Jeremiah 25:6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Jeremiah 25:6 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah prophesied during the final years of the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom had already fallen to Assyria, and Judah faced the threat of Babylonian captivity. God persistently sent His servants the prophets to call His people back from their wicked ways, and Jeremiah 25 records one such warning.

Meaning

This verse commands exclusive devotion to God. The people are told not to go after other gods, not to serve them, and not to worship them. The phrase “the works of your hands” refers to the crafting and worship of idols. Such idolatry provoked God’s anger because it challenged His exclusive authority.

The promise “I will do you no hurt” is conditional. It is not a blanket guarantee of safety but a covenant warning tied to repentance from idolatry. The following verse makes clear that the people did not listen, and their idolatrous works brought harm upon themselves.

Biblical connections

This command echoes the first and second commandments, which forbid other gods and the making of idols (Exodus 20:3-5). God is described as a jealous God who desires His people to be faithful to Him alone. The warning reflects the theocratic principle that Israel’s well-being in the land was tied to their faithful worship of God alone.

Application

Idolatry is not limited to carved images. Anything placed above God in our hearts—whether possessions, relationships, or ambitions—can become an idol. This verse calls us to examine our own devotion and to turn away from whatever provokes God’s anger, trusting that obedience brings His blessing and protection.

Reflection

God’s warning is also an invitation. He desires His people to return to Him, and His promise of “no hurt” is an assurance of His care for those who obey. Let us respond with wholehearted loyalty to Him alone.