Jeremiah 6:18

18 So the Lord said, "Listen, you nations, and learn what is going to happen to my people.

Jeremiah 6:18 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 6:18

Therefore hear, ye nations
Since the Jews refused to hearken to the word of the Lord, the Gentiles are called upon to hear it, as in ( Acts 13:45 Acts 13:46 ) , this is a rebuke to the Jews, that the Gentiles would hear, when they would not: and know, O congregation;
either of Israel, as the Targum and Kimchi explain it; or of the nations of the world, the multitude of them; or the church of God in the midst of them: what is among them;
among the Jews: either what evil is among them; what sins and transgressions are committed by them; which were the cause of the Lord's threatening them with sore judgments, and bringing them upon them; so Jarchi and Kimchi interpret the words; to which agrees the Targum,

``and let the congregation of Israel know their sins;''
or the punishments the Lord inflicted on them: so the Vulgate Latin version, "and know, O congregation, what I will do unto them"; which sense is confirmed by what follows:

Jeremiah 6:18 In-Context

16 The Lord said to his people, "Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk in it, and you will live in peace." But they said, "No, we will not!"
17 Then the Lord appointed sentries to listen for the trumpet's warning. But they said, "We will not listen."
18 So the Lord said, "Listen, you nations, and learn what is going to happen to my people.
19 Listen, earth! As punishment for all their schemes I am bringing ruin on these people, because they have rejected my teaching and have not obeyed my words.
20 What do I care about the incense they bring me from Sheba, or the spices from a distant land? I will not accept their offerings or be pleased with their sacrifices.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.