Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 11 - Verse 17

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.

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.