Welcome, friends, to our Daily Devotional journey. Today, let’s explore Jeremiah 6 and glean wisdom for our lives. Join me as we reflect on the timeless truths found within these verses, seeking guidance and inspiration for our spiritual walk. Read about God’s hope in Jeremiah 4 and 5.
In Jeremiah’s words, we find a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s path. Through the lens of a pilgrim’s journey over three decades, we witness the unfolding of Judah’s rebellion and the call to repentance that echoes through the ages.
The Promise of Redemption in Jeremiah 6
As we delve into Jeremiah’s message, may we heed the warnings of sin and embrace the promise of redemption. Let’s open our hearts to the guidance of God’s word and allow it to shape our lives, leading us closer to Him each day.
Jeremiah 6 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Jeremiah 6 explains God does not cause pending judgment. Do you ask, “Why would God let this happen?” Find out in this chapter. Please read or listen to the thirty verses of Jeremiah 6.
We Bring Judgement Upon Ourselves
In 1991, when I was thirty-six years old, I read Jeremiah 5-7 on the same day, and I made no notes in my journal. Thirteen years later in 2004, I was forty-nine years old. I read Jeremiah 4-6 together on the same day, and I just wrote, “They rejected God and His Word. We bring judgment upon ourselves.”
In 2016, twelve more years later and at sixty-one years old, I read Jeremiah 6 on one day, and wrote, “Warning! Warning! Disaster is coming! Why? ‘There is nothing but oppression within her. As a well keeps its water fresh, so she keeps fresh her evil’ (vv. 6-7). ‘The word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it’ (v. 10). ‘Everyone is greedy for unjust gain’ (v. 13). ‘They have not paid attention to my words’ (v. 19). Therefore, there will be disaster upon this people, ‘terror is on every side’ (v. 25). ‘For the Lord has rejected them’” (v. 30).
Jeremiah Chapter 6
In chapter 6, Jeremiah warns the people judgment is on the way. Verses 6-7, “This is the city that must be punished; there is nothing but oppression within her. As a well keeps its water fresh, so she keeps fresh her evil”. At the end of verse 10 and on into verse 11, the Word of God says, “the word of the Lord is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it. Therefore I am full of the wrath of the Lord; I am weary of holding it in”. Verses 15-19 make the case:
Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?
No, they were not at all ashamed;
they did not know how to blush . . .
Thus says the Lord:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
I set watchmen over you, saying,
’Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’
But they said, ‘We will not pay attention’” (vv.15-17).
So for all those reasons God pronounces His judgement:
Therefore hear, O nations,
and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people,
the fruit of their devices,
because they have not paid attention to my words;
and as for my law, they have rejected it (v. 19).
And what is the judgment that is going to take place? Jeremiah tells them:
Thus says the Lord:
“Behold, a people is coming from the north country,
a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
They lay hold on bow and javelin;
they are cruel and have no mercy;
the sound of them is like the roaring sea;
they ride on horses,
set in array as a man for battle,
against you, O daughter of Zion!” (vv. 22-23).
Jeremiah is describing the nation of Babylon that is going to come and destroy the city of Jerusalem.
Digging Deeper
What do we gain from warnings like this Jeremiah is giving his people? The same warnings Jeremiah gave to his people apply to us today. The Word of God reminds us the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We need to have ears to hear the warnings Jeremiah is making. And we need the courage to correct our behavior before it is too late.
Prayer
Lord, we see through these chapters the things that displease You. The things we do that You are not happy with. Yet we know from Your Word, You are a God of forgiveness, You are a God of the second chance. Holy Spirit, help us repent of our behavior that is not biblical, that is not pleasing in Your sight. And Lord, give us the strength and the courage to correct our behavior because You love us and we love You. Help us, Lord, walk in Your ways. We ask it, in Your name. Amen.
