Jeremiah 6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Certainty of God’s Judgment

During this time of Jeremiah’s prophecy, who initiated reforms which resulted in the removal of the idols and altars from the high places?
The revival which brought in the reforms mentioned in the previous question took place in what year? Did the reforms have a lasting impact on the people?
Jerusalem, the capital of the nation of Israel, was in the territory of which tribe? The territory of this tribe was on which side of (direction from) Jerusalem?
Why did attacks on Jerusalem always come from the north?
In the illustration of the assayer’s fire describing the testing of Judah, how much precious metal remained after the refining process?

Josiah initiated the reforms during the time of Jeremiah’s prophecy. He reigned as the king of Judah from 627 to 609 BC.
The revival under Josiah took place in the year 621 BC. Unfortunately, the revival and reforms did not have a lasting impact, and conditions in the nation declined spiritually and morally not too long after the revival was over.
Jerusalem was in the territory of Benjamin, north of (and including) Jerusalem. The inhabitants of this territory and of Jerusalem would flee south to escape the attack which came from the north.
It was well known that the city of Jerusalem was most vulnerable from the north.
No precious metal remained after the refining process (verse 29). All that was left was the dross of Israel’s sinfulness. The nation was called “rejected silver.”

In chapter 5, Jeremiah identified several reasons for God’s judgment on Judah. Here in chapter 6, he again emphasizes the reasons for God’s judgment. Within these reasons, can you identify sinful characteristics of our own nation today? 1. They no longer delighted in the Word of God. 2. They were, young and old, greedy for gain. 3. The false prophets promised peace when they knew there was no peace. 4. They rejected God’s laws and would not turn back to godly traditions. 5. Their worship was not sincere; it was only for show.

In this chapter Jeremiah emphasizes the certainty of God’s judgment. His prophesy was fulfilled, as the Babylonians placed the city under siege for more than a year, then destroyed the city and the temple in 586 BC. Scripture confirms the certainty of God’s judgment today as well. Are you concerned about the certainty of God’s judgment on wayward behavior in your own life, the future of your unbelieving neighbor who faces God’s certain judgment apart from Christ, or God’s certain judgment on our nation for continuing in its sinful ways? We can learn from Jeremiah’s warnings by turning to the Lord in prayer, delighting in the truth of His Word, recognizing the need for repentance, and worshiping Him in spirit and truth.

“Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” Jeremiah 6:16