Jeremiah 9:3
Verse
Context
A Lament over Zion
2If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. 3“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. 4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bend . . . tongues . . . for lies--that is, with lies as their arrows; they direct lies on their tongue as their bow (Psa 64:3-4). not valiant for . . . truth-- (Jer 7:28). MAURER translates, "They do not prevail by truth" or faith (Psa 12:4). Their tongue, not faith, is their weapon. upon . . . earth--rather, "in the land." know not me-- (Hos 4:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies,.... Their tongues were like bows, and their lying words like arrows, which they directed against persons to their injury; see Psa 11:2, or, "like their deceitful bow" (p); to which the Targum agrees, "they teach their tongues words of falsehood, they are like to a deceitful bow.'' Most agreeably to the accents the words may be rendered, "they bend their tongues, their bow is a lie" (q); either deceitful, or carries a lie in it, and shoots one out of it: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; which a man should do everything for, and nothing against; and which he should earnestly contend for, and not part with or give up at any rate; not only for the truth of doctrine, for faith, as the Targum; for the doctrine of faith, the truth of the Gospel, and as it is in Christ; but for truth between man and man, for veracity, rightness, and integrity: for they proceed from evil to evil; from one sin to another, growing worse and worse, as wicked men and deceivers usually do. Kimchi observes, it may be interpreted, as of evil works, so of the evil of punishment, from one evil of the enemy to another; or this year they are smitten with blasting, another with mildew, or with the locust, and yet they turn not from their evil ways: and they know not me, saith the Lord; the God of truth, and without iniquity, and who will severely punish for it; they did not serve and worship him as the only Lord God. The Targum is, "the knowledge of my fear they learned not.'' (p) "veluti acum falsum", Munster; "quasi arcum mendacii", V. L. (q) "Et tetenderunt linguam suam, arcus ipsorum mendacium est", De Dieu; "qui tendunt linguam suam, arcus eorum est mendacium", Schmidt. Approved by Reinbeck. De Accent. Heb. p. 437.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:3-16 The heavenly court was still in session (see study note on 2:9); the divine Judge lectured the people about the charges facing them and justified the severity of the verdict. Jeremiah interrupted the Lord’s speech twice to respond to the Lord’s messages (9:10, 12). 9:3 The Lord did not scold Jeremiah for his outburst. Instead, the Lord recited the guilty charges against his people. • The comparison with bows indicates that the people’s lies were deliberately aimed to harm their targets.
Jeremiah 9:3
A Lament over Zion
2If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. 3“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. 4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Mr. Valiant-for-Truth
By Ernest C. Reisinger5756:52TruthJER 9:3PHP 1:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and embracing the doctrines of grace. He addresses young preachers and attendees of a conference who may encounter opposition to these beliefs in their churches and among their friends. The speaker emphasizes the need to memorize and apply 1 Corinthians 4:7, which encourages self-reflection and readiness for spiritual battle. He then draws lessons from John Bunyan's "Mr. Valiant-for-Truth" to encourage believers to value and defend the truth. The sermon concludes with a vivid picture of Kristianna, a character in Bunyan's work, who sees Mr. Valiant-for-Truth one last time before crossing a metaphorical river.
Epistle 236
By George Fox0PSA 2:4PSA 83:14PSA 105:34JER 9:3JER 51:25MAT 13:6JHN 6:35ACT 1:7HEB 13:81PE 2:22JUD 1:12REV 6:13George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of life and water of life, even when faced with destruction and darkness. Fox reminds his audience to rejoice in God's truth, to endure temporary hardships with faith, and to trust in the unwavering love and power of God over all challenges and adversities.
Epistle 227
By George Fox0Faith in AdversityThe Victory of ChristEXO 10:21SNG 2:2ISA 35:1JER 9:3ZEC 2:10JHN 14:6GAL 3:161TH 5:51PE 2:22REV 17:14George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them that Christ reigns over all challenges, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and valiant for the truth, even in difficult circumstances. Fox reassures that the seed of Christ brings life and peace, guiding them through the trials of life and the ways of the fallen world. He emphasizes the importance of following Christ, who ultimately has the victory over all adversities.
Epistle 400
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PRO 23:23ISA 32:18JER 9:3JHN 8:321CO 13:72TI 2:24JAS 3:171PE 1:231JN 4:16REV 3:10REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages living in heavenly wisdom, maintaining a gentle and lamb-like nature, and valiantly upholding God's truth without compromise. Fox reminds believers that the truth sets them free and leads to a peaceable habitation, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
Epistle 92
By George Fox0Perseverance in SufferingFaithfulness to TruthISA 23:9ISA 29:21JER 9:3MIC 3:5JHN 8:32REV 2:10REV 17:14George Fox encourages all believers who are imprisoned for their faith to surrender to the truth, which will ultimately set them free. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Lord to overcome persecution and to maintain peace and unity with God and one another. Fox calls for faithfulness in the face of suffering, reminding them that their trials can lead to greater good and that they should focus on God's power rather than their hardships. He draws parallels between the sufferings of early Christians and those of his contemporaries, urging them to remain steadfast against false teachings and practices. Ultimately, he assures them that their faithfulness will lead to eternal rewards and victory in Christ.
Knowing and Doing Good
By Thomas Watson0NUM 15:30PRO 13:13ISA 1:15JER 9:3HOS 4:6LUK 16:10ROM 12:2PHP 1:9COL 3:10JAS 4:17Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to sin against conscience and refuse to do good when one knows better is a grave sin that leads to greater punishment. Watson urges believers to be well-informed of their duties, to practice what they know is good, and to avoid presumptuous sins that harden the heart and lead to despair and self-condemnation.
Epistle 333
By George Fox0FaithfulnessUnity in ChristJOB 42:12PSA 118:22JER 9:3ACT 4:12ROM 8:381CO 3:7EPH 6:11COL 2:62TI 1:101JN 1:1George Fox addresses the children of Zion, emphasizing their election in Christ, the cornerstone of God's building. He encourages them to remain steadfast in faith, even amidst trials and persecution, reminding them that their salvation is found only in Jesus. Fox urges the community to maintain peace, love, and unity, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand firm against adversities. He highlights the importance of spiritual sacrifices and the role of both men and women in the gospel, calling for a commitment to faithfulness and mutual support. Ultimately, he encourages them to live in the light of the gospel, fostering a spirit of love and service among one another.
Epistle 340
By George Fox0Godly ConductLiving in UnityDEU 28:5PSA 24:1PSA 139:3JER 9:31CO 3:7PHP 1:271TH 4:122PE 1:6George Fox addresses the community in New Jersey, urging them to remain in the fear of God and to keep the Lord at the forefront of their lives and actions. He emphasizes the importance of living in a manner that reflects the gospel, as their conduct will be observed by others, including the local Indians. Fox encourages the establishment of worship meetings and the cultivation of love and unity among the members, advising against disputes over material matters. He highlights the necessity of virtues such as temperance, patience, and brotherly love, which will foster a strong, supportive community under Christ's guidance. Ultimately, he reassures them that by adhering to these principles, they will experience God's blessings in all aspects of their lives.
Epistle 274
By George Fox0Living in TruthPerseverance in FaithJER 9:3ZEC 12:3JHN 8:441CO 15:472TI 3:12JAS 1:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the pure and undefiled life, rooted in the holy seed that transcends transgression. He highlights that this seed, which is eternal and unchanging, empowers believers to overcome persecution and suffering that comes from the unjust. Fox encourages his listeners to remain steadfast in love, humility, and righteousness, as they navigate the challenges of living godly lives in a world that often opposes them. He reassures that those who endure persecution for their faith will ultimately reign in truth and life. His message is a call to be valiant for the Lord's truth and to embody the love of Christ.
Epistle 22
By George Fox0Inner LightObedience to GodECC 5:2JER 9:3MIC 5:11MRK 9:502CO 10:4EPH 5:11PHP 3:14COL 4:62TH 2:3HEB 3:131PE 3:16REV 3:11REV 16:10REV 17:16George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying close to the inner light and the power of God's words, urging believers to avoid distractions from vain thoughts and to focus on the truth that leads to obedience. He warns of the impending judgment on the wicked and encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, walking in love, wisdom, and purity. Fox calls for mutual support among believers, urging them to stir up purity in one another and to be bold in their witness for the truth, while also maintaining humility and integrity in their conduct.
Epistle 35
By George Fox0ProphecyDiscernmentISA 5:20JER 9:3JOL 2:28MAT 10:22MAT 13:15ACT 28:272CO 10:13COL 4:61TH 5:19JUD 1:6George Fox calls upon the prophets of the Lord to stand firm in their calling and not to be discouraged by the world's disdain for prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of remaining true to God's spirit, warning against quenching it, as this leads to confusion between good and evil. Fox encourages both sons and daughters of God to prophesy within their measure and to remain humble, avoiding pride that could lead them away from God's truth. He stresses the necessity of discerning the good from the evil through the spirit, which is essential for true prophecy and guidance. Ultimately, Fox reminds the prophets to uphold their divine calling and to be vigilant against the influences that seek to undermine their mission.
Epistle 296
By George Fox0PSA 8:2JER 9:3MAT 20:31TH 5:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of keeping meetings in the power of the Lord God, encouraging believers not to quench the spirit or despise prophesying. He urges them to maintain their testimony in both public and private settings, allowing even the youngest or seemingly insignificant individuals to speak out for the truth. Fox warns against idleness and neglect of duty, highlighting the tendency for idle individuals to gossip and judge others within the community.
Epistle 405
By George Fox0Diligence in FaithEvangelism1CH 29:15JER 9:3MAT 5:15MAT 25:3LUK 19:201CO 7:291CO 7:311TI 2:41TI 6:9HEB 13:17George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be diligent in their service to God and to be mindful of their time on earth, reminding them that they are sojourners and should live in the fear of God. Fox warns against the distractions of worldly desires and calls for unity among Friends in ministry to effectively share the truth with others. He expresses a desire for them to be valiant in their efforts and to give a joyful account to God at the end of their lives.
Epistle 248
By George Fox0PSA 8:2JER 9:3MAT 20:31CO 1:24GAL 3:281TH 5:191TI 5:13George Fox emphasizes the importance of keeping meetings in the power of the Lord, encouraging the congregation to not quench the spirit or despise prophesying, but to maintain their testimony in both public and private settings. He urges the community to allow everyone, regardless of gender or age, to contribute to the service and to be valiant for the truth of the Lord on earth. Fox specifically addresses women's meetings, urging women to embrace virtue, love truth, and walk in God's service to fulfill their role in their generation and in the practice of pure religion.
Epistle 58
By George Fox0Inner TruthFaithfulness in LovePSA 24:1PRO 17:24ECC 12:3ISA 55:2JER 9:3MIC 3:11MAT 5:37JHN 8:441CO 8:1COL 3:22JAS 1:26JAS 4:41JN 3:13George Fox emphasizes the importance of focusing inwardly rather than being distracted by the world, warning against lightness and superficiality. He encourages believers to be steadfast in truth, to control their speech, and to avoid the puffing up of knowledge that leads away from genuine faith. Fox calls for a reliance on the inner teacher, the Holy Spirit, rather than external influences, and stresses that true holiness cannot be found in worldly practices. He urges Christians to act in love and sincerity, using all things for God's glory, while remaining faithful amidst worldly opposition. Ultimately, he reminds believers to love one another and to dwell in the light, as the world is at enmity with God.
Epistle 398
By George Fox0JER 9:3George Fox preaches about the unbound nature of the word of God, encouraging believers to stand valiantly for God's truth and name, even in the face of suffering and trials. He emphasizes the gift of faith and the endurance required to follow Christ, reminding them of the support and sanctification God provides in all circumstances. Fox urges believers to bless their enemies, hold fast to goodness, and trust in God's everlasting love and power, which brings life and salvation. He concludes by exhorting them to manifest the virtues of true Christianity in their behavior and confession of Christ before others.
Epistle 336
By George Fox0JER 9:3MRK 12:30JHN 4:14JHN 8:44ROM 8:38ROM 10:101CO 13:7GAL 4:291PE 1:5George Fox preaches about the importance of staying steadfast in the love of God and Jesus Christ amidst outward sufferings and trials, emphasizing the need to not be separated from God's love by any earthly distractions or threats. He encourages believers to let the well of life spring up within them, nourishing the plant that God has planted in them, and to stand firm in the Lord's power as their hedge and defense. Fox urges the congregation to be valiant for God's glory and truth, spreading it abroad and confessing Christ as their way, light, and life, offering praise and glory to God forever.
Epistle 189
By George Fox0FaithfulnessUnity in ChristDEU 2:25JER 9:3ROM 1:16ROM 2:14ROM 14:132TI 1:10JAS 5:71JN 5:19REV 14:6REV 21:2George Fox encourages his friends in New England and Virginia to remain steadfast in the truth and power of God, urging them to spread the gospel and confound deceit. He emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and patience, reminding them to avoid judging one another and to dwell in God's power to overcome worldly adversities. Fox highlights the necessity of preaching the everlasting gospel to all nations, assuring them that through patience and perseverance, they will witness the triumph of truth over falsehood. He calls for a commitment to the seed of God, which will sustain them against the trials of life and the challenges posed by spiritual deception.
Epistle 101
By George Fox0Victory in ChristSpiritual BirthGEN 1:27GEN 25:23JER 9:3GAL 4:29EPH 4:30JAS 3:17REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the everlasting seed of God, which embodies wisdom, life, and dominion over the fallen nature. He encourages believers to offer themselves to God through the suffering seed, aligning with the nature of the Lamb who must achieve victory over the rough nature that arose from the fall. Fox highlights the distinction between the two births: the flesh and the spirit, urging the faithful to embrace the spiritual birth that leads to eternal life. He calls for vigilance against grieving the Spirit and encourages believers to be a blessing and a good savor in the world by standing firm in truth.
Epistle 386
By George Fox0ISA 11:10ISA 49:6JER 9:3MAT 5:13MAT 5:33ACT 26:18ROM 6:22ROM 12:211TH 5:21TIT 2:7George Fox addresses the Monthly Meeting of Charleston, encouraging them to stand faithful in truth and righteousness, bearing fruits of holiness that lead to everlasting life. He urges them to be examples of virtue, modesty, and sobriety, displaying the fruits of Christianity in their lives to preach righteousness to all, including the indigenous people. Fox emphasizes the importance of valuing both natural and spiritual liberty, serving without swearing and maintaining the heavenly salt that seasons their lives with truth and righteousness. He calls them to spread God's truth, turning people from darkness to light through Christ Jesus, seeking the good and salvation of all while living in love and overcoming evil with good.
Epistle 393
By George Fox0PSA 25:9JER 9:3MAT 7:14MAT 11:29MAT 18:20MAT 28:18LUK 9:26JHN 10:15GAL 5:22HEB 7:27HEB 12:2JAS 3:171PE 2:251PE 5:14George Fox preaches about living a life that glorifies God by bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing righteousness, godliness, meekness, lowliness, and humility, following the example of Christ Jesus who is meek and teaches the humble. He urges the congregation to avoid worldly ways and to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life, meeting in the name of Jesus Christ to experience His divine presence, love, and wisdom. Fox encourages them not to be ashamed of Christ as their teacher, prophet, shepherd, high priest, and bishop, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith, their sanctuary, and source of life, peace, rest, and salvation.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bend . . . tongues . . . for lies--that is, with lies as their arrows; they direct lies on their tongue as their bow (Psa 64:3-4). not valiant for . . . truth-- (Jer 7:28). MAURER translates, "They do not prevail by truth" or faith (Psa 12:4). Their tongue, not faith, is their weapon. upon . . . earth--rather, "in the land." know not me-- (Hos 4:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies,.... Their tongues were like bows, and their lying words like arrows, which they directed against persons to their injury; see Psa 11:2, or, "like their deceitful bow" (p); to which the Targum agrees, "they teach their tongues words of falsehood, they are like to a deceitful bow.'' Most agreeably to the accents the words may be rendered, "they bend their tongues, their bow is a lie" (q); either deceitful, or carries a lie in it, and shoots one out of it: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; which a man should do everything for, and nothing against; and which he should earnestly contend for, and not part with or give up at any rate; not only for the truth of doctrine, for faith, as the Targum; for the doctrine of faith, the truth of the Gospel, and as it is in Christ; but for truth between man and man, for veracity, rightness, and integrity: for they proceed from evil to evil; from one sin to another, growing worse and worse, as wicked men and deceivers usually do. Kimchi observes, it may be interpreted, as of evil works, so of the evil of punishment, from one evil of the enemy to another; or this year they are smitten with blasting, another with mildew, or with the locust, and yet they turn not from their evil ways: and they know not me, saith the Lord; the God of truth, and without iniquity, and who will severely punish for it; they did not serve and worship him as the only Lord God. The Targum is, "the knowledge of my fear they learned not.'' (p) "veluti acum falsum", Munster; "quasi arcum mendacii", V. L. (q) "Et tetenderunt linguam suam, arcus ipsorum mendacium est", De Dieu; "qui tendunt linguam suam, arcus eorum est mendacium", Schmidt. Approved by Reinbeck. De Accent. Heb. p. 437.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:3-16 The heavenly court was still in session (see study note on 2:9); the divine Judge lectured the people about the charges facing them and justified the severity of the verdict. Jeremiah interrupted the Lord’s speech twice to respond to the Lord’s messages (9:10, 12). 9:3 The Lord did not scold Jeremiah for his outburst. Instead, the Lord recited the guilty charges against his people. • The comparison with bows indicates that the people’s lies were deliberately aimed to harm their targets.