I. Summary
The people of Judah confess their guilt and petition Yahweh for rain. Yahweh promises to kill the false prophets with the rest of the land’s inhabitants.
II. Photo
The people accuse Yahweh of a fleeting relationship: “Why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stops only for the night?” (v. 8)
III. Select Verses
3: Their nobles sent their servants for water; They came to the cisterns, they found no water. They returned, their vessels empty. They are shamed and humiliated, They cover their heads.
7: Though our iniquities testify against us, Act, O LORD, for the sake of Your name; Though our rebellions are many And we have sinned against You.
8-9: O Hope of Israel, Its deliverer in time of trouble, Why are You like a stranger in the land, Like a traveler who stops only for the night? Why are You like a man who is stunned, Like a warrior who cannot give victory? Yet You are in our midst, O LORD, And Your name is attached to us — Do not forsake us!
14: The LORD replied: It is a lie that the prophets utter in My name. I have not sent them or commanded them. I have not spoken to them. A lying vision, an empty divination, the deceit of their own contriving — that is what they prophesy to you!
22: Can any of the false gods of the nations give rain? Can the skies of themselves give showers? Only You can, O LORD our God! So we hope in You, For only You made all these things.
IV. Outline
1. Introduction
2-9. Psalm-like petition
2-6. Complaint: Judah’s drought
7. Petition/confession
8-9a. Complaint/accusation: Yahweh stands by idly
9b. Petition
10-18. A conversation about false prophets
10. Yahweh will punish for sin
11-12. Prayer, sacrifice, and fasting do not help
13. The prophets predict salvation
14-16. The false prophets will be killed with the rest
17-18. Future lament
19-22. Psalm-like petition
19. Complaint: Yahweh stands by idly
20. Confession
21. Petition
22. Affirmation of confidence
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
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