Jeremiah 9:23-26
Read Jeremiah 9:23-26
Helpful Background Information:
Back in 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul tells Timothy to instruct the rich not to be arrogant in their wealth nor to boast in them. Those who are rich are called to set their hopes on God and to use their wealth to fuel good works for God’s kingdom.
However, Paul’s instruction to Timothy is nothing new, for such truths are found stretching back far into the Old Testament. Paul’s words are very reminiscent of what the Lord says through the prophet Jeremiah in our passage today. Jeremiah ministered from 627 B.C. to around 585 B.C., spanning from King Josiah to Judah’s exile into Babylon.
In context, Jeremiah 9 takes place in the third message of condemnation that Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, has earned for herself. This message of condemnation makes up the entirety of Jeremiah 2:1 to Jeremiah 29:32. From the Book of Kings, we see that Judah was engaged in flagrant idolatry, child sacrifice, dishonesty, adultery, insincerity, and tyranny against the poor and helpless. Even though King Josiah led some reforms, the cancer of sin in the hearts of God’s covenant people remained strong and resulted in exile.
Following this large section of condemnation, the Lord declares that there will be a day when he establishes a New Covenant where he will return his people from exile, write his teachings on their hearts, and forgive their sins. (Jeremiah 30:1-33:26).
Refocusing on Jeremiah 9:23-26, we find a surprising invitation from the Lord amidst prophecies of judgment and exile. If Judah is going to avert the swift death and destruction she has earned for herself, the people must understand and know the Lord. Earthly wisdom, wealth, and strength will be useless to them. Nothing but a true knowledge of God can save the nation, nothing but understanding the Lord can truly change the people’s hearts. The only people who can reflect the faithful love, justice, and righteousness of God are those who know him.
Reflection Questions:
What are you tempted to boast in today—your achievements, wisdom, strength, or wealth? Why do you think that is? What would it look like for you to shift your confidence to knowing God instead?
God's invitation to “understand and know” Him comes amid a passage of judgment. What does this reveal about God's character and His desire for His people?
How do Jeremiah 9 and 1 Timothy help us to see the utter foolishness of boasting or trusting in wealth? If we are boasting and trusting God and his righteous character, how does this impact how we view our wealth?