Jeremiah 5
BSB1 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city. 2 Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely." 3 O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. 4 Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God. 5 I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. 6 Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. 7 “Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes. 8 They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife. 9 Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? 10 Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip off her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD. 11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD. 12 They have lied about the LORD and said: “He will not do anything; harm will not come to us; we will not see sword or famine. 13 The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them. “ 14 Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says: “Because you have spoken this word, I will make My words a fire in your mouth and this people the wood it consumes. 15 Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD. “It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand. 16 Their quivers are like open graves; they are all mighty men. 17 They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust." 18 “Yet even in those days,” declares the LORD, “I will not make a full end of you. 19 And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’" 20 Declare this in the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah: 21 “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. 22 Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. 23 But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. 24 They have not said in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring, in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.’ 25 Your iniquities have diverted these from you; your sins have deprived you of My bounty. 26 For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. 27 Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. 28 They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. 29 Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? 30 A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land. 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Jeremiah 5
- Themes from Jeremiah 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jeremiah 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 5 begins with a call to the people of Judah to seek righteousness and faithfulness, but they are unable to find anyone who is righteous (Jeremiah 5:1). The chapter then describes the widespread wickedness and idolatry of the people, and God's judgment on them. The prophet calls the people to repentance, but they refuse to listen (Jeremiah 5:3). The chapter ends with a description of the invaders who will come to destroy Judah, and the people's realization that they are helpless against them (Jeremiah 5:17). Despite the darkness of the chapter, there are hints of hope and restoration, particularly in Jeremiah 5:18, where God says that He will not completely destroy Judah.
Context for the Chapter
Jeremiah 5 is part of the larger book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of prophecies and sermons given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah. The chapter is set in the late 7th century BC, during the reign of King Jehoiakim, when Judah was facing the threat of invasion by the Babylonians. The chapter is part of a larger narrative that describes God's judgment on Judah for their sins, but also hints at the possibility of redemption and restoration through faith in God.
Heart Application
The chapter calls us to examine our own hearts and lives, to seek righteousness and faithfulness, and to turn away from idolatry and wickedness. It reminds us that God is a God of judgment, but also a God of mercy and grace, and that He desires to restore us to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Jeremiah 5 is a chapter about God's judgment on Judah for their sins, but also about the hope of restoration. The chapter describes the wickedness of the people and the inevitability of God's judgment, but also hints at the possibility of forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 5:18. The chapter calls us to examine our own hearts and lives, and to turn away from sin and towards God.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet's call to repentance is a call to us all, to turn away from our sins and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter reminds us that God's judgment is not just a punishment, but also a call to repentance and restoration.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: The Call to Righteousness (Jeremiah 5:1-3) — The chapter begins with a call to the people of Judah to seek righteousness and faithfulness, but they are unable to find anyone who is righteous.
- The Wickedness of the People (Jeremiah 5:4-7) — The chapter describes the widespread wickedness and idolatry of the people, and God's judgment on them.
- The Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 5:8-13) — The prophet calls the people to repentance, but they refuse to listen.
- The Inevitability of Judgment (Jeremiah 5:14-17) — The chapter describes the inevitability of God's judgment on the people, and the destruction that will come upon them.
- The Hope of Restoration (Jeremiah 5:18-31) — The chapter ends with a description of the hope of restoration, and the possibility of forgiveness and mercy through faith in God.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Sin
- The chapter teaches that sin is a universal problem, and that everyone is guilty of idolatry and wickedness. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:1-3, where the prophet describes the widespread nature of sin in Judah.
- The Doctrine of Judgment
- The chapter teaches that God is a God of judgment, and that He will punish sin. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:14-17, where the prophet describes the destruction that will come upon Judah.
- The Doctrine of Restoration
- The chapter teaches that God is a God of mercy and grace, and that He desires to restore us to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:18, where God says that He will not completely destroy Judah.
- The Doctrine of Faith
- The chapter teaches that faith is the means by which we can be restored to God, and that it involves trusting in His mercy and grace. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:24, where the prophet describes the hope of restoration through faith in God.
Lessons from Jeremiah 5
- The Importance of Seeking Righteousness — The chapter teaches that seeking righteousness and faithfulness is essential for our relationship with God, and for our own spiritual growth and development.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, and the importance of turning away from sin and towards God.
- The Inevitability of Judgment — The chapter teaches that God's judgment is inevitable, and that we must all face the consequences of our sins.
- The Hope of Restoration — The chapter offers the hope of restoration and forgiveness through faith in God, and the possibility of experiencing God's mercy and grace in our lives.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith is the means by which we can be restored to God, and that it involves trusting in His mercy and grace.
Themes from Jeremiah 5
- Judgment and Restoration — The chapter balances the theme of judgment with the theme of restoration, highlighting God's mercy and grace even in the midst of punishment.
- Sin and Idolatry — The chapter describes the widespread nature of sin and idolatry in Judah, and the importance of turning away from these sins and towards God.
- Faith and Righteousness — The chapter teaches that faith and righteousness are essential for our relationship with God, and for our own spiritual growth and development.
- Mercy and Grace — The chapter offers the hope of mercy and grace through faith in God, and the possibility of experiencing God's forgiveness and restoration in our lives.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that His judgment and restoration are both expressions of His sovereignty and mercy.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can seek righteousness and faithfulness in our own lives?
- How does the chapter describe the wickedness of the people, and what are some ways in which we can avoid similar sins in our own lives?
- What is the significance of Jeremiah 5:21, and how can we apply its message to our own lives?
- What is the hope of restoration that is described in Jeremiah 5:18, and how can we experience this hope in our own lives?
- What are some ways in which we can turn away from sin and towards God, and seek His mercy and forgiveness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: The Call to Righteousness (Jeremiah 5:1-3)
| Jeremiah 5:1 | The chapter begins with a call to the people of Judah to seek righteousness and faithfulness, but they are unable to find anyone who is righteous. |
| Jeremiah 5:2 | The prophet swears an oath, calling the people to testify against themselves, and to acknowledge their sin and guilt. |
| Jeremiah 5:3 | The people refuse to listen to the prophet's call to repentance, and instead continue in their sinful ways. |
2. The Wickedness of the People (Jeremiah 5:4-7)
| Jeremiah 5:4 | The prophet describes the widespread wickedness and idolatry of the people, and God's judgment on them. |
| Jeremiah 5:5 | The people are described as being like horses, uncontrolled and unmanageable, and as being guilty of adultery and idolatry. |
| Jeremiah 5:6 | The prophet warns the people that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
| Jeremiah 5:7 | The people are called to repentance, but they refuse to listen, and instead continue in their sinful ways. |
3. The Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 5:8-13)
| Jeremiah 5:8 | The prophet calls the people to repentance, and to turn away from their sinful ways. |
| Jeremiah 5:9 | The prophet warns the people that God will bring judgment upon them, and that they will be punished for their sins. |
| Jeremiah 5:10 | The people are called to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to turn away from their idolatry and wickedness. |
| Jeremiah 5:11 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:12 | The people are warned that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
| Jeremiah 5:13 | The prophet calls the people to repentance, and to turn away from their sinful ways, and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness. |
4. The Inevitability of Judgment (Jeremiah 5:14-17)
| Jeremiah 5:14 | The prophet describes the inevitability of God's judgment, and the destruction that will come upon the people. |
| Jeremiah 5:15 | The people are warned that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
| Jeremiah 5:16 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:17 | The people are warned that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
5. The Hope of Restoration (Jeremiah 5:18-31)
| Jeremiah 5:18 | The chapter ends with a description of the hope of restoration, and the possibility of forgiveness and mercy through faith in God. |
| Jeremiah 5:19 | The people are warned that they will be punished for their sins, but that God will also provide a way of escape and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:20 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:21 | The people are called to repentance, and to turn away from their sinful ways, and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| Jeremiah 5:22 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:23 | The people are warned that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
| Jeremiah 5:24 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:25 | The people are called to repentance, and to turn away from their sinful ways, and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| Jeremiah 5:26 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:27 | The people are warned that they will be destroyed by their enemies, and that they will be taken captive and led away into exile. |
| Jeremiah 5:28 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:29 | The people are called to repentance, and to turn away from their sinful ways, and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| Jeremiah 5:30 | The prophet describes the people's sin and guilt, and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. |
| Jeremiah 5:31 | The chapter ends with a description of the hope of restoration, and the possibility of forgiveness and mercy through faith in God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Jeremiah 5?
The main theme of Jeremiah 5 is the judgment and restoration of Judah, as a result of their sin and idolatry. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:1-3, where the prophet calls the people to seek righteousness and faithfulness, and in Jeremiah 5:18, where God says that He will not completely destroy Judah.
What is the significance of Jeremiah 5:21?
Jeremiah 5:21 is significant because it describes the spiritual blindness and deafness of the people, and serves as a warning to them to turn back to God. This verse highlights the theme of judgment and restoration, and reminds us that God is a God of mercy and grace.
How does Jeremiah 5 relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?
Jeremiah 5 is part of a larger narrative that describes God's judgment on Judah for their sins, but also hints at the possibility of redemption and restoration through faith in God. The chapter is connected to other chapters in the book, such as Jeremiah 2-3, which describe the people's sin and idolatry, and Jeremiah 30-33, which describe the hope of restoration and redemption.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:1 → Isaiah 1:10 | Both Jeremiah 5:1 and Isaiah 1:10 describe the people's sin and idolatry, and call them to repentance. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:3 → Matthew 23:37 | Both Jeremiah 5:3 and Matthew 23:37 describe the people's refusal to listen to God's call to repentance, and the consequences of their sin. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:7 → Romans 1:18-32 | Both Jeremiah 5:7 and Romans 1:18-32 describe the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 5:14 → Isaiah 13:1-22 | Both Jeremiah 5:14 and Isaiah 13:1-22 describe the inevitability of God's judgment, and the destruction that will come upon the people as a result of their sin. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 5:18 → Jeremiah 30:11 | Both Jeremiah 5:18 and Jeremiah 30:11 describe the hope of restoration and redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness and mercy through faith in God. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:21 → Matthew 13:14-15 | Both Jeremiah 5:21 and Matthew 13:14-15 describe the spiritual blindness and deafness of the people, and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 5:24 → Psalm 119:57-64 | Both Jeremiah 5:24 and Psalm 119:57-64 describe the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, and the possibility of experiencing God's restoration and redemption. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:25 → John 1:1 | Both Jeremiah 5:25 and John 1:1 describe the hope of restoration and redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness and mercy through faith in God. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 5:26 → Ezekiel 22:1-31 | Both Jeremiah 5:26 and Ezekiel 22:1-31 describe the consequences of sin and idolatry, and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 5:31 → Revelation 21:1-4 | Both Jeremiah 5:31 and Revelation 21:1-4 describe the hope of restoration and redemption, and the possibility of experiencing God's forgiveness and mercy in the new heaven and the new earth. |
Sermons on Jeremiah 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Into the Harvest - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the gospel harvest in today's world. He shares his experience of witnessing a great hunger for the gospel in unlikely places, |
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Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |
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Breaking the Yoke by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crossing the line with God. He emphasizes that there comes a point when even the prayers of righteous individuals like Job, Da |
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Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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Breaking Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his ability to sense when someone is truly connected to Jesus and walking in righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of the body of Christ |
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for more zeal and a fresh Bible study in the lives of believers. He describes a vision that the prophet Jeremiah had, where he saw |
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We've Forgotten How to Blush by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of God's people in Israel during a time of rebellion and turning away from the truth. He references Jeremiah 5:1-3, where God chall |
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The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of |
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Sermons on Job #1 (Introduction) by John Calvin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God in spirit and truth, as stated in John 4:24. He refers to Jeremiah 5:1, where God calls for people who seek tr |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 5
Matthew Henry's commentary on Jeremiah 5 highlights the importance of seeking righteousness and faithfulness, and the consequences of sin and idolatry. Henry notes that the chapter is a call to repentance, and that the people's refusal to listen to God's call to repentance will result in their destruction. However, Henry also notes that the chapter offers the hope of restoration and redemption, and that God's mercy and forgiveness are available to those who seek Him. Henry emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, and the need for believers to seek God's mercy and forgiveness in order to experience His restoration and redemption. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The People's Spiritual Blindness
The chapter describes the people's spiritual blindness and deafness, despite God's repeated calls to repentance. This is evident in Jeremiah 5:21, where God says that they have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.
The Widespread Nature of Sin
The chapter describes the widespread nature of sin in Judah, with everyone from the prophets to the priests to the people being guilty of idolatry and wickedness.
The Theme of Judgment and Restoration
The chapter balances the theme of judgment with the theme of restoration, highlighting God's mercy and grace even in the midst of punishment.