Jeremiah 8 – “Persistent Rebellion”

IMG_2794 2 copyHebrew-English Text

I. Summary

Judah is doomed because its leaders and people do not change their ways.

II. Photo

Judah is lost: “No grapes left on the vine, no figs on the fig tree, the leaves all withered; Whatever I have given them is gone.” (v. 13)

III. Select Verses

7: Even the stork in the sky knows her seasons, And the turtledove, swift, and crane Keep the time of their coming; But My people pay no heed To the law of the LORD.

11: They offer healing offhand For the wounds of My poor people, Saying, “All is well, all is well,” When nothing is well.

13: I will make an end of them — declares the LORD: No grapes left on the vine, No figs on the fig tree, The leaves all withered; Whatever I have given them is gone.

14-16: Why are we sitting by? Let us gather into the fortified cities And meet our doom there. For the LORD our God has doomed us, He has made us drink a bitter draft, Because we sinned against the LORD.  We hoped for good fortune, but no happiness came; For a time of relief — instead there is terror!  The snorting of their horses was heard from Dan; At the loud neighing of their steeds The whole land quaked. They came and devoured the land and what was in it, The towns and those who dwelt in them.

23: Oh, that my head were water, My eyes a fount of tears! Then would I weep day and night For the slain of my poor people.

IV. Outline

1-2. The leaders of Judah will not be buried

3. Death is preferable to life

4a. Command to proclaim

4b-6. Persistent rebellion

7-9. The people lack wisdom

10a. Men’s wives and fields will be given to others

10b-12. Priests and prophets are guilty and will be punished

13. Total annihilation

14-16. Future quote: sin has caused the enemy (Babylon) to bring doom

17. The enemy will not be stopped

18-19a. Future quote: the people cannot believe

19b. It is their fault

19c-20. Future quote: the people will not be saved

21-23. Yahweh (or Jeremiah?) is brought to tears

V. Comment

No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used

(see “Commentaries” page)

Photo my own.