From Resonate Apologetics
Jeremiah 9
23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
25 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh—
26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart."
23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;
24 but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD.
25 "Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised—
26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all those inhabiting the desert who trim the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart."
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
25 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;
26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.
Study Notes
Theme: True vs. False Boasting
The contrast in vv. 23-24 is striking — three things the world values (wisdom, strength, wealth) versus the one thing God values: knowing Him. Paul picks this up directly in 1 Corinthians 1:31.
The connection between vv. 23-24 and vv. 25-26 is the theme of externals vs. internals. Just as boasting in wisdom/might/riches is external, so is physical circumcision without heart change. God looks past the outward marker to the inward reality.
Key cross-reference chain:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 → 1 Corinthians 1:31 → 2 Corinthians 10:17
- Jeremiah 9:26 "uncircumcised in heart" → Deuteronomy 10:16 → Romans 2:28-29 → Acts 7:51
