Jeremiah 17:19-27

Jeremiah 17:19-27. An exhortation on the observance of the Sabbath

This section is unconnected with the preceding, and, as it considers that the doom pronounced on Judah may be averted on condition of Sabbath observance, while the previous section has declared that that doom is inevitable, it has been placed by some, e.g. Orelli, as early as the time of Josiah's reformation (see introd. note on Jeremiah 1:1 to Jeremiah 12:6), and by others (Stade, Kuenen, Gi., Du., Co.) held to be a piece belonging to the times of Ezra and Nehemiah (cp. Nehemiah 13:15-22). See also on Jeremiah 17:20. The style, however, has much in common with Jeremiah, though this may be asserted to be due to imitation. It is argued that the general tone of the passage, and in particular the appreciation of sacrifice (Jeremiah 17:26) are not what we should expect. On the other hand "although no doubt Jeremiah speaks disparagingly of sacrifice offered by impure hands (Jeremiah 6:19 f., Jeremiah 7:9 f., Jeremiah 7:21; Jeremiah 14:10-12), it may be questioned whether he would have rejected it when (as is the case explicitly in Jeremiah 17:26) it is conceived as the expression of a right heart (cp. Jeremiah 33:11; also Deuteronomy 12:11; Isaiah 56:7; Isaiah 60:7)." Dr. LOT. p. 258. At any rate, as we see from the Puritans, strong sabbatarianism need not be inconsistent with depreciation of the ceremonial side of worship.

The section may be subdivided as follows.

(i) Jeremiah 17:19. Jehovah tells the prophet to stand at the gate and forbid carriage of goods into and out of the city or houses on the Sabbath. The day is to be hallowed as He has commanded. The people refuse obedience. (ii) Jeremiah 17:24. If they will conform, then they and their rulers shall be immune and permanently secure, and offerings be brought from all the neighbouring parts of Palestine to the Temple. If not, then Jerusalem shall be overthrown.