, it underscores God's **Faithfulness to the Abrahamic Covenant**, specifically the land promise given to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Land Promise to Abraham")). While God's initial promise of the land was unconditional in its ultimate fulfillment, Israel's *continued enjoyment and secure dwelling* in it was always contingent on their fidelity to the subsequent Mosaic covenant. Thirdly, the passage vividly contrasts **True Security vs. False Confidence**. The people's reliance on the physical Temple represented a dangerous, false security, whereas God's message unequivocally states that true security and divine protection stem from a genuine, obedient relationship with Him, characterized by transformed hearts and righteous living, not by mere ritual or physical proximity to sacred objects.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** From H7931, meaning "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation." This word implies more than just temporary habitation; it suggests a settled, enduring presence and security. In the context of [Jeremiah 7:7](/jeremiah/7-7 "Jeremiah 7:7 - Conditional Dwelling"), it signifies God's desire for Israel to have a stable and lasting home in the promised land, provided they meet the divine conditions. The root also carries theological weight, connecting to the idea of God's own dwelling (Shekinah) among His people, implying a reciprocal relationship of presence and covenantal intimacy.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** From H4725, meaning "a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition." This term refers to the specific geographical location, the land of Judah, and by extension, Jerusalem itself, which was the epicenter of the Temple Sermon. It emphasizes the concrete, physical reality of their inheritance and the specific site where God desired them to remain. The "place" is not just any location but the divinely appointed land of promise, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **for ever and ever (Hebrew, _ʻad ʻôwlâm'_):** This phrase combines H5704 (`ʻad`), meaning "as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until)," with H5769 (`ʻôwlâm`), meaning "time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world (without end)." While `ʻôwlâm` can denote absolute eternity, in covenantal contexts concerning Israel's dwelling in the land, its meaning is often best understood as "perpetual," "enduring," or "for an indefinite, long duration," *provided* the covenant conditions are maintained. This nuanced understanding is critical; it implies that their dwelling could be perpetual if they remained faithful, rather than an unconditional, absolute eternity regardless of their actions. It expresses God's ideal and enduring intention for His people to remain in the land, contingent upon their faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will I cause you to dwell in this place,"**: This opening clause presents God's active, sovereign role in establishing and maintaining Israel's presence in the land. The phrase "cause you to dwell" highlights divine agency and favor, indicating that their continued habitation is not by their own strength or inherent right, but by God's gracious allowance. "This place" refers specifically to the land of Judah, particularly Jerusalem, which was the immediate context of the Temple Sermon. The clear implication, given the preceding verses, is that this divine enablement for dwelling is conditional upon their repentance and obedience.
* **"in the land that I gave to your fathers,"**: This segment grounds the promise in the historical covenant with the patriarchs. By referencing "the land that I gave to your fathers," God explicitly connects the present generation's dwelling to the original, foundational land promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Land Promise to Abraham")). This emphasizes the divine origin and ancient lineage of their inheritance, reminding them that their claim to the land was rooted in God's sovereign, gracious gift. However, it also subtly reinforces that while the *gift* was unconditional, their *enjoyment* and *continued possession* of it were tied to their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant.
* **"for ever and ever."**: This concluding phrase signifies the desired duration of their dwelling. As explored in the Key Word Analysis, "for ever and ever" (Hebrew: `ʻad ʻôwlâm`) denotes perpetuity or an enduring, indefinite duration. In this covenantal context, it implies that their dwelling in the land could be permanent and unbroken if they adhered to the covenant stipulations outlined in [Jeremiah 7:3-6](/jeremiah/7-3-6 "Jeremiah 7:3-6 - Conditions for Remaining in the Land"). It expresses God's ideal and enduring intention for His people to remain in the land, provided they live in faithful obedience, rather than an unconditional guarantee irrespective of their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:7 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, where God's stated intention to allow Israel to dwell permanently in the land is explicitly predicated on their repentance and obedience, as detailed in the preceding verses ([Jeremiah 7:3-6](/jeremiah/7-3-6 "Jeremiah 7:3-6 - Conditions for Remaining in the Land")). This structure highlights divine justice and the covenantal framework that governed Israel's relationship with God. There is also a powerful use of **Covenantal Language**, particularly in the phrase "the land that I gave to your fathers," which serves as an **Allusion** to the foundational Abrahamic covenant and the subsequent Mosaic covenant that governed Israel's life in the land. The **Repetition** of "for ever and ever" emphasizes the desired permanence of their dwelling, while simultaneously creating a stark **Irony** when juxtaposed with the historical reality of the impending Babylonian exile, which was a direct consequence of their failure to meet the divine conditions. This irony underscores the tragic gap between God's gracious intention and Israel's rebellious reality, highlighting the consequences of covenant breaking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:7 stands as a powerful testament to the intricate and dynamic relationship between divine promise and human responsibility within God's covenant. It reveals that while God's initial gift of the land to Israel was an act of sovereign grace and an unconditional promise to Abraham, their continued enjoyment and secure dwelling within it were always contingent upon their faithful obedience to the Mosaic covenant. This principle, deeply embedded in Old Testament theology, underscores that God's blessings, though rooted in His unwavering character and faithfulness, are often mediated through human response and fidelity. The verse challenges any notion of automatic blessing or spiritual presumption, asserting that a genuine relationship with God demands transformed hearts and righteous living, not merely adherence to external rituals or inherited status. It foreshadows the broader biblical truth that true security, flourishing, and abiding in God's favor come from aligning one's life with God's revealed will and living in active, humble obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience to the Covenant")
* [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Promises of Blessing for Obedience")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a stark warning against spiritual presumption and superficial faith. It reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our religious heritage, church attendance, or external observances alone, but on the genuine condition of our hearts and the fruit of our lives. We must vigilantly guard against the temptation to believe that our faith is a mere amulet or a guarantee of blessing apart from true repentance and active obedience. God desires for us to dwell securely in His presence and experience the fullness of His blessings, but this security is found in an active, living faith that expresses itself in love for God and neighbor, characterized by justice, righteousness, and humility. When we stray, God's call to return is always accompanied by the promise of restoration, provided our turning is sincere and accompanied by transformed behavior. Our true security and peace are found not in religious performance or inherited status, but in a dynamic, obedient relationship with the living God, where our lives reflect His character and His kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the ancient Israelites, be presuming upon God's grace or relying on external religious practices rather than genuine obedience and a transformed heart?**
* **What specific areas of my life might God be calling me to "amend my ways" and practice greater justice, integrity, and righteousness?**
* **How does the conditional nature of God's promise in Jeremiah 7:7 challenge my understanding of divine blessings and my personal responsibility as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Was the promise of dwelling in the land unconditional for Israel?**

Answer: No, the promise of Israel's *continued* dwelling in the physical land was profoundly conditional. While the initial gift of the land to Abraham and his descendants was an unconditional promise rooted in God's sovereign grace ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Land Promise to Abraham")), their ability to remain in and enjoy the land was explicitly contingent upon their obedience to the Mosaic covenant. Jeremiah 7:7, along with numerous passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"), makes it unequivocally clear that disobedience would lead to expulsion from the land, as tragically unfolded with the Babylonian exile. God's faithfulness to His initial promise meant He would always preserve a remnant and ultimately restore them, but the immediate generation's experience of the land was directly tied to their fidelity to His commands.

**What was the "Temple Sermon" and why was it so significant?**

Answer: The "Temple Sermon," recorded in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon"), was a powerful and confrontational prophetic message delivered by Jeremiah at the very gate of the Jerusalem Temple. It was profoundly significant because it directly challenged the pervasive and dangerous false confidence of the people of Judah. They erroneously believed that the mere physical presence of the Temple in their city guaranteed God's protection and inviolability, regardless of their widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption. Jeremiah shattered this spiritual delusion, warning them that their religious rituals and sacrifices were utterly meaningless without genuine repentance, ethical transformation, and obedient living. The sermon's enduring significance lies in its powerful critique of superficial religion and its unwavering emphasis on the necessity of true, heart-level transformation for God's continued blessing and presence among His people.

**How does Jeremiah 7:7 relate to New Testament believers?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 7:7 speaks specifically to ancient Israel's relationship with the physical land, its underlying theological principles are profoundly relevant for New Testament believers. It serves as a vital warning against spiritual presumption, emphasizing that our relationship with God is not based on external religious affiliation, inherited status, or mere rituals, but on genuine faith that actively expresses itself in obedience and transformed living. Just as Israel's dwelling in the physical land was conditional, our spiritual "dwelling" or abiding in Christ and experiencing the fullness of His blessings is deeply connected to our faithfulness and obedience to His commands ([John 15:4-10](/john/15-4-10 "John 15:4-10 - Abiding in Christ")). This verse underscores that true security, spiritual flourishing, and the experience of God's abiding presence come from a living, active, and obedient relationship with Him, not from inherited privilege or a superficial profession of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:7, with its conditional promise of dwelling "for ever and ever" in the land, finds its ultimate and unconditional fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's physical dwelling in the promised land was always precarious and dependent on their imperfect obedience to the Old Covenant, Jesus Christ inaugurates a New Covenant that provides an eternal, secure dwelling for all who believe. The "place" God desires His people to inhabit is no longer merely a geographical territory but a spiritual reality found "in Christ." Through His perfect obedience, Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law and the covenant that Israel continually failed, thereby securing an eternal inheritance for His people. Believers are now "seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated in Heavenly Realms")), experiencing a spiritual dwelling that is not subject to human failure, earthly exile, or the shifting sands of geopolitical power. This secure dwelling culminates in the glorious promise of the New Heavens and New Earth, where God will "dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")), a truly "for ever and ever" reality secured by the atoning work of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). The conditional dwelling in the physical land of promise thus points forward to the unconditional, eternal dwelling in the very presence of God, made possible through Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, establishing a new and permanent spiritual inheritance for all who are "in Him."

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

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Jeremiah 18:7

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

Jeremiah 18:8

If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

Jeremiah 25:5

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

2 Chronicles 33:8

Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

Jeremiah 17:20

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: