I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

JEREMIAH 35:15KJV
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Jeremiah 35:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:15 mean?

Jeremiah 35:15 describes how God repeatedly sent prophets to warn the people of Judah, urging them to turn away from their wrong actions, stop following other gods, and live rightly so they could remain in the land He gave their ancestors. Despite these warnings, the people refused to listen or pay attention.

In this verse, God is speaking through Jeremiah to the people of Judah, reminding them of His persistent efforts to guide them through His prophets. The setting is a time of growing disobedience and idolatry in Judah, and God emphasizes that He has done everything possible to call them back, but they have ignored Him. This verse highlights both God's patience and the people's stubbornness.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:15

  • "Rising up early" (שָׁכַם, shakam; tag: H7925) is a Hebrew phrase that often means acting with urgency and persistence. Here, it shows how God was diligent and proactive in sending His prophets, not just once but over and over.
  • "Return" (שׁוּב, shuv; tag: H7725) means to turn back or repent. The call is not just to stop doing wrong but to actively change direction and come back to God.
  • "Inclined your ear" (נָטָה אֹזֶן, natah ozen; tags: H5186, H241) is a Hebrew way of saying "pay close attention" or "listen carefully." The phrase stresses that the people were not just passively ignoring God—they were choosing not to listen at all.

Why Jeremiah 35:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God was silent or distant; it shows He made repeated, urgent efforts to reach His people through the prophets.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry and wrong actions, connecting them directly to the loss of the land God promised.
  • In the context of Jeremiah 35, this verse contrasts the obedience of the Rechabites (who followed their ancestor’s command) with the disobedience of the rest of Judah, sharpening the lesson about listening to God’s instructions.