Jeremiah 25:8
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֕ן
H3651
לָכֵ֕ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יַ֕עַן
H3282
יַ֕עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם
Because ye have not heard
H8085
שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם
Because ye have not heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
The title 'LORD of hosts' appears frequently in prophetic literature announcing judgment (Isaiah 1:24, 3:1; Jeremiah 2:19, 6:6). It emphasizes that the same God who commands angelic armies also controls earthly empires. Nebuchadnezzar's army would be God's instrument, executing divine sentence on covenant-breaking Judah. This wasn't merely military conquest but theological judgment—God actively bringing consequences on His unfaithful people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the title 'LORD of hosts' comfort believers while warning those who reject God?
- What is the significance of God's judgment being predicated on persistent refusal to hear rather than inability to understand?
- In what ways might we be 'not hearing' God's words today, and how can we cultivate genuine receptivity to His revealed will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words—The phrase YHWH ṣĕḇāʾôṯ (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, LORD of hosts/armies) identifies God as commander of heavenly forces, emphasizing His sovereign power to execute judgment. The 'therefore' (lāḵēn, לָכֵן) marks the transition from warning to sentence. Twenty-three years of patient appeal (v. 3) yields to certain judgment. The indictment is simple: lōʾ shĕmaʿtem ʾeṯ-dĕḇāray (לֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם אֶת־דְּבָרָי, you have not heard my words). Not 'you couldn't understand' or 'you disagreed,' but simply 'you didn't listen.'
This demonstrates the justice of divine judgment. God doesn't condemn for ignorance or inability but for willful rejection of clearly revealed truth. The people had access to God's law, heard prophetic warnings repeatedly, and consciously chose disobedience. Romans 1:18-32 describes this pattern: people suppress truth they know, exchanging it for lies. When God executes judgment, it's response to persistent, informed rebellion, not arbitrary divine wrath.