Jeremiah 36:7

Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people."

Study Bible

Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD
The word "Perhaps" indicates a sense of hope and possibility. In Hebrew, this is "אֻלַּי" (ulay), suggesting a chance for repentance and change. It reflects God's enduring patience and willingness to forgive if the people choose to turn back to Him. The phrase "bring their petition" implies an act of humility and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bringing a petition before a deity was a formal act of seeking favor or forgiveness, indicating the seriousness of the people's situation. The "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel and His desire for their return to righteousness.

and each one will turn from his wicked way
The phrase "each one" underscores individual responsibility in the collective call to repentance. In Hebrew, "שׁוּב" (shuv) is the root for "turn," which means to return or repent. This is a central theme in the prophetic literature, where turning from sin is a prerequisite for divine forgiveness. "Wicked way" refers to the moral and spiritual corruption prevalent among the people. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "רָע" (ra), which encompasses evil, harm, and wrongdoing. This call to turn from wickedness is a call to align with God's righteous standards, highlighting the personal and communal transformation required to avert divine judgment.

For great is the anger and wrath
The word "great" in Hebrew is "גָּדוֹל" (gadol), indicating the intensity and magnitude of God's response to sin. "Anger" and "wrath" are "אַף" (aph) and "חֵמָה" (chemah) respectively, both conveying God's righteous indignation against persistent disobedience. In the biblical context, God's anger is not capricious but is a just response to covenant unfaithfulness. This serves as a warning of the serious consequences of sin and the urgent need for repentance. The emphasis on the greatness of God's anger underscores the severity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action to avert disaster.

that the LORD has pronounced against this people
The word "pronounced" is "דִּבֶּר" (dibber) in Hebrew, meaning to speak or declare. This indicates a formal and authoritative declaration from God, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the impending judgment. "This people" refers specifically to the nation of Judah, highlighting their unique covenant relationship with God and their failure to uphold it. The historical context is crucial here, as Jeremiah's ministry occurred during a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline, with Babylon looming as a threat. The pronouncement of judgment is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of the people's persistent rebellion and idolatry, serving as a call to return to the covenantal faithfulness that God desires.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience.

2. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who wrote down the words of the prophet as dictated by him and read them to the people and officials.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment from God due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful, calling His people to repentance.

5. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's message, who were living in sin and needed to turn back to God to avoid His wrath.

Teaching Points

The Power of Repentance
God’s call to repentance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a return to God.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While God’s anger and wrath are real, His desire is for His people to turn back to Him. His justice is balanced by His mercy.

The Role of Intercession
Bringing petitions before the LORD is an act of intercession. Believers are called to pray for others, seeking God’s mercy on their behalf.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God’s warnings leads to severe consequences. The people of Judah faced destruction because they did not heed God’s call.

The Importance of Scripture
Just as Baruch read Jeremiah’s words to the people, believers today are called to engage with Scripture, allowing it to convict and guide them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Jeremiah 36:7 help us understand the urgency of repentance in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we act as intercessors for others, bringing their petitions before the LORD?

3. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Jeremiah 36:7 reflect the character of God as seen throughout the Bible?

4. What are some modern-day "wicked ways" that we need to turn from, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

5. How can we ensure that we are not just hearers of the Word, like the people of Judah, but doers who respond to God’s call?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
This passage highlights the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah and God's repeated warnings through His prophets, similar to the context of Jeremiah 36.

Jonah 3:8-10
The repentance of Nineveh serves as a parallel to the hope expressed in Jeremiah 36:7 that the people might turn from their wicked ways and avert disaster.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
These verses emphasize God's desire for repentance and life rather than judgment, echoing the call for repentance in Jeremiah 36:7.