Jeremiah 35:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 35:15
15 I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 35 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, discipleship. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 35:15
15 I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.
Analysis
I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them—The phrase hashkem v'shalo'ach (השכם ושלח, 'rising early and sending') appears throughout Jeremiah, depicting God's relentless pursuit of His wayward people. The image of God 'rising early' (like a diligent workman) anthropomorphically conveys divine eagerness to save, not destroy.
Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings (שׁוּבוּ נָא אִישׁ מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה וְהֵיטִיבוּ מַעַלְלֵיכֶם shuvu na ish mi-darko hara'ah v'heitivu ma'alleikhem)—The verb שׁוּב (shuv, return/repent) is Jeremiah's keynote, appearing over 100 times. Go not after other gods (אַל־תֵּלְכוּ אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים al-telkhu acharei elohim acherim)—Idolatry as spiritual adultery, the breaking of the first commandment. But ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me—The damning verdict: despite prophetic persistence, Judah remained deaf.
Historical Context
From Moses through Malachi, God sent prophets 'rising up early'—over 800 years of prophetic witness before Judah's exile. The prophets called for return (shuv) from Baal worship, Asherah poles, child sacrifice to Molech, and syncretistic temple rituals that violated the Mosaic covenant. Judah's refusal led to the 586 BC destruction.
Reflection
- How does God's 'rising early' to send prophets contrast with your sluggishness to respond to His word—who is more eager, God to save or you to repent?
- What 'other gods' (career, comfort, reputation, pleasure) do you subtly follow 'after' while maintaining religious appearances?
- In what ways have you 'not inclined your ear' to God's repeated calls through Scripture, circumstances, or conscience, preferring spiritual deafness to costly obedience?
Word Studies
- Repent: שׁוּב / נָחַם (Shuv / Nacham) H7725 - To turn back, relent
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 26:20
- Evil: Jeremiah 18:11
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 22:4