Judah is doomed because its leaders and people do not change their ways.
Judah is lost: “No grapes left on the vine, no figs on the fig tree, the leaves all withered; Whatever I have given them is gone.” (v. 13)
III. Select Verses
7: Even the stork in the sky knows her seasons, And the turtledove, swift, and crane Keep the time of their coming; But My people pay no heed To the law of the LORD.
11: They offer healing offhand For the wounds of My poor people, Saying, “All is well, all is well,” When nothing is well.
13: I will make an end of them — declares the LORD: No grapes left on the vine, No figs on the fig tree, The leaves all withered; Whatever I have given them is gone.
14-16: Why are we sitting by? Let us gather into the fortified cities And meet our doom there. For the LORD our God has doomed us, He has made us drink a bitter draft, Because we sinned against the LORD. We hoped for good fortune, but no happiness came; For a time of relief — instead there is terror! The snorting of their horses was heard from Dan; At the loud neighing of their steeds The whole land quaked. They came and devoured the land and what was in it, The towns and those who dwelt in them.
23: Oh, that my head were water, My eyes a fount of tears! Then would I weep day and night For the slain of my poor people.
1-2. The leaders of Judah will not be buried
3. Death is preferable to life
4a. Command to proclaim
4b-6. Persistent rebellion
7-9. The people lack wisdom
10a. Men’s wives and fields will be given to others
10b-12. Priests and prophets are guilty and will be punished
13. Total annihilation
14-16. Future quote: sin has caused the enemy (Babylon) to bring doom
17. The enemy will not be stopped
18-19a. Future quote: the people cannot believe
19b. It is their fault
19c-20. Future quote: the people will not be saved
21-23. Yahweh (or Jeremiah?) is brought to tears
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo my own.