The Book of Jeremiah
Lesson 2
Jeremiah 2 – 4:4
Introduction
When Manasseh became king – and he reigned for 55yrs – he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, worshipping Baal and other idols. 2 Kings says that he was worse than all of the Canaanite tribes that God had driven out of the land. When he died, his son Amon became king – and reigned for 2yrs – and continued the sins of his father. For this, God declared that both Israel and Judah would be destroyed. Tonight, we will review some of the sins that the nations committed which led to their destruction.
I. How did the nations prostitute themselves?
a) Let’s begin with the law: Deut. 5:6-10. The first 2 commandments say that you are to have no other gods, and that you are not to make idols and you should not bow down and worship them (the problem with gods and idols is that you take the devotion/worship that solely belongs to God, and you give that to an inanimate thing). These commandments establish God’s covenantal relationship with Israel.
b) First in Hosea and then continued throughout the prophetic writings, God’s relationship with Israel (and Judah) is analogized as a marital relationship; God is the husband, and Israel is the bride (this analogy breaks down slightly in modern times). As husband, God requires faithfulness (no other gods nor idols); when Israel breaks this covenant, she is a prostitute/whore/adulterer (depending on the translation). Israel committed this sin on every hill and under every green tree (2:20)
c) The marital relationship between God and Israel is established in 2:2-3. Israel turned from God in 2:5 and sought worthless things (idols). They changed their glory and committed 2 evils (2:11-13). Israel broke the yoke she had with God (2:20-21) and have gone after Baals (v. 23). For these sins (and others), God will bring judgment against the nation (v. 35).
II. Who are the innocent poor?
a) During the reign of Manasseh many innocent people were killed. 2 Kings 21:16 says, “Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he caused Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.” That the blood of the innocent filled Jerusalem “from one end to another,” gives us a hint as to the extent of which innocent people were murdered in the city. When Jeremiah says the lifeblood of the innocent was found on the skirts of the people (2:34), he’s alluding to the amount of blood that filled the streets.
b) The killing of innocent people was abhorrent to God. Deut. 21:1-9 describes the ritual a town must perform to absolve itself of the guilt of dying in their vicinity. “So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, because you must do what is right in the sight of the LORD (v. 9). The law provides for a person who is accused of a crime to have a process to defend himself and clear his name; this is to protect the innocent. To kill innocent people is abhorrent to God.
c) It is suggested that Manasseh killed those who spoke out against him or those who opposed him (2:30). He literally silenced all his critics; this included those prophets who spoke against him. The blood of the innocent that ran through Jerusalem cried out to God. That this was the blood of the poor is even more egregious.
III. What is true repentance?
a) In 3:1 God declares a divorce and raises the question of whether a wife can return to her husband after she has become another man’s wife (the implied answer is no)? Israel has been with many lovers and has been punished (vs. 2-3). Yet, Israel calls to God to ask whether God would be angry forever (vs. 4-5)? After whoring (NRSV) on every hill and under every tree, God expected Israel to return but she didn’t, and neither did Judah; both continued in unfaithfulness.
b) Even though they are unfaithful, God says in v. 12: “Return, faithless Israel, says the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, says the LORD; I will not be angry forever.” How loving, merciful and compassionate is God; despite all that Israel has done, God will not be angry forever. No matter the sin or the extent of sinning, God still issues a call to return and is ready to forgive.
c) Forgiveness does not come easily, and it is not automatically granted; forgiveness is granted when we have done the following:
1) Acknowledged our sin – guilt (vs. 13 & 25)
2) Remove your sin/cease from sinning (4:1)
3) For a nation, it must reestablish justice (4:2)
4) Circumcise ourselves (4:4)
Next Week: Jeremiah 4:5 – 6
Questions for the week:
1. What does God have against the prophets?
2. What is justice and who is responsible for instituting it?
3. Why is Israel rejected silver?