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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 25 - Verse 6

25:6
And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Meaning

In this verse, the emphasis is on the commandment to not worship any other gods. The verse speaks to the importance of exclusive devotion to the one true God and the consequences of straying from that commitment. The verse warns against idolatry, which is the worship of false gods or objects. By creating and worshipping idols, individuals are turning away from the true God and provoking Him to anger. The mention of not provoking God to anger speaks to the idea that God is a jealous God who desires the full devotion of His people. The verse also alludes to the idea that worshiping other gods leads to harm or punishment. By following this commandment, believers are pledging their loyalty and obedience to God alone, and in return, they are promised protection and blessings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from the true path.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, there is a clear call to exclusive devotion to the one true God, without allowing room for the worship of other deities. The act of serving and worshipping other gods is described as provocation, leading to divine anger. This emphasizes the importance of monotheism and loyalty to God alone in the theological interpretation. The word "worship" in this context implies not only an outward act of reverence but also a deep commitment and allegiance to the object of worship. The phrase "the works of your hands" refers to the idols or representations of false gods that humans create, which are seen as offensive to God. The promise of protection from harm is conditioned upon the people's obedience to this command, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant between God and his people. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the fundamental principle of faithfulness in the relationship between God and believers, as well as the consequences of straying from this commitment.

American Standard Version

and go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
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