Jeremiah 7:11 Study Bible: Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Look, I, even I, have seen it, says the LORD.

◄ Jeremiah 7:11 ►

Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

Has this house
The phrase "this house" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. In Hebrew, the word for house is "bayit," which can mean both a physical structure and a household or family. The temple was not just a building; it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Historically, the temple was a symbol of God's covenant with Israel, a place where sacrifices were made, and where the people could come to seek forgiveness and guidance. The use of "this house" emphasizes the specific and sacred nature of the temple, highlighting the gravity of the situation when it is misused.

which bears My Name
The temple was not just any building; it bore the Name of the LORD, signifying His ownership and presence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name was more than a label; it represented character and authority. The Hebrew word for name is "shem," which conveys the essence and reputation of a person. The temple, bearing God's Name, was meant to be a place of holiness and reverence, reflecting God's character. The misuse of the temple was not just a physical defilement but a spiritual affront to God's holy Name.

become a den of robbers
The phrase "den of robbers" is a powerful metaphor. In Hebrew, "den" is "me'arah," meaning a cave or hiding place, and "robbers" is "peritzim," referring to violent criminals or bandits. This imagery suggests that the temple, intended as a sanctuary of peace and worship, had become a refuge for those who exploit and harm others. The historical context reveals that the people were engaging in unjust practices and then seeking refuge in the temple, believing it would protect them from God's judgment. This misuse of the temple as a cover for sin is a stark violation of its sacred purpose.

in your sight?
The phrase "in your sight" indicates the people's awareness and complicity in the corruption of the temple. The Hebrew word for sight is "ayin," which can mean both physical sight and spiritual perception. This suggests that the people were not ignorant of their actions; they saw and understood the desecration occurring within the temple. It challenges the reader to consider their own awareness of sin and the ways they might be complicit in actions that dishonor God.

Yes, I too have seen it
God's declaration, "I too have seen it," underscores His omniscience and the fact that nothing is hidden from Him. The Hebrew word for "seen" is "ra'ah," which means to see, perceive, or understand. This emphasizes that God is fully aware of the people's actions and the state of the temple. It serves as a reminder that God is not distant or unaware; He is actively observing and involved in the lives of His people. This awareness brings both comfort and accountability, as God sees both the good and the evil.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a solemn affirmation of God's authority and the certainty of His words. In Hebrew, "declares" is "ne'um," often used in prophetic literature to introduce a divine pronouncement. This phrase assures the reader that the message is not Jeremiah's opinion but a direct communication from God. The use of "the LORD," or "Yahweh," God's covenant name, reinforces His faithfulness and the seriousness of the message. It calls the reader to heed the warning and return to a right relationship with God, honoring His Name and His house.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his lamentations and his role as a "weeping prophet."

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to address the people's sins and call them to repentance.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, which had become corrupted by the people's idolatry and false sense of security.

4. The People of Judah
The inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Israel, who were engaging in idolatry and injustice, believing that the mere presence of the Temple would protect them.

5. Babylonian Threat
The impending judgment and exile that would come upon Judah as a result of their disobedience, symbolized by the Babylonian Empire.

Teaching Points

True Worship vs. Ritualistic Religion
God desires genuine worship that reflects a heart aligned with His will, not mere ritualistic practices devoid of true devotion.

The Danger of False Security
Trusting in religious symbols or institutions without a corresponding life of obedience and justice leads to spiritual complacency and judgment.

God's Omniscience and Justice
God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the true state of our hearts. His justice will address hypocrisy and corruption.

Repentance and Restoration
The call to repentance is an invitation to return to a right relationship with God, which brings restoration and blessing.

The Role of the Church Today
The Church must guard against becoming a "den of robbers" by ensuring that its practices and teachings align with the heart of God, focusing on justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah 7:11 challenge our understanding of what it means to truly worship God?

2. In what ways might we, like the people of Judah, place false security in religious practices or institutions today?

3. How can we ensure that our places of worship do not become "dens of robbers" but remain houses of prayer and justice?

4. What parallels can we draw between the message of Jeremiah and Jesus' actions in the Temple as recorded in the Gospels?

5. How can the principles found in Jeremiah 7:11 guide us in our personal and communal spiritual lives to reflect God's justice and righteousness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 21:13
Jesus references Jeremiah 7:11 when He cleanses the Temple, highlighting the continuity of God's concern for true worship and justice.

Isaiah 56:7
This verse speaks of the Temple as a house of prayer for all nations, contrasting with its misuse as a "den of robbers."

1 Samuel 15:22
Emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, aligning with Jeremiah's message that ritual without righteousness is meaningless.

Micah 6:8
Calls for justice, mercy, and humility, which are the qualities lacking in the people addressed by Jeremiah.

Sermons

The Doom of the Temple	D. Young	Jeremiah 7:1-14
The Relations of Righteousness and Religion	S. Conway	Jeremiah 7:1-34
Strange Church-Goers	S. Conway	Jeremiah 7:5-16
Sacrilege	S. Conway	Jeremiah 7:9-11

People

Ben, Jeremiah

Places

Egypt, Jerusalem, Shiloh, Topheth, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Slaughter, Zion

Topics

Affirmation, Behold, Burglars, Declares, Den, Hole, Myself, Named, Robbers, Says, Sight, Thieves, Truly, Watching, Whereupon

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Jeremiah 7:11

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     5555   stealing
     8470   respect, for God

Jeremiah 7:1-11

7756 preaching, content

Jeremiah 7:2-11

5943 self-deception

Jeremiah 7:9-15

5978 warning
8705 apostasy, in OT

Library

An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
I should judge that the church at Laodicea was once in a very fervent and healthy condition. Paul wrote a letter to it which did not claim inspiration, and therefore its loss does not render the Scriptures incomplete, for Paul may have written scores of other letters besides. Paul also mentions the church at Laodicea in his letter to the church at Colosse; he was, therefore, well acquainted with it, and as he does not utter a word of censure with regard to it, we may infer that the church was at …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
1, 2. The vanity of those pleas which sinners may secretly confide in, is so apparent that they will be ashamed at last to mention them before God.--3. Such as, that they descended from pious us parents.--4. That they had attended to the speculative part of religion.--5. That they had entertained sound notion..--6, 7. That they had expressed a zealous regard to religion, and attended the outward forms of worship with those they apprehended the purest churches.--8. That they had been free from gross …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.
There being a great demand for the several books that are printed under Mr. Binning's name, it was judged proper to undertake a new and correct impression of them in one volume. This being done, the publishers were much concerned to have the life of such an useful and eminent minister of Christ written, in justice to his memory, and his great services in the work of the gospel, that it might go along with this impression. We living now at so great distance from the time wherein he made a figure in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Valley of Hinnom.
A great part of the valley of Kedron was called also the 'Valley of Hinnom.' Jeremiah, going forth into the valley of Hinnom, went out by the gate "Hacharsith, the Sun-gate," Jeremiah 19:2; that is, the Rabbins and others being interpreters, 'by the East-gate.' For thence was the beginning of the valley of Hinnom, which, after some space, bending itself westward, ran out along the south side of the city. There is no need to repeat those very many things, which are related of this place in the Old …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is to be Worshipped.
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." There are two common notions engraven on the hearts of all men by nature,--that God is, and that he must be worshipped, and these two live and die together, they are clear, or blotted together. According as the apprehension of God is clear, and distinct, and more deeply engraven on the soul, so is this notion of man's duty of worshipping God clear and imprinted on the soul, and whenever the actions …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit
"They shall be My people, and l will be their God. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me."--JER. xxxii. 38, 40. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow need not be always about a better good. A greater good is one that pertains to supererogation. But vows are not only about matters of supererogation, but also about matters of salvation: thus in Baptism men vow to renounce the devil and his pomps, and to keep the faith, as a gloss observes on Ps. 75:12, "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God"; and Jacob vowed (Gn. 28:21) that the Lord should be his God. Now this above all is necessary for salvation. Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of Alexander the Great to the Accession of Herod
The political connection of the Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Hellenism, may be said to have connected with the victorious progress of Alexander the Great through the then known world (333 b.c.). [6326] It was not only that his destruction of the Persian empire put an end to the easy and peaceful allegiance which Judæa had owned to it for about two centuries, but that the establishment of such a vast Hellenic empire. as was the aim of Alexander, introduced a new element into …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Christian Worship,
PART I In the early days of the Gospel, while the Christians were generally poor, and when they were obliged to meet in fear of the heathen, their worship was held in private houses and sometimes in burial-places under-ground. But after a time buildings were expressly set apart for worship. It has been mentioned that in the years of quiet, between the death of Valerian and the last persecution (A D. 261-303) these churches were built much more handsomely than before, and were furnished with gold …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth.
Having thus cleared up this truth, we should come to speak of the way of believers making use of him as the truth, in several cases wherein they will stand in need of him as the truth. But ere we come to the particulars, we shall first propose some general uses of this useful point. First. This point of truth serveth to discover unto us, the woful condition of such as are strangers to Christ the truth; and oh, if it were believed! For, 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

First Ministry in Judæa --John's Second Testimony.
(Judæa and Ænon.) ^D John III. 22-36. ^d 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judæa [That is, he left Jerusalem, the capital of Judæa, and went into the rural districts thereof. We find him there again in John xi. and Luke xiii.-xviii. He gained disciples there, but of them we know but few, such as Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Simeon, and Judas Iscariot]; and there he tarried with them [It is not stated how long he tarried, but it may have been from …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
(Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. Monday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 18, 19, 12, 13; ^B Mark XI. 12-18; ^C Luke XIX. 45-48. ^b 12 And ^a 18 Now ^b on the morrow [on the Monday following the triumphal entry], ^a in the morning ^b when they were come out from Bethany, ^a as he returned to the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [Breakfast with the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord's ministry were full of activity that did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it. Our …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
John v. 39--"Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." Eph. ii. 20--"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets." As in darkness there is need of a lantern without and the light of the eyes within--for neither can we see in darkness without some lamp though we have never so good eyes, nor yet see without eyes, though in never so clear a sunshine--so there is absolute need for the guiding of our feet in the dangerous …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Motives to Holy Mourning
Let me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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

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