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Jeremiah 6:17

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 6:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.
Jeremiah 6:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah.
16Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk [therein].
17And I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not hearken.
18Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.
19Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.
20To what purpose cometh there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt-offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing unto me.
← Jeremiah 6:16Jeremiah 6:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Also I set watchmen over you, etc.] That is, prophets, as Jarchi; true prophets, as Kimchi; such an one was Ezekiel, (<240317>Jeremiah 3:17). The Targum interprets it teachers; such were the apostles and first ministers of the Gospel; and all faithful preachers of it, who teach men good doctrine and watch for their souls, give them warning of their danger, and exhort them to flee to Christ for rest and safety; and these are of the Lord’s appointing, constituting, and setting in his churches; (see <461228>1 Corinthians 12:28). Saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet; to their voice, lifted up like a trumpet, (<235801>Isaiah 58:1), to the word preached by them; to the law, which lays…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“watchmen--prophets, whose duty it was to announce impending calamities, so as to lead the people to repentance (Isa 21:11; Isa 58:1; Eze 3:17; Hab 2:1).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Watchmen - The prophets Isaiah 52:8. The second of the trumpet - This was the signal for flight Jeremiah 6:1; Amos 3:6. Similarly the prophet’s warning was to move men to escape from God’s judgments. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Trumpet - The voice of his prophet, intimating his loud crying upon the account of eminent danger. Jeremiah 6:18”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:17 Prophets were the Lord’s watchmen (25:4; Isa 58:1; Ezek 3:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I: Jer 25:4; Isa 21:11, Isa 56:10; Eze 3:17-21, Eze 33:2-9; Hab 2:1; Act 20:27-31; Heb 13:17 Hearken: Isa 58:1; Hos 8:1; Amo 3:6-8 We: Zac 7:11 Jeremiah 6:18”
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Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 6 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification