Jeremiah 19:3

saying, 'Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,

Study Bible

saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem.
This phrase emphasizes the authority and urgency of the message. The "word of the LORD" signifies divine communication, a common prophetic introduction indicating that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. The address to "kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem" highlights the scope of the prophecy, targeting both the leadership and the general populace. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and idolatry, with kings often leading the nation away from covenantal faithfulness. The call to "hear" underscores the importance of listening and responding to God's warnings, a recurring theme in prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 1:10, Ezekiel 2:4).

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says:
The title "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) conveys God's supreme power and command over heavenly armies, emphasizing His ability to execute judgment. "The God of Israel" reaffirms the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them of their unique identity and obligations. This dual title underscores both God's authority and His personal relationship with Israel, setting the stage for the gravity of the forthcoming message. It also serves as a reminder of past deliverances and the expectations of covenant faithfulness (Exodus 6:7).

I am going to bring such disaster on this place
The phrase "such disaster" indicates a severe judgment, reflecting the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry. "This place" refers to Jerusalem and its environs, the center of religious and political life in Judah. The impending disaster is a fulfillment of covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, where disobedience leads to national calamity. This prophecy foreshadows the Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,
This vivid imagery suggests a shocking and unforgettable event, one that will reverberate beyond Judah to surrounding nations. The phrase "ears...will ring" implies a reaction of astonishment and horror, indicating the magnitude of the disaster. This serves as a warning to other nations about the seriousness of defying God, reinforcing the universal scope of His sovereignty. The ringing ears symbolize the far-reaching impact of God's judgment, echoing similar expressions of astonishment found in 1 Samuel 3:11 and 2 Kings 21:12.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Kings of Judah
The ruling monarchs of the southern kingdom of Judah, responsible for leading the people in accordance with God's laws but often failing to do so.

3. Residents of Jerusalem
The inhabitants of the capital city of Judah, who were often involved in idolatry and disobedience to God.

4. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority.

5. The Place
Refers to Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, which were under threat of divine judgment due to the people's persistent sin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has real consequences, both individually and collectively. The disaster prophesied by Jeremiah serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are called to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular. Jeremiah's courage in delivering a difficult message is an example for believers to stand firm in their faith.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign and just, and His judgments are righteous. Understanding His character helps us trust in His plans, even when they involve discipline.

Call to Repentance
The warning of disaster is also an implicit call to repentance. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and turn back to God before facing consequences.

The Impact of Leadership
The kings of Judah had a significant influence on the spiritual state of the nation. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the message in Jeremiah 19:3 reflect the overall spiritual condition of Judah at the time? Consider the historical context provided in 2 Kings 21-23.

2. In what ways can we see the role of a prophet mirrored in the responsibilities of modern-day Christians to speak truth in their communities?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Jeremiah 19:3, affect our perspective on current events and personal challenges?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are responsive to God's warnings and calls to repentance in our own lives?

5. How can we, as individuals or leaders, influence those around us to pursue a closer relationship with God, avoiding the pitfalls seen in the leadership of Judah's kings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 21-23
These chapters provide historical context for the spiritual decline in Judah, including the reigns of Manasseh and Josiah, highlighting the idolatry and reforms that set the stage for Jeremiah's prophecies.

Isaiah 6:9-10
Similar to Jeremiah's message, Isaiah was also called to deliver a message that would harden the hearts of the people, showing a pattern of prophetic ministry in Israel's history.

Ezekiel 7:5-9
Echoes the theme of impending disaster due to the people's sins, reinforcing the message of judgment found in Jeremiah.