Jeremiah 11:6

Then the Lord said vnto me, Proclaime all these wordes in the cities of Iudah, and in the streets of Ierusalem, saying, Heare ye the words of this Couenant, and doe them. Jeremiah 11:6 (KJV)

Jeremiah 11:6 is a verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. To understand its meaning, we first look at the historical setting. Jeremiah was a prophet who lived in the tumultuous times leading up to and during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites. His ministry spanned from approximately 627 BC to 586 BC, and the book records his prophecies, warnings, and messages from the Lord to the people of Judah.

In Jeremiah 11 the Lord commands the prophet to “proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem.” This instruction highlights the central importance of the covenant between God and His people. The covenant refers to the agreement that outlines the responsibilities and blessings of Israel, and the verse calls the people to both hear and do the words of that covenant.

Key points drawn from the passage include:

• Proclamation of the covenant – God directs Jeremiah to announce the covenant publicly, emphasizing that the message must reach every city and street.
• Hearing and doing – The people are called to “hear” the words and to act on them. It is not enough merely to listen; true obedience requires living according to the covenant’s principles.
• Importance of obedience – God’s desire is that His people obey His commandments. Obedience brings blessings and favor, while disobedience leads to judgment and consequences.

The historical record shows that the people of Judah largely ignored Jeremiah’s warning, persisting in disobedience. This unfaithfulness ultimately resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, confirming the warning that neglecting the covenant brings severe repercussions.

Nevertheless, Jeremiah’s prophecies also contain messages of hope and restoration. Even amid judgment, the prophet points to God’s faithfulness and mercy, promising future renewal for a repentant people.

In summary, Jeremiah 11:6 reminds us of the significance of the covenant relationship between God and His people and stresses the need for obedient action. It challenges believers today to not only hear God’s word but to put it into practice, demonstrating true faith through faithful response to His commands.