The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? The wise will be put to shame;This phrase highlights the irony of human wisdom when it stands in opposition to God's wisdom. In the biblical context, "the wise" often refers to those who are considered knowledgeable or learned in society, such as scribes or elders. However, their wisdom is deemed foolish when it contradicts God's truth. This theme is echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:20, where Paul questions the value of worldly wisdom compared to God's wisdom. The shame mentioned here is a result of their failure to recognize and submit to divine authority. they will be dismayed and trapped.
The dismay and entrapment of the wise indicate the consequences of relying on human understanding rather than God's guidance. Historically, this can be seen in the downfall of Judah, as the leaders and people trusted in alliances and false prophets rather than heeding Jeremiah's warnings. The imagery of being "trapped" suggests a snare or a situation from which there is no escape, reflecting the inevitable judgment that comes from rejecting God's word. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 29:6, where an evil man is ensnared by his own sin. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD,
Rejection of God's word is a central theme in Jeremiah's prophecies. The people of Judah had turned away from the covenant and ignored the messages delivered by the prophets. This rejection is not merely intellectual but involves a willful disobedience and turning away from God's commands. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, the importance of choosing life by loving and obeying God is emphasized, contrasting with the rejection seen here. The rejection leads to spiritual blindness and moral decay. what wisdom do they really have?
This rhetorical question underscores the futility of human wisdom apart from God. True wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 9:10. Without adherence to God's word, any claim to wisdom is hollow and ineffective. This is a call to recognize that genuine understanding and insight come from aligning with divine revelation. The question challenges the reader to evaluate the source of their own wisdom and to seek alignment with God's truth, as seen in James 3:17, which describes the characteristics of heavenly wisdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his message. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commandments. 3. The WiseRefers to the leaders, priests, and prophets of Judah who were considered knowledgeable and discerning but had turned away from God's truth. 4. The Word of the LORDRepresents God's commandments, teachings, and revelations given to His people through the prophets and the Scriptures. 5. Rejection of God's WordThe central event leading to the downfall of Judah, as the people and their leaders chose to ignore God's instructions and warnings. Teaching Points The Folly of Rejecting God's WordTrue wisdom is rooted in the acceptance and application of God's Word. When we reject His teachings, we lose the foundation of true understanding and discernment. Consequences of Spiritual PrideThe leaders of Judah were confident in their own wisdom, yet their pride led to their downfall. We must remain humble and teachable, recognizing our need for God's guidance. The Importance of Scripture in Daily LifeRegular engagement with the Bible is crucial for maintaining spiritual wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of worldly thinking. The Role of Prophets and TeachersGod uses prophets and teachers to convey His truth. We should be attentive to those who faithfully communicate God's Word and be wary of those who distort it. The Urgency of RepentanceJudah's rejection of God's Word led to severe consequences. We must be quick to repent and realign our lives with God's will when we stray. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rejection of God's Word lead to a lack of true wisdom in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not relying on our own understanding but seeking God's wisdom in our decisions? 3. How can the example of Judah's leaders serve as a warning against spiritual pride and complacency? 4. What practical steps can we take to prioritize the study and application of Scripture in our daily routines? 5. How can we discern between true and false teachings in a world filled with conflicting messages about wisdom and truth? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:7Highlights the foundational truth that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, contrasting with the folly of rejecting God's wisdom. Hosea 4:6Speaks to the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge and the rejection of God's law, paralleling the consequences faced by Judah. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25Discusses the contrast between worldly wisdom and the wisdom of God, emphasizing that true wisdom is found in Christ. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Affrighted, Ashamed, Behold, Captured, Caught, Disappointed, Dismayed, Fear, Kicked, Kind, Manner, Overcome, Rejected, Shame, Shamed, Trapped, Wisdom, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 8:9 1690 word of God
5589 trap
8713 discouragement
8757 folly, effects of Jeremiah 8:7-12 6183 ignorance, of God Jeremiah 8:8-9 6231 rejection of God Library December 8. "Is There no Balm in Gilead; is There no Physician There?" (Jer. viii. 22).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" (Jer. viii. 22). Divine healing is just divine life. It is the headship of Christ over the body. It is the life of Christ in the frame. It is the union of our members with the very body of Christ and the inflowing life of Christ in our living members. It is as real as His risen and glorified body. It is as reasonable as the fact that He was raised from the dead and is a living man with a true body and a rational soul to-day, at God's right …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth What have I Done?
The text is "What have I done?" I shall just introduce that by a few words of affectionate persuasion, urging all now present to ask that question: secondly, I shall give them a few words of assistance in trying to answer it; and when I have so done, I shall finish by a few sentences of solemn admonition to those who have had to answer the question against themselves. I. First, then, a few words of EARNEST PERSUASION, requesting every one now present, and more especially every unconverted person, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Who Shall Deliver?
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"--JER. viii. 22. "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the Lord our God."-JER. iii. 22. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed."-JER. xii. 14. "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1] …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 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 8:9 NIVJeremiah 8:9 NLTJeremiah 8:9 ESVJeremiah 8:9 NASBJeremiah 8:9 KJV
Jeremiah 8:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
