Commentary

What does Jeremiah 35:11 mean?

“But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.” — Jeremiah 35:11

Commentary Devotional Prayer

Jeremiah 35:11 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Jeremiah, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The verse is part of a dialogue between Jeremiah and the Rechabites, a group of people who were known for their obedience to their forefather Jonadab's commands. The Rechabites had been faithful to the command of Jonadab to not drink wine or build houses for many generations.

In this particular verse, the Rechabites are explaining to Jeremiah that they had gone to Jerusalem out of fear of the armies of the Chaldeans and Syrians. This verse highlights the obedience and faithfulness of the Rechabites to their ancestor's commands, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

One of the themes present in this verse is obedience and faithfulness. The Rechabites remained obedient to the commands of their forefather despite the difficult circumstances they faced. This demonstrates their commitment to their heritage and traditions, as well as their trust in the wisdom of their ancestor's instructions.

Another theme that can be inferred from this verse is the theme of fear and trust in God. The Rechabites went to Jerusalem out of fear of the invading armies, but their actions ultimately display a trust in God's provision and protection. Their decision to obey their forefather's commands in the midst of fear reflects a belief that God will honor their obedience and faithfulness.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The book of Jeremiah was written during a tumultuous time in Israel's history when the nation was facing the threat of invasion and captivity by foreign powers, particularly Babylon. Jeremiah was a prophet who warned the people of Israel about the impending judgment of God due to their disobedience and idolatry.

The Rechabites' faithfulness serves as a contrast to the disobedience of the Israelites. While the Israelites were prone to turn away from God and worship false gods, the Rechabites remained committed to their ancestral traditions. This context reinforces the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

In addition to its themes, this verse also holds symbolic significance. The Rechabites' obedience and trust in the midst of fear can be seen as a symbol of the kind of unwavering faith and dedication that God desires from his people. This symbolizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands, even in difficult times, and trusting in his protection and provision.

Overall, Jeremiah 35:11 is a verse that highlights the themes of obedience, faithfulness, trust in God, and the contrast between the faithful Rechabites and the disobedient Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and trust in God, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. The verse also emphasizes the symbolic significance of unwavering faith and dedication to God's commands.

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Artwork for Jeremiah 35:11

Jeremiah 35:11 - "But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem."

"But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem." - Jeremiah 35:11

Jeremiah 35:12 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,"

"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 35:12

John (11:35) Jesus wept.

Jeremiah 35:1 - "The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,"

John (11:35) Jesus wept.

Jeremiah 35:3 - "Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;"