Speaking to People Who Would Not Hear
September 22, 2019
Commentary
This closing part of Jeremiah’s sermon focuses on the invading Babylonian army, from the north, and the devastation it would bring to Jerusalem and Judah (vv. 1-2). At this time the city and the country seemed secure and they were under no apprehension of danger. Jeremiah tells them that they shall soon be invaded by a foreign power which shall completely destroy them. In fact, God threatened to destroy Jerusalem so completely that shepherds would pitch their tents and graze their herds on its site (v. 3). This extensive destruction is confirmed by Nehemiah (Neh. 2:3, 11-17). Then he spoke to the Babylonian leaders and shared His strategy (vv. 4-5). He told them to make a surprise attack at noon (in the heat of the day when no one would expect it) and continue through the night (when most armies retire). He further directs the attack (vv. 6-15) by telling the Babylonians to chop down trees and build ramps against the walls of the city. He tells them how to do this with precision.
Jeremiah took no delight in bringing messages that threaten and make those around him uneasy (v. 11) but he could not contain himself. First he questioned why he should be speaking to a people who would not hear (v. 10). Then he acknowledged that it was his responsibility to speak because he had been made aware of God’s wrath (vv. 11-12). This was a result of their sins of covetousness (v. 13), because of them giving false hope by saying “peace, peace; when there was no peace (v. 14),” and by their not being ashamed when they should be (v. 15).
Application
It may not be popular for me to give a warning of God’s judgment but I have a responsibility to share with people that Jesus, God’s son is the only way they can escape this judgment and go to Heaven.
Jeremiah 6:1– 15 (NET)
1 “Run for safety, people of Benjamin! Get out of Jerusalem! Sound the trumpet in Tekoa! Light the signal fires at Beth Hakkerem! For disaster lurks out of the north; it will bring great destruction.
2 I will destroy Daughter Zion, who is as delicate and defenseless as a young maiden.
3 Kings will attack her with their armies. They will encamp in siege all around her. Each of them will devastate the portion assigned to him.
4 They will say, ‘Prepare to do battle against it! Come on! Let’s attack it at noon!’ But later they will say, ‘Woe to us! For the day is almost over, and the shadows of evening are getting long.
5 So come on, let’s go ahead and attack it by night and destroy all its fortified buildings.’
6 All this is because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said: ‘Cut down the trees around Jerusalem and build up a siege ramp against its walls. This is the city that is to be punished. Nothing but oppression happens in it.
7 As a well continually pours out fresh water so it continually pours out wicked deeds. Sounds of violence and destruction echo throughout it. All I see are sick and wounded people.’
8 So take warning, Jerusalem, or I will abandon you in disgust and make you desolate, a place where no one can live.”
9 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies said to me: “Those who remain in Israel will be like the grapes thoroughly gleaned from a vine. So go over them again, as though you were a grape harvester passing your hand over the branches one last time.”
10 I answered, “Who would listen if I spoke to them and warned them? Their ears are so closed that they cannot hear! Indeed, the Lord’s message is offensive to them. They do not like it at all.
11 I am as full of anger as you are, Lord, I am tired of trying to hold it in.” The Lord answered, “Vent it, then, on the children who play in the street and on the young men who are gathered together. Husbands and wives are to be included, as well as the old and those who are advanced in years.
12 Their houses will be turned over to others as will their fields and their wives. For I will unleash my power against those who live in this land,” says the Lord.
13 “That is because, from the least important to the most important of them, all of them are greedy for dishonest gain. Prophets and priests alike, all of them practice deceit.
14 They offer only superficial help for the harm my people have suffered. They say, ‘Everything will be all right!’ But everything is not all right!
15 Are they ashamed because they have done such shameful things? No, they are not at all ashamed. They do not even know how to blush! So they will die, just like others have died. They will be brought to ruin when I punish them,” says the Lord.