Jeremiah 10-12 (Culture, Covenant, Complaint)
The Weeping Prophet
Part 5: Culture, Covenant, Complaint (10-12)
On Conforming to Culture
By speaking honestly about idols, Jeremiah illustrated the absurdity of idolatry. The people were worshipping created things. These ‘things’ had no power in and of themselves. They had to be made (10:3, 9), decorated (10:4, 9), and empowered (10:5, 14). They should have been worshipping the invisible God who is unique (10:6-7, 16), alive (10:10), and powerful (10:12-13). This idolatry was about to result in judgment (10:17-22).
On Confronting the Covenant
The neglected Book of the Law was found 5 years into Jeremiah’s ministry (622 BC, see 2 Chronicles. 34-35). Jeremiah 11:1-17 is probably a message Jeremiah shared sometime after this book was found. A short-lived and/or shallow revival was not enough to fend off the wrath of God. Once again the people rejected Jeremiah’s message and even conspired to kill him (11:18-23), but God protected Jeremiah as promised (1:19)
On the Common Complaint
Amidst this persecution, Jeremiah wondered why God allows the wicked to prosper (12:1-4). God replied by questioning Jeremiah’s strength (12:5-6) and assuring him that His wrath would be carried out against His enemies in time (12:7-17). Only those who follow the ways of God will ultimately be safe (12:15-16).
Part 5: Culture, Covenant, Complaint (10-12)
On Conforming to Culture
By speaking honestly about idols, Jeremiah illustrated the absurdity of idolatry. The people were worshipping created things. These ‘things’ had no power in and of themselves. They had to be made (10:3, 9), decorated (10:4, 9), and empowered (10:5, 14). They should have been worshipping the invisible God who is unique (10:6-7, 16), alive (10:10), and powerful (10:12-13). This idolatry was about to result in judgment (10:17-22).
On Confronting the Covenant
The neglected Book of the Law was found 5 years into Jeremiah’s ministry (622 BC, see 2 Chronicles. 34-35). Jeremiah 11:1-17 is probably a message Jeremiah shared sometime after this book was found. A short-lived and/or shallow revival was not enough to fend off the wrath of God. Once again the people rejected Jeremiah’s message and even conspired to kill him (11:18-23), but God protected Jeremiah as promised (1:19)
On the Common Complaint
Amidst this persecution, Jeremiah wondered why God allows the wicked to prosper (12:1-4). God replied by questioning Jeremiah’s strength (12:5-6) and assuring him that His wrath would be carried out against His enemies in time (12:7-17). Only those who follow the ways of God will ultimately be safe (12:15-16).
posted by matthew at 11:16 AM
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