Jeremiah 7:28
Therefore you must say to them, 'This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not receive correction. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips.
So you are to say to them
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine communication. This highlights the authority and seriousness of the message. Jeremiah is acting as God's mouthpiece, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. In a historical context, prophets were often the intermediaries between God and the people, tasked with delivering messages that were not always well-received.

This is the nation
The term "nation" here refers to the people of Judah. The Hebrew word "גּוֹי" (goy) is used, which can denote a group of people bound by common identity, often used in the Old Testament to describe both Israel and other nations. This highlights the collective identity and responsibility of the people. Historically, Judah was a nation chosen by God, yet they were failing to live up to their covenantal obligations.

that would not obey
The phrase underscores the persistent disobedience of the people. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or listen, but in this context, it implies obedience. The people of Judah were not just failing to hear God's word; they were actively choosing not to obey it. This disobedience is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, where the people's failure to adhere to God's commands leads to judgment.

the voice of the LORD their God
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. "Voice" in Hebrew is "קוֹל" (qol), which signifies not just sound but the authoritative word of God. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) and "their God" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Judah. Despite this relationship, the people have turned away, highlighting the tragedy of their rebellion.

and would not accept correction
The Hebrew word for "accept" is "לָקַח" (laqach), meaning to take or receive. "Correction" is "מוּסָר" (musar), which implies discipline or instruction. The people of Judah were not just disobedient; they were resistant to any form of divine correction or discipline. This resistance to correction is a sign of a hardened heart, a theme that runs throughout the prophetic literature.

Truth has perished
The word "truth" in Hebrew is "אֱמֶת" (emet), which conveys faithfulness, reliability, and stability. The statement that truth has "perished" (אָבַד, avad) indicates a complete loss or destruction. This is a powerful indictment of the moral and spiritual state of the nation. In a society where truth is absent, chaos and injustice prevail, which is a warning to all generations about the consequences of abandoning God's truth.

it has disappeared from their lips
The imagery of truth disappearing from the lips suggests that the people no longer speak or uphold truth. The Hebrew word for "disappeared" is "נִכְרַת" (nikrat), meaning cut off or removed. This indicates a severance from truth, not just in action but in speech. In biblical times, the spoken word was powerful, and the absence of truth in speech reflects a deeper spiritual decay. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining truth in both word and deed.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep sorrow over the people's unfaithfulness.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires obedience and faithfulness from His people.

4. The Temple Sermon
This passage is part of Jeremiah's Temple Sermon, where he rebukes the people for their false sense of security in the temple and calls them to genuine repentance.

5. Truth
In this context, truth refers to faithfulness and integrity in following God's commandments, which had vanished from the people of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening to God
Just as Judah failed to listen to God's voice, we must prioritize hearing and obeying God's Word in our lives.

The Consequences of Rejecting Discipline
Ignoring God's correction leads to spiritual decay and judgment. We should embrace God's discipline as a sign of His love and desire for our growth.

The Perishing of Truth
When truth disappears from a society, moral and spiritual chaos ensues. Christians are called to uphold and speak truth in all areas of life.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite Judah's failure, God's call to repentance remains. We should continually seek God's forgiveness and strive to align our lives with His will.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to speak truth to power. Christian leaders today must also courageously proclaim God's truth, even when it is unpopular.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the failure of Judah to listen to God in Jeremiah 7:28 reflect in today's society, and what can we do to ensure we are listening to God's voice?

2. In what ways can we recognize and accept God's discipline in our lives, and how does this lead to spiritual growth?

3. How can we, as individuals and as a church, ensure that truth does not perish from our lips and our communities?

4. What parallels can you draw between the warnings given to Judah and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament regarding obedience and truth?

5. How can we support and encourage our spiritual leaders to speak God's truth boldly, and what role do we play in this process?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which Judah is experiencing due to their failure to listen to God.

Isaiah 59:14-15
These verses describe a similar situation where truth has fallen in the streets, and justice is turned back, highlighting the moral decay of the society.

Hosea 4:1-2
Hosea speaks of a lack of truth, mercy, and knowledge of God in the land, paralleling the spiritual condition of Judah in Jeremiah's time.
The Inveterate Disobedience of IsraelD. Young Jeremiah 7:28
The Relations of Righteousness and ReligionS. Conway Jeremiah 7:1-34
The Indispensable Condition of Well-BeingS. Conway Jeremiah 7:21-28
People
Ben, Jeremiah
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Shiloh, Topheth, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Slaughter, Zion
Topics
Accept, Accepted, Correction, Cut, Dead, Discipline, Ear, Faith, Faithfulness, Fidelity, Hast, Hearkened, Heart, Instruction, Lips, Listened, Mouth, Mouths, Nation, Obey, Obeyed, Obeyeth, Perished, Received, Receiveth, Responded, Stedfastness, Teaching, Truth, Vanished, Voice, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 7:28

     1461   truth, nature of
     5777   admonition

Jeremiah 7:21-29

     5943   self-deception

Jeremiah 7:23-28

     8718   disobedience

Jeremiah 7:26-28

     5885   indifference

Jeremiah 7:27-29

     1025   God, anger of

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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