Jeremiah 11:17
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.
Jeremiah 11:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message from the LORD of hosts to the people of Israel and Judah, condemning them for their worship of the false god Baal. The planting imagery used here suggests that the LORD had established and nurtured the people, only to see them turn away from Him to offer incense to a pagan deity. By doing so, the houses of Israel and Judah had brought evil upon themselves, provoking the LORD to anger.
The mention of Baal, a popular Canaanite god associated with fertility and agriculture, highlights the spiritual infidelity of God's chosen people. Instead of honoring their covenant with the LORD, they had turned to a foreign god, betraying the relationship between them and their Creator. This act of idolatry was not only a violation of the first commandment but also a rejection of the LORD's authority and provision.
Through this verse, the LORD warns the Israelites and Judahites of the consequences of their actions. The pronouncement of evil serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments. By offering incense to Baal, the people had not only angered the LORD but also distanced themselves from His protection and blessings. This verse underscores the significance of acknowledging and worshipping the one true God, for He alone is worthy of praise and adoration.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, we see a strong theological interpretation of the relationship between the Lord and His people. The phrase "For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee" emphasizes the idea of God as a creator who has formed and nurtured His people, only to see them turn away from Him. The mention of both the house of Israel and the house of Judah highlights the collective guilt of the entire nation in provoking God's anger by worshiping false gods like Baal. The act of offering incense to Baal represents a direct challenge to the exclusive worship of the one true God, leading to severe consequences for the people. This verse serves as a warning against idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God in all circumstances. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meanings of terms like "hosts," "planted," and "incense," enriching our understanding of the text and its implications for our spiritual lives.
Jeremiah 11:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
For Jehovah of hosts, who planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have wrought for themselves in provoking me to anger by offering incense unto Baal.
World English Bible
For Yahweh of Armies, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have worked for themselves in provoking me to anger by offering incense to Baal.
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord of hosts that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee: for the evils of the house of Israel, and of the house of Juda, which they have done to themselves, to provoke me, offering sacrifice to Baalim.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For the Lord of hostes that planted thee, hath pronounced a plague against thee, for the wickednes of the house of Israel, and of the house of Iudah, which they haue done against themselues to prouoke me to anger in offering incense vnto Baal.