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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 44 - Verse 4

44:4
Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker, believed to be God, is expressing their frustration and disappointment towards the people for not heeding the warnings and guidance provided by the prophets. By stating that all their prophets were sent early and continuously to deliver the message, it shows the importance of the message being conveyed. The phrase "rising early" symbolizes the urgency and diligence with which the prophets were sent to warn the people. The use of the word "abominable" emphasizes the severity and gravity of the actions that the people were engaging in, which God despised. Despite God's efforts to guide and correct the people's ways through the prophets, the people continued to ignore the warnings, leading to a sense of despair and disapproval from God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's instructions and the importance of heeding the messages communicated through the prophets.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets" emphasizes the persistence of God in sending messengers to warn His people. The term "prophets" refers to those individuals chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people. The word "prophets" comes from the Greek word "prophetes," which means "one who speaks forth or openly." These messengers were not just ordinary people; they were divinely appointed spokespersons for God who spoke the truth boldly, even when it was unpopular or difficult to hear. The phrase "rising early and sending them" suggests the urgency with which God sent His prophets to warn the people, demonstrating His desire for them to turn from their sinful ways. The repetition of the phrase "saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate" emphasizes God's deep abhorrence for the sinful actions of His people. The word "abominable" carries a strong sense of disgust and moral repugnance, indicating the severity of the sins committed by the people. Overall, this verse showcases God's unwavering commitment to guiding and correcting His people through His chosen messengers, the prophets.

American Standard Version

Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.
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