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 (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 (Jer.5:1). Neither God’s chastening, nor His messengers, had made any difference (Jer.5:2-3). Ministering to the leaders would be met with the same indifference (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 (Jer.5:9-12). Judah’s prophets were not speaking God’s truths (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 defenceless (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).