Jeremiah 17 26

Jeremiah 17:26 kjv

And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:26 nkjv

And they shall come from the cities of Judah and from the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin and from the lowland, from the mountains and from the South, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and incense, bringing sacrifices of praise to the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:26 niv

People will come from the towns of Judah and the villages around Jerusalem, from the territory of Benjamin and the western foothills, from the hill country and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and incense, and bringing thank offerings to the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:26 esv

And people shall come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, from the Shephelah, from the hill country, and from the Negeb, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and bringing thank offerings to the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:26 nlt

And from all around Jerusalem, from the towns of Judah and Benjamin, from the western foothills and the hill country and the Negev, the people will come with their burnt offerings and sacrifices. They will bring their grain offerings, frankincense, and thanksgiving offerings to the LORD's Temple.

Jeremiah 17 verses

Jeremiah 17 26 Meaning

Jeremiah 17:26 outlines the expected actions of the people of Judah, specifically bringing various offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem from all regions of the land. This promise of a unified return to worship and Temple service is presented as the divinely appointed outcome, conditional upon the people's obedience, especially regarding the keeping of the Sabbath day as detailed in the preceding verses. It describes a restored future where true worship is practiced freely throughout Judah.

Jeremiah 17 26 Context

Jeremiah 17:26 concludes a specific prophetic oracle given by Jeremiah regarding the observance of the Sabbath (Jer 17:19-27). The preceding verses detail YHWH's explicit command to the people and kings of Judah and Jerusalem to consecrate the Sabbath day by not carrying burdens or doing work through Jerusalem's gates. Verses 25 and 27 present a clear conditional promise: obedience to this Sabbath command will lead to sustained royal prosperity, national stability, and continuous worship in the Temple (v. 26). Disobedience, however, will result in divine judgment, specifically the destruction of Jerusalem and its gates by unquenchable fire. Thus, verse 26 serves as a detailed description of the promised blessings and restored life for Judah if they uphold the covenant, particularly through Sabbath-keeping, underscoring the vital role of worship and offerings as an expression of their relationship with YHWH. The historical context is the late 7th to early 6th century BCE, a period of spiritual decline and political instability in Judah leading up to the Babylonian exile, where idolatry and neglect of covenant laws were rampant.

Jeremiah 17 26 Word analysis

• And they shall come: The pronoun "they" (ûbāʾû - וּבָאוּ) refers to the people of Judah, encompassing all the inhabitants of the described regions. This indicates a widespread, unified movement towards the central place of worship. The verb expresses future certainty, but one that is contingent on the conditions laid out in verses 24-25.
• from the cities of Judah: Signifies the settled urban centers, beyond just Jerusalem, emphasizing a nationwide participation.
• and from the places around Jerusalem: Expands the scope to the immediate surroundings and hinterland of the capital, highlighting proximity to the Temple.
• and from the land of Benjamin: A specific tribal territory directly north of Jerusalem, significant for its historical ties and strategic importance (e.g., hometown of Saul, part of unified kingdom).
• and from the Shephelah: (haššěpēlâ - הַשְּׁפֵלָה) The low foothills between the central Judean mountains and the coastal plain, an agriculturally fertile and strategically important region.
• and from the Negeb: (hannegeb - הַנֶּגֶב) The arid southern region of Judah, suggesting even the farthest, less fertile areas will participate.
• and from the hill country: (hârhâ - הָהָרָה) The central mountainous spine of Judah, where Jerusalem itself is located, completing the geographical survey of the kingdom.
• bringing burnt offerings: (ʿōlôt - עֹלוֹת) From the root "to ascend," these offerings were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to YHWH. They were atonement for sin and expression of devotion.
• and sacrifices: (ûzĕḇāḥîm - וּזְבָחִים) This generally refers to peace offerings or fellowship offerings. Unlike burnt offerings, parts of these were eaten by the worshipers and priests, symbolizing communion and celebration with YHWH.
• and grain offerings: (ûminḥōt - וּמִנְחֹת) Non-bloody offerings, usually of flour, oil, and frankincense. They were often an expression of devotion, thanks, or general worship.
• and frankincense: (ûlĕḇōnâ - וּלְבוֹנָה) A fragrant gum resin often associated with grain offerings, symbolizing pleasing aroma rising to YHWH, part of worship and honor.
• and bringing thank offerings: (ûṭôḏâ - וּתוֹדָה) Specific type of peace offering expressing gratitude to YHWH, often made in fulfillment of a vow or for a deliverance. It signifies joyous recognition of YHWH's goodness.
• into the house of the Lord: (bêt-yhwh - בֵית יְהוָה) The Temple in Jerusalem, the designated central place of worship where YHWH's presence dwelt among His people.
• For I will restore the fortunes of the land: (kî ʾāšîb ʾet-šḇût hāʾāreṣ - כִּי אָשִׁיב אֶת־שְׁבוּת הָאָרֶץ) "Restore the fortunes" (šûḇ šĕḇût) is a recurring prophetic phrase meaning a dramatic reversal of national calamity and restoration to prosperity, freedom, and blessing. It implies return from captivity or a fundamental shift from a bad state to a good one, often conditional on repentance.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And they shall come from the cities of Judah... and from the hill country,": This exhaustive geographical listing emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the restoration and the unanimous participation from every corner of the land in the act of worship. It speaks to a reunified and devout people.
• "bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices and grain offerings and frankincense and bringing thank offerings,": This catalog of diverse offerings signifies a complete spectrum of Israelite worship. It covers various expressions: atonement (burnt offering), fellowship/thanksgiving (sacrifices, thank offerings), and devotion/honor (grain offering, frankincense). This suggests a revival of orthodox, zealous worship in accordance with the Law.
• "into the house of the Lord.": This highlights the centrality of the Temple in the anticipated religious life. True worship is properly directed to the Lord at His chosen dwelling place.
• "For I will restore the fortunes of the land.": This declaration underscores the conditional nature of divine blessing. The promised national revival and prosperity (restoring fortunes) are a direct consequence of the people's renewed commitment to YHWH, as exemplified by faithful Sabbath observance and worship.

Jeremiah 17 26 Bonus section

The phrase "restore the fortunes" (shuv shevit) does not strictly imply a return from exile in Jeremiah's time frame of writing this specific oracle. While it can mean "return from captivity" in some contexts (e.g., Jer 29:14; 30:3), here, "of the land" (hāʾāreṣ) more broadly signifies reversing national decline and distress, leading to prosperity and flourishing within their own territory. It refers to a comprehensive divine reversal of their socio-political and economic predicament if they repent and obey.

The detailed listing of specific geographical regions (Judah, Jerusalem environs, Benjamin, Shephelah, Negeb, hill country) not only signifies comprehensive participation but also serves as a polemic against the regional idolatry and local "high places" that were rampant during this period. By emphasizing worship into the house of the Lord (the Temple in Jerusalem), Jeremiah is countering syncretism and calling for exclusive, centralized Yahwistic worship in accordance with Deuteronomic law, rejecting illicit altars and pagan practices.

The focus on Sabbath-keeping as the direct condition preceding this promise of worship is profound. The Sabbath was a foundational sign of the covenant (Exod 31:13-17; Ez 20:12, 20), a mark of Israel's distinct relationship with YHWH. Its observance was not merely a ceremonial duty but a confession of faith in God as Creator and Deliverer, recognizing His sovereignty over time and labor. Neglecting it was a direct affront to YHWH's authority and often indicative of broader covenant infidelity. Jeremiah elevates it to a pivotal indicator of national repentance and readiness for restoration.

Jeremiah 17 26 Commentary

Jeremiah 17:26, situated within a crucial Sabbath oracle, paints a vivid picture of blessed national restoration. This future is not a given but is directly contingent on Judah's adherence to YHWH's covenant, particularly the consecration of the Sabbath day (Jer 17:24-25). If the people obey, they will witness a unified, vibrant return to Temple worship from every part of Judah—cities, plains, deserts, and mountains. The meticulous listing of offerings (burnt, peace, grain, frankincense, thank) emphasizes the re-establishment of a full, legitimate cultic practice. These offerings represent dedication, atonement, communion, and gratitude, reflecting a comprehensive renewal of their relationship with God. The Temple, "the house of the Lord," would once again be the heart of their national life. This verse serves as both a powerful incentive for obedience and a somber warning for disobedience, making it clear that spiritual revival and proper worship are inextricably linked to national well-being. The promise of "restoring the fortunes of the land" signals a return from degradation to divine favor, but the choice always remained with Judah.