Depart Depart Touch Not Lamentations 4:15

After acknowledging the sins and iniquities of the prophets and priests within Jerusalem, Jeremiah said they wandered in the streets and defiled themselves with the blood of those who were destroyed. In chapter four and verse fifteen we see the results of their being defiled where we read:

They cried unto them, Depart; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there.

The verse begins, “They cried unto them, Depart; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not:” Whenever a person touched someone and was defiled by blood, they were to depart from them, not touch them, and warn others of their uncleanness. Because of the sins of the prophets and priests the entire city of Jerusalem was unclean, and the people of Jerusalem had to flee from it.

The verse continues, “when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there.” Once again we see the reaction of the neighbors of Jerusalem. The inhabitants of the city could no longer “sojourn” which means “abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, or be continuing” within the city. The “fled and wandered”, and they became the ridicule of “the heathen” because of the unfaithfulness of their religious leaders.

As we think about Jeremiah's words, we may not be able to relate to the idea of having to declare ourselves “unclean” but we do know what it means to be ostracized. In this case the criticism came because of the fault with the leaders, and the people followed their lead. Everyone within the city of Jerusalem suffered from their uncleanness of blood, and their enemies were laughing because of it. Have we examined our own lives lately? Is there spoil of “Blood” that would make us “unclean” to others? If so, we may rely upon this fact, Jesus Christ shed His blood upon the cross so we might be clean. Every sin that caused us to be unclean Jesus paid for with His life, and now rather than departing, we may draw closer and closer to Him. May our prayer be to evermore live within His cleansing blood.

Next time see why the people of Jerusalem were divided from the priests and elders, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Prophets and Priests Blind and Polluted Lamentations 4:14

As Jeremiah spoke of the prophets an priests of Jerusalem, he told of their sins and iniquities as well as their shedding of blood. In chapter four and verse fourteen Jeremiah tells more of the characteristics of these who should be the spiritual leaders in the city where we read:

They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.

The verse begins, “They have wandered as blind men in the streets,”. Jeremiah knew these spiritual leaders should have the full vision and disclosure of the Lord with them, but they wander aimlessly as those who are blind to spiritual things. The implication is that they have no ability to lead people in their walk with the Lord.

The verse continues, “they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments.”. Prophets and priests were to keep themselves from being defiled with things covered in blood, however the city of Jerusalem's prophets and priests did not obey this command and were therefore defiled, desecrated, and stained. The result was the people could not engage them. These who were to be the spiritual leaders could not be approach by anyone who may have needed their guidance or assistance.

When we read these words we may be inclined to elevate ourselves and wonder how those who are spiritual leaders could allow themselves to be in such a state. When they should have been close to the Lord to be leaders in spiritual things, they made themselves defiled, worthless and without value to any people in their time of need. Jesus said, “Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?”, and as we ponder these words, we should pray that we never find ourselves in the state of these prophets and priests.

Next time see the reason the kings and inhabitant of the world's unbelief, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Sins of Prophets and Priests Lamentations 4:13

When the defeat of Jerusalem occurred Jeremiah wrote of the unbelief of the kings and inhabitants of the world that this would ever happen. As Jeremiah continues his observances in chapter four and verse thirteen, he shares the reason for the destruction of the city. We read:

For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,

The verse begin, “For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests,” As we use our imaginations to think about the “sins of her prophets” we may be dismayed to believe that the “prophets” went this direction. They were the spiritual leadership of the city, and they were responsible to lead the people in their relationship with God. However, not only they but also “the iniquities of her priests” began the city's demise. When spiritual leadership became corrupt it wasn't long before the city fell.

The verse continues, “that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,” As though the passing of their information sinfully wasn't enough, these prophets and priest “have shed the blood of the just” in the middle of the city. In other words, the justice system of the prophets and priests was corrupt as well. Rather than vindicate the just, they were taking bribes, indulgences and the like which implicated the “just” and released those who should have been incriminated.

When the political system of a nation turns against God, it is the beginning of its demise, but when the religious system turns against Him as well, defeat is just around the corner. This was the case for Judah and Jerusalem. Their kings began to set themselves against the Lord and worshiped other gods instead or alongside Him. Afterwards the prophets and priests became corrupt, untruthful and compromised the teachings of the Lord. As we ponder the ominous words in this verse, perhaps our venue should be to pray for us and our nation lest we too find ourselves as the fodder and unbelief of the nations around us.

Next time see the reason the kings and inhabitant of the world's unbelief, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Kings and Inhabitant's Unbelief Lamentations 4:12

After Jeremiah concluded that it was the Lord's fury and anger that was poured out upon Jerusalem, he transitions to the people who surrounded Judah and Jerusalem during that time. In chapter four and verse twelve Jeremiah shares the unbelief of the kings and inhabitants of the world that an enemy could defeat Jerusalem. We read:

The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.

The verse begins, “The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world,” As though Jeremiah backed off from intimately looking into the situation of Jerusalem, he puts his focus on the “kings of the earth” and “all the inhabitants of the world”. In other words, these were Jerusalem's neighbors. Jerusalem had a strong presence among them is the implication, and those who were their neighbors, whether royalty or pedestrians, knew of the impenetrable city.

The verse goes on to say, “would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.” The apex of the neighbor's understanding of Jerusalem was that no “adversary” or “enemy” would ever defeat them. Their opinion according to Jeremiah was they were filled with unbelief as they heard of the “gates” or “entry points” of Jerusalem being overtaken by an enemy. As far as the kings and inhabitants knew, Jerusalem was protected, safe, and well guarded so no enemy could defeat them.

The illusion the kings and world's inhabitants failed to factor in was that Jerusalem had forsaken the true source of their protection – The LORD. When the people of Jerusalem turned away from the eternal and living God, they removed His mighty hand of protection of which the kings and world's inhabitants inferred. As we ponder these words, we might do well to consider from where our true protection comes both individually and as a nation. A nation who forsakes God forsakes their own protection, and if this was the case for Judah and Jerusalem, what would make us think we are any better? Let our prayer be, “Lord Jesus, help us never to forsake you lest the world's kings and inhabitants find themselves in unbelief over our gates being penetrated too.”

Next time see the reason the kings and inhabitant of the world's unbelief, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Lord's Fury, Anger, Fire and Devouring Lamentations 4:11

After disclosing his observation of the overthrown city of Jerusalem and it's patrons, Jeremiah transitions his words to speak of the source of these devastating events. In chapter four and verse eleven, Jeremiah named “The LORD” as the cause where he wrote:

The LORD has accomplished his fury; he has poured out his fierce anger, and has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has devoured the foundations thereof.

The verse begins, “The LORD has accomplished his fury;” Jeremiah wrote that the LORD “accomplished” which means “consumed, determined, ended, failed, finished, be complete, be ended, be at an end, be finished, or be spent” his “fury” or “heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison or venom”. Notice that the word “accomplished” is in the past tense form. Within this one word we know the Lord fulfilled what He promised He would do, and Jerusalem felt the heat of God's wrath.

The verse goes on to say, “he has poured out his fierce anger, and has kindled a fire in Zion,” As though one phrase wasn't enough to describe what the Lord did, Jeremiah repeats the thought with “poured out his fierce anger” and “has kindled a fire in Zion”. The word “fierce” means “anger or heat” and like molten steel that is poured out the Lord's anger fell upon the rebellious people of the city. The word “kindled” means “burn, set on fire and left desolate” and refers to when a person starts a fire, leaves it unattended and it becomes a wildfire destroying all that is in it's path.

Finally the verse goes on to say, “and it has devoured the foundations thereof.” The result of God accomplishing His fury, pouring out His fierce anger and kindling a fire in Zion was “it has devoured” which means “eaten, consumed, wasted and destroyed” “the foundations” or “base or bottom” of the city. Ash several inches thick could be found over the city of Jerusalem when it was overthrown, and the fulfillment of God's promise to destroy them was just as He said.

When most people think about God they think of Him being gracious, loving and kind, and they think correctly. However, we see by this verse that God does have His limit, and the people of Jerusalem exceeded it. We might use our time of pondering to think of those who may be at God's limit and pray they will turn to Him before it is too late. May the Lord remind us of His grace that is extended to all well before He pours out His fury on those who refuse to receive Him.

Next time see how the people of Jerusalem thought themselves impenetrable, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Pitiful Women Eating Their Children Lamentations 4:10

When we look at the beginning of the fourth chapter of Lamentations, we might wonder how it could be any worse for the people of Jerusalem. Their sanctuary was destroyed, their priests were devalued, their children were starving, and their Nazarites who were once esteemed like jewels were like blackened sticks in the streets. Yet in verse ten Jeremiah shares the horror of women cooking and eating their children which takes Jerusalem's conditions to a whole new level. We read:

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

The verse begins, “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children:” Jeremiah tells of “pitiful women” or “compassionate, compassionate women” who might normally use their “hands” for domestic affairs having “sodden” which means “to boil, cook, bake, roast, ripen, or grow ripe" "their own children". Without further imagination we shall not even venture to know the desperation these normally "compassinate" women must have felt to manage such an act.

The verse continues, “they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.” As though cooking their children was not enough, these women used them as “their meat” or “food, means of devouring or consumption” as well. In other words, these desperate and pitiful women cooked and ate their own children.

Our minds do not want to conceive of the despondency of these women. We might wonder, how does a person get to this state where their own offspring are unsafe from consumption? The amazing part of this description is that God warned the city of Jerusalem through Jeremiah well in advance of these conditions. The people would not listen, and they paid a price far greater than they would ever have conceived. As we ponder these words, are there areas in our lives where God is warning? Are we stubborn and unwilling to alter our paths? We can be assured of this, the women of Jerusalem would never have thought they could have cooked and eaten their own children, and as we factor in the price we might pay for an unaltered path, we may benefit from realizing the rebellion of these women had them behaving in ways they never thought imaginable. May the Lord Jesus help us as we consider His better path.

Next time see the Lord's fury poured out against Jerusalem, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Sword Slain or Pine Away Lamentations 4:9

Jeremiah has listed the sanctuary and several groups of people who were affected by the overthrow of Jerusalem. Children, those who were once delicately fed, and the Nazarites who were once adorned and honored as fine jewels were among them, and now their punishment was worse than Sodom's. In chapter four and verse nine, Jeremiah gives a comparison to the manner in which these people perish where he wrote:

They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.

The verse begins, “They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger:” As Jeremiah continued his description of the devastation before his eyes, he compares “They that are slain” or “fatally wounded or pierced” with “they that are slain with hunger” or “famine”. We may imagine the immediacy of death because a person was pierced with a sword versus the slow painful death of one who suffers from hunger.

The verse goes on to say, “for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.” Jeremiah said “these pine away” which means “to flow or flow away” and refers to the slow ebbing away of life. He said they were “stricken” or “pierced or thrust through” while in “want” or “desire” for the fruits of the field they once knew. Their lives were slowly deteriorating because of lack of food, and this slow death was much worse than being thrust through with a sword.

There are not many of us who have faced being pierced through with a sword or famished to the point of a slow death by being hungry, but we may be able to relate to this verse in other ways. Sometimes we have people or circumstances removed from our lives quickly, and other times it takes a long process. The horror for Judah and Jerusalem was to be involved in this slow diminishing, and delays often affect us as well. While we ponder these things let us remember that God Almighty desired that these words be written for our benefit, and when times of slow degeneration come, we may trust in Him and His Divine providence and sovereignty. Though we may think a more expeditious answer would be of greater benefit, we must not forget that He is always in control.

Next time see how hunger affected the women of Jerusalem, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Nazarites after Destruction Lamentations 4:8

Jeremiah continued his overlooking of the city of Jerusalem and took special note of the Nazarites that were “purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:” However, in chapter four and verse eight of Lamentations, Jeremiah tells of their dramatic change after the city's overthrow. He wrote:

Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.

The verse begins, “Their visage is blacker than a coal;” Where these Nazarites once looked like snow and whiter than milk, their “visage” or “shape, form, outline, figure, or appearance” was now “blacker” which means “to be or become dark, grow dim, be darkened, be black, be hidden” than a “coal” or “blackness”. In other words Jeremiah said these who were once so pure looking were now blacker than black in appearance.

The verse goes on to say, “they are not known in the streets:” Rather than being the pinnacle of admiration among the people of Jerusalem, these Nazarites are not even “known” or “to recognize, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard or pay attention to” by those who remained in the streets. Where they were once highly regarded and respected, the Nazarites were not even acknowledged among the people of the city.

Finally the verse continues, “their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.” As a further description of how these Nazarites looked, Jeremiah employed graphic language and metaphoric expression to detail their look. “Their skin cleaves” which means “to draw together, contract, draw up, or shrivel” “to their bones”, and “it is withered” or “dried up” as without moisture. Their bones appeared “like a stick” because of the emaciated condition of the Nazarites' bodies. When we use our imaginations we can picture their horrific conditions.

What a long fall from their former positions these Nazarites experienced. They were once exalted and held in high esteem by the people of the city, and now they are barely known. They once prospered and were like expensive jewels among the people, and now they were nothing more than feeble fodder that appeared as wooden sticks. As we ponder their condition and Jeremiah's description of them, we may be or know those who seem to have fallen from a former position like these. Once there was favor, and now there seems to be none around. Once their was admiration, but now there is only shame and aimlessness. When these times come, we must remember that it was God Almighty who placed these scriptures upon Jeremiah's heart, and as Jeremiah penned these words, we cannot help but know and believe that the Almighty's pathos for mankind is warning us of the results of rebellion against Him. As we consider that thought, let us be sure to commit or recommit ourselves to follow Jesus at all times lest we be the ones whom others deem to be so distraught that we are “blacker than black, withered, and appear like a stick”.

Next time see how hunger affected the people of Jerusalem, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Nazarites Lamentations 4:7

As Jeremiah continued his description of the overthrown people and city of Jerusalem, he included the sanctuary, the priesthood, the children, and those who once prospered sumptuously. In chapter four and verse seven of Lamentations Jeremiah adds the Nazarites to those whom he observed. He wrote

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

The verse begins, “Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk,...” The “Nazarites” which means “consecrated, devoted or separated one” were people among those in Judah who had vows they kept to consecrate themselves to God. They were held in high esteem by others in Jerusalem, and they were known to abstain from strong drink, not cut their hair, and stay away from dead bodies along with other disciplines described in the book of Numbers in chapter six and verses one through twenty-one. The Nazarites in Jeremiah's time were described as “purer than snow, they were whiter than milk” which refers to their purity and beautiful devotion to the Lord God.

The verse goes on to say, “ they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:” As Jeremiah continued his description of the Nazarites of Jerusalem, he compared them to precious jewels. First, he employs “rubies” or “corals” and refers to their being “more ruddy in body” which means “red or dyed red” and implies high value and worth. Next Jeremiah used “sapphire” which represented the “blue veins of a healthy person” and speaks of their “polishing” which means “cutting, polishing or separation” and denotes the special separation and honor that was given to the Nazarites.

There are times in the Bible where a complete thought is covered over two or more verses rather than a single verse. This is the case with Jeremiah's words in verse seven of chapter four. Chapters and verses were added after these words were written to make it easier for readers to find certain passages. What we learn from this verse is the more blessed side of the Nazarites, and we must keep in mind that Jeremiah is pointing out what these Nazarites were like before the devastation. We might do well to use this description as a reference for times when we know someone who was prospering, beloved, and as precious as jewels. However, we see their status did not last, and what used to be is no more. As we ponder these words of Jeremiah let us examine ourselves and pray for others who may have fallen from a valued position, and keep ourselves within the love of Jesus as we do.

Next time Jeremiah will tell more of the Nazarites, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Greater than the Punishment of Sodom Lamentations 4:6

Jeremiah overlooked the horrific conditions of the devastated city of Jerusalem. Those who were once living in prosperity, were now living among the dunghills. The scene must have been appalling for Jeremiah to see, and in chapter four and verse six he cannot resist comparing their troubles with those from the past. We read:

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

The verse begins, “For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom,”. As Jeremiah thought about the condition of Jerusalem, he remembered the stories of the city of Sodom as recorded in Genesis chapter nineteen. In just a few moments Sodom was destroyed for their wickedness, and Jeremiah said the punishment for the “iniquity” of Jerusalem was worse. Fire and brimstone fell upon Sodom,, however the Babylonians fell upon Jerusalem.

The verse continues, “that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.” Jeremiah declared that it only took a “moment” to overthrow the city of Sodom, and he employs the phrase “and no hands stayed on her” to describe the overtaking of Jerusalem. The word “stayed” means to “twist, dance, writhe or whirl around”. The idea is to have one wrestling or whirling around with another. The judgment upon Sodom was from the fire and brimstone that fell upon them suddenly, but the people of Jerusalem were forced to “wrestle” or contend with human enemies over a period of time. It is one thing to have fire falling from the sky and destroying a city in just a few moments, but it is quite another to be contending with an enemy for days upon days.

When troubles come we are all likely to compare our difficulties to past ones which we or someone else has endured. Like Jeremiah we may have others in mind who have suffered when we suffer, but it always seems that we make our punishment greater. As we think about Jeremiah's comparison, perhaps it will help us to think about Jesus and the punishment He endured for us. When we suffer, does it compare to His? When we feel punished, do we think we are punished more than He? When we use Jesus' punishment for our sins as a comparison to ours, we may remember the words recored by Peter in the book of First Peter in chapter two and verse twenty-one:

For to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

May we evermore follow in Jesus' steps when we suffer for His name.

Next time Jeremiah will speak of the Nazarites, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Delicate Eaters in Dunghills Lamentations 4:5

As Jeremiah continued his description of the city of Jerusalem and the conditions of the people there, he used graphic metaphors to tell of their horror. In chapter four and verse five of Lamentations, he portrays in vivid form the downward spiral of their economic conditions where he wrote:

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

The verse begins, “They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets:” Jeremiah speaks to the conditions that the people of Jerusalem used to enjoy, “They that did feed delicately” or those who ate “dainties”. We might imagine them eating the foods of royalty, and anything they desired was at their exposure. Those same people became “desolate” which means “to be appalled, astounded, to cause desolation or ruin; to stun or stupefy” “in the streets”. No longer were the people like those who are rich and enjoy dainties from a banqueting table, but they are stunned and wandering aimlessly through the streets without anything to ingest.

The verse goes on to say, “they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.” Jeremiah repeats the idea by stating that the people of Jerusalem were “brought up in scarlet” which literally means “scarlet stuff, crimson, the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis". The “coccus ilicis” was a little worm which when crushed would exude a red dye that was a very rare and expensive agent for dying material. Those who wore scarlet were thought to be wealthy, admired, and exalted. These who were once “brought up in scarlet” were now those who “embrace dunghills” or “cling to” “ash heaps, refuse or heaps”.

As we imagine the scene of the people of Jerusalem, perhaps we know those who once prospered greatly and now seem to barely get by. Economic conditions for the people of Jerusalem certainly changed, and the effects of their turning against the Lord were truly felt. Perhaps as we meditate upon these words we should examine ourselves to be sure we are aligned with the Heavenly Father. Because the people of Jerusalem rebelled against God and His ways, they experienced huge differences in their daily living, and maybe their example will serve us in knowing how not to be in our relationship with God.

Next time we will see Jeremiah compare Jerusalem's punishment to Sodom's, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Children Thirsty and Asking for Bread Lamentations 4:4

As Jeremiah described the conditions for the people of the city of Jerusalem, he included the destruction of the city and its sanctuary, its priests and rulers, and the mothers who ignored their children as ostriches in the wilderness. In chapter four and verse four of Lamentations, Jeremiah tells us the behavior of those children who were scattered throughout the city. We read:

The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man break it unto them.

The verse begins, “The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst:” As horrific as the task may be, when we use our imaginations to see “the tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of his mouth for thirst” we see the epitome of human degradation. The mothers of Jerusalem were starved themselves and had no milk to provide, so in their abandonment, these children had no one to fend for them. Provision is quite capably sought by adults, but a dependent child requires aid. There was none for them. Their thirst was real, and their desire for moisture was required, yet no one provided their sustenance.

The verse goes on to say, “the young children ask bread, and no man break it unto them.” Not only were these children thirsty, but they were hungry as well. There was no bread, no food, and if there was, the starving adults would surely have devoured it. We read earlier where the mothers were so desperate they were eating their premature babies. No doubt this was one of the most dreadful scenes Jeremiah observed.

As we think about the conditions within this verse, we may be inclined to think upon our own. Are we filled with abundance and not thankful? Do we indulge in non-necessities without regard to our fellowman? What if the children mentioned by Jeremiah were our own children or grandchildren? Would it make a difference in how we thought of them? We should keep in mind as we read these horrors that God Almighty forewarned the people of Jerusalem of this sort of devastation. He told them through His prophets that lest they turn from their wicked ways, the eventual outcome would be upon not only them but their prodigy. Can we hear through the awful and disgusting circumstances of the children of Jerusalem a pleading from Jesus who desired that “all come to repentance”? Perhaps our prayer should be, “Lord Jesus, help us always to turn to you so these devastations never be upon us or our offspring”.

Next time we will see what happened to those who cared for the children, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Sea Monsters and Ostriches Lamentations 4:3

As Jeremiah attempted to describe the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, he used real and metaphoric phrases to relay his thoughts. We have studied his observation of the gold and the stones of the sanctuary, and we have observed Jeremiah's description of the once highly esteemed “sons of Zion” who now were scattered and invaluable as broken pottery. In chapter four and verse three of Lamentations Jeremiah employs another example which describes the condition of the people of Jerusalem where we read:

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

The verse begins, “Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones:” Jeremiah references the “sea monsters” which literally is “dragon, serpent, or river monster” and is generally thought to be the “whale” or other mammalian creatures of the sea. Jeremiah uses these “sea monsters” who nurse their young as an extreme example of how mothers take care of their offspring. His comparison is weighed against the manner in which the mothers in Jerusalem were now taking care of their children.

The verse continues, “the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.” Rather than being nurturing even to the level of “sea monsters” Jerusalem's mothers became “cruel” or “fierce” and were likened to the “ostriches in the wilderness” who were known for laying their eggs, burying them, and abandoning them. Sometimes they would even step all over where they lay their eggs as though they cared nothing about their offspring at all. Though the nurturing nature of a mother should be within everyone who gives birth, the daughters of Jeremiah's people were like the ceremonially unclean “ostriches” that lived in the barren and uninhabited wilderness.

As we meditate upon these words, perhaps it will help us as we use our imaginations to see the nurturing whales compared to the cruel ostriches. When we consider our own lives toward others, to which one would we most likely be compared? Would others deem us as nurturing or fierce? What if we consider our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in this comparison? Would they be as the “sea monsters” or the “ostriches” toward others? The destruction of Jerusalem altered not only their city but also the manner in which the “daughters” of Jerusalem treated their young. Are there devastating events in our lives which have changed our behavior toward others? If so, may we bring those circumstances to the foot of Jesus' cross where He paid the ultimate price for every contrary situation we shall ever face in this world, and may we learn to be nurturers toward others and not fierce and stubborn as the calloused ostriches of the wilderness.

Next time we will see the condition of the children in the city, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Precious Sons of Zion Lamentations 4:2

As Jeremiah overlooked the city of Jerusalem, he recounted the destruction of the stones and gold of the sanctuary. Rather than being a pinnacle of worship and adoration, the place of worship was scattered all over the streets of the fallen city. In chapter four and verse two of Lamentations Jeremiah turns his attention toward the precious sons of Zion where we read:

The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

The verse begins, “The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold,...” The “precious sons” which were members of “Zion” which is another name for Jerusalem and means “parched or sunny place” were generally the priests and royalty within Jerusalem, and they were compared to “fine gold”. The value of ministers and governing officials was at one time highly esteemed, and as Jeremiah overlooked the city, he took special note of their current conditions.

The verse continues, “...how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers,...” Rather than being like “fine gold” the priest and royalty are likened unto “earthen pitchers” or “earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, or earthen vessels”. Where they were once “esteemed” or “to be accounted, be thought of, or imputed” to be like unto a precious metal, they were now like a common clay pot.

The verse goes on to say, “...the work of the hands of the potter!” These priests and royal men who were once highly exalted among the people were now like vessels made subject to “the hands of the potter”. From jewels to common clay the great men of the city of Zion were stripped of their value and made as common as shaped mud.

Jeremiah warned the people of Zion through an illustration from God in the book after his name in chapter nineteen and verses ten and eleven:

Then shall you break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with you, And shall say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury.

But they would not listen. Though Jeremiah told them the people of Zion would be broken like a potter's vessel, still they would not return to their relationship with the Lord. As we read these words, are there people we know who simply will not turn to the Lord? Are there others in our lives whom we highly esteem and value who will not turn from their wicked ways? Perhaps we have areas which need to be turned over to the Lord, and as we ponder the results of the priests and royalty within Zion who would not turn back to the Lord, maybe we will be inspired to repent before we too are like broken pottery scattered throughout the streets. May the Lord Jesus help us to live before Him as precious sons and daughters who are likened unto fine gold all the days of our lives.

Next time we will see the sons of Zion compared to sea monsters and ostriches, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore