Jeremiah 26:2

"This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. In the prophetic tradition, the phrase underscores that the message is not of human origin but is a direct communication from God. This is a common introduction in prophetic literature, establishing the prophet as a mouthpiece for God, similar to other prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel.

Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD:
The courtyard of the temple in Jerusalem was a central place for religious activity and public gatherings. It was accessible to the people, making it an ideal location for delivering a message to a broad audience. The temple was the spiritual heart of Judah, and delivering a message here underscores its importance. Archaeological findings confirm the temple's significance in ancient Judahite society.

and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak:
This highlights the prophet's role as a faithful messenger. The emphasis on "all the words" indicates the completeness and integrity of the message. Prophets were often tasked with delivering difficult truths, and this phrase underscores the necessity of conveying the entire message without alteration, reflecting a commitment to divine truth.

to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there:
This indicates the scope of the message, which is intended for all of Judah, not just Jerusalem. The temple was a pilgrimage site, drawing people from various cities, making it a strategic location for disseminating the message. This reflects the interconnectedness of the cities of Judah through their shared religious practices and central worship site.

Do not omit a word:
This command stresses the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions. It underscores the seriousness of the message and the responsibility of the prophet to deliver it fully. This mirrors the biblical theme of the inerrancy and sufficiency of God's word, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19, which warn against adding to or taking away from God's commands.

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.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will through His prophets.

3. The Courtyard of the House of the LORD
The temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the people of Judah.

4. Cities of Judah
Refers to the inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah, who were called to worship at the temple.

5. The Command
God's directive to Jeremiah to deliver His message without alteration, emphasizing the importance of faithful communication of God's word.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Proclamation
Jeremiah's task underscores the importance of delivering God's message fully and accurately. As believers, we are called to share the gospel and biblical truths without compromise or alteration.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Jeremiah's ministry was marked by resistance and hostility. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith and witness, even when faced with opposition or indifference.

The Centrality of Worship
The setting in the temple courtyard highlights the importance of communal worship and the role of the church as a place for hearing God's word. We should prioritize gathering with other believers to worship and learn.

Responsibility to Hear and Respond
The people of Judah were called to listen to God's message. Similarly, we have a responsibility to hear God's word and respond in obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's obedience to God's command in this passage challenge us in our own lives when it comes to sharing our faith?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are delivering the full message of the gospel, without omission or alteration, in our personal and communal witness?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How can Jeremiah's example encourage you to remain steadfast?

4. How does the setting of the temple courtyard as a place of proclamation relate to the role of the church today in teaching and worship?

5. Considering the connection to Deuteronomy 4:2, how can we guard against the temptation to modify God's word to fit cultural or personal preferences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:2
This verse warns against adding to or taking away from God's commandments, paralleling the instruction to Jeremiah to speak all that God commands without omission.

Ezekiel 2:7
Similar to Jeremiah's commission, Ezekiel is instructed to speak God's words to the people, regardless of their response.

Acts 20:27
Paul speaks of not hesitating to proclaim the whole counsel of God, reflecting the same commitment to delivering God's complete message.