Jeremiah 11:23

There will be no remnant, for I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment."

Study Bible

Not even a remnant
The phrase "not even a remnant" underscores the totality of the judgment that God is pronouncing. In the Hebrew context, the word for "remnant" often refers to a small surviving group that God preserves for His purposes. Here, however, the absence of a remnant signifies complete destruction and the severity of divine judgment. This highlights the seriousness of the people's rebellion against God and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from His covenant.

will be left to them
The phrase "will be left to them" indicates the finality and completeness of the judgment. In the historical context, the people of Anathoth, a town associated with the priestly line and the hometown of Jeremiah, are being warned that their actions have led to a point of no return. This serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of persistent disobedience and the importance of repentance.

because I will bring disaster
The word "disaster" in Hebrew can also be translated as "calamity" or "evil," and it is often used in the context of divine retribution. This phrase emphasizes that the disaster is not a random occurrence but a direct act of God in response to the people's sins. It reflects the biblical principle that God is just and will not allow sin to go unpunished, reinforcing the need for a righteous and holy life.

on the men of Anathoth
Anathoth was a Levitical city, and its inhabitants were expected to be leaders in spiritual matters. The mention of "the men of Anathoth" specifically points to those who should have been upholding God's law but instead were complicit in the rebellion. This serves as a cautionary tale for those in positions of spiritual leadership, reminding them of their responsibility to lead with integrity and faithfulness.

in the year of their punishment
The phrase "in the year of their punishment" suggests a specific, appointed time for judgment. This reflects the biblical theme that God’s timing is perfect and that He has set times for both judgment and redemption. It serves as a reminder that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail. For believers, this is a call to live in readiness and to trust in God's sovereign timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition, including from his own hometown, Anathoth.

2. Anathoth
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the hometown of Jeremiah. The people of Anathoth plotted against Jeremiah, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment against them.

3. The Men of Anathoth
These were the individuals from Jeremiah's hometown who conspired to kill him because of his prophecies. Their actions led to God's declaration of disaster upon them.

4. The Year of Their Punishment
This refers to the specific time when God would execute judgment on the people of Anathoth for their rebellion and conspiracy against His prophet.

5. God's Judgment
The divine response to the rebellion and sin of the people, emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of turning away from His commands.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Disobedience
The people of Anathoth faced severe consequences for their rebellion against God's prophet. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands.

God's Justice
God's pronouncement of disaster on Anathoth underscores His justice. He does not overlook sin, especially when it involves direct opposition to His messengers.

The Challenge of Prophetic Ministry
Jeremiah's experience highlights the difficulties faced by those called to speak God's truth. Opposition, even from familiar places, is a reality for those who stand for God's word.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Despite the opposition, Jeremiah remained faithful to his calling. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission, regardless of external pressures.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The passage reminds us that God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in rebellion. It calls for repentance and a return to God's ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the opposition Jeremiah faced from Anathoth reflect the challenges believers might encounter today when standing for truth?

2. In what ways does the concept of a "remnant" in Isaiah 10:20-22 provide hope amidst judgment, and how can this be applied to our understanding of God's faithfulness?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's justice in Jeremiah 11:23 to our personal lives and communities?

4. What parallels can be drawn between Jeremiah's experience in Anathoth and Jesus' statement in Matthew 13:57 about a prophet's honor?

5. How can we remain faithful to God's calling in our lives, even when facing opposition from those closest to us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:1
Establishes Jeremiah's connection to Anathoth, providing context for the opposition he faced from his own people.

Jeremiah 12:6
Highlights the betrayal Jeremiah experienced from his family and the people of Anathoth, reinforcing the theme of personal opposition faced by God's messengers.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Discusses the concept of a remnant, contrasting the complete destruction of Anathoth with the preservation of a faithful remnant elsewhere.

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