And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,
When Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God—The emphatic repetition of all (Hebrew kol, כֹּל) appears three times in this verse, stressing completeness: Jeremiah spoke all the words to all the people, even all these words. This underscores both the prophet's faithfulness in delivering God's entire message without compromise and the people's comprehensive exposure to divine revelation. They cannot claim ignorance or incomplete information.
The phrase for which the LORD their God had sent him to them validates Jeremiah's prophetic commission. He spoke not his own opinions but divine revelation—the words of the LORD their God. The possessive their God emphasizes covenant relationship; Yahweh remained Israel's covenant God despite their rebellion. This makes their subsequent rejection (v. 2-3) not merely political dissent but covenant apostasy.
The verse's structure creates dramatic tension: Jeremiah has faithfully delivered God's complete word; now the people must respond. Their response (vv. 2-4) reveals that hearing God's word and obeying it are distinct. Jesus repeatedly warned, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear' (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43), distinguishing auditory reception from heart reception.
Historical Context
This follows Jeremiah's lengthy prophecy (42:7-22) delivered after ten days of seeking God's will (42:7). The remnant had gathered at Mizpah under Johanan's leadership, ostensibly seeking divine guidance about fleeing to Egypt (42:1-3). Jeremiah's response was unambiguous: remain in Judah and live; flee to Egypt and die (42:10-17). This created a crisis moment—would they submit to God's revealed will or follow their predetermined plan? The historical context shows this was not the first time Israel faced such a decision. Throughout their history, prophets delivered God's word, and the people chose disobedience (2 Kings 17:13-14; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Jeremiah 7:25-26). This pattern of rejecting prophetic word led to the exile. Now, the remnant repeats the same pattern that destroyed Jerusalem.
Questions for Reflection
What is the difference between hearing God's word and obeying it, and how does this distinction affect spiritual outcomes?
How does Jeremiah's faithfulness to deliver 'all the words' challenge us to communicate God's truth completely, not selectively?
Why might people seek God's guidance while having already determined their course, and what does this reveal about true submission?
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Analysis & Commentary
When Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God—The emphatic repetition of all (Hebrew kol, כֹּל) appears three times in this verse, stressing completeness: Jeremiah spoke all the words to all the people, even all these words. This underscores both the prophet's faithfulness in delivering God's entire message without compromise and the people's comprehensive exposure to divine revelation. They cannot claim ignorance or incomplete information.
The phrase for which the LORD their God had sent him to them validates Jeremiah's prophetic commission. He spoke not his own opinions but divine revelation—the words of the LORD their God. The possessive their God emphasizes covenant relationship; Yahweh remained Israel's covenant God despite their rebellion. This makes their subsequent rejection (v. 2-3) not merely political dissent but covenant apostasy.
The verse's structure creates dramatic tension: Jeremiah has faithfully delivered God's complete word; now the people must respond. Their response (vv. 2-4) reveals that hearing God's word and obeying it are distinct. Jesus repeatedly warned, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear' (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43), distinguishing auditory reception from heart reception.