The spiritual state of the remnant from Judah—now in Egypt—becomes more obviously biased towards rebellion against God. The audacity and defiance in this chapter is breathtaking.
Some great occasion seems to have resulted in the gathering of the entire Jewish population in Egypt, v15. Perhaps some unnamed religious occasion/festival.
Jeremiah addresses the assembly in the Lord’s name, v2.
I JEREMIAH’S MESSAGE.
- An important review of the past. Cp v2-6, 9-10. It is imperative that we ask, How did we get here? Jeremiah reminds them of the ruin that their sin had caused. They had forgotten this, v9! Their past was specially marked by a refusal to listen to God’s oft repeated warnings. Alternative views of the past with a whitewashed view of sin and its consequences are always forthcoming.
- Where do we go from here? Cp v7-8. There is also a focus upon the present and future. The prophet calls them to consider why they should persist in such a destructive course. He is preaching for a change of direction.
- What the future holds if no change is made. Cp v11-14. Previous judgement would continue and even intensify. The small remnant that had been spared to date would be reduced further with only a tiny number escaping in the mercy of God. Cp v28.
II FEEDBACK FROM THE AUDIENCE.
- Widespread. There was an immediate response from a wide section of the audience, and representative of the whole.
- Defiant disobedience, v16-19. A stubborn refusal to accept or obey God’s word. The women take the lead in this, v19, as they had apparently in the idolatrous practice of the past. The men stand condemned for defending their wives’ idolatry and allowing them to articulate this defiance of God. What miseries result when God’s order is overturned.
- A wicked proposition, v17-18. These women propose the concept that the nation was better off when they engaged in idolatry.
III JEREMIAH INSISTS ON THE TRUTH THAT THEIR SIN HAS BROUGHT RUIN AND WILL INCREASE THEIR RUIN IF THEY PERSIST IN IT.
- He insists on the right view. Even though wicked men and women defy God’s message, it must be insisted upon. Sin is the cause of ruin, v20-23.
- A terrible outlook for the future, v24-28. Those who defy God face a dreadful future. They are to be given up to and confirmed in their sin. God Himself will see to it that their evil vows are carried through.
- An unmistakable sign. Here was something that could not be missed or ignored. It would serve to illustrate the power of God to depose even Kings. Such a enfeebled remnant as they were no could not expect to hold out against the power of God.