Jeremiah 3:6-11 The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king, Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done?… I. STATE THIS DECISION OF THE LORD. 1. Israel, from the time they became a distinct nation, cast off God; therefore, given into Assyrian captivity and divorced by God. 2. Judah had retained the worship of God, but revelled in idolatry. 3. Because of their apparent superiority, Judah would scarcely own her relationship to Israel. 4. Though their sins were ostensibly less, they were committed with tenfold aggravations. Their advantages had been greater; larger number of prophets sent them; enjoyed stated ordinances; presence of God in their midst (in Temple). II. CONFIRM THIS DECISION OF THE LORD. Specious insincerity is worse than open profaneness, because — 1. It argues a deeper depravity of heart. 2. It casts more dishonour upon God. 3. It does more extensive injury to man. Address — (1) Those who are careless about religion. (2) Those who profess religion. (C. Simeon, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. |
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