Key Verse: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” v. 1
Jeremiah’s Complaint, vv. 1-4
A. Jeremiah affirms the Righteousness of the Lord, v. 1.
B. Jeremiah argues that the Lord allows the wicked to prosper, v. 1.
1. "Thou hast planted them," v. 2
2. "Thou are near in their mouth, but far" from their thoughts (reins).C. Jeremiah asks the Lord to slaughter the wicked, v. 3.
The Lord’s Chastening, vv. 5-14
A. The Lord chastens Jeremiah, vv. 5-6.
- If you have run a race with the footmen and are weary, how can you handle a harder race (horses)?
- If you find peace difficult to handle, how will you handle a flood?
- Even your own family conspires against you!
- If you can’t handle the present time, how will you handle the day when judgment falls on the just and the unjust?
B. The Lord chastens Judah, vv. 7-14
- Judah / Israel is the Lord’s heritage, precious as a speckled bird, vv. 7-9.
- The Lord has delivered His heritage into the hands of the enemies, vv. 10-14.
The Lord’s Compassion, vv. 15-17
A. The Lord promises to pluck Judah out of the hand of the enemy one day.
B. The Lord promises to return them to their land.
- If they learn My ways, I will restore them.
- If they forsake false gods, I will restore them.
C. The Lord promises to destroy them if they do not obey.