‘Hear
now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don’t see; who have ears, and don’t hear: Don’t you fear me?’
Jeremiah 5:21
Jeremiah 5 [18.] “But even in those days,” says Yahweh, “I will not make a full end with you. It will happen, when you say, ‘Why has Yahweh our God done all these things to us?’ Then you shall say to them, ‘Just like you have forsaken me, and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve strangers in a land that is not yours.’
Jeremiah 5 [20.] “Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, ‘Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don’t see; who have ears, and don’t hear: Don’t you fear me?’ says Yahweh ‘Won’t you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can’t pass it? and though its waves toss themselves, yet they can’t prevail; though they roar, yet they can’t pass over it.’
Meaning:
The verse begins with a call to attention: "Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding." Through Jeremiah, God addresses the people directly, highlighting their spiritual condition characterized by foolishness and lack of discernment. Despite their outward appearance of being a chosen and favored nation, the Israelites are denounced for their spiritual blindness and ignorance.
The imagery of having "eyes" but not seeing and "ears" but not hearing serves as a metaphor for the people's inability or unwillingness to perceive the truth of God's word and discern His will. This indictment emphasizes the disparity between their physical abilities and their spiritual receptivity. Despite having the capacity to perceive and understand, the Israelites remain spiritually blind and deaf to God's message.
The significance of Jeremiah 5:21 lies in its timeless message about the importance of spiritual discernment and understanding in our relationship with God. It serves as a warning against complacency and spiritual apathy, reminding us that possessing physical faculties alone is insufficient for true understanding and wisdom. We are called to cultivate spiritual insight and discernment through a deep and intimate relationship with God, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts and minds.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar warnings against spiritual blindness and deafness. In Isaiah 6:9-10, the prophet Isaiah is commissioned by God to deliver a message of judgment to the people of Israel, declaring that they will be unable to understand or perceive the truth of God's word due to their hardened hearts and closed ears. Similarly, in Matthew 13:13-15, Jesus speaks in parables to the crowds, explaining that they are spiritually blind and deaf, unwilling to receive His teachings and turn to God for understanding.
Furthermore, the theme of spiritual discernment and understanding is emphasized throughout the Bible. In Proverbs 2:6, Solomon writes, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." This verse underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from God, who is the source of all knowledge and truth.
As we reflect on Jeremiah 5:21, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and minds and to ensure that we are not allowing pride, ignorance, or worldly distractions to hinder our relationship with God. We are called to open our eyes and ears to perceive the truth of God's word and to align our lives with His will. This requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to submit to God's guidance and direction.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 5:21 serves as a sobering reminder of the danger of spiritual blindness and deafness. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment and understanding through a deep and intimate relationship with God. May we heed this warning and seek wisdom and understanding from Him, that we may walk in His ways and fulfill His purposes for our lives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible