Jeremiah 6:1-30
Q.1. What warning did God give Judah? With what did God express frustration? Who would participate in the destruction? Why were the prophets and priests especially culpable? – (Jer.6:1-15)
God warned His people that – evil looks down from the north and a great destruction (Jer.6:1 c.f. Jer.6:8). He could see the shadows of the encroaching darkness lengthening (Jer.6:4). He could already see the foreigners cutting down the trees, pitching their tents, and shepherding their flocks in the land (Jer.6:3 & 6). God was particularly frustrated because – Their ears are closed, and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it (Jer.6:10). Jeremiah was constantly contradicted and opposed by all sections of society. God was weary of withholding His judgment, and He warned that His wrath would be poured out on all, irrespective of their ages – For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain. From the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely (Jer.6:13 c.f. Jer.6:11-12). He singled out the prophets and priests because – They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace (Jer.6:14).
Q.2. What offer had the nation rejected? Were their watchmen heeded? How did God like Judah’s religion? Would this stop the cruel invasion of the land? What was Jeremiah’s role? – (Jer.6:16-30)
God had made His appeal through His true prophet – Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls” (Jer.6:16 c.f. Mt.11:28-29). These ancient landmarks are rarely popular (Prov.22:28; 23:10)! God sent watchmen to sound a warning trumpet. However, the people responded – We will not listen (Jer.6:17). He questioned the point of their offerings and sacrifices when there was evil on their minds (Jer.6:20). He advised them to put on sackcloth and ashes, because the fierce enemy from the north would not delay (Jer.6:22-26). Jeremiah’s role was that of an assessor of their readiness for their destruction (Jer.6:27-29). They were so far gone that God no longer wanted them (Jer.6:30). The day of reckoning was upon them.