Jeremiah's lament over the
conditions and destruction of Jerusalem are shared throughout his
book of Lamentations, and his sorrow of heart is clearly seen in each
chapter. In chapter four we see yet another Hebrew alphabetical verse
by verse description of the horrors which Jeremiah viewed. In verse
one of the fourth chapter he begins by describing the temple which
was located in Jerusalem. We read:
How is the gold become
dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the
sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
The
verse begins, “How is the gold become dim! how
is the most fine gold changed!” The marvelous temple built by
King Solomon as described in First Kings chapter six was filled with
golden walls and ornamentation, but now the gold was without luster.
The value of the gold was lost, and though at one time it was a
statement of the wealth and prosperity of Judah, it was altered to a
state of worthlessness and was symbolic of the country which it
represented.
The
verse goes on to say, “ the stones of the sanctuary are poured
out in the top of every street.” The huge stones which were
quarried outside of the temple location and transported to the temple
site were now scattered throughout the city streets. Where these
stones at one time were so perfectly crafted so that not even a knife
could penetrate their fittings, they were strewn all over the city
like broken pottery. Destruction and devastation not only came to the
people of Jerusalem, but also their place of worship was affected by
their rejection of God.
As we
think about the gold and stones of Jerusalem's temple, we might be
inclined to think about buildings which have symbolic meaning for us
as well. What if our church were destroyed by opposing foes? What if
our houses, businesses or structures which we deem valuable were
ruined? As we vicariously place ourselves in Jeremiah's position we
may wonder how we would react to such devastation. We should keep in
mind how abandonment of God by the people of Judah was the cause for
this destruction in the first place. If only they had turned back to
God. If only they had sought the Lord instead of their idols, and if
only we would realize that God has sent His Son Jesus Christ as the
intermediary which will help us avoid such horrific conditions. But
alas, many do not, and woe be to the gold and stones of the city of
those who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Next
time we will see the sons of Zion compared, 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
No comments:
Post a Comment