Jeremiah 6:18

18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.

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 This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

17 I posted watchmen over you who said, ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’

18 “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations. Take note of my people’s situation.

19 Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes, because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word.

20 There’s no use offering me sweet frankincense from Sheba. Keep your fragrant calamus imported from distant lands! I will not accept your burnt offerings. Your sacrifices have no pleasing aroma for me.”