You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the LORD persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say God sent prophets; it emphasizes the persistence of God's effort by highlighting the phrase "rising early and sending them." This isn't just about sending messengers, but about God's own diligent, proactive, and repeated outreach to His people, as if He Himself couldn't rest until they heard.
You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the LORD persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, declaring that God has persistently sent prophets, including Jeremiah himself for twenty-three years, to warn them from their evil ways. Despite these numerous warnings and the earnest efforts of God's messengers, the people have consistently refused to listen or change their behavior. This verse emphasizes the repeated opportunities God gave them to repent and the people's stubborn refusal to heed His message.
Ever feel like you're the only one trying in a relationship? God's sending of prophets shows He's always the one investing more.
Jeremiah 25:4 highlights God's relentless effort to reach His people. The phrase 'rising early and sending them' isn't just about a prophet's schedule; it paints a picture of God's own urgency and deep care.
God's Investment:
It's one thing to ignore a suggestion, another to deliberately shut down a lifeline. This verse reveals a sin far deeper than mere disobedience.
The verse doesn't just state that the people didn't listen; it describes a profound, active refusal. This isn't accidental ignorance; it's a willful turning away from God's very clear voice.
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The Two Sides of Refusal:
This verse highlights a sustained pattern of divine communication through prophets over many years, met with consistent rejection by the people of Judah, directly leading up to their ultimate judgment and exile.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah begins prophetic ministry
Jeremiah is called by God to prophesy during the reign of King Josiah, initiating a long period of warnings to Judah.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
Josiah, a godly king who sought reform, is killed in battle at Megiddo, marking a turning point towards spiritual decline in Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Judah and deports a group of elites, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon.
605-586 BC— this verse
Jeremiah's ministry continues
Jeremiah persistently warns Judah about impending judgment, emphasizing their disobedience and the futility of relying on foreign alliances.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Judah's population, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, after a rebellion.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, ending Judah's existence as an independent kingdom and leading to a final, massive deportation.
This passage echoes Jeremiah 25:4 by stating that the Lord has persistently sent prophets to His people since their departure from Egypt, but they have refused to listen, highlighting a consistent pattern of disobedience throughout Israel's history.
2 Chronicles 36:15-16This passage directly links the people's destruction to their persistent rejection of God's messengers and His warnings, mirroring the theme in Jeremiah 25:4 where the people's refusal to listen to prophets leads to inevitable judgment.
Luke 10:16Jesus states that whoever listens to His disciples is listening to Him, and whoever rejects them is rejecting Him. This reinforces the idea from Jeremiah 25:4 that rejecting the prophets is equivalent to rejecting God Himself.
Matthew 23:37Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His desire to gather its people as a hen gathers her brood, but they were unwilling. This parallels Jeremiah 25:4 by showing God's persistent desire for His people's well-being and their stubborn refusal to accept His care, even through His messengers.
gillJeremiah 25:4: "And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear."
And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets,.... Not only him, but many others, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and others: rising early and sending them; not only the prophet, but the Lord himself is said to rise early, and send his prophets to them; which denotes his great care and concern for this people for their…
calvinJeremiah 25:3-5: "From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened."
- From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have…
The verse doesn't just say God sent prophets; it emphasizes the persistence of God's effort by highlighting the phrase "rising early and sending them." This isn't just about sending messengers, but about God's own diligent, proactive, and repeated outreach to His people, as if He Himself couldn't rest until they heard.
Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, declaring that God has persistently sent prophets, including Jeremiah himself for twenty-three years, to warn them from their evil ways. Despite these numerous warnings and the earnest efforts of God's messengers, the people have consistently refused to listen or change their behavior. This verse emphasizes the repeated opportunities God gave them to repent and the people's stubborn refusal to heed His message.
Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, declaring that God has persistently sent prophets, including Jeremiah himself for twenty-three years, to warn them from their evil ways. Despite these numerous warnings and the earnest efforts of God's messengers, the people have consistently refused to listen or change their behavior. This verse emphasizes the repeated opportunities God gave them to repent and the people's stubborn refusal to heed His message.
"You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the LORD persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets," — The verse doesn't just say God sent prophets; it emphasizes the persistence of God's effort by highlighting the phrase "rising early and sending them." This isn't just about sending messengers, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026