Jeremiah 8
BSB1 “At that time,” declares the LORD, “the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of the officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be removed from their graves. 2 They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. 3 And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts. 4 So you are to tell them this is what the LORD says: “Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not return? 5 Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. 6 I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. 7 Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. 8 How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? 9 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? 10 Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. 11 They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all. 12 Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD. 13 I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. There will be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them." 14 Why are we just sitting here? Gather together, let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there, for the LORD our God has doomed us. He has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. 15 We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror. 16 The snorting of enemy horses is heard from Dan. At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds, the whole land quakes. They come to devour the land and everything in it, the city and all who dwell in it. 17 “For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD. 18 My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me. 19 Listen to the cry of the daughter of my people from a land far away: “Is the LORD no longer in Zion? Is her King no longer there?” “Why have they provoked Me to anger with their carved images, with their worthless foreign idols?" 20 “The harvest has passed, the summer has ended, but we have not been saved." 21 For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am crushed. I mourn; horror has gripped me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
Study Notes — Jeremiah 8
- 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 8
- Themes from Jeremiah 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Jeremiah 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Jeremiah 8 begins with a description of the desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones, symbolizing the complete destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 8:1-3). The prophet laments the people's refusal to repent, despite the clear evidence of God's judgment (Jeremiah 8:4-7). The chapter then turns to a critique of the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray (Jeremiah 8:8-12), and a description of the people's idolatry and rebellion (Jeremiah 8:13-17). The final section of the chapter expresses Jeremiah's anguish and grief over the people's suffering, as well as his confidence in God's sovereignty and justice (Jeremiah 8:18-22).
Context for the Chapter
Jeremiah 8 is part of the larger section of Jeremiah 7-10, which contains a series of sermons and prophecies against the people of Judah for their rebellion against God. The chapter is set in the context of the Babylonian invasion and the impending judgment of Jerusalem, which serves as a backdrop for the prophet's message of repentance and restoration. The themes of judgment, repentance, and restoration are all connected to the larger biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and repentance in our own lives. As we reflect on the people's refusal to repent, we are urged to examine our own hearts and turn back to the Lord, trusting in His mercy and grace.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Jeremiah 8 is a chapter about God's judgment against the people of Judah for their sins, and the call to repentance and restoration. The people have refused to obey God and have turned to idolatry, but God promises to restore them after their judgment. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and repentance in our own lives, and the need to trust in God's mercy and grace. (Jeremiah 8:7) highlights the people's ignorance of God's ways, and (Jeremiah 8:20) points to the promise of restoration.
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are not arbitrary, but are the natural consequence of sin, and the only way to escape them is to turn to the Lord with repentance and faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The people's ignorance of God's ways is a stark reminder of the need for a Savior to reveal God's truth and provide redemption, which is found in Jesus Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: The Desecration of the Temple (Jeremiah 8:1-3) — The chapter begins with a description of the desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones, symbolizing the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
- The People's Refusal to Repent (Jeremiah 8:4-7) — The prophet laments the people's refusal to repent, despite the clear evidence of God's judgment.
- The False Prophets and Priests (Jeremiah 8:8-12) — The chapter critiques the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the dangers of false teaching.
- The People's Idolatry and Rebellion (Jeremiah 8:13-17) — The people's idolatry and rebellion against God are highlighted as the root cause of their judgment and suffering.
- Jeremiah's Emotional Response (Jeremiah 8:18-22) — The prophet's emotional response to the people's suffering is a notable aspect of the chapter, as he expresses anguish and grief over their judgment.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as He deals with the sins of His people and judges them according to their rebellion.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The call to repentance is a recurring theme in the chapter, as the people are urged to turn back to the Lord and away from their sins.
- The Dangers of False Teaching
- The chapter critiques the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the dangers of false teaching.
- The Promise of Restoration
- The promise of future restoration and healing is a note of hope in the chapter, as God promises to restore His people after their judgment.
Lessons from Jeremiah 8
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the dangers of rebellion against Him.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter critiques the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the dangers of false teaching.
- The Promise of Restoration — The promise of future restoration and healing is a note of hope in the chapter, as God promises to restore His people after their judgment.
- The Importance of Repentance — The call to repentance is a recurring theme in the chapter, as the people are urged to turn back to the Lord and away from their sins.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as He deals with the sins of His people and judges them according to their rebellion.
Themes from Jeremiah 8
- Judgment and Restoration — The chapter emphasizes the certainty of God's judgment against the people's sins, as well as the promise of future restoration and healing.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the dangers of rebellion against Him.
- The Dangers of False Teaching — The chapter critiques the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the dangers of false teaching.
- The Promise of Restoration — The promise of future restoration and healing is a note of hope in the chapter, as God promises to restore His people after their judgment.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as He deals with the sins of His people and judges them according to their rebellion.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can apply the call to repentance in Jeremiah 8 to our own lives?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice relate to our understanding of His character?
- What are some dangers of false teaching, and how can we guard against them in our own lives?
- How does the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 8 relate to the larger biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people?
- What are some ways in which we can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's ways and a greater obedience to His commands?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Desecration of the Temple (Jeremiah 8:1-3)
| Jeremiah 8:1 | The chapter begins with a description of the desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones, symbolizing the complete destruction of Jerusalem. |
| Jeremiah 8:2 | The bones of the people will be spread out before the sun, moon, and stars, which they have loved and served, and which they have followed and sought and worshiped. |
2. The People's Refusal to Repent (Jeremiah 8:4-7)
| Jeremiah 8:4 | The people are called to repentance, but they refuse to turn back to the Lord. |
| Jeremiah 8:5 | Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return. |
| Jeremiah 8:6 | I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man has repented of his wickedness, saying, 'What have I done?' |
| Jeremiah 8:7 | Although the stork knows her appointed times, and the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their migration, my people do not know the judgment of the Lord. |
3. The False Prophets and Priests (Jeremiah 8:8-12)
| Jeremiah 8:8 | How can you say, 'We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us'? But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie. |
| Jeremiah 8:9 | The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them? |
4. The People's Idolatry and Rebellion (Jeremiah 8:13-17)
| Jeremiah 8:13 | I will surely consume them, says the Lord; there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall wither; and I will give them into the hand of those who seek their life. |
5. Jeremiah's Emotional Response (Jeremiah 8:18-22)
| Jeremiah 8:18 | My grief is beyond healing; my heart is sick within me. |
| Jeremiah 8:19 | Behold, the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land: 'Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?' |
| Jeremiah 8:20 | The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. |
| Jeremiah 8:21 | For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. |
| Jeremiah 8:22 | Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored? |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Jeremiah 8?
The chapter is set in the context of the Babylonian invasion and the impending judgment of Jerusalem, which serves as a backdrop for the prophet's message of repentance and restoration. (Jeremiah 8:1-3) describes the desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones, symbolizing the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the image of the birds in Jeremiah 8:7?
The image of the birds knowing their appointed times serves as a stark contrast to the people's ignorance of God's ways, highlighting the people's refusal to repent and turn back to the Lord. (Jeremiah 8:7) emphasizes the people's lack of knowledge and obedience, which is a central theme of the chapter.
How does the chapter relate to the larger biblical narrative?
The chapter's themes of judgment, repentance, and restoration are all connected to the larger biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people. The promise of restoration in (Jeremiah 8:20) points forward to the ultimate restoration that will come through Christ, as described in John 1:1 and Isaiah 53:5.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 8:1 → Deuteronomy 28:26 | The desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones is a fulfillment of the curse described in Deuteronomy 28:26, which warns of the consequences of rebellion against God. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 8:7 → Isaiah 1:3 | The image of the birds knowing their appointed times is similar to the description of the ox and the donkey in Isaiah 1:3, which highlights the people's ignorance of God's ways. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 8:8 → Matthew 23:27 | The critique of the false prophets and priests in Jeremiah 8:8 is similar to Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27, who are described as whitewashed tombs, full of dead men's bones. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 8:13 → Hosea 9:10 | The description of the people's idolatry and rebellion in Jeremiah 8:13 is similar to the description of the people's sin in Hosea 9:10, which warns of the consequences of rebellion against God. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 8:18 → Psalm 42:5 | Jeremiah's emotional response to the people's suffering is similar to the psalmist's expression of grief and sorrow in Psalm 42:5, which describes the soul as cast down and disquieted within. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 8:20 → Isaiah 61:4 | The promise of restoration in Jeremiah 8:20 is similar to the description of the restoration of the land in Isaiah 61:4, which promises that the people will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the former devastations. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 8:22 → Jeremiah 30:17 | The question of whether there is no balm in Gilead is similar to the promise of healing in Jeremiah 30:17, which describes the Lord as the one who will restore health to the people and heal their wounds. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 8:1-3 → Lamentations 1:10 | The desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones is a fulfillment of the curse described in Lamentations 1:10, which warns of the consequences of rebellion against God. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 8:7 → Romans 1:21-23 | The people's ignorance of God's ways is similar to the description of the Gentiles' ignorance of God in Romans 1:21-23, which warns of the consequences of rebellion against God. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:20 → John 1:1 | The promise of restoration in Jeremiah 8:20 points forward to the ultimate restoration that will come through Christ, as described in John 1:1. |
Sermons on Jeremiah 8
| Sermon | Description | |
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"Before the Last depression..." by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God may be sending to America through natural disasters and economic indicators, drawing parallels to past events like the Great Depre |
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Jeremiah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of a nation being put into bondage for seventy years and then returning. He emphasizes that despite the despairing pictures, the |
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My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |
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Broken or Brokenness by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession. He mentions how young people are leaving their careers to go to the mission field because of the |
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The Fellowship of His Suffering by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern about the commercialization and profit-driven motives within the ministry. He criticizes the hiring of a promotion man and a |
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America's Last Call (Part 6 of 6) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing their devotion to Jesus and thanking Him for His faithfulness and love. They then discuss the arrogance, greed, and covetousness t |
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Outspoken! by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the lack of revival in the Western world, particularly in America, despite being perceived as leaders with abundant resources. They highlight |
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Practical Aspects of the Holy Spirit - Promise of a Father by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three periods in the disciples' journey after Jesus' departure. The first period is characterized by Jesus intensifying His teaching and prepa |
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The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls, |
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The Beggars Are a Sign by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor focuses on Lamentations 4 and describes the state of society and the people of God. He emphasizes how the nation, once pure and founded on righteous prin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 8
In this chapter, we see the Lord's controversy with His people, who have rebelled against Him and refused to repent. The desecration of the Temple and the scattering of the people's bones serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin, and the false prophets and priests are condemned for their role in leading the people astray. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the dangers of rebellion against Him. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the need for repentance and restoration in our own lives, and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and grace. (Jeremiah 8:7) highlights the people's ignorance of God's ways, and (Jeremiah 8:20) points to the promise of restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The People's Refusal to Repent
Despite the clear evidence of God's judgment, the people refuse to repent and turn back to the Lord. This is a stark contrast to the obedience of the birds in (Jeremiah 8:7).
The False Prophets and Priests
The chapter critiques the false prophets and priests who have led the people astray, emphasizing the importance of faithful leadership and the dangers of false teaching.
Jeremiah's Emotional Response
The prophet's emotional response to the people's suffering is a notable aspect of the chapter, as he expresses anguish and grief over their judgment.