and if you can swear, 'As surely as the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory." and if you swearThe act of swearing in biblical times was a solemn declaration or promise, often invoking God's name as a witness to the truth of one's words. In Hebrew, the word for swear is "שָׁבַע" (shaba), which carries the connotation of making a binding oath. This phrase underscores the seriousness with which God views our words and promises, reminding us of the importance of integrity and truthfulness in our commitments. As surely as the LORD lives
This phrase is a common oath formula in the Old Testament, emphasizing the certainty and unchanging nature of God. The Hebrew word for LORD here is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, which signifies His eternal existence and faithfulness. By swearing "as surely as the LORD lives," one is invoking the highest standard of truth, acknowledging God's sovereignty and the reality of His presence. in truth
The Hebrew word for truth is "אֱמֶת" (emet), which conveys the idea of firmness, reliability, and faithfulness. Truth is a fundamental attribute of God's character, and His people are called to reflect this attribute in their lives. This phrase challenges believers to live and speak with honesty and integrity, aligning their actions with the truth of God's Word. in justice
The Hebrew term for justice is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which refers to the act of judging rightly, according to God's standards. Justice is a key theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's righteous nature and His desire for His people to act justly in their relationships with others. This phrase calls believers to uphold fairness and righteousness in all their dealings. and in righteousness
Righteousness, or "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah) in Hebrew, denotes a state of moral purity and uprightness. It is closely related to justice but emphasizes personal holiness and ethical conduct. This phrase encourages believers to pursue a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by moral integrity and adherence to His commandments. then the nations will be blessed by Him
This part of the verse points to the broader impact of Israel's faithfulness. The Hebrew word for nations is "גּוֹיִם" (goyim), often referring to the Gentiles. The promise that the nations will be blessed echoes the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:3), highlighting God's plan to use Israel as a channel of blessing to the entire world. It underscores the missional aspect of God's people living in obedience to Him. and in Him they will glory
The Hebrew word for glory is "הָלַל" (halal), which means to boast or praise. This phrase envisions a future where the nations recognize and celebrate the greatness of God because of the witness of His people. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of God's covenant with Israel: to bring glory to His name among all peoples. This calls believers to live in such a way that their lives point others to the majesty and goodness of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah to return to God and abandon idolatry and injustice. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who desires truth, justice, and righteousness from His people. 4. The NationsRefers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, which would witness the blessings of God upon His people if they lived according to His standards. 5. CovenantThe agreement between God and Israel, which required Israel to live in obedience to God's laws and commands. Teaching Points The Importance of TruthfulnessSwearing by God's name requires a commitment to truth. Our words and promises should reflect God's truthfulness and integrity. Living JustlyJustice is a key aspect of God's character. As His people, we are called to act justly in our dealings with others, ensuring fairness and equity. Righteousness as a LifestyleRighteousness involves living in a way that is pleasing to God, aligning our actions with His will and commands. Impact on the NationsWhen God's people live according to His standards, it serves as a testimony to the world, drawing others to glorify God. Blessings through ObedienceObedience to God brings blessings not only to us but also to those around us, as they witness the goodness of God in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call to swear "As surely as the LORD lives" challenge us in our daily communication and commitments? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions reflect truth, justice, and righteousness in our communities? 3. How does living according to God's standards serve as a testimony to those who do not know Him? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our lives are a blessing to others, as promised in Jeremiah 4:2? 5. How can we draw strength from other scriptures, like Micah 6:8 and Genesis 12:3, to live out the principles found in Jeremiah 4:2? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:13This verse emphasizes the importance of swearing by God's name, highlighting the seriousness and truthfulness required in such oaths. Micah 6:8This verse outlines what God requires of His people: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, which aligns with the call for truth, justice, and righteousness in Jeremiah 4:2. Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him, which connects to the idea that the nations will be blessed by God when His people live righteously. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Jerusalem, Mount Ephraim, ZionTopics Bless, Blessed, Blessing, Boast, Faith, Glory, Hast, Judgment, Justice, Nations, Oath, Pride, Righteous, Righteousness, Surely, Swear, Sworn, Themselves, Truth, Truthful, Uprightness, Wilt, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 4:2 1461 truth, nature of Jeremiah 4:1-2 1340 consistency
6103 abomination
6627 conversion, nature of Jeremiah 4:1-4 6027 sin, remedy for Library The Wailing of Risca
You all know the story; it scarce needs that I should tell it to you. Last Saturday week some two hundred or more miners descended in health and strength to their usual work in the bowels of the earth. They had not been working long, their wives and their children had risen, and their little ones had gone to their schools, when suddenly there was heard a noise at the mouth of the pit;--it was an explosion,--all knew what it meant. Men's hearts failed them, for well they prophesied the horror which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
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 4:2 NIVJeremiah 4:2 NLTJeremiah 4:2 ESVJeremiah 4:2 NASBJeremiah 4:2 KJV
Jeremiah 4:2 Commentaries
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