Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.' Do not follow other gods to serve and worship themThis phrase addresses the Israelites' recurring sin of idolatry, which was a significant issue throughout their history. The command not to follow other gods is rooted in the first of the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:3). The cultural context of ancient Israel included surrounding nations that worshiped a pantheon of deities, such as Baal and Asherah, which often tempted the Israelites to syncretism. The call to serve and worship only Yahweh underscores the exclusive covenant relationship between God and Israel. This command is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to flee idolatry ( 1 Corinthians 10:14). and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands
The "works of your hands" refers to the idols crafted by the Israelites, which were often made of wood, stone, or metal. These idols were not only physical objects but also represented a spiritual rebellion against God. Provoking God to anger highlights the personal nature of the relationship between God and His people, where idolatry is seen as a betrayal. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God's jealousy for His people's devotion (Exodus 34:14). The prophets frequently warned that such actions would lead to divine judgment, as seen in the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the eventual exile of Judah. Then I will do you no harm.
This promise of protection is conditional upon the Israelites' obedience. It reflects the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where obedience leads to blessing and disobedience to curse. The historical context of Jeremiah's ministry was a time of impending judgment, with Babylon threatening Judah. God's assurance of no harm is a reminder of His mercy and desire for repentance. This conditional promise is mirrored in the New Testament, where Jesus offers rest and protection to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). The ultimate fulfillment of God's protection is found in the salvation offered through Christ, who shields believers from eternal harm. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned over 40 years during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 3. Babylonian ExileThe event that Jeremiah's prophecies often pointed towards, where the people of Judah would be taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their unfaithfulness. Teaching Points Avoiding IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. Reflect on what modern "idols" might be present in your life. Provoking God to AngerUnderstand that disobedience and idolatry provoke God's righteous anger. Consider how our actions and choices align with God's commands. The Works of Our HandsEvaluate how the "works of your hands"—your daily activities and pursuits—either honor or dishonor God. Are they aligned with His will? God's Promise of ProtectionGod promises not to harm those who remain faithful. Trust in His protection and guidance as you strive to live according to His word. Repentance and RestorationEven when we fall into idolatry, God offers a path to repentance and restoration. Seek His forgiveness and realign your life with His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the warning in Jeremiah 25:6 about provoking God to anger relate to the first and second commandments in Exodus 20? 3. In what ways can the "works of your hands" reflect your commitment to God, and how can you ensure they do? 4. How does the promise of protection in Jeremiah 25:6 encourage you in your walk with God, especially when facing challenges? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's forgiveness and restoration. How can this experience motivate you to avoid idolatry and remain faithful? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, echo the warning in Jeremiah 25:6 against idolatry. Deuteronomy 6:14-15Reinforces the command to not follow other gods, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of disobedience. 1 Corinthians 10:14Paul advises believers to flee from idolatry, connecting the Old Testament warnings to New Testament teachings. People Amon, Babylonians, Buz, Dedan, Elam, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Tema, Zidon, ZimriPlaces Ammon, Arabia, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Babylon, Buz, Dedan, Edom, Egypt, Ekron, Elam, Gaza, Jerusalem, Media, Moab, Sidon, Tema, Tyre, Uz, ZimriTopics Anger, Angry, Bow, Causing, Evil, Gods, Hands, Harm, Hurt, Provoke, Servants, Serve, Works, Worship, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 25:6 8138 monotheism Jeremiah 25:3-7 5885 indifference Jeremiah 25:4-6 2425 gospel, requirements
6734 repentance, importance Jeremiah 25:4-11 5838 disrespect Jeremiah 25:6-7 6218 provoking God Library Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the MessiahAppendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Man and the Book.
In this and the following lectures I attempt an account and estimate of the Prophet Jeremiah, of his life and teaching, and of the Book which contains them--but especially of the man himself, his personality and his tempers (there were more than one), his religious experience and its achievements, with the various high styles of their expression; as well as his influence on the subsequent religion of his people. It has often been asserted that in Jeremiah's ministry more than in any other of the …
George Adam Smith—Jeremiah The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 25:6 NIVJeremiah 25:6 NLTJeremiah 25:6 ESVJeremiah 25:6 NASBJeremiah 25:6 KJV
Jeremiah 25:6 Commentaries
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