Jeremiah 26:12

But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, "The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.

Study Bible

But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people
Jeremiah, a prophet during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, often found himself in conflict with the political and religious leaders of Judah. This phrase highlights his boldness and obedience to God, speaking directly to those in authority. The officials and people represent the entire spectrum of society, indicating the widespread nature of the message. Jeremiah's audience included priests, prophets, and the general populace, reflecting the comprehensive reach of his prophetic ministry.

“The LORD sent me
Jeremiah emphasizes his divine commission, underscoring that his message is not of human origin but from God. This assertion of divine authority is crucial, as it legitimizes his message and mission. The phrase reflects the prophetic tradition where prophets are sent by God to deliver His messages, as seen in the call narratives of other prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2-3).

to prophesy against this house and against this city
The "house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, and the "city" is Jerusalem itself. Jeremiah's prophecy is one of judgment, warning of impending destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness. This echoes earlier warnings found in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience. The focus on the Temple and city highlights the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish religious and national identity.

all the words that you have heard
Jeremiah's message was not new; it was consistent with previous warnings he had delivered. This phrase indicates that the people were already familiar with the content of his prophecies, which included calls for repentance and warnings of judgment. The repetition of the message underscores the seriousness of the situation and the people's persistent refusal to heed God's warnings. This aligns with the pattern of prophetic ministry where messages are often repeated to emphasize their importance and urgency.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

2. The Officials and the People
The leaders and inhabitants of Judah who were present at the temple when Jeremiah delivered his message. They represent the societal and religious structures of the time.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who sent Jeremiah to deliver His message. His authority and sovereignty are central to the account.

4. The House and the City
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem and the city itself, which were central to the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people.

5. The Prophecy
The message of impending judgment that Jeremiah was commanded to deliver, warning of the consequences of the people's disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
Jeremiah's message was not his own but was delivered under the authority of God. This reminds us of the importance of Scripture as God's authoritative word in our lives.

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Jeremiah stood firm in delivering God's message despite opposition. We are called to be courageous in sharing the truth of the Gospel, even when it is unpopular.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The prophecy against the house and city highlights the serious consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The passage underscores God's sovereignty in sending prophets and His justice in holding people accountable. We can trust in God's righteous judgment.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth, regardless of personal cost. This challenges us to consider how we can be faithful messengers of God's word today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's response to the officials and people demonstrate his understanding of his prophetic calling?

2. In what ways can we apply Jeremiah's courage in proclaiming God's truth to our own lives today?

3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in Jeremiah 26:12 provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

4. What are some modern-day "houses" or "cities" that might be at risk of judgment due to disobedience, and how can we intercede for them?

5. How do the roles and responsibilities of a prophet in the Old Testament compare to the role of believers in sharing the Gospel today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:4-10
This passage describes Jeremiah's calling and commission by God, establishing his authority as a prophet.

Deuteronomy 18:18-22
Discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's words through His chosen messengers.

Acts 7:51-53
Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin, which parallels Jeremiah's experience of delivering a hard message to a resistant audience.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, echoing the themes of warning and impending judgment found in Jeremiah's prophecies.