Introduction to Jeremiah 10:1: Prophetic Appeal to the House of Yisra’el
Jeremiah 10:1 begins a new section of prophetic address with a commanding call to attention: שִׁמְע֣וּ אֶת־הַדָּבָר (“Hear the word”). This is a formulaic opening found in various prophetic books, marking a transition into a divine pronouncement. The command is directed at בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל (“House of Yisra’el”) and underscores both the urgency and covenantal weight of the speech to follow. This article explores the grammar of the verb שִׁמְע֣וּ, the construction of the clause, and the theological and rhetorical significance of this prophetic summons.
שִׁמְע֣וּ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Grammatical Analysis of שִׁמְע֣וּ
- Form: Imperative, masculine plural
- Stem: Qal
- Root: שָׁמַע (“to hear, to listen”)
The verb שִׁמְע֣וּ is a Qal imperative 2mp form from the root שָׁמַע, meaning “to hear” or “to listen.” As an imperative, it functions as a direct command, calling the audience to give heed to the divine word. The plural form indicates that the address is to the collective—here, the entire בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל.
In Hebrew prophetic literature, the verb שָׁמַע often implies more than auditory perception. It encompasses obedient listening—responding appropriately to what is heard. Thus, the imperative demands both attention and compliance.
Analysis of the Full Clause
אֶת־הַדָּבָר
- אֶת – Direct object marker
- הַדָּבָר – “the word” – definite noun with article הַ; from the root דָּבָר (“word, matter”)
The object of the command is specific: not a general message, but “the word”—a definite, already determined speech of YHWH, often associated with judgment or instruction.
אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם
- אֲשֶׁר – Relative pronoun, “which” or “that”
- דִּבֶּר – Qal perfect 3ms from דָּבַר, “he spoke”
- יְהוָה – Subject of the verb, “YHWH”
- עֲלֵיכֶם – Preposition + 2mp suffix, “to you” or “concerning you”
This relative clause modifies הַדָּבָר and specifies its divine origin: it is not just any word, but one YHWH has already spoken concerning the people. The preposition עַל connotes a word directed in judgment or instruction toward them.
בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Construct phrase: “House of Yisra’el” – collective term for the people
This phrase functions as the vocative, the direct addressee of the command. It is a prophetic designation used especially when addressing the covenant community as a moral and spiritual entity.
Rhetorical and Theological Function
1. Prophetic Summons to Hear and Obey
The imperative שִׁמְע֣וּ functions as a summons formula in prophetic literature. It grabs the audience’s attention and introduces a weighty message—often a message of impending judgment or covenant rebuke. In this verse, it sets the stage for the condemnation of idolatry in the verses that follow.
2. Emphasis on Divine Origin
The phrase אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה stresses the source of the word being heard—it is not Jeremiah’s word, but YHWH’s. This strengthens the authority and accountability of the prophetic message.
3. National Accountability
By addressing בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, the verse targets the nation in its entirety. The collective address heightens the sense of corporate responsibility and makes the following prophetic rebukes applicable to every social stratum.
The Role of שִׁמְע֣וּ in Jeremiah 10:1
The imperative שִׁמְע֣וּ is more than a grammatical command—it is the prophetic entry-point that launches the nation into confrontation with divine speech:
- Grammatically: Qal imperative 2mp – a direct command to the collective people
- Literarily: Introduces a new oracle unit in Jeremiah’s message
- Theologically: Functions as a covenantal call to listen, respond, and repent
In Jeremiah 10:1, שִׁמְע֣וּ is not just an opening word—it is a prophetic demand that summons Yisra’el to stop, to hear, and to reckon with the voice of their covenant God. It reminds the reader that in biblical prophecy, to truly hear is to obey—and to ignore is to invite judgment.
