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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 7 - Verse 21

7:21
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

Meaning

This verse is a directive from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, instructing the people to prioritize justice and righteousness over ritual sacrifices and offerings. The emphasis is on the importance of obeying God's commandments and living a life of integrity rather than simply going through the motions of religious practices. The mention of "eating flesh" after mentioning offerings and sacrifices may symbolize the idea of consuming God's word and internalizing His teachings. It serves as a reminder that outward acts of worship are not sufficient if they are not accompanied by an inner commitment to righteousness and obedience. By putting emphasis on the spiritual significance of their actions, the verse challenges the people to align their hearts and minds with God's will, rather than relying solely on external acts of worship.

Theological Overview

In this verse, God is commanding the people of Israel to prioritize justice and righteousness over religious rituals. The phrase "put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices" can be interpreted as a call to repentance and to turn away from meaningless offerings if they are not accompanied by true obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The emphasis here is not on the external act of sacrifice, but on the internal condition of the heart. God desires sincere worship and devotion from His people, rather than empty religious rituals. The exhortation to "eat flesh" can symbolize a call to partake in the spiritual nourishment that comes from truly living out God's will and obeying His commands. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize authentic relationship with God over mere outward displays of religion.

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