Jeremiah 9 “Knowing God”

Jeremiah 9 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Hillsong Young & Free – Heart of God
• Knowing You, Jesus – Graham Kendrick

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• How do we know God exists when we can’t see Him? CQ Kids – YouTube – Lesson for Kids
• Friend of God (Dance Version) | Motions & Lyrics | CJ and Friends – Song for Kids
• I Thank God – KidzRock Worship – Song for Kids
• This Little Light of Mine | Cave Quest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Jeremiah weeps as he envisions the future of Judah. He has shed so many tears that his eyes have run dry. He wishes to go out into the wilderness and live there, forgetting everything (vv. 1–2). This is why Jeremiah came to be known as the Weeping Prophet. The Lord reveals to Jeremiah the corruption of the people of Judah (vv. 3–6). Because they have turned away from God, truth, honesty, and justice have vanished among them. Therefore, the Lord will judge His people as metal is refined by fire (vv. 7–9).

Jeremiah sings a lament as he imagines the coming day of judgment (v. 10). The Lord then confirms that Jerusalem will indeed be punished and left desolate (v. 11). Jeremiah asks why Judah must face such judgment (v. 12). The Lord answers that it is because the people of Judah have abandoned His law and followed idols. As a result, God will judge them and scatter them among the nations (vv. 13–16). All that remains to do now is to summon the mourning women, for terrible disaster is coming (vv. 17–22).

The Lord warns not to boast in wisdom, strength, or wealth. The only true reason for boasting is to know the Lord—to understand that He is the One who practices mercy, justice, and righteousness, and to pursue those same things (vv. 23–24). That is the very purpose for which the Law was given. The act of circumcising a baby boy on the eighth day after birth signifies the parents’ intent to raise the child to live according to the spirit of the Law. But the people of Judah took pride only in the physical act of circumcision, ignoring its true meaning. What is truly needed is circumcision of the heart—living out the spirit of the Law through mercy, justice, and righteousness. Those who remain uncircumcised in heart, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, will not escape judgment (vv. 25–26).

Meditation:

To know God means to understand who He is, what He desires, and how He acts. It is not simply intellectual knowledge but an experiential one. True knowledge of God transforms a person’s life, for genuine understanding of God makes us more like Him.

As the Lord speaks to Jeremiah, He reveals what He values most—truth (vv. 3, 5), mercy, justice, and righteousness (v. 24). The purpose of giving the Law was to teach His people what God holds dear. To obey the Law means to cherish and live out those same values. The true measure of faith is not the amount of knowledge, power, or wealth we possess, but whether we understand and practice the values God treasures.

Jeremiah wept until his eyes ran dry because the people of Judah had turned away from God and fallen into idolatry. In doing so, they rejected the very values God holds precious. They chose falsehood over truth, hardness over mercy, and injustice and discord over fairness and righteousness. Their corruption grew so severe that Judah and Jerusalem became a “hell on earth,” and judgment became inevitable.

As I read this passage, I ask myself: Do I truly know God? Is there evidence of that knowledge in my words and actions? Each day, is the direction of my life aligned with the direction of God’s heart? Do my eyes turn to the places where His gaze rests, and do my tears join His where He weeps?

Prayer:

Lord, we desire to know You more—not merely with our minds but with our hearts, through real experience. May this knowledge deepen within us so that we may become more like You. Please help us, Lord. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Knowing God changes who we are—it helps us live with truth, kindness, and fairness like Him.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to “know” someone, like a friend or family member? How is knowing God like that?
  • Can you name a time when you showed kindness or fairness like God wants us to?
  • Why do you think it’s more important to be kind and truthful than to just be smart or strong?
    
    
• Youth
  • What’s the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally? How can you tell in your own life?
  • Which of God’s values—truth, mercy, justice, or righteousness—do you find hardest to live out at school or at home? Why?
  • Jeremiah cried because people ignored what mattered to God. What do you think breaks God’s heart today, and how might you join Him in caring about it?