Jeremiah 35:15

Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: 'Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.' But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.

Study Bible

Again and again
This phrase emphasizes the persistent and relentless efforts of God to reach out to His people. In the Hebrew text, the repetition signifies an ongoing action, suggesting that God’s attempts to communicate were not isolated incidents but a continuous effort. This reflects God's enduring patience and mercy, as He repeatedly sent prophets to guide and correct His people. Historically, this persistence is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God continually reaches out to Israel despite their repeated disobedience.

I have sent you all My servants the prophets
Here, God refers to the prophets as His servants, indicating their role as messengers and representatives of His will. The Hebrew word for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) conveys the idea of dispatching someone with a purpose. The prophets were not self-appointed but were divinely commissioned to deliver God's messages. This underscores the authority and authenticity of their words. Throughout Israel's history, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were sent to call the people back to covenant faithfulness.

declaring
The act of declaring involves making something known publicly and authoritatively. The Hebrew root for "declare" (נָבָא, naba) often relates to the prophetic proclamation. This highlights the clarity and boldness with which the prophets spoke. They were not merely offering suggestions but were delivering divine mandates that required a response. The prophetic declaration was intended to penetrate the hearts of the people and provoke change.

Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways
This call to "turn" is a central theme in the prophetic message, encapsulating the concept of repentance. The Hebrew word for "turn" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or to change direction. It implies a complete transformation of life and behavior. The phrase "evil ways" refers to the sinful practices and idolatry that had led the people away from God. This call to repentance is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the need for personal and communal reformation.

and correct your actions
The phrase "correct your actions" suggests a need for moral and ethical realignment. The Hebrew concept here involves making straight or right what has been crooked or wrong. It is not enough to feel remorse; true repentance involves tangible changes in behavior. This aligns with the biblical teaching that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The prophets called for a return to righteous living as evidence of genuine repentance.

Do not follow other gods to serve them
This warning against idolatry is a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "follow" (הָלַךְ, halak) means to walk or live according to a certain way. To "serve" (עָבַד, avad) other gods is to give them the worship and allegiance that belong to the one true God. Idolatry was a persistent issue for Israel, often leading them into spiritual adultery. The prophets consistently warned against the dangers of turning to false gods, which ultimately led to judgment and exile.

Then you will dwell in the land I have given to you and your fathers
This promise of dwelling in the land is tied to the covenant blessings God promised to Abraham and his descendants. The Hebrew word for "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav) implies a sense of permanence and security. The land was not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's faithfulness and provision. Obedience to God's commands was directly linked to the people's ability to remain in the land. This reflects the conditional nature of the covenant, where blessings were contingent upon faithfulness.

But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me
This lament highlights the people's stubbornness and refusal to heed God's warnings. The phrase "inclined your ear" is a Hebrew idiom for paying close attention or being receptive. The failure to "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) indicates a willful disregard for God's voice. Throughout the prophetic literature, this theme of spiritual deafness is prevalent, illustrating the hardness of heart that prevented the people from responding to God's call. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine instruction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah.

2. The Prophets
Servants of God sent repeatedly to deliver His messages, urging the people to turn from their sinful ways.

3. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's message, who were repeatedly warned but failed to heed God's call.

4. The Land
Refers to the Promised Land given to the Israelites, symbolizing God's covenant and blessings contingent on obedience.

5. False Gods
Represents the idolatry and false worship practices that the people of Judah were engaging in, contrary to God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Persistence of God's Call
God repeatedly sends His prophets, demonstrating His patience and desire for His people to return to Him.

The Importance of Repentance
True repentance involves turning away from evil and correcting one's actions, not just feeling remorse.

The Danger of Idolatry
Following other gods leads to spiritual and often physical destruction, as it breaks the covenant relationship with God.

Listening to God's Word
Inclining our ear to God's message is crucial; ignoring it leads to missed blessings and potential judgment.

Covenant Blessings and Responsibilities
Living in the land and receiving God's blessings are contingent upon obedience to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the persistence of God in sending prophets reflect His character, and how should this influence our view of His patience today?

2. In what ways can we identify and turn from "other gods" in our own lives, and what practical steps can we take to correct our actions?

3. How does the call to repentance in Jeremiah 35:15 compare to the New Testament teachings on repentance?

4. What are some modern-day examples of ignoring God's message, and what can we learn from the consequences faced by the people of Judah?

5. How can we ensure that we are truly listening to God's Word and not just hearing it, especially in a world full of distractions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
This passage parallels Jeremiah 35:15 by highlighting how God persistently sent prophets to warn the people, but they mocked and rejected them.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Similar to Jeremiah's call for repentance, Ezekiel emphasizes turning from sin to avoid destruction and receive life.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
This passage outlines the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, echoing the choice presented in Jeremiah 35:15.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem's history of rejecting prophets, reflecting the same pattern seen in Jeremiah's time.

Acts 7:51-53
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors resisted the prophets, drawing a direct line from Jeremiah's message to the New Testament.