Jeremiah 9:20

Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD. Open your ears to the word of His mouth. Teach your daughters to wail, and one another to lament.

Study Bible

Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD.
In the context of ancient Israel, women often played a significant role in mourning rituals. The call to women here emphasizes the communal nature of lamentation and the importance of passing down traditions of mourning. This phrase underscores the urgency and seriousness of the message from God, as women are often seen as the keepers of cultural and familial continuity. The "word of the LORD" signifies a divine message that demands attention and action, reflecting the prophetic tradition where God communicates directly with His people.

Open your ears to the word of His mouth.
This phrase highlights the necessity of active listening and obedience to God's commands. In biblical times, hearing was closely associated with obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where the Shema calls Israel to hear and love God. The emphasis on "the word of His mouth" suggests a direct and personal communication from God, reinforcing the authority and truth of the prophetic message. It calls for a readiness to receive and respond to divine instruction, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books.

Teach your daughters to wail,
The instruction to teach daughters to wail indicates the perpetuation of mourning practices across generations. In the ancient Near East, professional mourners were often employed to express grief publicly, and this cultural practice is reflected here. The act of wailing is a physical manifestation of sorrow and repentance, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature as a response to sin and impending judgment. This teaching also implies a communal responsibility to prepare the next generation for the realities of life and the consequences of disobedience to God.

and one another to lament.
Lamentation is a profound expression of grief and sorrow, often associated with repentance and seeking God's mercy. The communal aspect of lamenting together suggests solidarity and shared responsibility among the people. This practice is seen throughout the Psalms and Lamentations, where collective mourning is a response to national calamity or divine judgment. The call to lament is not only an acknowledgment of current suffering but also a plea for divine intervention and restoration, pointing to the hope of redemption and reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry was marked by deep sorrow over the people's sin and impending judgment.

2. Women of Judah
Specifically addressed in this verse, they are called to listen and respond to God's message. Their role is significant in teaching the next generation to mourn and lament.

3. Daughters of Judah
Represent the next generation who are to be taught the art of lamentation, signifying the continuation of awareness and response to God's judgment.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet to call His people to repentance and awareness of their spiritual state.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing imminent judgment due to their persistent sin and rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Listening to God
Just as the women of Judah were called to hear God's word, we must prioritize listening to God's voice through Scripture and prayer.

The Role of Women in Spiritual Instruction
Women have a vital role in teaching and nurturing the next generation in spiritual truths, including the practice of lamentation and repentance.

The Practice of Lament
Lament is a biblical response to sin and suffering. It is an expression of sorrow that leads to repentance and a deeper reliance on God.

Intergenerational Faithfulness
Teaching the next generation about God’s ways, including how to respond to sin and judgment, is crucial for maintaining faithfulness across generations.

Awareness of Sin and Judgment
Recognizing the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's judgment should lead us to a posture of humility and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call to "hear the word of the LORD" in Jeremiah 9:20 challenge us in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can women today fulfill the role of spiritual instructors within their families and communities?

3. How can the practice of lament be incorporated into our personal and communal spiritual lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can teach the next generation about the importance of repentance and lamentation?

5. How does understanding the context of God's judgment in Jeremiah help us appreciate the message of hope and redemption found in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Lamentations
The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, provides a broader context for understanding the call to lament. It reflects the deep sorrow and mourning over Jerusalem's destruction.

Joel 1:8-13
This passage also calls for lamentation in response to devastation, emphasizing the role of communal mourning in times of judgment.

Matthew 5:4
Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes, where He blesses those who mourn, connects to the idea of lament as a response to sin and brokenness.