Chapter 11: The Challenges of Judah and Divine Warnings
(23 Pesukim)
1. Covenant Warnings, reminders, and Consequences (11:1-8)
- Hashem’s instructions to Yirmiyahu: Yirmiyahu is to proclaim the words of the covenant to the men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem
- “And you shall say to them: Thus says Hashem, the G‑d of Israel: Accursed is the person who refuses to listen to the words of this covenant.”
- Reminders: Hashem reminds them that He commanded the forefathers who left Egypt to obey His voice and follow His commands, promising to be their Hashem and make them His people. This was done in order to uphold the oath that I swore to your forefathers—to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is today.
- Hashem told Yirmiyahu to proclaim all this in the cities of Judah and Jerusalem’s streets.
- Repeated Warnings Since the Exodus: Hashem declares that from the very day He brought the forefathers out of Egypt, He continually warned them—rising early each morning, sending prophets, and urging them to listen to His voice.
- Israel’s Persistent Disobedience: Despite these constant warnings, the people refused to listen or even incline their ears. Instead, each person followed the stubbornness of their own evil heart. Because of this disobedience, Hashem brought upon them all the consequences written in the covenant—commands they were obligated to fulfill, but did not.
2. The Conspiracy of Judah (11:9-10)
- Hashem reveals a conspiracy among the men of Judah and Jerusalem’s inhabitants.
- They have reverted to the sinful ways of their forefathers, refusing to listen to Hashem’s words and worshipping other deities.
3. The Pronouncement of Inescapable Judgment (11:11-13)
- God declares that He will bring calamity upon Judah and Jerusalem from which they cannot escape; even if they cry out to Him, He will not listen.
- No help from their Deities: The people will turn to idol gods for help, but these false gods will not save them in their time of distress.
- Judah’s widespread idolatry is condemned, with as many altars to Baal as there are cities and streets in Jerusalem. They built altars to burn incense for the Baal.
