What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me." What use to MeThis phrase indicates God's questioning of the value or purpose of the offerings being presented to Him. In the Hebrew context, the word "use" (Hebrew: מַה־לִּי, mah-li) suggests a sense of utility or benefit. God is challenging the people of Judah to consider the true worth of their religious rituals when their hearts are far from Him. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God desires obedience and genuine devotion over mere ritualistic practices (1 Samuel 15:22). is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable your sacrifices do not please Me Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth. 2. Sheba A region known for its wealth and trade, particularly in spices and incense. It is often associated with the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon, bringing gifts of spices and gold. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 4. Frankincense and Sweet Cane Valuable commodities used in religious rituals and offerings. They symbolize the external acts of worship that the people of Judah were performing. 5. Burnt Offerings and Sacrifices Central elements of the Old Testament sacrificial system, intended to atone for sin and express devotion to God. However, in this context, they are rejected by God due to the insincerity of the worshipers. Teaching Points True Worship vs. Ritualistic WorshipGod desires genuine worship that comes from a heart aligned with His will, rather than mere external rituals. Our worship should reflect a sincere relationship with God. The Danger of Hypocrisy Performing religious acts without true devotion is displeasing to God. We must examine our hearts to ensure our actions align with our faith. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commands is more valuable than any material offering. Our lives should demonstrate our commitment to His Word. God's Desire for Justice and Righteousness God values justice and righteousness over ritualistic practices. We are called to live out these principles in our daily lives. Self-Examination in Worship Regularly assess your motives and attitudes in worship. Are you seeking to honor God, or are you merely going through the motions? Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rejection of offerings in Jeremiah 6:20 challenge our understanding of worship today?2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is genuine and pleasing to God, rather than merely ritualistic? 3. How do the themes in Jeremiah 6:20 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about worship and obedience? 4. What practical steps can we take to align our lives with God's desire for justice and righteousness? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 6:20 to our personal and communal worship practices? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 1:11-17This passage echoes the theme of God rejecting insincere worship. Isaiah emphasizes that God desires justice and righteousness over ritualistic offerings. Amos 5:21-24 Amos also speaks against empty religious practices, highlighting that God values justice and righteousness over sacrifices and festivals. Micah 6:6-8 Micah questions what offerings are pleasing to God, concluding that God requires justice, mercy, and humility rather than extravagant sacrifices.
People Benjamin, JeremiahPlaces Beth-haccherem, Jerusalem, Sheba, Tekoa, ZionTopics Acceptable, Acceptance, Afar, Beasts, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offerings, Calamus, Cane, Distant, Frankincense, Incense, Offerings, Perfume, Please, Pleasing, Pleasure, Purpose, Sacrifices, Sheba, Spices, SweetDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 6:20 4402 plants Library Stedfastness in the Old Paths. "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII A Blast of the Trumpet against False Peace Whitefield -- the Method of Grace Reprobation. Prefatory Scripture Passages. Jesus Raises the Widow's Son. Backsliding. An Obscured vision Sin Charged Upon the Surety An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men. How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be Admonished. Christian Meekness Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 6:20 NIVJeremiah 6:20 NLT Jeremiah 6:20 ESV Jeremiah 6:20 NASB Jeremiah 6:20 KJV Jeremiah 6:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |