Baruch 1:21 - Nevertheless we didn’t listen to the voice of the Lord our God, according to all the words of the prophets, whom he sent to us:

Generated Verse: Baruch 1:21

What does "Baruch 1:21" mean?


Baruch 1:21, "Nevertheless we didn’t listen to the voice of the Lord our God, according to all the words of the prophets, whom he sent to us:" is a stark confession of national sin and disobedience. Let's break it down:

"Nevertheless we didn’t listen to the voice of the Lord our God..." This is the core statement. "Nevertheless" indicates that despite any potential arguments or excuses, the people failed to obey God's commands. "We" is crucial. It's a communal confession, implying collective responsibility for the nation's actions. "Didn't listen" suggests not just a failure to hear, but a deliberate choice to disregard God's guidance. "The voice of the Lord our God" emphasizes the authority of God and the importance of heeding his instructions.

"...according to all the words of the prophets, whom he sent to us:" This part amplifies the gravity of the sin. God wasn't silent; he sent prophets – messengers specifically chosen to relay his word to the people. These prophets weren't just speaking their own opinions; they were delivering "all the words" of God. The phrase "whom he sent to us" further stresses God's initiative and concern for his people. He reached out, but his message was rejected. The phrase "according to all the words" suggests the prophets were consistent in their warnings and calls for repentance. The people didn't just miss one message, they ignored a sustained and comprehensive prophetic call.

In essence, the verse means:

The people of Israel (or Judah, depending on the context) admit that they continuously and deliberately ignored God's commands, as communicated to them through the prophets. This wasn't a momentary lapse; it was a pattern of disobedience that defied God's consistent efforts to guide them. They refused to listen to the messages that God sent through his prophets, showing disrespect and disregard for God's will.

Context within the Book of Baruch:

The Book of Baruch is part of the Deuterocanonical or Apocryphal books in some Christian traditions. It's set in Babylon during the exile of the Jews after the destruction of Jerusalem. The book includes:

Confession of Sins: Baruch 1:15-2:10 is a detailed confession of sin, acknowledging the people's disobedience and the justice of God's punishment (the exile).
Prayer for Mercy: The book includes prayers for God's mercy and restoration.
Encouragement and Hope: It offers words of comfort and hope for the exiles, promising eventual redemption.

Therefore, Baruch 1:21 is a key part of the confession that forms the foundation for the prayer for mercy and the hope of restoration that follows. The people need to acknowledge their wrongdoing before they can expect God to act on their behalf.

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