Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 11:1-6

"The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel: Cursed be the man that heareth not the words of this covenant, which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God; that I may establish the oath which I sware unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as at this day. Then answered I, and said, Amen, O Jehovah. And Jehovah said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them." — Jeremiah 11:1-6 (ASV)

Here, he shows the dignity of the people from the fact that, having entered into a covenant with God, they were bound together.

First, he speaks of the covenant and threatens punishment to those who violate it. Second, he examines the justice of punishing them: indeed, you are just, O Lord (Jeremiah 12:1).

Concerning the first point, there are two parts.

1. He presents the covenant.
2. He addresses their violation of the covenant, at for I strongly warned (Jeremiah 11:7).

Regarding the presentation of the covenant, there are several points.

1. The prophet is urged to proclaim: hear, which is addressed to you and those who are with you; they are good and, as such, are in a sense privileged.

   And you shall say to them. Ezekiel speaks of this covenant: I have covered your shame, and sworn to you, and entered into a covenant with you, says the Lord God, and you are mine (Ezekiel 16:18).

2. The people are urged to keep the covenant, for which he presents two reasons:
   1. The first is taken from the punishment of those who transgress: cursed is the man. Cursed is the man who will not abide in the words of this law, and not fulfill them in deed (Deuteronomy 27:26).

      He shows the justice of this punishment with the words, on the day when I led them from the land of Egypt. It is as though he were saying, “It is just to punish them, who are ungrateful after receiving so many kindnesses.” The text says from the furnace, so called because of their affliction, and of iron, because of the cruel domination. But the Lord took you from the iron furnace of Egypt, so that he might have a people of inheritance, as you are today (Deuteronomy 4:20).

      Then, he speaks of the terms of the covenant: saying. In this, he asks for something—namely, obedience—hear, and he promises something—namely, the glory of friendship with God: and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. This is also stated above: this thing did I command them, saying: hear my voice, and I will be a God to you, and you shall be my people (Jeremiah 7:23).

   2. The second reason is taken from the reward of those who obey: that I may stir up, referring to the promise that had almost become void because of the coming captivity. The text mentions with milk, because of the abundance of livestock, and and honey, because of the abundance of produce from the earth. Alternatively, through hyperbole, an abundance of every good thing is signified by these two. That you may increase yet more in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you (Deuteronomy 6:3).
3. He gives the prophet’s assent: I answered, amen, that is, “You have truly done what you promised.” And all the people shall say, amen (Deuteronomy 27:26).
4. The conclusion is drawn that they should pay attention: and the Lord said. Raise your voice in strength (Isaiah 40:9).