Jeremiah 11:8

Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep."

Study Bible

Yet they did not listen
This phrase underscores the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying and acting upon what is heard. Historically, the Israelites had a covenant relationship with God, which required them to listen and adhere to His commandments. Their failure to do so reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where the people often turned away from God despite His continuous guidance and warnings through the prophets.

or incline their ear
The phrase "incline their ear" suggests a deliberate act of paying attention and being receptive. The Hebrew word "הִטָּה" (natah) means to stretch out or extend, indicating an intentional effort to understand and follow God's instructions. This imagery of inclining the ear is used throughout Scripture to depict a posture of humility and willingness to be taught, which the people of Judah lacked.

but each one followed the stubbornness
Here, "stubbornness" is translated from the Hebrew word "שְׁרִרוּת" (sherirut), which conveys a sense of hardness or obstinacy. This reflects the human tendency to resist divine authority and pursue one's own desires. The historical context shows that despite numerous warnings, the people of Judah chose to follow their own ways, leading to their eventual downfall.

of his own evil heart
The "heart" in Hebrew, "לֵב" (lev), is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will. An "evil heart" indicates a deep-seated inclination towards sin and rebellion against God. This phrase highlights the internal nature of sin, suggesting that the root of disobedience lies within the individual's own desires and choices, rather than external circumstances.

So I brought upon them all the curses
The "curses" refer to the consequences outlined in the covenant, particularly those found in Deuteronomy 28. These were not arbitrary punishments but the result of the people's failure to uphold their covenantal obligations. The historical and scriptural context shows that God's justice is consistent; He is faithful to His word, both in blessing and in judgment.

of the covenant I had commanded them to follow
The "covenant" is central to the relationship between God and Israel. It was a binding agreement that required adherence to God's laws. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), signifies a solemn commitment. The people's failure to follow the covenant led to the fulfillment of the curses, demonstrating the seriousness of their rebellion and the righteousness of God's judgment.

but they did not keep them
This final phrase reiterates the disobedience of the people. The Hebrew word for "keep," "שָׁמַר" (shamar), means to guard, protect, or observe. It implies a careful and diligent adherence to God's commands. The repetition of their failure to keep the covenant emphasizes the gravity of their sin and serves as a warning to future generations about the importance of faithfulness to God.

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 his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about their disobedience and idolatry.

3. The Covenant
Refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which included laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The covenant was conditional, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

4. The Curses
Consequences outlined in the covenant for disobedience, as detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 28. These included various forms of suffering and calamity as a result of turning away from God.

5. The Evil Heart
A reference to the sinful nature of humanity, which inclines people to follow their own desires rather than God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Listening to God
God desires a relationship with His people, which requires listening and responding to His Word. Ignoring God's voice leads to spiritual and often physical consequences.

The Nature of the Human Heart
The "evil heart" is a reminder of our sinful nature. Without God's intervention, we are prone to follow our own desires rather than His will.

The Seriousness of Covenant Faithfulness
God's covenants are not to be taken lightly. They come with promises and responsibilities. Understanding and adhering to these covenants is crucial for a faithful walk with God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God brings about consequences, not because God is vindictive, but because He is just and His laws are designed for our good.

Hope for Transformation
While the human heart is naturally inclined to evil, God offers hope through transformation and renewal, as seen in the promise of a new heart and spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "listening" to God manifest in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to improve your attentiveness to His Word?

2. Reflect on a time when you followed your own desires rather than God's commands. What were the consequences, and how did you see God's grace at work despite your disobedience?

3. In what ways can understanding the blessings and curses of the covenant help you in your spiritual journey today?

4. How does the promise of a new heart and spirit in Ezekiel 36:26 encourage you in your walk with God, especially when you struggle with sin?

5. How can you apply the lessons from Jeremiah 11:8 to help others understand the importance of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 11:8.

Ezekiel 36:26
This verse speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit, contrasting the "evil heart" mentioned in Jeremiah 11:8, and pointing to the transformative power of God's grace.

Romans 1:21-25
Paul describes humanity's tendency to follow their own desires and the resulting consequences, echoing the themes of stubbornness and disobedience found in Jeremiah.