Jeremiah is told to say: Hear the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah and all inhabitants of Jerusalem who enter by these gates. The address to both the kings and the inhabitants establishes that the Sabbath message is directed to leadership and people alike. Theologically, the importance of the message is emphasized by the invocation of God's word and the comprehensive address to all people. The reference to those entering by the gates suggests that this message is for all who pass through Jerusalem, emphasizing the universality of the Sabbath obligation. The address to the kings first suggests that the leadership bears particular responsibility for teaching and enforcing Sabbath observance. This verse establishes that the Sabbath violation involves both the leadership and the people, suggesting a comprehensive failure of the covenant community. The invocation of God's word establishes that what follows is not merely Jeremiah's opinion but God's direct communication to the people. Theologically, the Sabbath message is framed as a matter of the greatest importance, worth public announcement by the prophet. This verse demonstrates that Jeremiah's prophetic role includes not merely announcing judgment but also calling the people to renewed obedience in specific practices. The comprehensive address to all inhabitants emphasizes that the Sabbath is not a matter for the elite but affects and obligates the entire covenant community. This verse establishes that authentic covenant relationship requires specific practices like Sabbath observance, and that violation of these practices constitutes covenant-breaking.

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