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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 33

23:33
And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

Meaning

In this verse, the Lord is addressing the prophet, priest, or people who inquire about the burden of the Lord. The term "burden of the Lord" refers to the prophetic message or divine revelation that God has placed upon his servants to deliver to the people. However, in this context, God dismisses the question by responding, "What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the Lord." This response signifies God's displeasure and decision to turn away from those who have strayed from his commandments and have failed to heed his warnings. It serves as a warning to the people, prophet, and priest that their actions have consequences and that they should not take lightly the message that the Lord has given them. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's word, as well as the consequences of disregarding his instructions.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in the book of Jeremiah, highlights the concept of the burden of the Lord. In a theological interpretation, the burden of the Lord can be understood as the weight of responsibility or judgment that comes from disobeying God's commandments. When the people, prophets, or priests inquire about this burden, they are essentially asking about the consequences of their actions in the eyes of God. The response given by the Lord in this verse signifies a turning point in the relationship between God and His people. By stating that He will forsake them, God is emphasizing the severity of their disobedience and the impending consequences that will result from it. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's will, as well as a warning of the potential consequences of straying from His path.

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