"Your ways and deeds have brought this upon you. This is your punishment; how bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!" Your waysThe phrase "your ways" refers to the conduct and lifestyle of the people of Judah. In Hebrew, the word for "ways" is "derek," which can mean a road, path, or journey. It implies a habitual course of action or behavior. In the context of Jeremiah, it highlights the persistent sinful actions of the people, which have led them away from God. Historically, the people of Judah had adopted idolatrous practices and forsaken the covenant with Yahweh, which is a central theme in the prophetic literature. and your deeds
"Deeds" in Hebrew is "ma'aseh," referring to actions or works. This emphasizes not just the path they have chosen but the specific actions they have taken. The deeds of the people were not in alignment with God's commandments, and this disobedience is a recurring issue in the prophetic books. The historical context shows that these deeds included idolatry, social injustice, and neglect of the law, which were prevalent in Judah before the Babylonian exile. have brought this upon you
This phrase indicates the cause-and-effect relationship between the people's actions and the consequences they face. The Hebrew root "bo" means to come or bring, suggesting that the calamity they experience is a direct result of their own choices. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where disobedience to God leads to judgment. The historical context of Jeremiah's ministry was a time of impending judgment from Babylon, which was seen as a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness. This is your punishment
The word "punishment" in Hebrew is "ra'ah," which can also mean evil or calamity. It underscores the severity of the consequences that have come upon the people. In the biblical narrative, punishment is often portrayed as a means of correction and a call to repentance. The historical backdrop of Jeremiah's prophecy is the Babylonian threat, which serves as a divine instrument of judgment against Judah's persistent rebellion. How bitter it is!
The bitterness described here is both literal and metaphorical, capturing the intense suffering and regret that accompany the consequences of sin. The Hebrew word "mar" conveys a sense of bitterness or sorrow. This reflects the emotional and spiritual anguish that results from separation from God. In the broader scriptural context, bitterness is often associated with the consequences of turning away from God's ways, as seen in the lamentations and cries of the prophets. It pierces to the heart
The imagery of piercing to the heart suggests deep emotional and spiritual pain. The Hebrew word "naga" means to touch or strike, indicating a profound impact. This phrase highlights the internal realization and conviction of sin that the people experience. In the biblical context, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The piercing to the heart signifies a moment of truth and the potential for repentance and return to God. Historically, this reflects the deep sorrow and realization of the people as they face the consequences of their actions, urging them to turn back to God with genuine repentance. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his message. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. God's JudgmentThe event of divine retribution that Jeremiah warns about, which is a consequence of the people's sinful actions and rebellion against God. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinSin has real and tangible consequences. Just as Judah's actions led to their punishment, our own sinful choices can lead to spiritual, emotional, and even physical consequences. The Bitterness of RebellionRebellion against God leads to bitterness and heartache. The piercing of the heart mentioned in the verse symbolizes the deep sorrow and regret that comes from turning away from God. Personal ResponsibilityWe are responsible for our actions. Jeremiah 4:18 emphasizes that the people brought the punishment upon themselves through their own deeds. The Call to RepentanceThis verse serves as a call to examine our lives and turn back to God. Repentance is the first step in restoring our relationship with Him and avoiding the bitter consequences of sin. The Hope of RedemptionWhile the verse speaks of judgment, it also implies the possibility of redemption. God's warnings are often accompanied by the opportunity for repentance and restoration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 4:18 illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping, and how can this principle be applied in our daily lives? 2. In what ways can we identify areas of rebellion in our own lives, and what steps can we take to address them? 3. How does the concept of personal responsibility in Jeremiah 4:18 challenge us to take ownership of our actions and their consequences? 4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a heart of repentance and avoid the bitterness of sin? 5. How can we find hope and encouragement in the midst of warnings of judgment, as seen in the broader context of Jeremiah's message? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences that Judah faces in Jeremiah 4:18. Galatians 6:7-8This passage speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in Jeremiah 4:18 as the people of Judah reap the consequences of their actions. Proverbs 14:12This verse highlights the danger of following one's own way, which leads to destruction, similar to the warning given in Jeremiah 4:18. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Actions, Bitter, Deeds, Deep, Doings, Doom, Evil, Heart, Pierces, Procured, Punishment, Reached, Reaches, Reacheth, Sin, Struck, Touched, Truly, Vexation, Wickedness, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:18 5799 bitterness
6040 sinners Jeremiah 4:13-18 9250 woe Jeremiah 4:14-18 5606 warfare, nature of Jeremiah 4:18-19 5901 loneliness Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 4:18 NIVJeremiah 4:18 NLTJeremiah 4:18 ESVJeremiah 4:18 NASBJeremiah 4:18 KJV
Jeremiah 4:18 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
