Jeremiah 15:1-21
Q.1. Was it possible for Judah to be spared? How would the people be destroyed? How had the nation angered God? Who would be affected by God’s judgment? – (Jer.15:1-14)
God had laid down the basis upon which He could bless Judah. However, the nation was too far gone. They disregarded and misrepresented His Word (Jer.14:14). Moses and Samuel were highly respected in Israel as great men of prayer. Yet God said that even their intercession would not avert the coming judgment that was planned (Exo.33:7-11; 1 Sam.12:18 & 23). God told the prophet – Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go! (Jer.15:1). He detailed a fourfold judgment on Judah. Some were destined to die, others destined for the sword, others for famine, and the remainder for captivity (Jer.15:2). Their doom would be carried out by – the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy (Jer.15:3 c.f. Rev.19:17-18). Manasseh was the son of the godly Hezekiah. He was followed by his godly son, Josiah. However, Judah had desecrated the land by shedding the innocent blood of defenceless children and was ripe for judgment (Jer.15:4 c.f. 2 Chron.33:6). This generation had lapsed into a level of ungodliness that God would no longer ignore (Jer.15:5-7). He identified widows and children who would be overcome by the invaders (Jer.15:8-9). Jeremiah cried out in anguish because he was being cursed by the people for delivering God’s message (Jer.15:10-11). Yet he confirmed God’s message of doom – “Then I will cause your enemies to bring your treasures into a land you do not know; For a fire has been kindled in My anger, it will burn upon you.” (Jer.14:14).
Q.2. Why should Jeremiah be treated graciously? How had he responded to Judah’s sinfulness? To what had Jeremiah been called? What promise did he receive? – (Jer.15:15-21)
In his anguish, Jeremiah turned to God in prayer. He reminded God 15 You who know, O Lord, remember me, take notice of me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away; Know that for Your sake I endure reproach. 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts (Jer.15:15-16). Jeremiah had refused to join in their merriment. He lived a lonely and sorrowful existence because of God’s call on his life (Jer.15:17-18). God had called him to stand alone and be utterly devoted to proclaiming His message. The Lord had promised – Before Me you will stand … You will become My spokesman … they will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you and deliver you (Jer.15:19-20). It is a great honour to represent the living God. However, it can also be extremely costly (Jer.15:19-21 c.f. Mk.8:34-38).