Jeremiah 26:4

And you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: 'If you do not listen to Me and walk in My law, which I have set before you,

Study Bible

And you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says:
This phrase emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger of God. Jeremiah is instructed to deliver God's message directly, underscoring the divine authority behind his words. Prophets in the Old Testament often began their messages with a declaration of divine origin, reinforcing that the message was not their own but from God. This reflects the biblical theme of God communicating His will through chosen individuals, as seen with other prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel.

‘If you do not listen to Me
Listening to God implies obedience and heeding His commands. In the Hebrew context, "listening" often means more than just hearing; it involves active response and compliance. The Israelites were repeatedly called to listen to God throughout their history, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the Shema, which is a central declaration of faith. The failure to listen is a recurring issue in Israel's history, leading to consequences such as exile.

and walk in My law,
Walking in God's law refers to living according to His commandments and statutes. The "law" here is the Torah, which includes moral, ceremonial, and civil laws given to Israel. Walking is a metaphor for one's conduct and lifestyle, indicating a continuous and habitual action. Psalm 1:1-2 contrasts the blessed man who delights in the law of the Lord with those who do not. This phrase highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to the law was a condition of blessing.

which I have set before you,
This phrase underscores God's initiative in revealing His law to His people. The law was given to Israel at Mount Sinai and was meant to guide them in righteousness and justice. The phrase "set before you" suggests that the law is accessible and clear, leaving the people without excuse. It also implies a choice, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where God sets before the people life and death, blessing and curse, urging them to choose life by loving and obeying Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and warnings through His prophets.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by God through prophets like Jeremiah due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Jeremiah delivered many of his prophecies, including the one in this chapter.

5. The Law (Torah)
The divine instructions given by God to the Israelites, which they were commanded to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Listening to God
God’s message through Jeremiah emphasizes the necessity of listening to His voice. In our lives, we must prioritize hearing and understanding God's Word, as it guides us in truth and righteousness.

Walking in God’s Law
The Hebrew word for "walk" (halak) implies a continuous, habitual action. As believers, we are called to consistently live according to God's commandments, reflecting His character in our daily actions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Just as Judah faced consequences for ignoring God's law, we too face spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions when we choose to disobey God. Understanding this helps us to remain vigilant in our faith.

The Role of Prophets and Scripture
Prophets like Jeremiah were God's mouthpieces, and today, Scripture serves as our prophetic guide. We must study and apply it diligently to avoid the pitfalls of spiritual complacency.

Covenant Relationship with God
The call to listen and obey is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. We are reminded of the privilege and responsibility of being in a covenant with God, which requires faithfulness and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah 26:4 reflect the broader theme of covenant faithfulness found throughout the Old Testament?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are actively listening to God in our daily lives?

3. How do the warnings in Jeremiah 26:4 compare to the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28?

4. What practical steps can we take to "walk in God's law" in our modern context?

5. How can the account of King Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 22-23 inspire us to pursue spiritual renewal in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, similar to the warnings Jeremiah delivers.

2 Kings 22-23
The account of King Josiah's reforms, which attempted to bring Judah back to adherence to God's law, highlighting the importance of listening to God's commands.

Isaiah 1:19-20
Isaiah also speaks of the consequences of obedience versus rebellion, reinforcing the message Jeremiah delivers.

Psalm 119
This psalm emphasizes the beauty and importance of God's law, encouraging believers to walk in His ways.

Hebrews 3:7-19
The New Testament warns believers not to harden their hearts as the Israelites did, echoing the call to listen and obey God.