Jeremiah 32:31

For this city has aroused My wrath and fury from the day it was built until now. Therefore I will remove it from My presence

Study Bible

For this city
The phrase "this city" refers specifically to Jerusalem, the heart of Judah and the center of Jewish worship and governance. Historically, Jerusalem was chosen by God as the place where His name would dwell (1 Kings 11:36). The city held the Temple, the symbol of God's presence among His people. However, despite its sacred status, Jerusalem had become a place of idolatry and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word for city, "עִיר" (ir), often signifies not just a physical location but a community of people, emphasizing the collective responsibility of its inhabitants for the city's spiritual state.

has aroused My anger and wrath
The words "anger" and "wrath" in Hebrew are "אַף" (aph) and "חֵמָה" (chemah), respectively. These terms convey a deep, righteous indignation. God's anger is not capricious but is a response to persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. Throughout the Old Testament, God's wrath is depicted as a just response to idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption. The use of both terms together underscores the intensity of God's displeasure with Jerusalem's actions. This divine anger is not merely punitive but is intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

from the day it was built until now
This phrase highlights the long history of Jerusalem's disobedience. From its establishment as the capital under King David, the city had experienced periods of faithfulness and rebellion. The phrase "until now" indicates that the people's sins were ongoing, with no sign of repentance. This historical context is crucial, as it shows that God's judgment is not impulsive but is the result of a prolonged period of warning and patience. The continuity of sin from the city's inception to Jeremiah's time reflects a deep-seated spiritual malaise that required divine intervention.

Therefore, I will remove it from My presence
The consequence of Jerusalem's persistent sin is severe: removal from God's presence. The Hebrew word for "remove" is "סוּר" (sur), which can mean to turn aside or to take away. This implies a deliberate action by God to distance Himself from the city. In the Old Testament, God's presence was synonymous with blessing, protection, and favor. To be removed from His presence meant exposure to judgment and calamity. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of maintaining a covenant relationship with God. The removal is not just physical but spiritual, indicating a loss of divine fellowship and favor.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Jerusalem
The city referred to in this verse, which had become a center of idolatry and disobedience against God, leading to His anger and impending judgment.

3. God's Anger and Wrath
The divine response to the persistent sin and rebellion of the people of Jerusalem, highlighting God's holiness and justice.

4. The Day it was Built
Refers to the long history of Jerusalem, indicating that the city's disobedience has been a longstanding issue.

5. Removal from God's Presence
Symbolizes the impending judgment and exile, where the people would be taken away from the land God had given them.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Persistent Sin
God's patience is immense, but persistent rebellion leads to judgment. We must be vigilant in turning away from sin and seeking His forgiveness.

The Holiness of God
God's anger is a response to sin, reflecting His holiness. We are called to live in a way that honors His holy nature.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. Like Jerusalem, we face consequences when we stray from His path.

God's Desire for Relationship
Despite His anger, God's ultimate desire is for restoration and relationship with His people. We should seek to restore our relationship with Him through repentance.

Learning from History
The history of Jerusalem serves as a warning. We should learn from past mistakes to avoid similar downfalls in our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the history of Jerusalem's disobedience reflect in our own lives today, and what steps can we take to avoid similar pitfalls?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and daily lives align with God's commands, as outlined in Deuteronomy 12?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's holiness and justice?

4. How can the account of Jerusalem's judgment and exile encourage us to seek repentance and restoration in our relationship with God?

5. What lessons can we learn from the reign of King Manasseh (2 Kings 21) that apply to leadership and influence in our communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the importance of worshiping God in the way He commands, contrasting with the idolatry that angered God in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 21
Provides historical context on the reign of King Manasseh, whose actions contributed significantly to the sinfulness of Jerusalem.

Lamentations 1
Offers a poetic reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing the consequences of the city's disobedience.

Ezekiel 8
Describes the abominations in Jerusalem that provoked God's anger, similar to the issues addressed in Jeremiah.