Jeremiah 5:25
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah ministered during a period when Judah experienced military threats, economic instability, and social upheaval—consequences of decades of covenant unfaithfulness under evil kings like Manasseh. Despite Josiah's reforms, the nation had accumulated guilt that demanded judgment. The 'good things' withheld likely included agricultural abundance, military security, and political stability—all promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 for covenant obedience but replaced by curses for disobedience (28:15-68). Within two decades of this prophecy, Babylon besieged Jerusalem, confirming that Judah's sins had indeed turned away covenant blessings. The principle transcends Israel—James 4:3 warns that selfish motives hinder answered prayer, showing that sin continues to block divine blessing in believers' lives.
Questions for Reflection
- What blessings might God be withholding from you due to unrepentant sin or disobedience in your life?
- How does understanding that sin 'turns away' God's good things motivate genuine repentance beyond mere fear of punishment?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse delivers God's verdict on why covenant blessings have been withheld: 'Your iniquities have turned away these things' (ʿăwōnôṯêḵem hiṭṭû-ʾēlleh, עֲוֹנוֹתֵיכֶם הִטּוּ־אֵלֶּה). The verb nāṭâ (turned away, diverted) indicates that sin actively prevents divine blessing. 'And your sins have withholden good things from you' uses mānaʿ (withheld, kept back)—God's good gifts are available but blocked by unrepentant sin. This establishes a crucial theological principle: covenant disobedience interrupts the flow of divine blessing. The 'good things' (haṭṭôḇ) includes both material prosperity and spiritual blessing. This isn't prosperity gospel—God doesn't promise wealth for obedience—but covenant theology where persistent rebellion brings covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28). The principle applies spiritually: unrepentant sin hinders prayer (Psalm 66:18), grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), and breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1-2).