Lessons for a new era in Judah

Sermon notes

Scripture: Jeremiah 40:1-16

The words that begin this chapter indicate in a general sense a new section of the book. A new order prevails in the kingdom of Judah and in the land. Captivity has come, many have been transported to Babylon, widespread destruction prevails.

I  THE LORD GUIDES HIS SERVANT.

1. A taste of captivity, v1. Jeremiah had been in prison when the city fell, 39:11-14. Though released by the Babylonians somehow or other he finds himself in Ramah in chains, v1. This may simply have been an ‘administrative process’. Yet through this God allows Jeremiah to taste what others endure to a much greater degree. Often the Lord manages the affairs of His servants in this way!
2. Set free, v1. His experience of captivity is short-lived and soon goes free.
3. God speaks, v1. This statement does not refer to a specific message as it does elsewhere. Rather it seems to indicate the Lord’s instruction Jeremiah to record these events and may also be an introduction to the further messages that follow. There may even be a suggestion that the Lord was speaking through the words of the Babylonian captain. God was still speaking! He was still in communion with God. The Lord was guiding His servant.
4. He settles in Mizpah, v4-6. When set free he had several options set before him and seems to hesitate where to turn. On the counsel of Nebuzar-adan, he goes to be with Gedaliah. Cp 26:24, 2Kings 22:12.

II  A GATHERING AGAIN.

Cp v7-12.

1. Military men, v7-8. The remnants of the scattered army of Judah return to Gedaliah. There is a reminder here of how complete the ruin of the kingdom had been!
2. An echo of God’s counsel, v9. Gedaliah urges conformity to the status quo. How far these words were directly influenced by Jeremiah’s ministry we are not told. Yet he does touch on that which Jeremiah had preached, 38:17, 20.
3. Exiles return, v11-12. Many who had fled in fear to surrounding lands now return. There is a measure of strengthening stability in the land.
4. Days of blessing, v10, 12. The time of harvest provided a rich bounty for all in the land. The goodness of the Lord was seen even in this. For many it must have been a reminder of glory days in the past—a little reviving in the midst of bondage,

III   A THREAT TO THIS FRAGILE EXPERIENCE OF RESTORATION.

Cp v13-16.

1. A plot by the enemy, v14. The plot is discovered. The old hatred of the people of God has not gone away. Though much reduced by the Babylonians, Judah is still regarded as target for her enemies.
2. Warning is given, v13, 15. Gedaliah is warned about the threat and given the opportunity to have the assassin killed. Jonathan expresses a concern for the welfare of Gedaliah and the people that are newly rallied around him. It seems to him that the kingdom cannot survive such a tragedy. Jonathan expresses himself ready to take on the threat and deal with the enemy
3. Warning refused. Gedaliah is not ready to accept that one who is part of the army of Judah could in fact an undercover agent for the enemy. This has long been an issue among God’s people! Wolves in sheep’s clothing are often accepted as sheep! The people of God must not be slow to respond to such threats. Cp Matt 7:15-20, Jude 3-4. The consequences are fatal, 41:2.