Abstract

Jeremiah 23:23–24 is a short passage in the cycle of oracles in which the prophet Jeremiah is supposedly in conflict with other prophets in his society. It is possible that this short passage first had an independent existence before it became part of the collection of oracles in 23:9-40 This article argues that as an independent oracle the passage claims that Yahweh is not just a localised god, but an omnipresent God from whom no person can hide. When read as part of the mentioned cycle, it should be regarded as a polemic against a view held by some prophets that Yahweh’s nearness guarantees peace and security. Their domesticated view leads to complacency and disregard. It is argued that Jeremiah opposes their view by stating that Yahweh is also a distant God who is aware of their false and deceitful attempts to provide revelatory knowledge to the people. In this regard chapter 23:23–24 serves as a polemic against so-called false prophets and implies a threat of judgement.Keywords: False prophets, temple, Yahweh's presence, polemic

Highlights

  • Jeremiah 23:9–40 is a collection of oracles against so-called false prophets

  • The collection intends to relate the oracles to the prophet Jeremiah

  • It is difficult at first sight to see the relevance of Jeremiah 23:23–24 to the cycle of oracles against the prophets

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Summary

Introduction

Jeremiah 23:9–40 is a collection of oracles against so-called false prophets. This is clear from the introductory words in verse 9 which state that what follows ‘concerns prophets’. Verse 24b serves as a confirmation that Yahweh cannot be localised to be either near or far, or even that there can be a space where someone can escape Yahweh’s eyes. The important theological point these two verses make is that Yahweh’s presence is near and far, universal (Fretheim 2002:338).5 These two verses in Jeremiah 23 refer

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