Jeremiah 9:3

"They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account," declares the LORD.

Study Bible

They bend their tongues like their bows
The imagery of bending tongues like bows is a powerful metaphor that conveys the deliberate and skillful manipulation of words to cause harm. In the Hebrew context, the word for "bend" (Hebrew: "דָּרַךְ" - darak) is often used in the context of preparing a bow for shooting. This suggests a premeditated action, where the tongue is used as a weapon. Historically, the bow was a common weapon of war, symbolizing strength and precision. Here, the tongue, an instrument of speech, is likened to a bow, indicating the destructive potential of deceitful words. This metaphor underscores the seriousness of falsehood and the intentional nature of deceit among the people.

lies instead of truth prevail in the land
The contrast between lies and truth highlights the moral decay present in the society Jeremiah addresses. The Hebrew word for "lies" (שֶׁקֶר - sheker) implies falsehood, deception, and betrayal. In contrast, "truth" (אֱמֶת - emet) is associated with faithfulness, reliability, and integrity. The phrase "prevail in the land" suggests that deceit has become widespread and dominant, overshadowing truth. This reflects a societal condition where falsehood is not only common but accepted, leading to a breakdown of trust and justice. The historical context of Jeremiah's time was marked by political instability and spiritual decline, making this indictment particularly poignant.

for they proceed from evil to evil
This phrase indicates a progression or escalation of wickedness. The Hebrew word for "proceed" (יָצָא - yatsa) means to go out or come forth, suggesting a continuous movement or development. "Evil" (רָעָה - ra'ah) in this context refers to moral corruption and wrongdoing. The repetition of "evil" emphasizes the depth and persistence of their sinful behavior. This progression from one evil to another signifies a deepening entrenchment in sin, where each act of wickedness leads to further moral degradation. It reflects a society that is not only stagnant in its sinfulness but actively moving towards greater corruption.

and they do not know Me,” declares the LORD
The phrase "they do not know Me" is a profound statement about the spiritual condition of the people. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע - yada) implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual awareness. This lack of knowledge of God indicates a broken relationship, where the people have turned away from understanding and acknowledging God's character and will. The declaration by the LORD (יהוה - Yahweh) adds weight to this indictment, as it comes from the covenant God of Israel, who desires a personal relationship with His people. This lack of knowledge is the root cause of their moral and spiritual failings, as knowing God is foundational to living a life of truth and righteousness.

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 over the spiritual state of the nation.

2. The People of Judah
The primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies. They were in a state of moral and spiritual decline, often turning away from God to idolatry and falsehood.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through Jeremiah, expressing His displeasure with the people's deceit and lack of knowledge of Him.

4. The Land of Judah
The geographical and spiritual setting of the prophecy, representing the broader context of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

5. The Bow and Tongue Imagery
Symbolic language used to describe the deceitful nature of the people's speech, likening their tongues to weapons of war.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Our words can be as destructive as weapons. We must be mindful of how we speak, ensuring our words align with truth and righteousness.

The Prevalence of Deceit
In a world where lies often prevail, Christians are called to be beacons of truth, reflecting God's character in our speech and actions.

Knowing God Personally
The root of the people's sin was their lack of knowledge of God. We must prioritize a personal relationship with God, seeking to know Him through His Word and prayer.

Progression of Evil
Sin often leads to more sin. We must be vigilant in our spiritual lives, confessing and repenting to prevent a downward spiral.

God's Call to Repentance
Despite the people's waywardness, God's declaration through Jeremiah is a call to return to Him. We should heed His call to repentance and transformation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the tongue as a bow in Jeremiah 9:3 challenge us to consider the impact of our words in daily life?

2. In what ways can we ensure that truth prevails in our personal and community interactions, as opposed to deceit?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the progression of sin in your life. How did you address it, and what role did knowing God play in your repentance?

4. How can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of God to prevent spiritual ignorance and its consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 9:3?

5. Compare the themes in Jeremiah 9:3 with those in James 3:6. How do these scriptures together inform our understanding of the power and responsibility of speech?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 64:3
This verse also uses the imagery of tongues as weapons, highlighting the destructive power of deceitful speech.

James 3:6
The New Testament warns about the tongue's potential to corrupt and spread evil, echoing the concerns in Jeremiah.

Hosea 4:1
Similar themes of lacking truth and knowledge of God are found here, emphasizing the consequences of spiritual ignorance.