Jeremiah 26:5

and if you do not listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have sent you again and again even though you did not listen,

Study Bible

and to listen
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also obeying and heeding. In the biblical context, listening is an active process that involves a response. God calls His people to not only hear His words but to act upon them. This reflects the covenant relationship where obedience is a sign of faithfulness.

to the words
The term "words" here is "דְּבָרִים" (devarim) in Hebrew, which can mean words, matters, or things. In the prophetic context, these are not mere human words but divine messages. The words of the prophets carry the authority and power of God, demanding respect and adherence.

of My servants
The phrase "My servants" refers to the prophets, who are seen as God's chosen messengers. The Hebrew word "עֲבָדַי" (avaday) indicates a position of service and loyalty. Prophets are not acting on their own accord but are fulfilling a divine commission, serving as intermediaries between God and His people.

the prophets
The prophets, or "נְבִיאִים" (nevi'im), were individuals called by God to deliver His messages. They often faced opposition and persecution, yet their role was crucial in guiding, warning, and correcting the people. The prophetic office is a testament to God's persistent effort to communicate with humanity.

I have been sending you
This phrase underscores God's initiative and persistence. The Hebrew verb "שָׁלַח" (shalach) is in the continuous tense, indicating ongoing action. God repeatedly sends prophets, demonstrating His patience and desire for His people to return to Him. It highlights God's relentless pursuit of a relationship with His people.

again and again
The repetition here emphasizes God's enduring patience and mercy. Despite the people's repeated failures, God continues to reach out. This phrase reflects the Hebrew idiom "שָׁכַם וְשָׁלַח" (shakam v'shalach), which conveys the idea of rising early to send, indicating diligence and urgency in God's actions.

but you have not listened
The contrast introduced by "but" marks the people's stubbornness and rebellion. Despite God's persistent efforts, the people have failed to "שָׁמַע" (shama), or listen and obey. This highlights the tragic reality of human disobedience and the consequences of ignoring divine warnings. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God's call.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Prophets
God's messengers who were sent repeatedly to convey His words and warnings to the people. They played a crucial role in guiding Israel and Judah back to God's covenant.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about impending judgment due to their disobedience.

4. God
The sovereign Lord who communicates His will and warnings through His prophets, desiring repentance and obedience from His people.

5. Temple of the Lord
The setting of Jeremiah's message in this chapter, where he was instructed to deliver God's warning to the people of Judah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Listening to God
God repeatedly sends His prophets to communicate His will. We must be attentive and responsive to God's messages, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's warnings leads to judgment. The history of Judah serves as a cautionary tale for us to heed God's instructions.

God's Patience and Persistence
Despite repeated rejections, God continues to reach out to His people. This demonstrates His patience and desire for repentance and restoration.

The Role of Prophets and Scripture Today
While we may not have prophets in the same way today, God still speaks through His Word. We should value and study Scripture as God's communication to us.

Repentance and Restoration
God's ultimate goal in sending prophets is to bring His people back to Him. We should be quick to repent and seek restoration in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the repeated sending of prophets by God demonstrate His character and intentions towards His people?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to God's messages in our lives today?

3. What are some modern-day "prophets" or sources of godly wisdom that we might be ignoring, and how can we better heed their messages?

4. How does the rejection of prophets in Jeremiah's time parallel the rejection of Jesus in the New Testament, and what lessons can we draw from this?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or message from God. What were the consequences, and how did you eventually respond?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
This passage highlights the persistent sending of prophets by God and the people's continued rejection, similar to the message in Jeremiah 26:5.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem's history of killing prophets, echoing the rejection of God's messengers seen in Jeremiah's time.

Hebrews 1:1-2
This passage speaks of God speaking through prophets in the past and now through His Son, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God's communication.