Jeremiah 7:23

"For I didn’t speak to your fathers or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices;"

Key Reflection

For the original audience, this verse would have been a surprising and challenging statement. Jeremiah was clarifying that the Law of Moses did not require burnt offerings or sacrifices from their ancestors immediately upon leaving Egypt. Instead, these rituals were introduced later as part of the covenant given through Moses on Mount Sinai, distinct from the initial relationship with God established during their exodus from Egypt. This distinction highlights the evolution of religious practices and underscores the importance of understanding the full context of divine commandments.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Obey ... -These words are not found verbatim in the Pentateuch, but are a sum mary of its principles. Sacrifice is never the final cause of the covenant, but always obedience (Exodus 19:5-6;Leviticus 11:45. CompareExodus 20:0;Deuteronomy 11:0, in which the moral object of the Mosaic dispensation is most clearly taught). In connection with Jeremiah’s argument, notice thatAmos 5:25(taken in conjunction withJoshua 5:2-7) proves that the ceremonial law was not observed during the 40 years’ wandering in the wilderness.

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