Understanding Jeremiah 35:13

Verse Context: Jeremiah 35:13 states, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 'Will you not receive instruction by listening to My words?' declares the LORD."

This verse forms part of the larger narrative where the LORD is calling the people of Judah to heed His instructions and reflect on their ways. The reference points to a historical moment when God, through the prophet Jeremiah, urges the people to recognize the divine authority and the need for obedience.

Commentary Insights

Here, we summarize thoughts from notable public domain commentaries regarding this verse:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of God's call to listen and obey. He notes that this teaching shows God’s patience with His people and His desire for them to turn back to His ways. Henry highlights that disobedience leads to ruin, whereas adherence to God’s word leads to safety and blessing.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes interprets this message as a direct appeal to the hearts of the Jewish people at a time of crisis. He asserts that God’s insistence on His people receiving instruction is founded on His wisdom and authority as their creator. Barnes points out that hearing God is necessary for spiritual growth.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke explains that this verse reflects God's constant efforts to guide His people. He points out that the rhetorical question illustrates the people's stubbornness and refusal to learn from God's teachings, even when they are clearly articulated.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Jeremiah 35:13 invites several connections to other scripture passages that relate to the themes of listening to God and obedience:

• Proverbs 1:23: "Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you." This verse parallels the call to listen and receive correction.
• Isaiah 30:21: "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,'" emphasizing the necessity of following God's guidance.
• Hebrews 3:15: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..." which reinforces the importance of being receptive to God's voice.
• James 1:22: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves," highlighting the need to act upon God's words.
• Matthew 11:15: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear," stressing the importance of truly listening.
• Jeremiah 6:10: "To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear?" illustrates the ongoing challenge of finding a receptive audience.
• Romans 10:17: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," links faith with responsiveness to God's message.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

This verse engages in a broader dialogue within the Bible where themes of listening and obeying God are prevalent:

• Connection to the New Testament:

  In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus echo similar calls for obedience and listening, as seen in His parables and exhortations to His disciples—highlighting a continuity in God’s desire for obedience from both Old and New Testament believers.

• The Role of the Prophets:

  Throughout Scripture, prophets serve as intermediaries calling people back to God and urging them to heed His word, illustrating God's persistent outreach despite human disobedience.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To further explore the connectivity and meanings of biblical verses, there are numerous tools for cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordance: A valuable resource to find key themes and words throughout Scripture.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Comprehensive guides help track themes across different books of the Bible.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Methods that encourage deeper investigation into connected scriptures for better understanding.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 35:13 serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring call for His people to listen and act upon His words. Through the prophetic voice, scriptural connections, and the use of cross-referencing tools, believers are encouraged to engage deeply with God’s teachings, gaining insight that fosters spiritual growth and obedience.