The Bible Says
Jeremiah 11:1-5 Meaning

Jeremiah 11:1 introduces Chapter 11 in the same way as every previous time the prophet proclaimed the word of God: The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying (v. 1). This short but significant verse sets the tone for the rest of the passage, making an emphasis that God Himself initiates communication with His messengers. Jeremiah, who served as a prophet during the late seventh and early sixth centuries BC, receives these instructions while in Judah, the southern kingdom that remained after Israel (the northern kingdom) was taken into captivity. Jeremiah 11:1 communicates that what follows is not a human invention but a directive from the sovereign God of Israel.

By stating that this word came to Jeremiah directly, Scripture underscores the authority behind the prophet’s message. Jeremiah, often referred to as the “weeping prophet,” carried out his ministry from around 626 BC until sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. He warned of impending judgment while also offering hope for restoration. In this verse, the LORD’s personal involvement points to the intimate relationship He desires with His people.

Furthermore, Jeremiah’s role as a messenger reminds us of the importance of faithful obedience. The prophet was called to stand before national leaders and common citizens alike, delivering the words of the Almighty exactly, and not his own words. Such a calling finds resonance in throughout Scripture, where God’s messengers, and eventually Jesus Himself (John 12:49-50), declare truth and call people into relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jeremiah’s readiness to listen and act becomes a model for believers to open their hearts and respond to God’s call.

When we reach Jeremiah 11:2, we see God’s instruction to the prophet: "Hear the words of this covenant, and speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem" (v. 2). Here, the LORD directs Jeremiah to bring a covenant reminder to the people of Judah, who lived in and around Jerusalem. Jerusalem, located in the rugged hills of southern Canaan, served as the political and religious center for God’s chosen nation at this time. It had withstood numerous challenges, but now faced the consequences of disobedience.

God’s use of the phrase, “Hear the words of this covenant” (v. 2), calls the people to take heed of the promises and stipulations originally set before their forefathers. Covenants in the Bible form binding agreements between God and His people, revealing His unchanging character and righteous expectations. The people of Judah are reminded not just to hear the covenant superficially, but also to put it into practice, reflecting their commitment to the LORD.

In the New Testament, believers are similarly told to be doers of the word, not merely hearers (James 1:22). This call to faithfulness transcends time and place, urging every generation to remember and honor God’s covenant. Jeremiah’s message in this Jeremiah 11:2 underscores the timeless truth that God’s covenant stands as the sign of His relationship with His people, inviting them into fellowship and obedience.

Continuing in Jeremiah 11:3, God’s charge sounds even more urgent: "and say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "Cursed is the man who does not heed the words of this covenant..."'" (v. 3). This verse is steeped in the seriousness of disregarding God’s instructions. By calling Him, “The LORD, the God of Israel,” Jeremiah 11:3 highlights the direct relationship and responsibility Israel (and now Judah) possesses as a people uniquely set apart.

The pronouncement of a curse further reveals the gravity of the covenant violation. Under the old covenant, blessings and curses were often mentioned side by side (Deuteronomy 28). When the people willingly submitted to God’s commandments, blessings flowed, but disobedience brought pain and separation from Him. Through the warning of a curse, God seeks to wake His people from their spiritual neglect, indicating how much their choices matter.

This dynamic of accountability remains relevant for modern readers. Although believers in Christ stand under the new covenant, there is still a call to faithfulness and a grave warning against deliberate disobedience (Hebrews 10:26-27). The message in Jeremiah 11:3 highlights that God’s holiness cannot be compromised, and His desire is that all heed His words, leading them to life rather than judgment.

Jeremiah 11:4 gives more context to the nature of the covenant: "...which I commanded your forefathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God...’" (v. 4). These words recall one of the most significant events in Israel’s history: the Exodus from Egypt, traditionally dated around 1446 BC. Egypt served as the place of bondage, and God’s rescue is portrayed vividly as He brought them out from an iron furnace (v. 4), a metaphor for intense oppression.

By referencing the Exodus, which He repeatedly does (Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 11:45, Numbers 15:41, Deuteronomy 5:6, Joshua 24:6, Judges 2:1, 1 Samuel 10:18),God again reminds His people that He is not a distant or passive deity. He personally intervened in history to free them from cruel slavery. The covenant He established at that time set the foundation for broader commands and identity, calling Israel to be separate from the surrounding nations, devoted exclusively to the LORD. The command, “Listen to My voice,” points toward responsiveness to God’s Word, a heartfelt obedience that surpasses mere ritual.

In this old covenant framework, “You shall be My people, and I will be your God” (v. 4) reveals a reciprocal relationship. It anticipates the deeper reality found in Jesus, where believers are adopted into God’s family through faith (Galatians 4:4-7). The necessary condition, then and now, is a heartfelt devotion to God’s commands. Through Jeremiah, the LORD reminds the people of His deliverance and calls them back to the covenant’s requirements, underscoring His love and mercy in rescuing them from the most severe forms of affliction.

In Jeremiah 11:5, the passage culminates with: "'...in order to confirm the oath which I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.' Then I said, ‘Amen, O LORD’" (v. 5). Here, God indicates that His actions-freeing the Israelites from bondage, forming a covenant, and settling them in a prosperous land-were all part of fulfilling promises made to their ancestors. These "forefathers," stretching back to Abraham (circa 2100 BC), Isaac, and Jacob, were given the oath of inheriting a land uniquely blessed by God.

The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” portrays abundance, fertility, and Divine provision. This description of the Promised Land serves as both physical and spiritual imagery, reflecting God’s desire to provide a place of joy and peace for His people. Jeremiah responds with “Amen,” an affirmation meaning “truly” or “so be it,” indicating his personal agreement and submission to the LORD’s word. Even in the face of looming judgment for widespread unfaithfulness, Jeremiah aligns himself with God’s truth.

Jeremiah 11:5 speaks to the unwavering faithfulness of God, who never forgets His promises. His plans remain steadfast, calling all who hear to receive them in faith. For Christians, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, offering new life in a land of spiritual abundance (John 10:10). Jeremiah’s resounding “Amen” encourages believers to affirm with confidence that God’s covenant is assured and trustworthy.