Old Testament
Jeremiah 11:17
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For the LORD of hosts, who planted you, has declared disaster against you because of the evil of the house of Israel and the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger by offering incense to Baal.
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For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.
What Jeremiah 11:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God, referred to as the LORD of hosts, expresses His anger towards the people of Israel and Judah. He reminds them that He is the one who planted them, meaning He established them as a nation. However, due to their actions—specifically, their worship of Baal and other evil deeds—they have brought disaster upon themselves. This worship is seen as a direct provocation to God, as it goes against the covenant relationship He has with them. The incense offered to Baal symbolizes their turning away from God and seeking favor from false gods. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, highlighting that their suffering is a result of their own choices rather than a random act of fate. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of straying into practices that anger Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 11:17 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry or disobedience. We should strive to remain faithful to God and avoid actions that provoke His anger. Regular self-reflection and repentance can help us stay aligned with God's will.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 11:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 11:17 mean?
Jeremiah 11:17 conveys God's anger towards Israel and Judah for their idolatry, specifically their worship of Baal. It emphasizes that their actions have led to their own disaster, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of Baal in Jeremiah 11:17?
Baal represents false gods that the Israelites worshipped, which provoked God's anger. The verse illustrates how turning to idols instead of God leads to severe consequences for the people.
What are the consequences mentioned in Jeremiah 11:17?
The consequences in Jeremiah 11:17 refer to the disaster that God has declared against Israel and Judah due to their evil actions. It serves as a warning that their suffering is a direct result of their own choices.
How does Jeremiah 11:17 relate to idolatry?
Jeremiah 11:17 directly addresses idolatry by condemning the Israelites for offering incense to Baal. It illustrates the dangers of worshipping false gods and the resulting anger from God.
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