Jeremiah 11:1-23
Q.1. To what covenant was God referring? In what way did Israel break the covenant? Would God hear their prayers? How was Jeremiah treated? What was to happen to Judah? – (Jer.11:1-23)
The Abrahamic Covenant was unconditional and provided us with the blueprint for the ultimate blessings, on both Abraham’s natural descendants, and also on his spiritual children (c.f. Gen12:1-3; 15:17-21; 22:15-18; Rom.4:16-25; Gal.3:6-9). The Covenant that God was referring to here, was the Mosaic Covenant made with Israel, when He brought them out of Egypt (Jer.11:4-5). Before Moses had died, he documented the conditions of both the blessings and curses, that were part of this Covenant (Deut.27:9-28:68). Jeremiah quoted from this Covenant – Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen’ (Jer.11:3 c.f. Deut.27:26). Jeremiah was instructed to go to Judah’s towns and villages, and remind them of their culpability, because – they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked, each one, in the stubbornness of his evil heart … (Jer.11:8). God was bringing disaster, because – they have turned back to the iniquities of their ancestors who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers (Jer.11:10). God declared – though they will cry to Me, yet I will not listen to them (Jer.11:11). After all the Lord had done, and because of Judah’s shameful idolatry, God advised Jeremiah to stop interceding for them (Jer.11:14-17). The leaders plotted to kill Jeremiah (Jer.11:18-19). He described himself with Messianic overtones – like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter (Jer.11:19 c.f. Isa.53:7). In his distress, Jeremiah turned to God to defend him – O Lord of hosts, Who judges righteously, Who tries the feelings and the heart. Let me see Your vengeance on them, for to You have I committed my cause (Jer.11:20). Within the year, those plotting his downfall would be punished (Jer.11:22-23). Even worse, the nation managed to silence the prophetic voice (Jer.11:21).