Jeremiah 44:16

"As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you!

Study Bible

We will not listen
This phrase reflects a profound moment of rebellion and disobedience among the people of Judah. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or obey. In the biblical context, listening is not merely about auditory reception but involves obedience and submission to God's will. The refusal to listen signifies a deliberate choice to reject divine authority. Historically, this reflects the persistent pattern of Israel's disobedience despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. This rebellion is a cautionary tale for believers today, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's word and the consequences of turning away from His guidance.

to your message
The "message" here refers to the prophetic word delivered by Jeremiah, which was a direct communication from God. The Hebrew term for "message" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), meaning word, matter, or thing. In the biblical narrative, a prophet's message was not merely human opinion but carried the weight of divine authority. The rejection of Jeremiah's message is symbolic of rejecting God Himself. This highlights the critical role of prophets in the Old Testament as God's mouthpieces and the seriousness of disregarding their words. For contemporary believers, it underscores the importance of valuing and adhering to the teachings of Scripture as God's revealed truth.

that you have spoken to us
This phrase personalizes the message, indicating that it was specifically addressed to the people of Judah. The act of speaking, "דִּבֶּר" (diber), in Hebrew, implies a direct and intentional communication. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to convey God's specific instructions and warnings to His people. The personal nature of this communication underscores God's relational aspect, as He seeks to guide and correct His people out of love and concern for their well-being. It serves as a reminder that God's word is not abstract or distant but is meant to engage us personally and transform our lives.

in the name of the LORD
The phrase "in the name of the LORD" signifies the authority and authenticity of Jeremiah's message. The name of the LORD, "יְהוָה" (YHWH), is the sacred and covenantal name of God, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. Speaking in God's name implies that the message carries divine authority and is not to be taken lightly. This highlights the seriousness of the people's rebellion, as they are not merely rejecting a human messenger but the sovereign God Himself. For believers, it is a call to recognize the authority of God's word and to respond with reverence and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in delivering God's word despite opposition and persecution.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's message in this chapter. They are living in Egypt after fleeing there to escape the Babylonian conquest of Judah.

3. Egypt
The place where the remnant of Judah has settled, despite God's warnings against going there. It represents a place of disobedience and reliance on human strength rather than God's provision.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah, calling His people to repentance and obedience.

5. The Rejection of God's Word
The event where the people of Judah openly reject the prophetic message delivered by Jeremiah, choosing instead to follow their own desires.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Rejecting God's Word
Ignoring God's commands leads to spiritual and often physical consequences. The people of Judah chose to reject God's message, leading to further judgment.

The Importance of Obedience
True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's word. The people of Judah failed to trust and obey, serving as a warning for us today.

The Role of Prophets and God's Messengers
God uses His messengers to communicate His will. We must be discerning and receptive to God's word, whether it comes through Scripture, teaching, or other means.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Placing anything above God leads to spiritual downfall. The people of Judah's idolatry in Egypt is a reminder to guard against modern forms of idolatry.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Despite circumstances, we must trust in God's plan and provision. The remnant's decision to flee to Egypt shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern ways we might reject God's word, similar to the people of Judah in Jeremiah 44:16?

2. How can we ensure that we are listening to and obeying God's word in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the account of the Israelites' idolatry in Exodus 32 relate to the actions of the people in Jeremiah 44:16?

4. How can we discern true messages from God today, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to trust in God's plan versus relying on your own understanding. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The rebellion of the Israelites with the golden calf parallels the disobedience of Judah in Egypt, highlighting a recurring theme of idolatry and rejection of God's commands.

2 Kings 25
The fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile to Babylon provide context for why the remnant is in Egypt, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns against hardening one's heart, similar to the attitude of the people in Jeremiah 44:16, and encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient.