As I was reading and doing some quick research, I discovered that there were actually 4 different times when Judah was overrun and exiled. I don’t think I realized that before. Daniel and his companions were taken in the first exile. By the third or fourth one, people had resorted to cannibalism.
Read Jeremiah 14-17 here
Read Jeremiah 14-17 here
Sort of a disgusting way to begin a devotional…but hey, the truth is the truth. I suspect that if any of us knew the realities of hell we would be far less likely to sin
It appears that a great drought dried up the crops and the animals as well as the people were wilting, I think the low water levels had some benefit for the invading army, if nothing more than to assure they didn’t have great stores of food and water stockpiled. Perhaps that’s why the city surrendered so quickly the first time.
This reminds me that when God withdraws His hand we lose ALL of His favor. It isn’t just the threat of war, it’s the lack of food and water as well.
It seems the people have begun to repent, because some of them are crying out to God and begging him not to abandon them, but as the next chapter starts I see a familiar line “Don’t pray for them, because I’m not listening anymore” The truth is that it is now too late for Jerusalem, and the southern part of Israel. Too many warnings have been ignored, too many prophets have been dismissed. In fact, Jeremiah has been in fear for his own life.
Thinking of Jeremiah, it would seem that he has been suffering as well. He is crying out for relief, to which God replies “say what I tell you to. Be strong.” I think that Jeremiah must have “pulled his punch” on one of the messages…or not delivered one that God had given him. Perhaps that’s why God allowed this discomfort…to bring him back into obedience. How ironic would it be if the very messenger that God was using to encourage people to be obedient had problems remaining obedient himself? Actually, it wouldn’t be that strange…since none of us can remain obedient…whether lay people or clergy, we are always prone to wander off. I don’t like to see wandering in others, and I hate to see drifting in myself.
But there are times when it happens, nonetheless.
I notice that Jeremiah was not allowed to marry, because of how terrible it would be for the wives and children. Paul didn’t recommend marriage either, for the same reason (sort of). He believed we were very close to the tribulation and wanted to spare us.
I also notice that the false prophets have been spreading misinformation, claiming that God was pleased, not angry. They spoke against everything that Jeremiah said, opposing him at every opportunity. I’m sure some were convinced by them that Jeremiah was the crazy one and his prophecies were false. There were false teachers in the early church, and there are false teachers around today. it remains the responsibility of the believer to find a Bible believing congregation and become active there.
In 15: Manasseh reigned in Judah for 55 years, longer than anyone else. He was also extremely wicked, taking idol worship to new levels. His wickedness attributed to the horrific conditions that plagued Judah when the Assyrians overran them.
It says here there were 4 destroyers sent by God; the enemy and 3 different wild animals. Jerusalem was overrun 4 times as well…I wonder if there’s any connection?
Well, I’m sure there’s so much more to discover and learn here, but my tired mind will simply not cooperate any more…
Faithfully,
PR