Reading:
Since
the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I
have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and
sending them: Yet they hearkened
not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse
than their fathers. Therefore thou
shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou
shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee. But thou shalt say unto them, This is
a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth
correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
Commentary:
The
Lord here is speaking to the prophet Jeremiah, concerning His people, the Jews
who had been unfaithful. From day one
(their deliverance from Egypt), the Israelites quickly abused their freedom
from tyranny, and quickly turned to worship other god's. They gave the True God of Israel lip service,
but not repentance and faith of the heart.
God says they "hardened their neck and did worse than their
fathers." They literally turned
their back on God's Word, and so God would likewise turn His back on them. God also knew that in spite of His efforts
through the prophets to lead them to repentance and faith, they would not
listen nor receive correction. Most of
the Jews in the Old Testament were God's people by name only, and not by faith
of the heart. Such is a stern warning
from God to us today, not to take His blessings of deliverance for granted. He has given us the truth of His Word, and
may we never despise this truth in our heart and turn away from the only God
who saves, by His Son.
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