Jeremiah 36:7

Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people."

Study Bible

Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD
This phrase suggests a hope for repentance and intercession. In the context of Jeremiah 36, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed to write down all the words spoken to him by the LORD, with the hope that the people of Judah might hear of the impending disaster and turn back to God. The act of bringing a petition before the LORD implies a formal request for mercy or intervention, akin to the prayers and supplications seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to hear from heaven and heal the land if His people humble themselves and pray.

and each one will turn from his wicked way
This phrase emphasizes individual responsibility in repentance. The call to turn from wickedness is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, highlighting the need for personal transformation and moral realignment with God's laws. The concept of turning, or repentance, is central to the message of the prophets, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32, where God calls for repentance so that iniquity will not be a stumbling block. This turning is not just a physical act but a heartfelt change, aligning with the New Testament call to repentance in passages like Acts 3:19.

for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people.”
This phrase underscores the severity of God's judgment due to the persistent disobedience and idolatry of the people of Judah. The anger and fury of the LORD are expressions of His righteous indignation against sin, as seen in the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28. The historical context of Jeremiah's ministry includes the Babylonian threat, which serves as the instrument of God's judgment. This pronouncement of judgment is consistent with the prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 13:9-13, and foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption themes found in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience.

2. Baruch
Jeremiah's scribe who wrote down the words of the prophet as dictated by him and read them to the people and officials.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment from God due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful, calling His people to repentance.

5. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's message, who were living in sin and needed to turn back to God to avoid His wrath.

Teaching Points

The Power of Repentance
God’s call to repentance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a return to God.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While God’s anger and wrath are real, His desire is for His people to turn back to Him. His justice is balanced by His mercy.

The Role of Intercession
Bringing petitions before the LORD is an act of intercession. Believers are called to pray for others, seeking God’s mercy on their behalf.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God’s warnings leads to severe consequences. The people of Judah faced destruction because they did not heed God’s call.

The Importance of Scripture
Just as Baruch read Jeremiah’s words to the people, believers today are called to engage with Scripture, allowing it to convict and guide them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Jeremiah 36:7 help us understand the urgency of repentance in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we act as intercessors for others, bringing their petitions before the LORD?

3. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Jeremiah 36:7 reflect the character of God as seen throughout the Bible?

4. What are some modern-day "wicked ways" that we need to turn from, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

5. How can we ensure that we are not just hearers of the Word, like the people of Judah, but doers who respond to God’s call?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
This passage highlights the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah and God's repeated warnings through His prophets, similar to the context of Jeremiah 36.

Jonah 3:8-10
The repentance of Nineveh serves as a parallel to the hope expressed in Jeremiah 36:7 that the people might turn from their wicked ways and avert disaster.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
These verses emphasize God's desire for repentance and life rather than judgment, echoing the call for repentance in Jeremiah 36:7.