11:2 this covenant Refers back to the Mosaic covenant, as indicated by the allusions to the exodus in Jer 11:4, 7.

11:4 the furnace of iron A direct allusion to Deut 4:20, connecting the historical summary here with the historical prologue from the Deuteronomic version of the covenant. Compare also 1 Kgs 8:51.

Listen to my voice Reminiscent of the language of covenant blessing for Lev 26:3.

I will be your God Compare Lev 26:12.

11:5 the oath that I swore to your ancestors Yahweh connects the earlier promises He made to the patriarchs to give their descendants the land of Canaan (see Gen 15:7; 17:8; 26:4; 28:13) with the promise to bring Israel out of Egypt (Exod 3:8). These promises are later made conditional on Israel’s observance of the covenant stipulations given at Mount Sinai (Exod 19–24).

a land flowing with milk and honey An image of fertility and abundance applied to the land of Canaan, especially in connection with the exodus and conquest narratives (see Exod 3:8; 13:5; Deut 6:3).

11:6 Proclaim all these words Reminiscent of the narrative frame of Deuteronomy, presented as the prophet, Moses, publicly proclaiming the words of the covenant.

11:8 all the words of this covenant Invokes the curses and punishments of the covenant because Israel broke the agreement. See Deut 28:15–68; Lev 26:14–46.

11:9 A conspiracy is found The people are united in their resolve to serve idols instead of Yahweh. In Jeremiah 5, the prophet could not find even one person living righteously (see 5:1).

11:11 on them disaster from which they will not be able to escape Judah’s destruction at the hands of Babylon is now inevitable.

11:12 the gods to whom they are making smoke offerings Since Judah was so enamored with their idols, they can seek help from them and despair when those false gods have no power to save them.

11:13 Baal The chief Canaanite deity and the main opponent of Yahweh in the biblical accounts of ancient Israel’s idolatry. See 1 Kgs 16:31–32.

11:14 must not pray for this people See note on Jer 7:16. Yahweh reminds Jeremiah to abstain from interceding on behalf of the people (compare 14:11). The reference to “this people” instead of “my people” may allude to the people’s change of status now that the covenant has been broken and revoked.

11:15 What rights has my beloved in my house when she has done many wicked things? Subtly invokes the image of Israel as the unfaithful wife.

the flesh of holiness It is too late to start offering sacrifices to Yahweh; the punishment is inevitable. They sealed their fate with too many offerings to Baal (v. 17).

11:16 A leafy olive tree Compare Psa 52:8 and the nt use of the olive tree metaphor for Israel in Rom 11:17–24.

11:17 Yahweh of hosts A title identifying God as leader of the heavenly armies—and also ultimately in authority over earthly armies. See note on Jer 6:6.

Baal. The main Canaanite deity. See note on v. 13.

11:18 Yahweh let it be made known to me Perhaps implying that Yahweh alerted Jeremiah of an attempt that was about to be made on his life. Jeremiah should have expected opposition. See 1:19.

11:19 like a gentle ram-lamb that is brought to slaughter Compare Isa 53:7.

his name. “Name” often indicates honor and reputation. See note on Isa 48:19.

11:20 let me see your retribution upon them See note on Jer 10:25. The request for punishment of one’s enemies is a common feature of individual laments.

11:21 the people of Anathoth Jeremiah’s hometown. See 1:1 and note.

11:22 Look, I am about to punish them Yahweh will protect His prophet by sending the sword and famine against Jeremiah’s enemies.