A Study of Jeremiah 11:9-13 and Its Theological Implications

Abstract

In keeping with the deuteronomistic tradition of the covenant, Jeremiah insists that the covenant is not only the foundation and source of Israel’s identity but also the basis of Israel’s survival. Thus, Israel’s attitude towards the covenant becomes very important as any action that contravenes the demands of the covenant would directly mean rebellion and a rejection of YHWH’s leadership of Israel. Judah and her inhabitants in Jerusalem indulged in adulterous practices through the action of worshiping false gods. This is infidelity to YHWH. Consequently, this paper studies the text of Jeremiah 11:9-13 as it concerns Judah’s infidelity and adulterous actions, and its theological implications. The paper adopts the historical-critical method. It discovers that Judah and its inhabitants sway from the covenantal relationship between the nation and YHWH and that the decision to be unfaithful to the covenant is as a result of an unanimous conspiracy by the people. The study shows that covenant is conditional, since YHWH’s fulfillment of his promises is based on Judah’s fidelity. Also, judgment introduces the forensic dimension of the text, highlighting that Judah will be punished in as much as Judah remains unfaithful and adulterous.