Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.
Jeremiah's response—'Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you'—demonstrates faithful prophetic ministry. The acknowledgment 'I have heard you' validates their request before establishing prophetic terms. His commitment to pray 'unto the LORD your God' notably uses 'your God' (matching their language from v.2) rather than 'my God,' subtly challenging their distancing language by throwing it back to them—God is their God whether they claim Him or not. The phrase 'according to your words' commits to seeking God's will on the matters they raised. Jeremiah's promise—'whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you'—establishes complete transparency: whatever God says, favorable or not, will be communicated. The emphatic conclusion 'I will keep nothing back from you' preemptively addresses any suspicion that Jeremiah might soften or alter God's message. This reflects authentic prophetic ministry: seeking God's word honestly, reporting it faithfully regardless of reception, holding nothing back despite potential cost. Jeremiah's integrity contrasts with false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11, 23:16-17).
Historical Context
Jeremiah's promise of complete transparency in communicating God's word stood in stark contrast to false prophetic practice. Throughout his 40+ year ministry, Jeremiah consistently delivered unwelcome messages that brought persecution, imprisonment, and attempts on his life (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 26:7-11, 37:11-38:6). His track record of speaking hard truths validated his credibility. The phrase 'I will keep nothing back' echoed prophetic commitment seen in figures like Samuel (1 Samuel 3:17-18), Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-14), and Elijah (1 Kings 18:17-18, 21:17-24). Ancient Near Eastern court prophets often told rulers what they wanted to hear, making honest prophets like Micaiah (1 Kings 22:14-28) rare and often persecuted. Jeremiah's commitment to full disclosure regardless of consequences demonstrated covenant faithfulness. The ten-day waiting period (v.7) before God's answer came suggests either God testing the people's patience and sincerity or Jeremiah needing time to receive clear prophetic revelation. That the community waited ten days before receiving God's word contrasts with their immediate impulse to flee; genuine seeking of divine will requires patience, not hasty decision-making based on fear.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jeremiah's commitment to speak everything God reveals, regardless of palatability, model authentic ministry versus people-pleasing leadership?
What does the ten-day waiting period teach about patience in seeking God's will versus making hasty decisions based on circumstances?
In what ways are believers tempted to soften or selectively communicate God's word to avoid offense or rejection?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah's response—'Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you'—demonstrates faithful prophetic ministry. The acknowledgment 'I have heard you' validates their request before establishing prophetic terms. His commitment to pray 'unto the LORD your God' notably uses 'your God' (matching their language from v.2) rather than 'my God,' subtly challenging their distancing language by throwing it back to them—God is their God whether they claim Him or not. The phrase 'according to your words' commits to seeking God's will on the matters they raised. Jeremiah's promise—'whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you'—establishes complete transparency: whatever God says, favorable or not, will be communicated. The emphatic conclusion 'I will keep nothing back from you' preemptively addresses any suspicion that Jeremiah might soften or alter God's message. This reflects authentic prophetic ministry: seeking God's word honestly, reporting it faithfully regardless of reception, holding nothing back despite potential cost. Jeremiah's integrity contrasts with false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11, 23:16-17).