Jeremiah 11 - Introduction

Jeremiah 11:1 to Jeremiah 12:6. Exhortation to observe the Deuteronomic Law. Warning of coming judgements in general and on Anathoth in particular

On the date of the earlier (Jeremiah 11:1-8) and later part (Jeremiah 11:18 to Jeremiah 12:6) of the section two views are held, (i) that it belongs to Jehoiakim's reign, and may best be placed between the address in the Temple courts (chs. Jeremiah 7:1 to Jeremiah 9:22; Jeremiah 10:17-25) and the battle at Carchemish (b.c. 605), and (ii) that it was delivered soon after the discovery of the book generally held to be some part of our Deuteronomy, and thus in immediate connexion with Josiah's reforms (b.c. 621). In favour of (i) it is argued (a) that it is not certain that the reference here is to the newly discovered law book, (b) that Josiah's drastic measures of reform rendered such advocacy needless, (c) that Jeremiah was at the earlier date too young to have become a conspicuous mark for unpopularity, (d) that there are other indications in his prophecies that he had realised the superficial character of the reforming legislation, and thus would not feel much enthusiasm on its behalf. In favour of (ii) the following points may be noticed, (a) Apart from the sacrificial or priestly element, with which (see Jeremiah 7:22; Jeremiah 8:8) he might be in but slight sympathy, the main positions of the Deuteronomic Law, its insistence on monotheism and the love of God, its abhorrence of idolatry and of heathen abominations were precisely the matters on which he most earnestly insisted. (b) The earlier date supplies an explanation of his kinsmen's antagonism. Anathoth was the seat of priestly families descended from Abiathar, who had been dismissed from the Jerusalem priesthood in Solomon's time (1 Kings 2:27). These would naturally be filled with bitter indignation against one of their kin supporting reforms which, by the abolition of country sites of sacrificial worship, conferred a monopoly upon the rival descendants of Zadok concentrated in the neighbouring capital. (c) The secrecy of the plots against Jeremiah rather implies a time when he had not yet become generally unpopular, and so fits in with the reign of Josiah. The balance of probability seems to incline to the former view. See further in introd. note on Jeremiah 11:18.

The section may be subdivided as follows.

(i) Jeremiah 11:1. Jeremiah is bidden to insist on the covenant made at the Exodus, on the observance of which the possession of Canaan was conditional; and the prophet solemnly assents. (ii) Jeremiah 11:6. He is sent on a mission through the streets of Jerusalem and cities of Judah generally, solemnly to remind the people of God's demand for obedience, of their past neglect of His words, and of the penalties which ensued. (iii) 9 14. Israel, like their forefathers, have again fallen away from Jehovah and conspired to violate the covenant by their idolatrous ways; therefore Jehovah will refuse to heed their cry for deliverance from just punishment from which their gods are powerless to save them. Their idolatries are so widespread and shameless that the prophet's intercessions would be in vain. (iv) Jeremiah 11:15. What business in the Temple have the unholy in life? Do they suppose that hypocritical service will atone for immorality? Israel is as an olive tree, once fair, but now blasted by the storm. (v) Jeremiah 11:18. The prophet complains that, while he was innocent and unsuspecting, his kinsmen at Anathoth were secretly plotting his death. When they disclose their designs by threats, he is empowered to declare that death by sword and famine shall befall them. (vi) ch. 12, Jeremiah 11:1. Jeremiah's appeal for a solution of the problem how it is that the wicked and treacherous live secure and prosper. He, as Jehovah knows, is innocent in heart. May destruction overtake the ungodly! Their sins have brought desolation on the land, and they boast that they will outlive the prophet, and so falsify his forecast. The Lord, replying in figurative language, asks how, if he is impatient at what he has hitherto had to undergo, he will endure the hostility of his own family. Let him not trust fair words.