Jeremiah 11

Chapter Summary

Jeremiah 11 begins with God's instruction to Jeremiah to proclaim the terms of the covenant to the people of Judah, reminding them of their obligations to obey God's commands (Jeremiah 11:1-5). However, the people refuse to listen, and God reveals their wickedness and idolatry to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:6-13). The prophet then intercedes for the people, but God responds that their sin has reached a point where judgment is inevitable (Jeremiah 11:14-17). Jeremiah also faces opposition from his own family and community, who plot against him (Jeremiah 11:18-23). Despite these challenges, God reassures Jeremiah of His presence and protection, promising to judge those who persecute him (Jeremiah 11:24).

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 11 is situated within the larger context of the book of Jeremiah, which chronicles the prophet's ministry to the nation of Judah during the 7th century BC. The chapter is part of the section dealing with God's judgment on Judah for their idolatry and disobedience (Jeremiah 2-25). Within the broader biblical narrative, Jeremiah 11 contributes to the story of God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the themes of obedience, rebellion, and redemption that are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Jeremiah 11, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of rebellion against Him. May we heed the warning of this chapter and strive to live in faithful obedience to God, trusting in His mercy and faithfulness to uphold us. As we consider our own relationship with God, may we be encouraged to seek His presence and protection, just as Jeremiah did in the face of opposition and persecution.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah 11 is about God's covenant with Israel and their rebellion against Him. God commands Israel to obey Him, but they refuse, leading to judgment and consequences. The chapter shows that God is faithful and merciful, but also just and holy. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to obey God's commands and trust in His presence and protection, just like Jeremiah did.

Voices from the Church

“The covenant of grace is not a covenant of works, but a covenant of faith; and the only condition of it is, that we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust in Him alone for salvation.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The obedience of faith is not a mere external thing, but an inward and spiritual thing, whereby we yield ourselves unto God, to be ruled and governed by His Spirit.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1-5) — God instructs Jeremiah to proclaim the terms of the covenant to the people of Judah, emphasizing their obligations to obey His commands.
2. Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment (Jeremiah 11:6-13) — The people refuse to listen to God's warnings, and He reveals their wickedness and idolatry to Jeremiah, announcing judgment and consequences.
3. Jeremiah's Intercession and God's Response (Jeremiah 11:14-17) — Jeremiah prays for the people, but God responds that their sin has reached a point where judgment is inevitable, and He will not hear their cries for mercy.
4. Opposition to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:18-23) — Jeremiah faces opposition from his own family and community, who plot against him, but God reassures him of His presence and protection.
5. Conclusion: God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion (Jeremiah 11:24) — The chapter concludes with God's promise to judge those who persecute Jeremiah, highlighting His faithfulness to His prophet and His people, despite their rebellion against Him.

Core Doctrines

Covenant Theology

Jeremiah 11 emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the mutual obligations and responsibilities between God and His people. This doctrine is central to understanding God's relationship with His people throughout the Bible.

Sanctification

The chapter stresses the need for Israel's obedience to God's commands, demonstrating the importance of sanctification in the Christian life. As believers, we are called to obey God's commands and live a life of faithfulness to Him.

Providence

God's sovereignty and providence are evident in Jeremiah 11, as He works out His plan to judge Israel for their rebellion and to protect Jeremiah from opposition. This doctrine reminds us of God's active involvement in human history and His control over all things.

Redemption

The chapter's emphasis on the consequences of disobedience points to the need for redemption through Christ, who bore the punishment for humanity's rebellion against God. This doctrine is central to the Christian gospel and is underscored in Jeremiah 11.

Lessons from Jeremiah 11

1. The Importance of Obedience — Jeremiah 11 emphasizes the need for obedience to God's commands, demonstrating the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God's warnings.
2. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, despite their rebellion against Him, highlighting His merciful and long-suffering nature.
3. The Danger of Idolatry — Jeremiah 11 warns against the dangers of idolatry, demonstrating how it leads to spiritual infidelity and rebellion against God, and emphasizing the importance of trusting in the one true God.
4. The Power of Intercession — Jeremiah's intercession for the people demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of praying for others, even in the face of opposition and persecution.
5. The Assurance of God's Presence — The chapter concludes with God's promise to judge those who persecute Jeremiah, highlighting His presence and protection, and reminding us of His faithfulness to His people and His prophet.

Themes from Jeremiah 11

1. Covenant — The chapter explores the theme of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing the mutual obligations and responsibilities between God and His people.
2. Obedience — Jeremiah 11 stresses the importance of obedience to God's commands, demonstrating the consequences of disobedience and the need for faithfulness to God.
3. Rebellion — The chapter highlights the dangers of rebellion against God, demonstrating how it leads to judgment and consequences, and emphasizing the importance of heeding God's warnings.
4. Redemption — The chapter's emphasis on the consequences of disobedience points to the need for redemption through Christ, who bore the punishment for humanity's rebellion against God.
5. Faithfulness — Jeremiah 11 showcases God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, despite their rebellion against Him, highlighting His merciful and long-suffering nature.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Jeremiah 11 reveal about God's character, and how can we apply this to our own relationship with Him?
2. How does the chapter's emphasis on obedience to God's commands relate to our own Christian walk, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
3. What role does Jeremiah's intercession play in the chapter, and what can we learn from his example about praying for others?
4. How does the opposition Jeremiah faces from his own family and community relate to the challenges we may face in our own lives as believers, and how can we trust in God's presence and protection?
5. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of heeding God's warnings and responding to His call to repentance, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Jeremiah 11

	Sermon	Description
	The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin
	The Leader and His Home by David Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for faithful shepherds in the church and in families. He highlights the impact of fathers who have failed to shepherd their familie
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba
	Blood Covenant - Part 9 by Bob Phillips	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's covenant of peace with His people. He highlights how often we neglect certain parts of the Word of God and only focus
	When God Seems Powerless by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lamentation of the people of God, Judah and Jerusalem, who were focused on their own troubles and loss but failed to recognize the evil o
	The Feasts of Jehovah 06 of Trumpets by John W. Bramhall	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing various verses from the Bible, including Ezekiel 37:1-4. He talks about how God can awaken souls that have been away from Him for
	Prayer and Character and Conduct by E.M. Bounds	E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer, character, and conduct, asserting that prayer governs our actions and shapes our inner character. He explains that wh
	Prayer Sighs by A.W. Pink	Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 36031 preaches on the concept of becoming useless, as described by the Greek word 'achreioo', meaning to make unprofitable or morally corrupt.
	The Parable of the Olive Tree by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the parable of the good and wild olive trees in Romans 11, emphasizing the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. The parable illustrates
	Called to Christlikeness by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to Christlikeness through the example of the prophet Jeremiah, who engaged his heart to seek the Lord and shared in God's burden of weeping for

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 11

In Jeremiah 11, we see the faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel, despite their rebellion against Him. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, highlighting the dangers of idolatry and spiritual infidelity. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is long-suffering and slow to anger, but He will not always bear with the provocation of sinners.' The chapter also showcases Jeremiah's compassion and intercession for the people, demonstrating the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God's presence and protection. As we reflect on this chapter, may we be reminded of the importance of heeding God's warnings and responding to His call to repentance, and may we trust in His faithfulness to uphold us and guide us in our walk with Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?