The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 303

Ver. 3.-The doom of disobedience. This new discourse, which begins with eh. :d.. is a continuation of the same sad monotone of denunciation a1;1d doom wbich goes on throughout well-nigh the whole of Jcrcmiah's prophecies. The curse pronounced here on the disobedient- !. Is VE!l.Y TERnIDLE. The words, " Cursed," etc., are fearful words to come from the lips of the God of grace and mercy. And that which they threatened was terrible also. What a catalogue of woes, which were denounced against the guilty people, might be compiled from these chapters! And how exactly the event answered to the prediction! Read the history of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the sufferings of the people, which is given in the records of the times, for proof of this. It is a dismal story, heart-sickening, and one from which we should at once turn away were it possible for us to do so. But all this, which was written aforetime, was written for our learning, and therefore we cannot but give heed. For not only is the curse terrible- IL IT IS ALTOGETHER JUST. What makes a sentence, such as is pronounced here, jnst? Is it not such considerations as these ?-1. That the Law which has been violated should have been altogetlier righteous. None can read over the moral Law given by God to his people without confessing its righteousness. "The Law was holy, just, and good." Those who disobeyed it and were punished by it could not dispute its righteous- ness. 2. That it should have been fully known. If ignorance could have been pleaded the equity of the sentence might have been questioned. But amid all possible publicity and solemnity the Law was given at the first; and at a time (ver. 4) when their hearts, by reason of God's exceeding goodness to them, were peculiarly susceptible to impression. And ever since then, by repeated, prolonged, and earnest appeal (ver. 7) that obedience should be rendered. 3. When conscience consents to the Law that it is good. (Ver. 5.) They said ".A.men" to it. 'l'he prophet is not giving his personal account only, but referring to the fact that all the people said ".A.men" when the curse upon disobedience was pronounced from Mount Ebal ; cf. also a more recent "standing to the covenant" to which probably Jeremiah alludes (2 Kings xxlii. 3). 4. When the transgression has been notorious. (Ver. 8.) It we.snot simply that they would not obey, hut they would not even listen, and they went on in their own way, utterly disregarding the covenant to which they had promised obedience (cf. also vers. 9, 10). 5. When ingratitude has been ad,ded to disobedience. (Ver. 4.) What had not God done for them? How deep was the obligation to obey I 6. When forbearance has been ea:ei•cised. For a thousand years and more they had been suffered to occupy the land of promise (ver. 5, " As it is this day"). Wherever, then, was there or could there be a righteous doom if this were not? III. AND AB NE0ESSABY As RIGHTEOUS. Remember the purpose for which God had chosen Israel-that they might be the channels of his truth and righteousness to all other people. God was merciful to them and blessed them, "that his way!" etc. (Ps. lxvii.). " In thee and in thy seed," said God to Abraham, "shall all the nations," etc. But if the men of the nation had rendered themsel vcs incajia ble of this service, it was essential for the well-being of tho world that they should make room for more faithful meu. And this they had to do. IV . .ANn CERTAIN OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IJ.l' THE DlSOllEDIENOE DE NOT FORSAKEN. The judgment that came upon Judah and Jerusalem was not at 1111 a solitary isol!\ted fact. 'l'ho like of it had happened before, bas since, happens now, and will ag~in when- ~,·er like provocation is given, as it all too often is. God's wo.y of dealing w!th Israel is Gud's way of dealinu with man everywhero and in all ages; therefore his wny ol llealing with us. God'; Law, his demand for obedience, man's disobedience, and the err, x1. 1-23.J THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAU. 303