Jeremiah 2:17
Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלוֹא
H3808
הֲלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַּעֲשֶׂה
Hast thou not procured
H6213
תַּעֲשֶׂה
Hast thou not procured
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עָזְבֵךְ֙
this unto thyself in that thou hast forsaken
H5800
עָזְבֵךְ֙
this unto thyself in that thou hast forsaken
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
5 of 11
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהַ֔יִךְ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהַ֔יִךְ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּעֵ֖ת
when
H6256
בְּעֵ֖ת
when
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
9 of 11
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:18Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.Jeremiah 2:19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Jeremiah 2:13For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.Psalms 77:20Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.Psalms 107:7And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.Hosea 13:9O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.
Historical Context
This verse from Jeremiah 2 continues God's covenant lawsuit against Judah, delivered during the late 7th century BC as the nation spiraled toward Babylonian exile. The prophetic indictment addresses systematic idolatry, failed political alliances, and spiritual adultery that characterized Judah from Manasseh through Jehoiakim's reigns. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretistic worship practices condemned here.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this accusation against ancient Israel reveal patterns of spiritual unfaithfulness that might appear in different forms today?
- What does God's persistent lawsuit demonstrate about His desire for His people's return versus immediate judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God confronts Israel's responsibility—they procured disaster themselves by forsaking the LORD who led them. Divine judgment is justice for self-inflicted harm through rebellion, not arbitrary cruelty.