Jeremiah 11:23

There will be no remnant, for I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment."

Study Bible

There will be no remnant
This phrase indicates total destruction, a common theme in prophetic literature when God pronounces judgment. The concept of a "remnant" is significant throughout the Bible, often referring to a small group of faithful believers preserved by God. Here, however, the absence of a remnant underscores the severity of the judgment. This is reminiscent of the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where no remnant was left (Genesis 19). It contrasts with other instances where God spares a remnant, such as in the Babylonian exile (Isaiah 10:20-22).

for I will bring disaster
The disaster is a direct consequence of the people's disobedience and idolatry. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28). The disaster is not arbitrary but a fulfillment of the warnings given through the Law and the Prophets. It serves as a divine response to the people's breach of covenant, emphasizing God's justice and holiness.

on the people of Anathoth
Anathoth was a town in the territory of Benjamin, about three miles northeast of Jerusalem. It was a Levitical city, meaning it was set aside for the priests (Joshua 21:18). Jeremiah himself was from Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1), making this pronouncement particularly poignant. The people of Anathoth had conspired against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:21), rejecting his prophetic message. This judgment highlights the seriousness of opposing God's messengers and the consequences of rejecting divine truth.

in the year of their punishment.
The "year of their punishment" suggests a specific, divinely appointed time for judgment. This aligns with the prophetic theme of God's timing, where He acts at the appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3). It underscores the certainty and inevitability of God's judgment. The specificity of "the year" may also indicate a historical event, possibly linked to the Babylonian invasions that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This timing reflects God's sovereignty over history and His control over the unfolding of events according to His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition, including from his own hometown, Anathoth.

2. Anathoth
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the hometown of Jeremiah. The people of Anathoth plotted against Jeremiah, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment against them.

3. The Men of Anathoth
These were the individuals from Jeremiah's hometown who conspired to kill him because of his prophecies. Their actions led to God's declaration of disaster upon them.

4. The Year of Their Punishment
This refers to the specific time when God would execute judgment on the people of Anathoth for their rebellion and conspiracy against His prophet.

5. God's Judgment
The divine response to the rebellion and sin of the people, emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of turning away from His commands.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Disobedience
The people of Anathoth faced severe consequences for their rebellion against God's prophet. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands.

God's Justice
God's pronouncement of disaster on Anathoth underscores His justice. He does not overlook sin, especially when it involves direct opposition to His messengers.

The Challenge of Prophetic Ministry
Jeremiah's experience highlights the difficulties faced by those called to speak God's truth. Opposition, even from familiar places, is a reality for those who stand for God's word.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Despite the opposition, Jeremiah remained faithful to his calling. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission, regardless of external pressures.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The passage reminds us that God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in rebellion. It calls for repentance and a return to God's ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the opposition Jeremiah faced from Anathoth reflect the challenges believers might encounter today when standing for truth?

2. In what ways does the concept of a "remnant" in Isaiah 10:20-22 provide hope amidst judgment, and how can this be applied to our understanding of God's faithfulness?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's justice in Jeremiah 11:23 to our personal lives and communities?

4. What parallels can be drawn between Jeremiah's experience in Anathoth and Jesus' statement in Matthew 13:57 about a prophet's honor?

5. How can we remain faithful to God's calling in our lives, even when facing opposition from those closest to us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:1
Establishes Jeremiah's connection to Anathoth, providing context for the opposition he faced from his own people.

Jeremiah 12:6
Highlights the betrayal Jeremiah experienced from his family and the people of Anathoth, reinforcing the theme of personal opposition faced by God's messengers.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Discusses the concept of a remnant, contrasting the complete destruction of Anathoth with the preservation of a faithful remnant elsewhere.

Matthew 13:57
Jesus speaks of a prophet not being honored in his hometown, paralleling Jeremiah's experience with the people of Anathoth.