Jeremiah 19:3

saying, 'Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,

Study Bible

Hear the word of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but listening with attention and obedience. In the biblical context, hearing the word of the LORD is a call to heed and act upon God's commands. This phrase underscores the authority and urgency of God's message, emphasizing that it is not merely to be heard but to be internalized and followed. The LORD, "יהוה" (YHWH), is the covenant name of God, reminding the audience of His eternal and unchanging nature.

O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem
This phrase identifies the primary audience of the prophecy. The "kings of Judah" refers to the ruling class, those in positions of power and authority. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom, and its kings were descendants of David. The "residents of Jerusalem" includes all the inhabitants of the city, the spiritual and political center of Judah. This address highlights the comprehensive nature of the message, intended for both leaders and common people, indicating that the impending judgment affects all levels of society.

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יהוה צְבָאוֹת, YHWH Tzevaot) portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His supreme power and authority over all creation. "The God of Israel" reaffirms His special relationship with the people of Israel, reminding them of their covenant obligations. This introduction to the divine message serves to authenticate the prophecy, asserting that it comes from the highest authority and is not merely Jeremiah's own words.

I am about to bring such a disaster on this place
The phrase "I am about to bring" indicates the imminence and certainty of the coming judgment. The Hebrew word for "disaster" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, calamity, or misfortune. This disaster is a direct consequence of the people's disobedience and idolatry, as outlined in the preceding chapters. The "place" refers specifically to Jerusalem and its environs, the heart of Judah's religious and political life.

that the ears of all who hear of it will tingle
The expression "ears... will tingle" is a Hebrew idiom (תִּצַּלְנָה אָזְנֵי, titzalnah oznay) used to describe a reaction of shock or horror. It conveys the idea that the news of the disaster will be so astonishing and dreadful that it will cause a physical reaction in those who hear it. This phrase serves to underscore the severity and unprecedented nature of the coming judgment, intended to provoke a response of fear and repentance among the people.

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 perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Kings of Judah
The ruling monarchs of the southern kingdom of Judah, responsible for leading the people in accordance with God's laws but often failing to do so.

3. Residents of Jerusalem
The inhabitants of the capital city of Judah, who were often involved in idolatry and disobedience to God.

4. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority.

5. The Place
Refers to Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, which were under threat of divine judgment due to the people's persistent sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has real consequences, both individually and collectively. The disaster prophesied by Jeremiah serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are called to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular. Jeremiah's courage in delivering a difficult message is an example for believers to stand firm in their faith.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign and just, and His judgments are righteous. Understanding His character helps us trust in His plans, even when they involve discipline.

Call to Repentance
The warning of disaster is also an implicit call to repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and turn back to God before facing consequences.

The Impact of Leadership
The kings of Judah had a significant influence on the spiritual state of the nation. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the message in Jeremiah 19:3 reflect the overall spiritual condition of Judah at the time? Consider the historical context provided in 2 Kings 21-23.

2. In what ways can we see the role of a prophet mirrored in the responsibilities of modern-day Christians to speak truth in their communities?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Jeremiah 19:3, affect our perspective on current events and personal challenges?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are responsive to God's warnings and calls to repentance in our own lives?

5. How can we, as individuals or leaders, influence those around us to pursue a closer relationship with God, avoiding the pitfalls seen in the leadership of Judah's kings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 21-23
These chapters provide historical context for the spiritual decline in Judah, including the reigns of Manasseh and Josiah, highlighting the idolatry and reforms that set the stage for Jeremiah's prophecies.

Isaiah 6:9-10
Similar to Jeremiah's message, Isaiah was also called to deliver a message that would harden the hearts of the people, showing a pattern of prophetic ministry in Israel's history.

Ezekiel 7:5-9
Echoes the theme of impending disaster due to the people's sins, reinforcing the message of judgment found in Jeremiah.