And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?' And many nationsThe phrase "many nations" indicates a broad and diverse group of people, not limited to Israel or Judah. In the Hebrew context, "nations" (goyim) often refers to Gentile peoples. This highlights the universal scope of God's actions and judgments. Historically, Jerusalem was a city of great significance, and its fate would naturally draw the attention of surrounding nations. This phrase underscores the idea that God's dealings with His people are a testimony to the world, reflecting His justice and sovereignty. will pass by this city
The act of passing by suggests movement and observation. In ancient times, cities were often located along trade routes, making them visible to travelers and merchants. The city in question is Jerusalem, a central hub in the ancient Near East. The phrase implies that the destruction or desolation of Jerusalem will be so significant that it will become a point of interest and inquiry for those who pass by. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the visibility of His judgments. and ask one another
This phrase indicates a communal reflection and discussion among the nations. The Hebrew root for "ask" (sha'al) can also mean to inquire or seek understanding. It suggests that the events surrounding the city will provoke curiosity and a search for meaning. This communal questioning reflects the human tendency to seek explanations for significant events, especially those involving divine intervention or judgment. ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing
The question posed here is central to understanding the nature of God's actions. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The inquiry into why the LORD has acted in such a way points to the need for understanding divine justice and righteousness. It reflects the biblical theme that God's actions, though sometimes severe, are always rooted in His holiness and desire for His people to return to Him. to this great city?’
Jerusalem is referred to as "this great city," highlighting its importance and stature. In the biblical narrative, Jerusalem is not only a political and cultural center but also a spiritual one, being the location of the Temple. The greatness of the city makes its downfall even more poignant and serves as a powerful testament to the consequences of disobedience to God. The phrase calls readers to reflect on the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over all nations and cities. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, and he is known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and identity. It was the location of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The city's destruction is a significant event in biblical history. 3. NationsRefers to the various peoples and kingdoms surrounding Israel and Judah. In this context, they are witnesses to the consequences of Judah's disobedience to God. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is just and righteous. His actions towards Jerusalem are a response to the people's persistent sin and rebellion. 5. Destruction of JerusalemA pivotal event prophesied by Jeremiah, fulfilled when Babylon conquered Jerusalem, leading to the exile of the Jewish people. This event serves as a divine judgment for the nation's unfaithfulness. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceGod's warnings through His prophets are serious and should not be ignored. Persistent disobedience leads to judgment, as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem. God's Sovereignty and JusticeThe LORD's actions are just and purposeful. Even when His judgments seem harsh, they are rooted in His righteousness and desire for His people to return to Him. Witness to the NationsThe events in Jerusalem serve as a testimony to the nations of God's power and justice. Our lives, too, can be a witness to others, either positively or negatively, based on our faithfulness to God. Repentance and RestorationWhile judgment is severe, God's ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. The account of Jerusalem's fall is a call to return to God and seek His mercy. Learning from HistoryThe history of Jerusalem's destruction is a reminder to learn from past mistakes. We are called to remain faithful to God and heed His warnings to avoid similar consequences. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the questioning of the nations in Jeremiah 22:8 reflect the seriousness of God's judgment on Jerusalem? 2. In what ways can the destruction of Jerusalem serve as a warning for us today in our personal and communal lives? 3. How do the themes of justice and mercy interplay in the account of Jerusalem's fall, and how can we apply this understanding to our relationship with God? 4. What lessons can we learn from the historical context of Jerusalem's destruction that can help us remain faithful to God in our current cultural environment? 5. How can we ensure that our lives serve as a positive witness to others, reflecting God's righteousness and love, rather than becoming a cautionary tale like Jerusalem? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 29:24-28This passage describes how other nations will question why the land has been devastated, similar to Jeremiah 22:8. It emphasizes the consequences of breaking the covenant with God. 2 Kings 25Provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon, illustrating the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. Lamentations 2:15-16Reflects on the mocking and questioning of Jerusalem's downfall by surrounding nations, echoing the sentiments in Jeremiah 22:8. Ezekiel 5:14-15Describes Jerusalem as a reproach among the nations, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment and its impact on the city's reputation. People Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, ShallumPlaces Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, LebanonTopics Dealt, Nations, Neighbor, Neighbour, Pass, Passed, Past, Sides, Thus, Town, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 22:4-9 1351 covenant, with David Jeremiah 22:8-9 8748 false religion Library The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
Mr. James Mitchel[152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Columban.
THE wild districts of Ireland were occupied with convents, after the example of Patrick, and cultivated by the hard labour of the monks. The Irish convents were distinguished by their strict Christian discipline, their diligence and their zeal in the study of the Scriptures, and of science in general, as far as they had the means of acquiring it. Irish monks brought learning from Britain and Gaul, they treasured up this learning and elaborated it in the solitude of the convent, and they are said …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness, we Lie,"
1 John i. 6.--"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie," &c. That which is the sum of religion, sincerity, and a correspondency between profession and practice, is confirmed by reason, and much strengthened by nature itself, so that religion, reason, and nature, conspire in one, to hold out the beauty and comeliness of sincerity, and to put a note and character of infamy and deformity upon all hypocrisy and deceit, especially in the matters of religion. There is …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 22:8 NIVJeremiah 22:8 NLTJeremiah 22:8 ESVJeremiah 22:8 NASBJeremiah 22:8 KJV
Jeremiah 22:8 Commentaries
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