Further indictments of Judah (5:1-5) – all classes are alike corrupt), warning of coming judgment, and depictions of the invasion and its effects.
- Make a list of the main sins charged against the people. Are we in danger of any of these sins? Note especially Judah’s response to God’s word and messengers.
- Was judgment inevitable? Was God not willing to pardon? What are we taught here about the ‘kindness and sternness of God’ (Rom. 11:22)? Cf. Rom. 4:4, 5.
Notes
- 6:1. Tekoa and Beth Hakkerem were few miles south of Jerusalem. The ‘signal’ (I.e., a beacon; cf. Judg. 20:38) would alert the south, or perhaps guide the refugees from Jerusalem.
- 6:3. ‘Shepherds with their flocks’ here means kings and their armies.
- 6:16. ‘Stand at the crossroads’: i.e., Judah must return to the crossroads to regain the right path. Cf. 18:15.
- 6:25-30. Jeremiah’s work is described as that of a tester of silver. But no pure silver results from the process of refining. Cf. 9:7.