Jeremiah 5:1-31
Q.1. Could God forgive Judah? How far had the people fallen? Were there any exceptions? Would God pardon or punish the people? Why did He call the people treacherous? – (Jer.5:1-13)
Abraham had pleaded with God for his nephew Lot, and for the wicked city of Sodom. However, there were not enough righteous people in the city to save it (see Gen.19:22-33). Here, Judah had drifted so far, that not one could be found who either did justice or sought the truth, to give God a reason to pardon the nation (see Jer.5:1). Neither God’s chastening, nor His messengers, had made any difference (see Jer.5:2-3). Ministering to the leaders would be met with the same indifference (see Jer.5:4-6). God asked – Why should I pardon you? Your sons have forsaken Me and sworn by those who are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, they committed adultery and trooped to the harlot’s house (Jer.5:10). God would surely recompense such treachery (see Jer.5:9-12). Judah’s prophets were not speaking God’s truths (see Jer.5:13).
Q.2. What was God planning to do to Judah? Would all be destroyed? What made Judah’s disregard for God so inappropriate? What was God’s accusation against His people? – (Jer.5:14-31)
Judah had been warned, so God announced – “I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord. “It is an enduring nation … it is an ancient nation … a nation whose language you do not know, nor can you understand what they say (Jer.5:15 c.f. Jer.5:14-17). Nevertheless, not all would be lost, for – “even in those days”, declares the Lord, “I will not make you a complete destruction” (Jer.5:18). We learn again that God disciplines His people, with a view to bringing repentance and restoration. God continued – As you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you will serve strangers in a land that is not yours (Jer.5:19). God was outraged, and He reminded them of His awesome power – ‘Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it (Jer.5:22). He accused them of instability, by one moment seeking God for autumn and spring rain, then turning away from Him, and failing to care for the defenseless (see Jer.5:23-30). Their state was terrible – 30 “An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests’ rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! … (Jer.5:30-31).