Jeremiah 11:21

Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, "You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand."

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, underscoring the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction signals that the message is not Jeremiah's own but a direct communication from God, highlighting the seriousness and divine origin of the warning.

concerning the men of Anathoth
Anathoth was a town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the hometown of Jeremiah. The mention of "the men of Anathoth" is significant because it indicates that the prophet faced opposition from his own community. This reflects a broader biblical theme where prophets are often without honor in their own country (cf. Matthew 13:57). Historically, Anathoth was a Levitical city, which adds irony to the situation, as those who should have been spiritually supportive were instead adversarial.

who are seeking your life
This phrase reveals the severity of the threat against Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "seeking" (בקש, baqash) implies an active pursuit, indicating that the opposition was not passive but involved a deliberate intent to harm. This reflects the intense resistance faced by prophets who spoke God's truth, often at great personal risk.

and saying, 'You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD'
The demand to cease prophesying "in the name of the LORD" highlights the rejection of God's message by the people of Anathoth. The phrase "in the name of the LORD" signifies speaking with divine authority. This opposition is not merely against Jeremiah but against God Himself, as the prophet is His mouthpiece. Historically, this reflects a common pattern where God's messengers are silenced by those who reject divine correction.

or you will die by our hand
This threat of death underscores the extreme hostility towards Jeremiah. The phrase "by our hand" indicates a personal and communal responsibility for the intended violence. In the broader biblical context, this reflects the cost of discipleship and the reality that those who stand for God's truth may face persecution, even to the point of death. This echoes Jesus' teaching that His followers would face similar opposition (cf. John 15:18-20).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. The Men of Anathoth
Residents of Jeremiah's hometown who opposed his prophetic ministry. They threatened his life, demanding that he cease prophesying in the name of the LORD.

3. Anathoth
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the hometown of Jeremiah. It was a Levitical city, meaning it was set aside for the priests.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who called Jeremiah to be a prophet and provided him with messages for the people.

5. Prophecy
The act of delivering messages from God, often involving warnings, calls to repentance, and revelations of future events.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Obedience
Following God's call can lead to opposition and persecution, even from those closest to us. Jeremiah's experience reminds us that obedience to God may come with personal sacrifice.

Courage in Proclamation
Despite threats, Jeremiah continued to prophesy. We are called to boldly proclaim God's truth, trusting in His protection and provision.

The Reality of Spiritual Opposition
Spiritual opposition often arises from unexpected places, including our own communities. We must remain vigilant and prayerful.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
God is aware of the threats against His servants and promises to protect and vindicate them. Our trust should be in His sovereign care.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, serves as a model for us to remain steadfast in our own spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's experience with the men of Anathoth challenge us to respond to opposition in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we find courage to continue proclaiming God's truth when faced with threats or persecution?

3. How does the concept of a prophet being without honor in their hometown apply to our own experiences with sharing our faith?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful to God's calling, even when it leads to personal sacrifice?

5. How can we rely on God's sovereignty and protection when we face spiritual opposition from unexpected sources?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:1-10
This passage describes Jeremiah's calling and commission as a prophet, highlighting the divine authority behind his messages.

Matthew 13:57
Jesus speaks about a prophet not being honored in his hometown, paralleling Jeremiah's experience with the men of Anathoth.

Acts 7:52
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of persecuting the prophets, drawing a connection to the opposition faced by Jeremiah.