Jeremiah 17:19

These verses are a sermon concerning sabbath-sanctification. It is a word which the prophet received from the Lord, and was ordered to deliver in the most solemn and public manner to the people; for they were sent not only to reprove sin, and to press obedience, in general, but they must descend to particulars. This message concerning the sabbath was probably sent in the days of Josiah, for the furtherance of that work of reformation which he set on foot; for the promises here (Jer 17:25, Jer 17:26) are such as I think we scarcely find when things come nearer to the extremity. This message must be proclaimed in all the places of concourse, and therefore inthe gates, not only because through them people were continually passing and repassing, but because in them they kept their courts and laid up their stores. It must be proclaimed (as the king or queen is usually proclaimed) at the court-gate first, the gate by which the kings of Judah come in and go out, Jer 17:19. Let them be told their duty first, particularly this duty; for, if sabbaths be not sanctified as they should be, the rulers of Judah are to be contended with (so they were, Neh 13:17), for they are certainly wanting in their duty. He must also preach it in all the gates of Jerusalem. It is a matter of great and general concern; therefore let all take notice of it. Let the kings of Judah hear the word of the Lord (for, high as they are, he is above them), and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for, mean as they are, he takes notice of them, and of what they say and do on sabbath days. Observe, I. How the sabbath is to be sanctified, and what is the law concerning it, Jer 17:21, Jer 17:11. 1. They must rest from their worldly employment on the sabbath day, must do no servile work. They must bear no burden into…

17:19-27 Motivated by greed, the people of Jerusalem were violating the sanctity of the Sabbath day (see Exod 20:8-11; Deut 5:12-15). If they observed the Sabbath, they would lose income from trade. The Lord spelled out the reasons why they should keep the Sabbath holy. 17:19-20 The Lord instructed Jeremiah to go from gate to gate where business was transacted and confront the offenders face to face, beginning with the king.