Jeremiah 17:15

Analysis & Commentary

The mockers' taunt "Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now" reflects the skepticism and hostility Jeremiah faced. His prophecies of judgment seemed delayed, leading scoffers to question God's word. This is a recurring biblical theme—2 Peter 3:3-4 describes last-days mockers asking "Where is the promise of his coming?" The demand "let it come now" expresses impatient disbelief and challenges divine timing.

Such mockery reveals hardness of heart and presumption upon divine patience. The delay of judgment is not evidence of God's impotence or unfaithfulness but of His patience and longsuffering (2 Pet 3:9). Yet persistent rebellion transforms divine patience into stored-up wrath (Rom 2:4-5). The scoffers' challenge would be answered terribly when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem just as Jeremiah prophesied.

This verse warns against testing God and despising prophetic warning. Christ faced similar mockery: "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Matt 27:40). The mockers' temporary triumph ended at the resurrection. God's word always accomplishes its purpose (Isa 55:11), though not according to human timetables. Judgment delayed is not judgment denied.

Historical Context

Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years (627-586 BC) before Jerusalem's fall. During much of this time, the threatened judgment seemed distant, allowing false prophets to gain popularity by promising peace (Jer 6:14, 8:11, 23:16-17). The people preferred comforting lies to uncomfortable truth. Only after Babylon's invasion vindicated Jeremiah did the nation recognize his authentic prophetic calling—but by then it was too late to avoid judgment.

Questions for Reflection

• How do you respond when God's promises seem delayed or His warnings go unfulfilled for long periods?
• In what ways might modern Christians mock divine warnings through practical unbelief and unchanged behavior?
• How does Christ's patient endurance of mockery at the cross inform our response to scoffers?