As Jeremiah overlooked the fallen city of Jerusalem and the nation of
Judah, we might be reminded that history repeats itself. Not unlike
Jesus who years later looked over Jerusalem and cried, “O
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that killed the
prophets, and stoned them which are sent unto you, how often would I
have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her
chickens under her wings, and you would not!”,
Jeremiah lamented over the same
city. In chapter one and verse five we see more about the conditions
of the enemies of Judah and why this horror occurred. We read:
Her adversaries are the
chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD has afflicted her for the
multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity
before the enemy.
The
verse begins, “Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies
prosper;” Jeremiah first
speaks of Judah's “adversaries” which
means “narrow, tight, distressful” and says they are
“chief” which means “on top, the head, the upper part or
summit”. He says “her enemies” or “adversaries,
foes, or oppressors” “prosper” which means “to be at
rest, quiet and at ease”. In other words, now that the adversaries
and enemies of Jerusalem and Judah have defeated them, they not only
rule over them but also do so with quiet ease.
The
verse continues, “for the LORD has afflicted her for the
multitude of her transgressions:”
We learn the source and reason for the defeat of this city and
nation. First, “the Lord has afflicted her” speaks
of the source. It was Jehovah God who brought this “affliction”
which means “grief and suffering” upon them. We might ask,
why would He do this? The answer is “for the multitude of her
transgressions:”. It was not
for just a few mistakes or unintentional sins, but it was “the
multitude” or “abundance,
greatness, and numerous” amount of “transgressions”
which means “willful rebellion and intentional sins” against God.
These intentional, rebellious and abundant number of sins brought the
judgment of God upon them.
The
verse goes on to say, “her children are gone into captivity
before the enemy.” Not only did this judgment of God afflict
the people of Jerusalem and Judah, but it also had its impact upon
“her children”. Though the children may have been
innocent, still they paid for the sins of their parents. They were
“gone into captivity” which means they walked as captives
“before” which means “in the face of” their “narrow,
tight, and distressful” foes. Let there be no doubt, this must have
been one of the most horrific parts of this affliction of God.
When we
consider this verse about Judah and Jerusalem, perhaps we may put
ourselves in their place. What would it be like to have such a strong
affliction from God that not only we but our children and
grandchildren would pay the price for it? We might consider ourselves
nationally and wonder if we have willfully rebelled against the
Almighty God. We might also wonder about ourselves personally. Are
there areas in our lives where we would be found to be purposefully
involved in sinful acts? As we think about the horror and judgments
written within this verse, may the Lord examine our hearts and assure
us that we have the blood of Jesus Christ covering our every
transgression, and may all the glory go to God the Father for doing
so.
Next
time we will see what the princes of Judah are like, 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
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