065. IV. Condemnation Of Judah’s False Leaders
IV CONDEMNATION OF JUDAH’S FALSE LEADERS
1. The Base Rulers of the Present, and the Promised Messianic King of the Future (Jeremiah 23:1-8; cf. Jeremiah 33:14-26)
Guilt and punishment of kings and nobles (Jeremiah 23:1-2). An unenviable fate awaits you, O rulers of Judah, for, instead of faithfully guarding the interests of the people entrusted to your charge, you have preyed upon them. Their present disorganized condition is due to your incompetency and culpable misrule. Jehovah will hold you responsible for all these heinous wrongs which you have perpetrated.
Ultimate restoration of the faithful, and appointment of just rulers (Jeremiah 23:3-8; cf.Jeremiah 33:14-26). The same God of justice declares that he will gather the faithful ones among his exiled people, and restore them to their land. There they shall again grow to be a great nation. Over them he will place rulers, who will considerately and wisely guide them, so that they shall never again experience the terrors of invasion or the pangs of famine. In the coming years, when Jehovah’s purpose is fully realized, he will cause to arise from the princely house of David—which now, alas! is so degenerate—a king who shall have all the vigor of the original stock. In striking contrast to the character of the corrupt leaders who are now wrecking Judah, shall be that of the righteous ruler whom Jehovah will place over his people. His reign shall be marked by impartial justice and prudent action. Success shall crown all his efforts. Under his benign rule Israel and Judah, as of old, shall be united, and shall enjoy uninterrupted peace and prosperity. His name “Jehovah is our righteousness” shall be a pledge that Jehovah, who alone is able, has vindicated the righteousness of his people before the world.[69] For the day is coming when the deliverance from Egypt shall be completely eclipsed by the exodus from the lands of the captivity.
2. False Prophets and False Prophecies (Jeremiah 23:9-40)
Corruption of the prophets and its effects (Jeremiah 23:9-15). When I meditate upon the ideal of righteousness which Jehovah has revealed to me, and upon the failure of this people to realize it, I am completely overcome. Prophet and priest have profaned their high calling. The prophets of Jerusalem are even worse than those of Samaria who prophesied in the name of Baal; for, while they pretend to be Jehovah’s representatives, they do not hesitate to commit gross deeds of immorality. Instead of turning the people from their sins, they confirm them in their evil course by word and by example. The crimes of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were not more hateful in the sight of Jehovah. Wretched indeed shall be the fate of these base prophets when Jehovah’s certain judgment overtakes them.
Warnings against the false prophets (Jeremiah 23:16-22). Heed not their words, for, having no message from Jehovah, they speak only what conserves their own selfish interests. They are constantly predicting deliverance from the attacks of the Babylonians, and encouraging those who reject Jehovah’s commands. Being hypocritical deceivers, they insinuate that all prophets are base like themselves. They have aroused Jehovah’s hot indignation by their faithlessness and treachery.
Jehovah penetrates their deceptions (Jeremiah 23:23-29). They deceive men, but not the omniscient Ruler of the universe. He sees how they beguile the people by claiming to have had prophetic dreams. The true message from Jehovah, instead of easing the conscience, ever sets before the people a higher ideal of living, thereby laying bare, by contrast, their own imperfections. It is a flame which burns out the dross, rather than a veil which covers up their guilt.
Command not to use the prophetic expressions, perverted by misuse (Jeremiah 23:30-40). Jehovah disowns and denounces those impostors who, without any communication from him, take their cue from each other. By employing the familiar terminology of the prophets, they deceive the masses, and work incalculable harm to their nation. They have dragged the prophetic expression, “the burden of Jehovah,” in the mire until it is unfit for use. If the people sincerely inquire, “What is the burden of Jehovah?” let them know that they themselves are a burden which God will no longer bear. A grievous judgment shall descend upon the prophet or priest who shall henceforth presume to preface his predictions by the old formula, “the burden of Jehovah.” The simple message in itself is enough to commend it. In inquiring concerning the divine will, use some other simpler expression, like “What has the Lord answered?” or, “What has he said?” but woe to the individual or people who employs the worn-out, perverted term!