Jeremiah 9:20

Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD. Open your ears to the word of His mouth. Teach your daughters to wail, and one another to lament.

Study Bible

Now hear the word of the LORD
This phrase is a direct call to attention, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message from God. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just listening but also obeying. In the context of ancient Israel, hearing the word of the LORD was a call to action, a divine command that required a response. The phrase underscores the authority of God’s word, which is timeless and unchanging, demanding the same reverence and obedience today as it did in Jeremiah's time.

O women
The specific address to women in this verse is significant. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, women often played key roles in mourning and lamentation. By addressing women, the verse acknowledges their influential role in society, particularly in times of communal grief. This call to women highlights their responsibility to lead in the expression of sorrow and repentance, serving as a reminder of the communal nature of sin and the collective need for repentance.

let your ear receive the word of His mouth
The imagery of the ear receiving the word suggests an active and intentional engagement with God’s message. The Hebrew word for "receive" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which can mean to take hold of or grasp. This implies that the word of God is not passively heard but actively embraced and internalized. The phrase "word of His mouth" emphasizes the personal and direct communication from God, reinforcing the idea that Scripture is God-breathed and authoritative.

Teach your daughters to wail
The instruction to teach daughters to wail indicates the importance of passing down the practice of lamentation to the next generation. In the Hebrew culture, wailing was a formal expression of grief, often involving loud cries and physical expressions of sorrow. This practice served as a communal acknowledgment of sin and its consequences. The directive to teach this to daughters underscores the continuity of faith and the importance of preparing future generations to respond to God’s judgment with appropriate humility and repentance.

and one another to lament
The call for mutual instruction in lamentation highlights the communal aspect of mourning. The Hebrew word for "lament" is "קִינָה" (qinah), which refers to a dirge or a song of mourning. This communal lamentation serves as a collective expression of sorrow and repentance, fostering unity and solidarity among the people. It reflects the biblical principle that the body of believers is interconnected, sharing in both joys and sorrows, and bearing one another’s burdens as they seek God’s mercy and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep sorrow over the people's sin and impending judgment.

2. Women of Judah
Specifically addressed in this verse, they are called to listen and respond to God's message. Their role is significant in teaching the next generation to mourn and lament.

3. Daughters of Judah
Represent the next generation who are to be taught the art of lamentation, signifying the continuation of awareness and response to God's judgment.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet to call His people to repentance and awareness of their spiritual state.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing imminent judgment due to their persistent sin and rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Listening to God
Just as the women of Judah were called to hear God's word, we must prioritize listening to God's voice through Scripture and prayer.

The Role of Women in Spiritual Instruction
Women have a vital role in teaching and nurturing the next generation in spiritual truths, including the practice of lamentation and repentance.

The Practice of Lament
Lament is a biblical response to sin and suffering. It is an expression of sorrow that leads to repentance and a deeper reliance on God.

Intergenerational Faithfulness
Teaching the next generation about God’s ways, including how to respond to sin and judgment, is crucial for maintaining faithfulness across generations.

Awareness of Sin and Judgment
Recognizing the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's judgment should lead us to a posture of humility and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to "hear the word of the LORD" in Jeremiah 9:20 challenge us in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can women today fulfill the role of spiritual instructors within their families and communities?

3. How can the practice of lament be incorporated into our personal and communal spiritual lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can teach the next generation about the importance of repentance and lamentation?

5. How does understanding the context of God's judgment in Jeremiah help us appreciate the message of hope and redemption found in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations
The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, provides a broader context for understanding the call to lament. It reflects the deep sorrow and mourning over Jerusalem's destruction.

Joel 1:8-13
This passage also calls for lamentation in response to devastation, emphasizing the role of communal mourning in times of judgment.

Matthew 5:4
Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes, where He blesses those who mourn, connects to the idea of lament as a response to sin and brokenness.