Jeremiah 5-7

Jeremiah 5

“Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem…”

• If one person acts justly and seeks truth God would pardon the city.
• Similar Genesis 18 (Abraham pleading for Sodom).
• They say, “As the LORD lives,” but they swear falsely.

Coming invaders

• Lion, Wolf, Leopard
• Tear the people to pieces

Judah compared to well-fed lusty stallions

““Go up on her walls and destroy, But do not make a complete end.”

A “nation from afar” (Babylon) will:

• Devour harvest
• Devour sons and daughters
• Devour flocks and cities
• Notice repetition of “devour” – consumption.
• Yet v.18: “I will not make a full end.”

Why judgment?

• They do not fear God (v.22).
• Leaders are corrupt.
• Prophets speak falsely.
• Priests rule at their direction.
• People love it that way (v.31).

“But what will you do when the end comes?”

Jeremiah 6

Alarm of War

• Gather yourselves to flee
• Blow the trumpet 
• Set up signal-fire 
• Disaster from the North
• Prepare for war

The war against Jerusalem was God’s work

Jeremiah says he’s full of the LORD’s wrath.

Everyone:

• From least to greatest: greedy
• Prophets and priests: deal falsely
  • “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”

“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths…and you will find rest for your souls.” They respond: “We will not walk in it.”

• Rest was offered.
• It was rejected.

The Lord will lay stumbling blocks 

Jeremiah is a tester of metals. But the ore is so corrupt, refining fails.

• “Rejected silver they are called.”

Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah asked to speak in front of the gate of the LORD’s house

People chant:“This is the temple of the LORD…”

• They believe the building guarantees safety.
• God says: If you oppress, shed innocent blood, follow other gods…the temple will not save you.
• “Has this house… become a den of robbers?”
  • Jesus quotes this later -Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19

Shiloh once housed the tabernacle. It was destroyed.

• Temple ≠ invincible.

God tells Jeremiah: “Do not pray for this people.” That’s severe.

• Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place

God says: When I brought you out of Egypt, I didn’t primarily demand sacrifice. I said:Obey my voice.

Jeremiah is told that he will speak these words but they will not obey. 

High places built in Topheth (child sacrifice site)/ Valley of Hinnom.

Questions

Was Jeremiah frustrated when God said they would not listen to a word he says? Liek his whole calling felt like a waste?

Application

Jeremiah 5-7 show that when a whole culture drifts from truth…leaders, prophets, and people alike…corruption doesn’t stay hidden and it eventually brings consequences. We are not protected if we go to church or say prayers  if our hearts and actions are not aligned with God.