Jeremiah 9:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 9:13
13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 9 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, discipleship, salvation. 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 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 9:13
13 And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;
Analysis
This verse provides divine answer: 'And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law.' The Hebrew azvu (עָזְבוּ, forsaken, abandoned) with torati (תּוֹרָתִי, my Torah/instruction) identifies the fundamental problem—covenant law abandoned. 'Which I set before them' (natati liphneihem) recalls Deuteronomy's presentation of the covenant at Moab. 'And have not obeyed my voice' (shamu beqoli) echoes the Shema's demand for obedient hearing. 'Neither walked therein' (halku bah) uses the Hebrew verb for lifestyle, conduct—they didn't live according to Torah. The three-fold description—forsaking, not obeying, not walking—comprehensively describes covenant violation.
Historical Context
This explanation would resonate with exiles familiar with Deuteronomy's covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The Torah had been 'set before them'—publicly read at covenant renewal ceremonies (Joshua 24, 2 Kings 23). They couldn't claim ignorance. The 'voice' of God came through prophets who repeatedly called for repentance. Their failure was willful, not inadvertent.
Reflection
- How do forsaking, not obeying, and not walking describe progressive stages of covenant unfaithfulness?
- What does the emphasis on God's 'setting before them' His law suggest about human responsibility despite divine initiative?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 22:9
- Word: 2 Chronicles 7:19, Ezra 9:10