Jeremiah 7:17

"“Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up a cry or prayer for them or make intercession to me; for I will not hear you."

Key Reflection

In Jeremiah 7:17, the Lord issues a stern command through the prophet, instructing not only that the people should not pray for their own salvation but also to desist from offering any cries or intercessions on behalf of the wicked. This directive reflects the severity of the nation's sin and the certainty of divine judgment, indicating that no prayer will be answered if it is made in vain or when the people are persistently rebellious. The cultural context underscores the gravity of this command, as prayer was a common practice for seeking divine favor, highlighting how deeply entrenched their disobedience had become.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The proof of the hopeless immorality of the people is this, that they worship pagan deities (1) generally in the cities of Judah, and not in the capital only; and (2) publicly in the streets of Jerusalem. Such public idolatry could have been practiced only in the reign of a king like Jehoiakim.

More from Jeremiah 7

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