Jeremiah 25:3

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the Lord hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

Jeremiah 25:3 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah 25:3 records the prophet’s own summary of his long ministry. He began receiving the word of the Lord in the thirteenth year of Josiah’s reign, about 627 BC, and he speaks here in his twenty-third year, which corresponds to the fourth year of Jehoiakim (cf. Jeremiah 1:2; Jeremiah 26:1). Josiah, the son of Amon, was a righteous king who led religious reforms in Judah. Jeremiah prophesied through Josiah’s reign and into the reigns of later kings, continuing until the fall of Jerusalem.

Meaning

The phrase “rising early and speaking” is an idiom of persistent, diligent effort. Jeremiah did not deliver a single warning; he repeatedly and earnestly urged the people to heed God’s word. Yet the central tragedy is the people’s response: “but ye have not hearkened.” Despite the divine origin of the message and the prophet’s faithful delivery over twenty-three years, the people refused to listen. This verse establishes the historical and spiritual context for the judgments that follow in the chapter, showing that God’s patience had been long and His warning clear before judgment was declared.

Biblical connections

Jeremiah’s faithfulness in speaking despite rejection reflects God’s long-suffering nature. The immediate context of Jeremiah 25 moves from this indictment to the announcement of the Babylonian captivity, demonstrating that rejecting God’s word has historical consequences.

Application

This verse calls for self-examination. Prolonged exposure to God’s word without obedience hardens the heart and invites judgment. Believers are urged to respond with humility and obedience rather than repeat Israel’s stubbornness. It also encourages those who faithfully proclaim God’s truth to continue, even when the response is discouraging.

Reflection

God’s patience is remarkable, but it is not unlimited. The same word that brings life when received brings judgment when rejected. May we not be counted among those who hear but do not hearken.