Jeremiah’s Sermons: Judah’s Sin & Judgment (2-6)
Introduction
1. Chapters two thru six contain sermons preached by
Jeremiah and written in poetic form.
a. These sermons would appear
to date from King Josiah’s reign (3:6); no opposition to them is recorded.
b. Though having two or three
sermons, this section flows together, each thought complementing the others.
2. We will study this section in three parts:
a. The Accusation of Rebellion
(2:1-37)
b. The Appeal for Repentance
(3:1-4:4)
c. The Announcement of
Retribution (4:5-6:30)
I.
The Accusation of Rebellion (2:1-37)
A.
Fact of Rebellion (2:1-13)
1.
First, God calls to mind the devotion of Israel’s early days and His
protection of them.
a)
The LORD led Israel through the wilderness; they belonged to Him in a
special way.
b)
He punished whoever ate of His harvest, i.e. whoever came against Israel.
c)
Likewise, Christians are the firstfruits and holy to the LORD. (Jas.
1:18; 1Pe. 2:5)
2.
But now Israel has forsaken the LORD and pursued worthless things that do
not profit.
a)
The LORD asks, “What wrongdoing have you found in Me to behave in this
way?”
b)
Far from committing wrong, God had been faithful to His promises since
the wilderness.
c)
The people were not even conscious of the LORD or seek to know where He
was.
3.
Four groups among Israel’s leadership are indicted for failing to provide
true spiritual leadership.
a)
The priests, who were to be the spiritual leaders, did not even ask,
“Where is the LORD?”
b)
Those who handle the law, priests and Levites and scribes, did not know
Jehovah.
c)
The shepherds, or rulers, transgressed against the LORD.
d)
The prophets spoke in the name of Baal and led the people into a religion
without value.
4.
Therefore, God brought charges against Israel for which they had no
adequate defense.
a)
He invites them to search and see if any nation had ever changed gods as
Israel had.
b)
Israel had exchanged the glory of the true God for the worthlessness of
false religion.
c)
The heavens were stunned by the flagrant, two-fold evil in Israel:
(1)
They forsook Jehovah, the fountain of living waters.
(2)
And they made cisterns for themselves that could not hold water.
(3)
This image would have special meaning in a society were water is
precious.
B.
Fruit of Rebellion (2:14-19)
1.
Israel was not a slave; he was God’s firstborn, but he suffered dangers
and ruin like a slave.
a)
Egypt had shaved the crown of their head, perhaps referring to Israel’s
dishonor and defeat.
b)
This may have reference to King Josiah’s death and Pharaoh’s subjugation
of Israel.
2.
Why had these sorrows come to one chosen and loved by God? They brought
it on themselves.
a)
They had forsaken the LORD and were suffering the consequences of their
own sin.
b)
They looked to Egypt and Assyria for help, but they had forsaken the One
who could help.
(1)
There were pro-Egyptian and pro-Assyrian parties in Jeremiah’s day.
(2)
The people were seeking political solutions to spiritual problems.
c)
Ultimately, Israel’s actions were indicative of her apostasy and the lack
of fear for God.
C.
Forms of Rebellion (2:20-28)
1.
A rebellious ox
a)
The LORD had freed Israel from bondage, but like a stubborn cow she
refused to serve Him.
b)
God’s yoke is easy and His burden light, but men prefer slavery to sin to
God’s service.
2.
A persistent prostitute
a)
Israel’s unfaithfulness to God is frequently referred to as prostitution,
spiritual immorality.
b)
The high places and groves were used for idol worship, usually Baal and
Asherah.
c)
Israel had filled the land with spiritual fornication; a whore at every
hill and green tree.
3.
A degenerate vine
a)
God had planted Israel from pure seed; these were the children of
faithful Abraham!
b)
How could such good seed become a wild and worthless vine?
4.
An indelible stain
a)
No matter how they tried to hide it or deny it, Israel could not remove
the stain of their sin.
b)
Man’s solutions for sin are powerless to remove and address guilt; only
God can cleanse us.
5.
A restless camel
a)
Israel denied their guilt and pursuit of Baal, but they were like a
restless, wandering camel.
b)
Do we live like the world and then claim to be righteous in worship? We
vacillate wickedly.
6.
A donkey in heat
a)
Israel did not stumble into sin through weakness; she sought it like a
donkey in heat!
b)
Her lovers would not have to weary themselves trying to find her; she was
seeking them.
7.
A hopeless paramour/illicit lover
a)
Israel was hurting because of sin; they were rejecting the commands given
for their good.
b)
But like a hopeless abused lover, they persisted in pursuing the
strangers they loved.
8.
An ashamed thief
a)
Israel would be caught in their wickedness and ashamed like a thief who
is discovered.
b)
Everyone was idolatrous, from their kings and officials to their priests
and prophets.
c)
They had turned their back on God, but they would seek him when they were
in trouble.
(1)
Do we bow at the altar of money only to cry out to God when trouble
arises?
(2)
Do we think of God only in urgent need, when the world cannot help us?
d)
Why cry out to the true God? Where are the gods you have chosen to serve?
Let them save.
D.
Fault of Rebellion (2:29-37)
1.
Israel sought to make a legal defense for their actions, but it was clear
they had all transgressed.
a)
The LORD once again uses vivid word pictures and associations to describe
Israel’s sin.
b)
These word pictures are very common in Jeremiah, as this section shows.
2.
Israel is likened to:
a)
Children who will not learn from their correction and chastening
(1)
They had killed the prophets of God; they did not want to hear rebuke.
(2)
The rebels declared their freedom from God and their refusal to submit to
Him.
b)
A bride who has forgotten her jewelry and wedding dress
(1)
No young woman would forget such treasures; they are her glory!
(2)
But Israel had forgotten the greater glory and treasure of knowing God.
c)
A prostitute who was skilled and inventive in her trade
(1)
Judah was so wicked she could teach new tricks to the street walkers!
(2)
She had even gone so far as to kill the innocent whose blood remained on
her skirt.
3.
Despite the greatness of Judah’s sin, she still maintained her innocence.
a)
Israel denied that God’s wrath was against them. (e.g. God not angry
no matter what-Hville)
b)
God will punish our dishonesty; denying our sin can do nothing to change
it.
4.
The people looked to Egypt and Assyria for help, but they would be put to
shame by them.
a)
Political alliances are no solution for spiritual problems; we must look
to God for help.
b)
They would come away like prisoners; God had rejected those they sought
for help.
II.
The Appeal for Repentance (3:1-4:4)
A.
The Need for Repentance (3:1-10)
1.
This section divides into two parts:
a)
The spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel (1-5)
b)
The persistent unfaithfulness of Judah (6-10)
2.
The LORD introduces the subject of divorce to characterize their sin and
contrast His grace.
a)
Israel would be put away for their infidelity; the northern kingdom never
returned.
b)
The OT did not permit remarriage to the original mate, but God was
willing to take her back.
3.
The land had been polluted by Israel’s harlotries; they had filled the
land with prostitution.
a)
The LORD had withheld the rain, but they remained unashamed and stubborn
in their sin.
b)
They spoke of God as their Father and spoke of His mercy, but they did
every evil possible.
4.
Verse six may be the beginning of a new sermon, but it continues the
thoughts that precede it.
a)
The northern kingdom had been unfaithful to God and had been put away by
the LORD.
b)
The southern kingdom saw it, but they did not fear and repent of their
evil deeds.
5.
There had been religious and spiritual reforms in Judah during the reigns
of Hezekiah and Josiah.
a)
But ultimately the hearts of the people were not changed; the revival was
short-lived.
b)
They turned to God in pretense but not with their whole heart; they
reverted to evil again.
B.
The Call for Repentance (3:11-18)
1.
Judah had surpassed Israel’s sin because she had not repented when she
saw Israel punished.
a)
Therefore the LORD extended grace to the northern tribes that had been
carried away.
b)
If they would confess their guilt and turn to the LORD, He would show
mercy.
c)
This is in contrast to the law of divorce given through Moses; God’s
grace is great!
2.
The blessings of repentance are then described.
a)
God would bring a remnant to Zion.
b)
He would give them shepherds who would feed them with knowledge and
understanding.
c)
He would bring them a new way of worship; the ark would no longer be
central to religion.
d)
He would establish His throne so that they would submit to Him and no
longer be stubborn.
e)
He would reunite the tribes and bring them to the land of their father’s
inheritance.
3.
These blessings ultimately look to fulfillment in the Messianic period.
C.
The Path for Repentance (3:19-4:4)
1.
Despite the unfaithfulness and rebellion of Israel, God wanted to bless
them with a good land.
a)
This passage is a reminder of God’s love for us even when we are defiled
by sin.
b)
If we are cut off from His goodness, it is because of our impenitence,
not His unwillingness.
2.
A plan for repentance is alluded to in the final verses of this section.
a)
First, Israel needed to mourn their sin and their perversion of God’s
ways.
b)
Second, the people needed to confess the Lordship of Jehovah and accept
His authority.
c)
Third, they needed to confess their sin, to be ashamed and recognize the
dishonor they did.
d)
Fourth, they needed to remove their idols and truly commit themselves to
the LORD.
e)
Fifth, they needed to take the name of Jehovah in truth, righteousness,
and justice.
f)
Sixth, they needed to labor for righteousness.
g)
Seventh, they needed to change their hearts before God.
3.
If Israel would do these things, not only would they be blessed, the
Gentiles would be as well.
a)
This section clearly looks forward in anticipation of the kingdom of
Christ.
b)
Promises of restoration pointed to the return but ultimately to the reign
of Jesus Christ.
III.
The Announcement of Retribution (4:5-6:30)
A.
The Confirmation of Retribution (4:5-31)
1.
Three figures of the coming judgment:
a)
A lion (4:5-10)
(1)
A destroyer of nations comes from the north to bring desolation and ruin.
(2)
The kings and officials would be terrified, and the prophets and priests
speechless.
(3)
Jeremiah hurts over the coming judgment and protests because of promises
of peace.
(4)
This may be a reference to the false prophets who foretold peace.
(5:12-13; 6:13-14)
b)
A storm (4:11-13)
(1)
A hot, powerful wind comes, and the people cry, “Woe to us for we are
ruined!”
c)
Watchmen surrounding the city (4:14-18)
(1)
The prophet pleads for Jerusalem to wash its heart of evil that it may be
saved.
(2)
They are coming to lay siege; they watch the city and see its rebellion
against God.
(3)
Judah had brought this bitter sorrow and doom upon themselves; it cut to
the heart.
2.
Three features of the coming judgment:
a)
Terrifying (4:19-22)
(1)
Jeremiah does not take delight in the prophecies of doom he must deliver.
(2)
This section is the first of Jeremiah’s so-called “Confessions.”
(3)
He is in anguish because of the terrible judgment that is falling upon
Judah.
(4)
In verse twenty-two, the LORD mourns the stupidity of His children.
b)
Devastating (4:23-26)
(1)
These verses borrow the imagery of Genesis to describe utter devastation.
(2)
Prophetic language is frequently cataclysmic and figurative in describing
judgment.
(3)
The reality of Judah’s judgment would be severe, but not without hope as
seen next.
c)
Inevitable (4:27-31)
(1)
The LORD promised that a remnant would survive the destruction coming to
Judah.
(2)
Nevertheless, God’s purpose was fixed and could not be averted.
(3)
Judah’s attempts to woo allies would not save her from the judgment of
God.
(4)
The pitiful cry is depicted like a woman’s first experience in
childbirth, or a murder.
B.
The Causes of Retribution (5:1-31)
1.
Moral Corruption (5:1-6)
a)
The moral corruption of Judah is emphasized by searching for a righteous
man in Jerusalem.
(1)
This search is reminiscent of Abraham’s intercession on behalf of Sodom.
(2)
Can a man who does justice and seeks truth be found so the land might be
saved?
b)
No one of true, moral character can be found in the city.
(1)
Perhaps, Jeremiah thinks, these are only the poor; they are simply
ignorant of good.
(2)
But the great men of the city had likewise rebelled against God.
c)
Because of the greatness and multitude of their transgressions; they
would be torn in pieces.
2.
Sexual Impurity (5:7-9)
a)
We like to downplay sin; we think that our sin isn’t too bad; but how can
God pardon it?
(1)
His children had forsaken Him and taken instead the names of false gods?
(2)
He fed them to the full, and they chose to march to brothels for
satisfaction.
b)
Again their apostasy is compared to the behavior of animals, like
stallions ready to mate.
(1)
How can God overlook such wickedness? How can He not take vengeance on
them?
(2)
Jeremiah’s message isn’t just, “God is angry.” It is, “God is justifiably
angry!”
3.
Treacherous Unbelief (5:10-18)
a)
The houses of Israel and Judah had dealt treacherously with the LORD God.
(1)
The fruit they bore did not belong to Him, and their branches would be
stripped.
(2)
The prophets had spoken lies; they trusted no disaster would come upon
them.
b)
Therefore, the LORD made Jeremiah’s preaching like fire and his audience
like wood.
(1)
The message would destroy them; God will judge men by the word they
reject.
(2)
An ancient, foreign nation would come from afar to bring judgment on
them.
(3)
Their mighty warriors would come and thoroughly devastate the land.
c)
Even so, God still would not make a complete end; if we are faithless, He
remains faithful.
4.
Religious Apostasy (5:19-24)
a)
The people had forsaken the true God to serve foreign gods in the land
God gave them.
b)
Therefore God would send them to a foreign land to serve their foreign
gods there.
c)
They had eyes and ears but did not use them; they did not fear the great
and awesome God.
5.
Social Injustice (5:25-29)
a)
Israel’s own sins were keeping her from good; God would bless them, but
not in their sin.
b)
Wicked men among them lay in wait, setting traps to increase their own
fatness by injustice.
c)
God would punish the limitless injustice in the land.
6.
Corrupt Leadership (5:30-31)
a)
The prophets spoke lies, the priests ruled by their own wisdom, and the
people loved it!
b)
But what will happen when the end comes? Will such leadership help us
before God?
C.
The Command of Retribution (6:1-30)
1.
God Declares War (6:1-5)
a)
The LORD is the One who calls for war against His people; Babylon will be
His instrument.
b)
They will attack at noon and will continue into the night; God is against
His people.
2.
God Directs the Attack (6:6-15)
a)
The LORD directs the prosecution of the battle; He calls for a siege and
thorough gleaning.
b)
This section is filled again with the evidence of the justice of God’s
judgment.
(1)
Judah keeps sin fresh like a well keeps water fresh.
(2)
Violence and destruction, spiritual sickness and wounds, are always in
her.
(3)
They do not listen to God; His word is scorned by them.
(4)
They are greedy for unjust gain and they deal falsely.
(5)
The prophets and priests have spoken soothing lies and preached false
peace.
(6)
The people have forgotten how to blush; they are unashamed of their sin.
3.
God Delivers the Verdict (6:16-23)
a)
The LORD had urged the people to repent and practice righteousness in the
land.
(1)
Walk in the old paths, but the people said they would not.
(2)
Pay attention to the watchmen who sound the warning, but the people
refused.
b)
Since the people rejected God’s law and His words, He would bring
judgment upon them.
c)
God’s wrath could not be appeased by mere sacrifice; He sought true,
inward reformation.
4.
God Describes the Consequences (6:24-30)
a)
The description of terror and sorrow that is coming is frightening to
read and imagine.
b)
Jeremiah’s preaching would test the people, like a furnace tests and
purifies metals.
c)
Sadly, the people cannot be refined; instead of refined, they are
rejected.
IV.
Applications
A.
True Repentance
1.
Chapters 3:21-4:4 allude to a process of repentance and genuine
reformation.
a)
First, Israel needed to mourn their sin and their perversion of God’s
ways.
b)
Second, the people needed to confess the Lordship of Jehovah and accept
His authority.
c)
Third, they needed to confess their sin, to be ashamed and recognize the
dishonor they did.
d)
Fourth, they needed to remove their idols and truly commit themselves to
the LORD.
e)
Fifth, they needed to take the name of Jehovah in truth, righteousness,
and justice.
f)
Sixth, they needed to labor for righteousness.
g)
Seventh, they needed to change their hearts before God.
2.
How do these thoughts help us in turning our own lives back to or more
fully toward God?
B.
You are the Salt of the Earth
1.
God searches for the presence of justice and righteousness in the midst
of corruption.
a)
The presence of righteousness among a few may be the only saving grace
for a nation.
b)
Just as Abraham pled for Sodom, Jeremiah searched for justice in
Jerusalem. (5:1-5)
2.
Consider the presence of true righteousness in the context of national
security and survival.
C.
Tested By the Word
1.
Jeremiah’s preaching tested the men of Judah to refine them or reject
them. (6:27-30)
a)
The word of God challenges us, testing our hearts to determine their true
character.
b)
When we hear God’s truth, it will not have a neutral effect; its impact
will be great.
2.
How can we evaluate our own response to truth in an honest and objective
way?
Conclusion
1. As seen in 4:19ff, Jeremiah did not take pleasure
in the message of doom God gave him to deliver.
2. Nevertheless, the prophet was faithful to the message
and ministry of God’s word.
3. Will we be faithful to the LORD, even though His word
may compel us to say what pains us to speak?