But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. But these peopleThis phrase sets the stage for a contrast between the people of Judah and what God desires from His covenant people. The Hebrew word for "people" here is "עַם" (am), which often refers to a collective group bound by common identity or covenant. Historically, this refers to the Israelites, who were chosen by God to be a light to the nations. The use of "these" indicates a specific group known to the prophet, emphasizing their distinct behavior from what is expected. have stubborn and rebellious hearts They have turned aside and gone away Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, 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 unwavering commitment to God's message. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. During Jeremiah's time, Judah was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. The People of Judah The audience of Jeremiah's prophecy, characterized by their stubbornness and rebellion against God. Despite numerous warnings, they continued in their sinful ways, leading to their eventual exile. 4. Rebellion A key theme in Jeremiah 5:23, highlighting the people's deliberate choice to turn away from God. The Hebrew word for "rebellious" (sarar) conveys a sense of obstinacy and defiance. 5. Turning Aside This phrase indicates a conscious decision to deviate from the path of righteousness. The Hebrew root (sur) suggests a willful departure from God's commands. Teaching Points The Danger of a Stubborn HeartA heart that is resistant to God's guidance is prone to spiritual downfall. We must regularly examine our hearts and remain open to God's correction. The Consequences of Rebellion Persistent rebellion against God leads to separation from Him and eventual judgment. It's crucial to heed God's warnings and turn back to Him. The Importance of Repentance Turning aside from God is a choice, but so is repentance. We must actively choose to return to God and seek His forgiveness. God's Patience and Justice While God is patient and desires repentance, His justice will ultimately prevail. We should not take His patience for granted but respond to His call promptly. The Role of Prophets and Scripture Prophets like Jeremiah were sent to guide and warn. Today, Scripture serves as our guide, and we must diligently study and apply it to our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day examples of stubbornness and rebellion against God, and how can we guard against them in our own lives?2. How does the theme of rebellion in Jeremiah 5:23 relate to the broader account of Israel's history, and what lessons can we learn from it? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts remain open and responsive to God's guidance and correction? 4. How does the message of Jeremiah 5:23 challenge us to examine our own spiritual walk and relationship with God? 5. What role does repentance play in restoring our relationship with God, and how can we practice it in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 9:6This verse speaks of the Israelites' stubbornness, similar to the description in Jeremiah 5:23, emphasizing the persistent nature of their rebellion against God. Isaiah 1:4 Isaiah also addresses the rebellious nature of the people, calling them a sinful nation laden with iniquity, which parallels Jeremiah's message. Ezekiel 2:3-4 God describes the Israelites as a rebellious nation, underscoring the consistent theme of rebellion throughout the prophetic books. Romans 1:21-23 Paul speaks of humanity's tendency to turn away from God, exchanging His glory for idols, which mirrors the spiritual condition described in Jeremiah.
People Jacob, JeremiahPlaces JerusalemTopics Apostate, Aside, Broken, Departed, Heart, Hearts, Loose, Rebellious, Revolted, Revolting, Stubborn, UncontrolledDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 5:23 5764 attitudes, negative to God 8757 folly, effects of 8334 reverence, and God's nature Library A Question for the Beginning'What will ye do in the end?'--JER. v. 31. I find that I preached to the young from this text just thirty years since--nearly a generation ago. How few of my then congregation are here to-night! how changed they and I are! and how much nearer the close we have drifted! How many of the young men and women of that evening have gone to meet the end, and how many of them have wrecked their lives because they would not face and answer this question! Ah, dear young friends, if I could bring some of the … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Storming the Battlements God's Barriers against Man's Sin Tithing How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished. The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus. Purposes of God. "And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. " Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire "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. " Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Acceptable Sacrifice; Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it Produces in Men's Apprehensions. Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 5:23 NIVJeremiah 5:23 NLT Jeremiah 5:23 ESV Jeremiah 5:23 NASB Jeremiah 5:23 KJV Jeremiah 5:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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