Jeremiah 2:20-37 - Homilies By S. Conway

Jehovah's indictment against Israel.

Note—

I. ITS MANY COUNTS .

1. Their sin of outrageous character . It is spoken of as in Jeremiah 2:20 , because it so commonly involved the grossest fleshly sins, and because it involved shameful denial of God. Cf. Jeremiah 2:27 , "Saying to a stock, Thou art my father," etc. And it was chargeable with numerous and shameful murders ( Jeremiah 2:30 ). Killing the prophets of God; Jeremiah 2:34 , "In thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents," etc.

2. Of long standing . Jeremiah 2:20 , "Of old time thou hast broken thy yoke" (see exegesis for true translation), "and saidst, I will not serve."

3. In no wise chargeable to God. Jeremiah 2:21 , "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine," etc.

4. Was ingrained into their very nature ( Jeremiah 2:22 ). All manner of endeavor had been made to cleanse away the defilement, but its stain remained in them still.

5. Was fiercely and determinately pursued after ( Jeremiah 2:23 , Jeremiah 2:24 , Jeremiah 2:33 ; see exegesis). They "worked all uncleanness with greediness."

6. And this in spite of all that might have taught them better.

7. And their sin is aggravated by

II. THE MISERABLE DEFENSE OFFERED . It consisted simply in denial ( Jeremiah 2:23 , Jeremiah 2:35 ). It augmented their guilt and condemnation ( Jeremiah 2:37 ).

III. THE INSTRUCTION FROM ALL THIS FOR OUR OWN DAY AND FOR OUR OWN LIVES .

1. It shows us the terrible nature of sin.

2. It bids us not trust to any early advantages. Israel was planted "a noble vine, wholly a right seed,"

3. The folly and guilt of denying our sin (cf. 1 John 1:8 , "If we say that we have no sin,:' etc.).

4. The needs be there is for us all of the pardoning and preserving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.—C.