Chapter 1

(Verses 1 through 3) The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin : to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah , in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

Thus Jeremiah identifies himself, and tells us in what time frame the word of the LORD came to him. It began to be revealed to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah , and continued until the end of the reign of Zedekiah the son of Josiah. At that time Jerusalem was carried away captive to Babylon .

(Verses 4 through 10) Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth His hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, behold, I have put My words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, and to build, and to plant.

The LORD declared to Jeremiah that He had known him before he was even conceived in his mother’s womb. In this instance, as it often does, “know” means more than to have knowledge of. It also carries the idea of giving recognition to someone, or something, in this case to Jeremiah. At that time the LORD had sanctified, and ordained Jeremiah a prophet unto the nations, or Gentiles. No doubt this astounded Jeremiah, for he was only a child. And He reminded the LORD that, as such, he could not speak. This does not mean that he was too young to be able to articulate words, but that he had not had any experience in speaking publicly, or in addressing other people concerning such important things as the word of the LORD. But the LORD assured him that He would supply him with the words he was to speak, and that he, Jeremiah, would go where the LORD sent him, and speak the message the LORD had given him. The LORD then told him to not be afraid of those to whom he was to be sent. And to give him confidence and assurance, the LORD reached forth his hand, and touched Jeremiah’s mouth, declaring that He had put His words in his mouth. He also gave Jeremiah a commission. He set him over the nations, to tear down and destroy such as should be destroyed, and also to build up such as should be built up.

(Verses 11 through 16) Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then saith the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten My word to perform it. And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof is toward the north. Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and all the cities of Judah. And I will utter My judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken Me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

This text, no doubt, reaches far beyond the time in which it was written. For all the nations of the north country have not yet been gathered against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah . True enough the Babylonians overcame Judah , and carried Jerusalem away captive. Then later the Romans destroyed the temple, and dispersed the Jews over the world. But at the time embraced by this prophecy, “all the families of the kingdoms of the north” will be called to gather against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah . This must refer to the same times spoken of by both Ezekiel and Zechariah, the time of the last great battle at Jerusalem . Remember that, though Jeremiah was indeed a prophet at Jerusalem , the LORD said, in verse 5, “I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations, (Gentiles, or heathen).” So this present text concerns the Gentiles in the day that the LORD shall call them to the great day of His judgment against them. Then He will declare His “judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken Me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.” Some will probably say, “The nations, or Gentiles, could not have forsaken the LORD, because He never revealed Himself to them. He only chose the nation of Israel .” It would behoove them to read the first ten chapters of Genesis. Throughout that period, of course some did not recognize any god; but were wicked to the core. But those who recognized any God, recognized the Lord GOD, the same One Who later revealed Himself to the Jews. The reason why it was necessary to make the revelation to Israel is that the nations had forsaken Him, and had burned incense to other gods, and were worshipping the works of their own hands.

(Verses 17 through 19) Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an Iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Having told Jeremiah what He was going to do to the nations in the last days, the LORD now tells him to put aside all fear of the kings, princes, priests, and people of Judah . Otherwise He, the LORD, might cause Jeremiah to be confounded, or confused, before them. But the LORD has made him as a well defended city, an iron pillar, or walls of brass against all of them. And though they will, indeed, fight against Jeremiah, they will not be able to prevail against him; for the LORD will Himself deliver him. This should give him all necessary confidence.

(Verses 1 through 4) Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend: evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel .

This is the LORD’S first message to Jerusalem , one of remembrance. He recalls their following Him in the wilderness. Although even at that time Israel was somewhat disobedient, the LORD only mentions the sweetness of the close fellowship they enjoyed with Him. Israel was given His protection so that any who attempted to come against him had evil come upon them. Thus the LORD carried them from Egypt all the way to The Promised Land.

(Verses 5 through 8) Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in Me, that they are gone far from Me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt? And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered ye defiled My land, and made Mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the LORD? And they that handle the law knew Me not: the pastors also transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

The question, “What have your fathers found _ _ _ _?” can receive nothing but a negative answer. This is the strongest possible way of declaring that they have found no fault in the LORD. The fault is in themselves. The LORD then reminds them how He delivered them from the bondage of Egypt , and led them through the wilderness. It was, indeed, a desolate land. But the LORD brought them safely through, even to the Land He has promised them. But when they entered that wonderful land, they defiled it with their abominable practices. Even their priests were not concerned about the LORD Who had been so gracious to them. Their priests, those who handled the law, did not recognize Him, and their prophets did not declare His word, but prophesied by Baal, an idol god. The whole nation sought only things that were worthless.

(Verses 9 through 13) Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your children’s children will I plead. For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Because of all the sins the priests, prophets, and people have committed the LORD will yet plead with them, their children, and their children’s children. Do not be misled by the use of the word, “plead,” in this declaration. The LORD does not mean that He will beg anyone to do anything. This expression is used many times to mean that He will lay judgment upon someone. In this case, He is going to bring judgment upon these people and their descendants for their sins against Him. He then tells them to go to other places, and look around, that they may know that they have done worse than even the heathen. Although the gods of the heathen are all idols that can do nothing, no nation has ever voluntarily abandoned its gods, and taken up others. But Israel and Judah , whose God is the LORD, have abandoned Him to worship idols. He likens this to a man who has a fountain of “living,” or flowing, water, and instead of making use of it, abandons it, and digs himself a cistern, even a broken cistern that can hold no water. Such a move would be exceedingly foolish. But so is leaving the Lord GOD and worshipping idols. Both acts are the epitome of foolishness. This is such a foolish action that it is also dangerous, in fact, so dangerous that He calls upon the heavens thus: “Be ye astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate.”

(Verses 14 through 19) Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave? Why is he spoiled? The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant. Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when He led thee by the way? And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt , to drink the waters of Sihor? Or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria , to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Remember that this is all taking place after Israel has been carried away captive by the Assyrians. The LORD asks two questions to bring Israel ’s condition to the attention of Judah . “Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave? The answer to the first is, “Yes, he is a servant.” But the answer to the second is, “No, he was taken prisoner, carried away captive, and made a slave.” Then He asked, “Why is he spoiled?” The answer is simple. “He had forsaken his God, and followed after idols.” Surely this ought to cause Judah to consider what he was doing. He can see that Israel is as desolate as if young lions had come upon all the people, and laid waste the whole land. Not only so, but “the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.” These were two cities of Egypt that had done damage to Judah . So the LORD asks, “Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when He led thee in the way?” Surely they could remember that it was their disobedience that brought this upon them. But in spite of the evil done them by Egypt , they are trying to get Egypt to help them now. They also know what Assyria has done to Israel . But they are now also trying to make a league with Assyria . This seems very foolish indeed. Not only had they received damage from both Egypt and Assyria , but those two nations were enemies against each other. So an agreement with either was sure to arouse the wrath of the other, making for a very dangerous situation. Therefore their own wickedness in trying to make deals with both nations would certainly be discovered, and contribute to their own downfall. And it would prove to be a very evil and bitter thing. But all of this is brought about by one primary evil of its own. “’Thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and My fear is not in thee,’ saith the Lord GOD of hosts.”

(Verses 20 through 25) For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou sadist I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Yet I planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou wash thyself with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before Me, saith the Lord GOD. How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? See thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; a wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure: in her occasion who can turn her away? All they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou sadist, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them I will go.

The LORD reminds Judah that He long ago broke his yoke and bands of servitude, and Judah promised that he would not transgress. This, no doubt, is in reference to the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Egypt , and the making of the covenant with them. (See Exodus 19:1-8) “And all the people answered together, and said, ‘All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.’” Of course, the tribe of Judah was among the people who made that answer. So Judah did say that he would not transgress. Yet, as we follow the progress of Israel , as God led them through the desert, we find that they were continually turning away from the LORD, and following idols. In spite of this the LORD did plant them in the land of Canaan , just as He had promised that He would. They were “a noble vine, wholly a right seed.” How then could they become such a degenerate people, to do, as we have seen above, such a strange thing that such had never been before, even among the nations. There is no way that they can make themselves clean, however much soap, or even niter, they might use. They are beyond redemption by their own works. Apparently, they still claim that they have not become polluted, and have not followed idol gods. The LORD likens them to a wild ass that goes where she pleases, when she pleases. But they are as easily found as is that wild ass. Those who seek for her will only await the proper season. And there she will be. Just so the LORD knows exactly where to find Judah . They cannot hide from Him. He still advises them to return to Him, “Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst.” But their answer is, “There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.” This sounds very much like the cry of many today who are following after the ways of Satan: “This is what I want to do. And I am going to do it.”

(Verses 26 through 30) As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto Me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Wherefore will ye plead with Me? Ye all have transgressed against Me, saith the LORD. In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

As we consider a thief that is caught, we understand that he may be ashamed that he was caught; but usually he has no real shame for the fact that he has stolen something. In fact, verse 26 down to the semicolon, might be better understood “As the thief is brought to shame when he is found, so is the house of Israel brought to shame.” From what the LORD has already said about them, it is clear that they have no feeling of shame for what they have done. Nevertheless it has brought shame upon them together with their kings, princes, priests, and prophets. If they had any sense of shame, certainly they would be ashamed. Because they have been bowing down to pieces of wood and stone, (No matter how elaborately carved, they are still only pieces of wood and stone.) and calling them their father or mother. They have completely turned their backs upon the LORD. But when they get in trouble, they will call upon Him to save them. The LORD tells them that when they get in trouble, they can call upon these gods they have been worshipping, and see if they can be of any help. It seems that each city has an idol god of its own. So there is no need for Judah to plead with the LORD to save them in time of trouble. He will not hear their pleas. All the chastisement He has sent upon them has had no effect upon them. They have even killed their prophets with the sword. It has been as if a destroying lion had been turned loose upon their prophets. That is, upon the prophets sent by the LORD. They have honored their false prophets. See Matthew 23:37.

(Verses 31 through 37) O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel ? a land of darkness? Wherefore say My people, We are lords; we will come no more unto Thee? Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? Therefore has thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? Thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt , as thou wast ashamed of Assyria . Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.

The LORD calls upon Judah to see, or consider, His word. If they will do this, they will see that His covenant with them was that if they would obey His voice indeed He would make them a kingdom of priests unto Himself. But if they did not obey Him, He would deliver them to their enemies. Then He questions, “Have I been a wilderness unto Israel ? a land of darkness?” They know the answer to this. It has not been this way; but, on the contrary, as long as Israel obeyed the LORD, and indeed, long after they turned from Him to the idols they had set up, He still blessed them. But finally, after sending prophet after prophet to warn them, He did turn them over to their enemies, the Assyrians. With this example before them, how can Judah say, “We are lords, we will come no more unto Thee?” Although a maid can hardly forget such trivial things as her ornaments, and a bride cannot forget her attire, Judah , the LORD’S people, have forgotten Him for so long that the days cannot be numbered. They have followed after the ways of wickedness so that upon them is the blood of the poor innocent souls. It is not hidden so that it takes secret searching to find it; but it is “upon all these.” That is, it is all over them so as to be in plain sight. Still they claim to be innocent, and think that His anger will be turned away from them. But He declares, “Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, ‘I have not sinned.’” See I John 1:8-10. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” This is not a new principle at all. It was true in Jeremiah’s day, as in ours. Therefore the LORD said that He would plead with them because they said, “I have not sinned.” As we earlier pointed out, when the LORD says that He will plead with anyone, He does not mean that He is going to beg him to do something. On the contrary, it means that He will bring judgment upon him. It is too late for their effort to change their way to be worth anything to them. They were brought to shame by the king of Assyria , at an earlier time. They made an agreement with him, and paid him to help them against Egypt . He accepted the payment, but did nothing to help them. The LORD says that they shall also have the same result in their effort to get help from Egypt . The reason for this is that the LORD has rejected their “confidences,” or their treaties with Egypt . Even if Egypt tried to help them it would still come to nothing. They will not prosper in these efforts.

(Verses 1 through 5) They say, if a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s wife, shall he return unto her again? Shall not that land be greatly polluted? But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return unto me, saith the LORD. Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness, and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou hast refused to be ashamed. Wilt thou not from this time cry unto Me. My Father, thou art the guide of my youth? Will He reserve His anger for ever? will He keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

Here we have a question that has been the subject of many arguments. In fact, both of these questions are based upon God’s law, as given to Israel . He does, indeed, declare that, after a man divorces his wife, and she is married to another man, under no conditions is the first husband to take her back as his wife, even if the second man be dead. To do so would be an abomination to the LORD, and would cause the land to be greatly polluted. The argument usually comes up concerning the fact that the LORD says, “But thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet return again to Me.” To some, this seems to be a violation of His own law. What they fail to remember is that He did not say “I have divorced you, and you have married another.” I have been able to find no commandment in His law that says, “A man cannot forgive his wife for committing adultery.” This is what He has proposed to Israel . In spite of her multitude of adulteries, He has told her to return to Him. He has cut off the showers and the latter rains from her, to bring her to repentance. But she will not pay any attention to this. But she has refused to change her ways. She shows no shame for her wickedness. His question, in verse 4, seems not to be asking for information, but to be emphasizing the fact that, when He has finished the judgment He is already putting her through, she will turn to Him with the cry, “My Father, Thou art the guide of my youth.” Although Israel has said and done as much evil as she could, and He has extended His mercy to her, He will not hold back His anger forever. There will be punishment. In fact, He had already sent Israel into captivity to the Assyrians.

(Verses 6 through 11) The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain, and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto Me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto Me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD. And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah .

Certainly it is obvious that the adultery under consideration here is not physical adultery, but the turning away from the LORD to the worship of idols. This Israel had done, even from the days of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel after the dividing of the kingdom. For some time thereafter Judah did maintain the worship of the Lord GOD. But she did see Israel following after idols. This is not to say that no one in Judah worshipped idols, but that officially they only recognized the worship of Jehovah as the true religion. Having observed Israel, as the LORD continually called upon her to return to Him, and she would not, but was finally “divorced by Him,” that is, sent into captivity by the Assyrians, Judah should have known better than to follow her example. But instead she did even worse than Israel , worshipping stones and pieces of wood. Even after Israel was carried away in captivity, Judah did not sincerely repent, and turn back to the LORD, although she did pretend to do so. Therefore the LORD told Jeremiah, “The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah .” This is not to be taken to mean that Israel was actually in any manner justified in her sins; but that our responsibility in anything is always in proportion to our knowledge of the consequences thereof. And Judah had already seen what came upon Israel for her sin.

(Verses 12 through 19) Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel , saith the LORD; and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed My voice, saith the LORD. Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion : and I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come into mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem : neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel , and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? And I said, Thou shalt call Me, My Father; and shalt not turn away from Me.

This is God’s promise to both Israel and Judah . Although Israel has already been given into captivity and dispersion among the nations, and He is about to turn Judah over to the Babylonians, He first sends the message to the north country where Israel is scattered, and at the same time it is to be proclaimed to Judah, that there will come a day in which He will re-gather a remnant of them to Jerusalem. First, however, they must be brought to acknowledging their sin of departing from Him, and worshipping other gods. When He brings them back He will give them pastors that will be according to His heart, instead of their evil imagination. These pastors shall be able to teach them knowledge and understanding. When they have been brought back, and have multiplied in the land, a strange thing will take place. Through the ages since the LORD delivered His laws to Israel , they had kept them in an ark built by Moses according to the instructions of the LORD. And this “ark of the covenant” had been considered by them as “the center of the universe,” as we sometimes say. But when they are restored to Jerusalem , “they shall say no more, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD:’ neither shall it come into mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.” Their focus will no more be upon the ark of the covenant of the LORD. The reason for this is that, in that day the LORD shall be the King in Jerusalem , and upon Him shall they look. Not only so, but even all the nations shall be gathered “to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem .” Zechariah tells us, in Zechariah 14:16, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.” Without question this is the same King mentioned in the present text. At that time Judah and Israel shall walk together. They will no more be divided, but will be one people. The LORD declares that “they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.” This can be none other than the land of Canaan , not the gospel church, as some would like to make it. Now the LORD asks Himself a question, “How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations?” Israel and Judah have dealt so treacherously with the LORD that it brings up this question. But He always has the proper answer for all questions. His answer to this one is: “Thou shalt call Me, ‘My Father;’ and shalt not turn away from Me.” He does not say, “If you will - - -.” There are no conditions placed upon the matter. He simply declares that it shall be so. And so it shall be.

(Verses 20 through 25) Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel , saith the LORD. A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel : for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God. Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel . For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

The LORD declares that the action of the house of Israel (this includes both Israel and Judah ) has been just as that of a wife who leaves her husband, and goes into prostitution. The remainder of this text seems to look forward to the time of the restoration of Israel . It seems to be their repentance from, and confession of their sins. There is a great amount of weeping and praying heard. And it is that of the children of Israel , because they have perverted their way and forgotten the LORD their God. The LORD’S answer to them is, “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” In spite of all they have done against Him, the LORD is still merciful to them. Then they reply to Him, “Behold, we come unto Thee for Thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel .” Remember how the LORD said that He would “put them among the children, and give them a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations.” This fulfills that. Israel continues her confession. They have sinned against the LORD their God, and have been brought to shame because of it. Their fathers have lost everything they had because of it, not only their wealth, but also their children. Because of their sins the children of Israel declare, “We lie down in shame, and our confusion covereth us.” That is, they have no rest from it day or night. And all of it is brought about because they have sinned against the LORD their God, both they and their fathers. This sin has been going on from generation to generation. None of them have obeyed the LORD their God. This confession seems to very closely fit us today. We have not yet been brought to shame as were they. But that can only be ascribed to the mercy of God. It is not for lack of guilt on our part.

(Verses 1 and 2) If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto Me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of My sight, then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory.

Even as the LORD speaks to “ Israel ,” we are to understand that He is speaking to Judah , because Judah was a son of Israel ; and at the time of this writing, the nation of Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrians, leaving Judah as the only remaining representative of Israel . He tells them that if they will return to Him, not in pretence, but in truth, and will put away their abominations, they will not “remove,” or be taken captive. If they will take a true oath that the LORD is the living God, and will do judgment and righteousness, not only they, but the nations also will “bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory.” But, alas, we shall find that they did not do that, but continued on after their own imagination.

(Verses 3 through 9) For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem , Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem : lest My fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. Declare ye in Judah , and publish in Jerusalem ; and say, blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities. Set up the standard toward Zion : retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. The lion is come up from the thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us. And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.

This is a call to the men of Judah and Jerusalem that they should turn sincerely to the LORD, because of the judgment that is coming upon them. The LORD tells them to “break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” Fallow ground is not what we called “new ground,” when, as a child I was working in farming. New ground is that from which the forest has just been cut that it may be cultivated. Fallow ground is that which has been cultivated, but has been left idle for a while. In such a case, some thorns may have sprung up on it. So the LORD tells these men of Judah and Jerusalem to break up this fallow ground, before sowing it in whatever crop they might use. Do not sow among the thorns. If one should sow among the thorns, the thorns would soon choke out whatever crop he did get to come up, and all his effort would be wasted. The way to break up the fallow ground of which He speaks is to “circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart.” Obviously He is not speaking of circumcision in the flesh. Instead, the meaning is that they must repent of their sins, and turn wholeheartedly to the LORD. If they do not, His fury will break forth like a fire, and burn so that there is no way to quench it. The occasion of its coming thus upon them is their sins. In verses 5 through 7, He tells them to prepare for the battle, for it is already on its way. They should sound the alarm, and rush into the defenced cities. Though they set up the standard toward Zion , they will still have to retire from it, and not stay there; because He will bring an evil from the north, that will be great destruction. This is not something that can be diverted by some action on their part. Verse 7 is so clear that any effort to explain it further is only useless. “The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.” Since this is the situation, it is time for mourning, as signified by clothing oneself with sackcloth. It is time for great mourning, because the anger of the LORD has not been turned away from Judah and Jerusalem . In spite of the LORD’S warning to them, they have given Him no heed. And now the destruction is determined, and will not be turned away. In the day of this great destruction, everyone, including king, princes, priests, and prophets, will be overcome with fear and astonishment.

(Verses 10 through 14) Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely Thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem , saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul. At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of My people, not to fan, nor to cleanse, even a full wind from those places shall come unto Me: now also will I give sentence against them. Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! For we are spoiled!

As the prophet realized that the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem was fixed, and would not be turned aside. He first thinks that the LORD has deceived the people by promising them deliverance from the destruction that he now sees is surely coming. He apparently overlooks the fact that deliverance was promised only if they sincerely turned away from their idols to the LORD, and repented of their sins. And this they had not done. And neither were they about to do so. The sword was already reaching for them. When it actually arrives, a message shall be given to Judah and Jerusalem . That message is, “A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse, even a full wind from those places shall come unto Me: now also will I give sentence against them.” That is, the LORD is calling a wind from the high places of the desert, not for the purpose of cooling, or giving comfort to the people, and neither to cleanse them. Instead, it is a full wind, or a strong wind, for the purpose of bringing desolation upon them. Therefore He will give sentence against them. Verse 13 describes the enemy that this wind represents. His army shall be as many as the clouds, and his chariots will be as a whirlwind. The whirlwind to which He refers is not the little weather phenomenon we often see during dry weather, that often picks up small debris from the fields, and whirls it around slowly up in the air. In reality, it is a storm, such as a tornado, or a hurricane. And this one will do great damage. His horses are swifter than eagles. It will be a time of great distress. Jeremiah exclaims, “Woe unto us! For we are spoiled!” He can see that there is ruin ahead.

(Verses 14 through 18) O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee? For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim . Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem , that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah . As keepers of a field are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against Me, saith the LORD. Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Certainly the LORD knows that Jerusalem will not heed His advice to her; but, nevertheless, He calls upon her to wash, or cleanse, her heart from wickedness, that she might be saved from this terrible desolation that has been determined. He asks, “How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” When the LORD asks a question, it is never to learn something, for He knows all things. His question is for the purpose of calling Jerusalem ’s attention to the hopelessness of such vain thoughts. There is a declaration of affliction, from Dan, and from mount Ephraim , that is also to be published to the nations. This affliction is to be upon Jerusalem . Watchers have come from a far country, and given their voice against her and the cities of Judah . Because of their rebellion against the LORD, they are kept in as a field with keepers all around it. A slight re-arranging of verse 18 might make it a little more easily understood. “Because this, your wickedness is bitter, and reaches unto your heart, your way and your doings have brought this upon you.”

(Verses 19 through 22) My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? For My people is foolish, they have not known Me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Verses 19 and 20 seem to be the lament of Jeremiah concerning the destruction that is coming upon Judah and Jerusalem . He is troubled throughout his being because of the alarm for war that he hears. He can see that the whole land is to be desolate, and everything he, or anyone else there has, is to be destroyed. The LORD answers with a question, “How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?” This does not indicate that He does not know how long this battle will rage. It simply calls attention to the fact that it will be a long siege, and very destructive. Then He gives the reason for it all. His people, whom He had chosen, had delivered from Egyptian bondage, had led through the wilderness, had established in The Promised Land, and raised up to be a great nation, were so foolish that they did not know, or recognize, Him. “They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” This last sentence fits all of us even today, unless He gives us grace and understanding. Without that, we are no better than they, and are in grave danger.

(Verses 23 through 28) I beheld the earth, and lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by His fierce anger. For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

Some things in this text turn us, in our minds, back to the beginning of the book of Genesis. But it seems to be the vision of Jeremiah concerning the total devastation that was to come upon Judah and Jerusalem for their terrible wickedness in turning away from the LORD of hosts, to worship and serve idols. The land will be reduced to the same desolation that reigned before the LORD brought light upon the earth. Yet the LORD declares that He will not make a full end. That is He will not completely destroy His people, though He will bring terrible desolation upon them for their sins. Since He has spoken this, and has purposed it He will not turn away from it. But it shall come just as He has declared it.

(Verses 29 through 31) The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man shall dwell therein. And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life. For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! For my soul is wearied because of murderers.

Thus the LORD declares that the whole city, Jerusalem , and, indeed, every city of the land shall be forsaken of her citizens, as they try to find safety in the thickets, and upon the rocks. The devastation shall be such that there will be no inhabitants left in the cities. He asks what they will do when they are thus spoiled. It will do them no good to dress in their finest attire, and try to paint up their faces, as women often do in an effort to make themselves look more beautiful than they naturally are. No one will be attracted to them by these efforts. In fact all will be so greatly against them that they will be trying to bring on greater sorrow by killing them. Instead of being loved, and receiving sympathy from their former friends, they will be despised by all. As this comes upon them there will be a great wailing from “the daughter of Zion ,” such as a woman in travail with her first child might make. And she will say, “Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.”

(Verses 1 and 2) Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

The LORD is here speaking. He declares that, if a man can be found, either in the streets of Jerusalem , or in the broad, or open, places thereof, that executes judgment, or is even seeking the truth, He will pardon it. Probably “it,” in this declaration, refers to Jerusalem . Remember that the LORD told Abraham that if ten could be found righteous in the whole city of Sodom , He would spare the city. Now He says that if one man can be found in Jerusalem who executes judgment and seeks the truth, He will pardon the whole city. Then He says, “And though they say, ‘The LORD liveth;’ surely they swear falsely.” Certainly, He is not saying that the statement, “The LORD liveth,” is false; but that when they say it, they do not believe it; and therefore they swear falsely. This is His indictment of the while city.

(Verses 3 through 6) O LORD, are not Thine eyes upon the truth? Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; Thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evening shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities! Every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

As Jeremiah considers the situation, he asks a question, more for emphasis than for information. He knows that the LORD’S eyes always behold the truth. In this instance, the truth to which he refers is that in spite of all the chastisements the Lord has already sent upon Judah and Jerusalem , they have made no effort to turn back to Him. Instead they have continued on in their evil ways, as if they were totally unaware of the correction. As he realized this, the prophet came to the conclusion that these whom he was observing were just the poor and foolish ones of Jerusalem . And therefore they knew neither the way of the LORD nor the judgment of their God. And for that reason they had broken off His yoke, and burst the bonds that bound them to Him. He then concluded that he would have better success if he went to the great men of the city, and talked with them; “for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God.” As we continue through Jeremiah’s writing, we shall see that he had no better success with the great men than with the poor and foolish. Now he declares that because of the present condition of those he has observed, they are soon to experience some extremely great affliction. In verse 6 his reference to the lion and the leopard are, probably, not to be considered as meaning the actual animals, but the Babylonians, whose ferocity was comparable to these animals. By them the whole land would be laid completely desolate. .and all this was coming upon them because of their transgressions and backslidings.

(Verses 7 through 9) How shall I pardon thee for this? Thy children have forsaken Me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses. They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Since “natural adultery” often goes hand in hand with false religion, it may be under consideration in this text, as is also “spiritual adultery.” For the LORD definitely condemns both. But it seems that the primary reference is to the “spiritual adultery,” forsaking the LORD, and worshipping false gods. This has been the theme from the beginning of this prophecy. This people had so given themselves to the worship of idols that they wanted to worship every one they heard of, just as a prostitute will go with any man she can, and a “womanizing” man will go with every woman he can. The LORD asks, “Shall I not visit for these things?- - - and shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” Surely He will punish such. And this is true today, just as it was in Jeremiah’s day.

(Verses 10 through 18) Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD’S. For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously with Me, saith the LORD. They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not He; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see the sword nor famine. And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them. Wherefore saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make My words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel , saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understanndest what they say. Their quiver is an open sepulchre, they are all mighty men. And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword. Nevertheless in those days, saith the LORD, I will not make a full end with you.

Notice the similarity of the LORD’S command to the destroyers in verse 10 and His promise to Israel in verse 18. Although He is sending this desolation and captivity upon Israel and Judah , He will not make a full end of them. He will reserve a remnant. This He has promised in all the afflictions of Zion . Every prophet who has spoken of their destruction has declared that the LORD will spare a remnant. Those He sends against Jerusalem are to tear down her battlements, for they are not the LORD’S. His battlements are never to be torn down. He can, and sometimes does, temporarily remove them, when He is sending chastisement upon His people. But none beside Him can remove them. The reason He is sending these enemies against Jerusalem is that both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt falsely against Him. When He has sent word that He will bring chastisement upon them, they have said, “It is not He, neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see the sword nor famine.” That is they have denied that the word He has sent is from Him. They declare that His prophets do not have the word of the LORD, but are only speaking words of no meaning, as if it were only the wind blowing. Thus they belie the LORD. He says that, Because they do this, He will make His word in the mouth of Jeremiah to be fire that shall devour them. Then He describes the people He will send against them. They are an ancient nation, and a very mighty one. The people of Israel and Judah cannot even understand their language. And they are all mighty men. “Their quiver is an open sepulchre.” That is, they do not waste their arrows, but are so accurate with their bows that there quivers seem to just be open graves waiting for their victims. These enemies will come upon them, and when they do, they shall eat up and destroy everything upon which the people have depended. But even then The LORD will reserve a remnant. He will not make a full end.

(Verses 19 through 24) And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? Then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken Me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah , saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: fear ye not Me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at My presence, Which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, That giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

When all of this shall come upon the people, and they shall ask, “Why?” as people so often do when calamity comes upon them, the Prophet is to tell them that, just as they have served strange gods in their land, so shall they serve strangers in a land that is not theirs. Then the LORD tells Jeremiah to make a declaration to them, to all of them, both the house of Jacob and the house of Judah . They are a people who have eyes but cannot see, and ears but cannot hear. First the question must be asked. “Since the LORD is so great that he has set the sand as the boundary of the sea, and it cannot pass over it, no matter how much it may toss and roar, do they not fear Him?” but there is only a negative answer. Their heart is rebellious, and they have completely revolted against Him, and gone after idols. They do not even say in their hearts, and certainly not to others, “Let us now fear the LORD our God, That giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” They will not even admit that it is He Who gives them this blessing.

(Verses 25 through 29) Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among My people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

The LORD declares that the iniquities of the people have cut off these good things from them. Even among the LORD’S people are found wicked men. His people are not accused of being wicked. But among them are some that are wicked. These wicked ones are continually setting traps and snares, not for birds and beasts of the field, but for men. Their houses are filled with deceit just as a cage is filled with birds. By these wicked works they have become great, or exalted, and rich. “They are waxen fat, they shine,” is a metaphor taken from cattle. When they get fat their coat of hair actually does shine. And as these wicked ones become rich, their wealth shines forth before the other people, and this usually results in others honoring them for being so successful. Today we often hear the remark, when one is very successful, “He surely must be doing right.” While it may be that he is doing right, his success is no indication of it. He has never promised His servants riches in this world. Their glory is reserved for the world to come. These wicked ones will not judge the cause of the fatherless or the needy, two characters whom the LORD has always commanded us to take care of. Yet they prosper. So the LORD asks, “Shall I not visit for these things? - - - shall not My soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” He will indeed visit, and that with the rod, for such. And His soul will be avenged on such a nation. Of that, we can be sure.

(Verses 30 and 31) A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end?

Not only is this a horrible thing, but it is also a wonderful, or highly unusual thing. It is so unusual that it called forth this command from the LORD, “Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be ye horribly afraid, be very desolate,” Chapter 2, verse 12. This people have changed their God, the living God, for idols that can do nothing. And because of this their prophets only speak lies, and their priests rule according to their wealth: and the people love to have it so. Therefore the LORD asks, “What will ye do in the end thereof?” It certainly is high time to consider what will be the final outcome of such.

Chapter 6

(Verses 1 through 8) O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem , and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction. I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place. Prepare ye war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon . Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out. Arise, and let us go up at night, and let us destroy her palaces. For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem : this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her. As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before Me continually is grief and wounds. Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest My soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.

The tribe of Benjamin had remained with the tribe of Judah when the Northern kingdom, Israel , and the Southern kingdom, Judah divided at the time of Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Benjamin had remained with Judah all the while. Now the LORD says to the children of Benjamin that, it is time for them to flee out of Jerusalem , blow the trumpet, and set up the signal fire, for there is to come from the north a great destruction. Then He says that He has likened “the daughter of Zion ,” Jerusalem , to a beautiful and delicate woman. She is so attractive that the shepherds bring their flocks, and pitch their tents around her, quietly feeding their flocks. But that is all over. It is time for war to be brought against her. First the enemy says, “Let us go up at noon .” But apparently there is some delay, for the cry goes forth, “Woe unto us! for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.” Then comes the command, “Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.” Even if the attack is delayed until night, it will still be made. And the first attack is to be against her palaces. The commission for this war is of the LORD. He has given the order, “Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem : this is the city to be visited.” The reason for this attack is that Jerusalem has become so evil that there is nothing left in her but oppression. Her wickedness, violence and spoil, pour forth from her just as waters come forth from a fountain. The LORD declares that grief and wounds (caused by her) are continually before Him. So He speaks a message to her: “Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest My soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.” Thus He calls upon her to receive instruction, that is, take heed to the warning he has given. Otherwise there is a danger that His soul will depart from her. That is, He will completely turn away from her, and make her desolate, that there shall be no one left living in the land.

(Verses 9 through 17) Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets. To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary of holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days. And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out My hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD. For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

The LORD says that those He is sending against Judah and Jerusalem will throughly, or completely, glean the remnant of the vine of Israel . Now, the kingdom of Israel had already been carried away captive by the Assyrians, who left a few of the inhabitants in the land. But these who are about to come will glean even that remnant. Since they are being sent against Judah , and are yet going to thus glean the remnant of Israel , one can but wonder just how great will be the desolation of Judah . Now the LORD asks, “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear?” Then, as we consider the answer He gives to this question, we understand that there is none to whom the warning can be effectively spoken. They cannot hear, and the word of the LORD is to them a reproach. They want nothing to do with it. This is a terrible situation. Even the LORD’S chosen nation has become so alienated from Him that they consider it a reproach to even consider His word. They have no desire for it, and take no delight in it if it is spoken to them. This has ever been the way the matter stands with the world, insofar as the gospel is concerned. How then can any hear and heed it unless, and until the LORD opens their hearts, minds, and ears to hear it? Because of this condition among the people of His chosen nation, the LORD declares that He is full of fury, and weary of holding it in. The time has come for Him to pour it forth. Neither youth nor age will exempt anyone from receiving it. Neither male nor female will be spared. He will stretch out His hand upon all the inhabitants of the land. He declares that, from the least to the greatest of them they are all given to covetousness, and even the prophets and priests all deal falsely. To make matters worse, they are telling the people that they shall have peace, so that they can go on in their present way of doing. But even now there is no peace. And surely there is no peace ahead for them in the path they are following. He then declares that they are so far gone in the way of wickedness that they have no shame, they cannot even blush, or be embarrassed. And because of this He, the LORD, will visit them with punishment, and they shall be violently thrown down. He then gives them this instruction, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” But even such a promise falls upon deaf ears. They say, “We will not walk therein.” Then He set watchmen over them, who called upon them to listen to the trumpet, the alarm for battle. But their answer to this was, “We will not hearken.” In spite of all the warnings the LORD had in His mercy sent upon them, they would have none of it.

(Verses 18 through 25) Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My words, nor to My law, but rejected it. To what purpose cometh there to Me incense from Sheba , and sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto Me. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbor and his friend shall perish. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of