No One Is Just 1“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, 2Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ 3O 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 4Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, 5I 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 6Therefore 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. 8They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife. 9Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself 10Go 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. 11For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” 12They 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. 13The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them.a” Judgment Proclaimed 14Therefore 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. 15Behold, 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. 16Their quivers are like open graves; 17They 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. 19And 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.’” 20Declare 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. 22Do 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. 23But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. 24They 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.’ 25Your iniquities have diverted these from you; your sins have deprived you of My bounty. 26For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; 27Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. 28They 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 29Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself 30A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land. 31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? Footnotes: 13 a Literally let this befall them. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Jeremiah 5 Summary No One Is JustVerses 1–3 – The City’s Missing Righteous Remnant Verses 4–6 – Failed Leadership, Universal Rebellion Verses 7–9 – Rampant Immorality and God’s Question Verses 10–13 – Vineyards Stripped, Words Dismissed Verses 14–17 – A Foreign Firestorm Approaches Verses 18–19 – Judgment but Not Annihilation Verses 20–25 – Blind to Creation’s Sermon Verses 26–29 – Social Injustice Exposed Verses 30–31 – Corrupt Prophets, Complicit People Jeremiah 5 delves into the prophet Jeremiah's candid discourse about God's impending judgment on Judah due to the people's persistent disobedience and unfaithfulness. The chapter encapsulates God's sorrow over their lack of repentance and His resolute judgment as a result of their continuous sin. Historical Setting Jeremiah’s public ministry began in 627 BC and stretched through Judah’s last kings. Chapter 5 belongs to his early temple sermons (chs 1–6), likely delivered during King Josiah’s later years or shortly after his death (c. 609 BC) when reforms had stalled. Egypt had briefly filled the power vacuum left by Assyria, but by 605 BC Babylon crushed Egypt at Carchemish, setting the stage for the invasions Jeremiah predicts. Political Landscape and Leadership Failure • Kings: Josiah’s sons—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Zedekiah—wavered between Egypt and Babylon, taxing the populace and ignoring covenant demands. • Priests: Rather than defending God’s law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20), they aligned with palace politics (Jeremiah 5:31). • Prophets: Many offered optimistic slogans (“Peace, peace,” 6:14) and dismissed Jeremiah as alarmist. The synergy of corrupt crown, clergy, and public opinion fulfilled Isaiah 3:12: “Those who guide you lead you astray.” Covenant Background Deuteronomy 28 warned that idolatry would bring drought, famine, foreign invasion, and exile. Every element appears in Jeremiah 5. God’s unwillingness to “make a full end” (v 18) recalls Leviticus 26:44-45, where mercy outlives judgment for the sake of His covenant promises to Abraham. Archaeological Insights • Lachish Letters: Ostraca from the 590s BC reference a military official worrying that the “signals from Azekah are no longer visible,” confirming Babylon’s steady advance and a climate of denial similar to Jeremiah 5:12-13. • Bullae (seal impressions) bearing names like “Gemariah son of Shaphan” (Jeremiah 36:10) have been unearthed in Jerusalem’s City of David, showing that Jeremiah’s circle occupied real bureaucratic offices. • The Babylonian Chronicle tablet details Nebuchadnezzar’s 597 BC siege, matching the “ancient and enduring nation” (v 15) description. Images and Metaphors Explained Lion, wolf, leopard (v 6) – Three predators convey relentless, multi-angled danger. Hosea 13:7-8 uses identical imagery for apostate Israel. Vineyard pruning (v 10) – God trims away faithless branches yet spares the root, anticipating the remnant idea in Isaiah 6:13 and Romans 11:5. Stallions neighing (v 8) – A vivid picture of uncontrolled desire, paralleling Ezekiel 23:20’s candid language about Judah’s lust for idols and alliances. Eyes that don’t see (v 21) – Picked up by Jesus in Matthew 13:13 and Paul in Acts 28:26 to explain spiritual dullness. Language Notes • “Truth” (’Ĕmūnâ) in v 1 carries the sense of reliability and faithfulness, not mere factual accuracy. • “Make My words in your mouth a fire” (v 14) uses the Hebrew idiom for an unstoppable agent of change—whatever touches fire either burns or purifies. Flow of Thought in Jeremiah 1–6 1:4-19 – Call and commission 2:1-3:5 – Israel’s early devotion lost 3:6-4:4 – Call to return, comparison of Israel and Judah 4:5-6:30 – Announced disaster Chapter 5 sits in the middle, proving that no social stratum—poor or elite—deserves exemption. Old Testament Connections • Genesis 18:23-32 – God agreed to spare Sodom for ten righteous; here He cannot find even one. • Micah 6:8 vs. Jeremiah 5:1 – God still seeks “justice, kindness, and humility,” yet Judah presents pretense. • Psalm 104:5-9 – The Creator sets bounds for the sea, echoed in Jeremiah 5:22 to shame those who won’t fear Him. New Testament Echoes • Jesus laments Jerusalem similarly in Luke 19:41-44, foreseeing foreign siege because the city “did not recognize the time of God’s coming.” • Paul references the blindness motif (Acts 28:26-27), showing continuity between Jeremiah’s audience and his own. • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 mirrors Jeremiah 5:31—people gather teachers who say what they want to hear. Practical Applications for Believers Today 1. Integrity matters. God would have spared an entire city for one truth-loving person. Personal faithfulness still has communal impact (Matthew 5:13-16). 2. Religious language can mask rebellion. Empty oaths of “As surely as the LORD lives” warn against pious catchphrases that lack obedience (James 1:22). 3. Creation is a continual sermon. Rain cycles and ocean boundaries preach God’s power; ignoring them invites loss of blessing (Romans 1:20). 4. Social justice is inseparable from worship. Defending the fatherless and needy remains a litmus test for true faith (James 1:27). 5. God’s judgment is purposeful, not terminal. Even exile carried redemptive intent, anticipating the ultimate restoration in Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Summary Thought Jeremiah 5 exposes a nation determined to silence God yet still enjoying His patience. The chapter pleads with every generation: do not confuse delay with dismissal—listen before the fire falls, and be the one righteous life that can still make a city worth saving. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 18:23-32Abraham's intercession for Sodom highlights the value of even a few righteous individuals. Isaiah 1:16-20 A call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness for those who turn back to God. Romans 3:10-12 A New Testament reflection on the universal need for righteousness and the reality of human sinfulness. 2 Chronicles 7:14 The promise of healing and restoration for a nation that humbles itself and seeks God. Teaching Points The Search for RighteousnessJeremiah 5:1 highlights God's challenge to find a righteous person in Jerusalem. This underscores the scarcity of true righteousness and the importance of living a life that pleases God. The People's Rebellion Verses 2-3 reveal the people's deceit and refusal to repent, despite God's correction. This illustrates the hardness of heart that can develop when we ignore God's discipline. Social Injustice and Moral Decay Verses 26-28 describe the rampant injustice and moral decay among the people. This serves as a warning against allowing societal norms to drift away from God's standards. God's Judgment Verses 14-17 depict the impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. This reminds us that God's patience has limits, and persistent sin leads to consequences. The Call to Repentance Despite the grim picture, verse 18 offers a glimmer of hope, indicating that God will not completely destroy His people. This highlights God's mercy and the opportunity for repentance. Practical Applications Examine Your HeartRegularly assess your own life for areas where you may be straying from God's path. Are there sins you need to confess and turn away from? Seek Righteousness Strive to live a life that reflects God's righteousness, even when it seems rare in the world around you. Stand Against Injustice Be a voice for justice and righteousness in your community, standing against practices that contradict God's Word. Heed God's Warnings Pay attention to the ways God may be correcting you and respond with humility and repentance. Embrace God's Mercy Remember that no matter how far you have strayed, God's mercy is available if you turn back to Him. People 1. The People of JerusalemThe chapter begins with a call to search the streets of Jerusalem to find a person who acts justly and seeks truth. The people are described as being deceitful and rebellious against God. They have turned away from Him, despite His provision and protection. 2. The Prophets The prophets in Jerusalem are criticized for speaking falsely and for prophesying by Baal. They are described as being complicit in the people's rebellion, leading them astray instead of guiding them back to God. 3. The Priests The priests are mentioned alongside the prophets as those who rule by their own authority. They are part of the corrupt leadership that has failed to uphold God's law and lead the people in righteousness. 4. The House of Israel and the House of Judah These terms refer collectively to the people of the northern and southern kingdoms. They are accused of being unfaithful to God, despite His past faithfulness to them. 5. The Servants of God While not explicitly named, the chapter implies the presence of true servants of God who are called to witness the people's unfaithfulness and to call them back to repentance. In the original Hebrew, terms like "prophets" (נְבִיאִים, nevi'im) and "priests" (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim) highlight the roles these individuals were supposed to play in guiding the people according to God's law. However, in this chapter, they are depicted as failing in their duties. The chapter serves as a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment due to the people's persistent sinfulness. Places 1. JerusalemDescription The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem is central to the events in Jeremiah 5. The chapter begins with a call to search the streets of Jerusalem for a righteous person. The city's name in Hebrew is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. The focus on Jerusalem highlights its significance as the spiritual and political center of the nation. 2. House of Israel Description Although not a specific geographic location, the "house of Israel" refers to the collective people of Israel. In Jeremiah 5, it represents the northern kingdom, which had already fallen to Assyria, serving as a warning to Judah. The Hebrew term "בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Beit Yisrael) emphasizes the familial and covenantal relationship between God and His people. 3. House of Judah Description Similar to the "house of Israel," the "house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, which includes Jerusalem. The Hebrew term "בֵּית יְהוּדָה" (Beit Yehudah) underscores the tribe of Judah's role in the Davidic lineage and the promises associated with it. Jeremiah's message is particularly directed at this group, warning them of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Events 1. Search for a Righteous PersonGod instructs Jeremiah to roam the streets of Jerusalem to find a person who acts justly and seeks truth, promising to pardon the city if such a person is found (Jeremiah 5:1). The Hebrew word for "truth" here is "אֱמֶת" (emet), emphasizing faithfulness and reliability. 2. False Oaths and Deception Despite swearing by the LORD, the people of Jerusalem are found to be deceitful and unfaithful (Jeremiah 5:2). The Hebrew term "שָׁקֶר" (sheqer) is used for "falsehood," indicating deliberate deception. 3. Refusal to Repent The people refuse to repent even after being struck by God, showing a hardened heart and rebellion against correction (Jeremiah 5:3). The Hebrew root "מָאֵן" (ma'en) means to refuse or reject. 4. Social Injustice and Ignorance Jeremiah observes that both the poor and the great are ignorant of God's ways and judgments, leading to widespread social injustice (Jeremiah 5:4-5). The term "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) refers to justice or judgment, highlighting the lack of adherence to God's standards. 5. Breaking of Yokes The people have broken the yoke and torn off the bonds, symbolizing their rebellion against God's authority (Jeremiah 5:5). The imagery of "yoke" (עֹל, ol) represents submission and servitude. 6. Destruction Prophesied God declares that a lion, a wolf, and a leopard will attack the people, symbolizing impending destruction due to their transgressions (Jeremiah 5:6). These animals represent ferocity and inevitability of judgment. 7. Denial of God's Judgment The people dismiss the warnings of God's judgment, claiming that disaster will not come upon them (Jeremiah 5:12). The Hebrew word "כָּחַשׁ" (kachash) means to deny or deceive. 8. Prophets and Priests Mislead The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority, leading the people astray (Jeremiah 5:31). The Hebrew term "שֶׁקֶר" (sheqer) again emphasizes falsehood and deceit. Topics 1. The Search for a Righteous Person (Jeremiah 5:1-2)God instructs Jeremiah to search the streets of Jerusalem to find a single person who acts justly and seeks truth. The Hebrew word for "truth" here is "אֱמֶת" (emet), emphasizing faithfulness and reliability. Despite the people's oaths, they swear falsely. 2. The People's Refusal to Repent (Jeremiah 5:3-5) Despite God's correction, the people refuse to repent. Their faces are described as "harder than rock," indicating stubbornness. The Hebrew term "מֵאֲנוּ" (me'anu) means "they refused," highlighting their deliberate choice to reject repentance. 3. Judgment on the Unrepentant (Jeremiah 5:6-9) God declares that wild animals will attack because of the people's transgressions. The imagery of a lion, wolf, and leopard symbolizes the impending judgment. The Hebrew word "פֶּשַׁע" (pesha) for "transgressions" conveys a sense of rebellion against God. 4. The Deceptive Prophets and Priests (Jeremiah 5:10-13) False prophets and priests mislead the people, claiming peace when there is none. The Hebrew word "שָׁוְא" (shav) for "falsehood" underscores the emptiness and deceit of their messages. 5. The Coming Destruction (Jeremiah 5:14-17) God warns of a foreign nation that will devour the land and its resources. The Hebrew term "גּוֹי" (goy) refers to a nation, often used for Gentile nations, indicating an external threat as an instrument of divine judgment. 6. A Call to Acknowledge God (Jeremiah 5:18-24) Despite the coming judgment, God promises not to make a complete end of His people. He calls them to recognize His power and provision, as seen in the natural order. The Hebrew word "יִרְאָה" (yirah) for "fear" in verse 22 emphasizes reverence and awe towards God. 7. The People's Persistent Rebellion (Jeremiah 5:25-29) The people's sins have withheld good from them. Their wickedness is described as pervasive, with the Hebrew word "רָעָה" (ra'ah) meaning "evil" or "wickedness," highlighting the moral corruption. 8. A Nation of Deceit and Injustice (Jeremiah 5:30-31) The chapter concludes with a lament over the appalling and horrible state of the nation. Prophets prophesy falsely, and priests rule by their own authority. The Hebrew word "שַׁעֲרוּרִיָּה" (sha'aruriyyah) for "appalling" conveys a sense of shock and horror at the people's condition. Themes 1. Widespread Corruption and InjusticeJeremiah 5 highlights the pervasive corruption and injustice in Jerusalem. The people have turned away from God, and there is a lack of righteousness. The chapter begins with God instructing Jeremiah to search for an honest person: "Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city" (Jeremiah 5:1). The Hebrew word for "truth" here is "אֱמֶת" (emet), emphasizing the absence of faithfulness and integrity. 2. Rejection of God's Word The people of Judah have rejected God's word and refused to repent. Despite God's warnings, they remain obstinate: "They have lied about the LORD and said, 'He will do nothing; no harm will come to us; we will never see sword or famine'" (Jeremiah 5:12). The Hebrew root "כָּחַשׁ" (kachash) for "lied" indicates a deliberate denial of God's truth. 3. Divine Judgment The chapter warns of impending divine judgment due to the people's sins. God declares that He will bring a foreign nation against them as punishment: "I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. "It is an enduring nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know, and whose speech you do not understand" (Jeremiah 5:15). The Hebrew word "גּוֹי" (goy) for "nation" underscores the foreign and formidable nature of the coming invaders. 4. Spiritual Blindness and Deafness The people are spiritually blind and deaf, unable to perceive God's truth and warnings: "Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear" (Jeremiah 5:21). The Hebrew words "עֵינַיִם" (einaim) for "eyes" and "אָזְנַיִם" (oznaim) for "ears" highlight their physical faculties, which are ineffective in spiritual discernment. 5. Call to Repentance Despite the grim warnings, there is an underlying call to repentance. God desires that the people return to Him: "But even in those days," declares the LORD, "I will not make a full end of you" (Jeremiah 5:18). The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) for "return" is implicit in the call for repentance and restoration. 6. False Prophets and Priests The chapter criticizes the false prophets and priests who lead the people astray: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it this way, but what will you do in the end?" (Jeremiah 5:31). The Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶר" (sheker) for "falsely" indicates deceit and falsehood, contributing to the people's spiritual downfall. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why would God threaten a city in Jeremiah 5:1 if one righteous person could save it, unlike the mercy shown in Genesis 18?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 5 relate to today's society in terms of unfaithfulness and disobedience? 2. Reflect on the concept of 'searching for the righteous' in verses 1-5. How can you apply this in your daily interactions? 3. How does God's depiction as a lion, wolf, and leopard reflect His attitude towards unrepentance? 4. In what ways does the societal corruption described in this chapter reflect current global issues? 5. Verses 14-19 highlight the consequences of serving foreign gods. In a modern context, what could be considered as 'foreign gods'? 6. How can we, as modern-day Christians, prevent ourselves from becoming 'deaf' to God's warnings? 7. In what ways does God show His sorrow and compassion despite His judgement? 8. How can we foster genuine repentance in our lives and communities? 9. In verses 20-31, the people of Judah fail to fear God despite His evident power. How can we cultivate a healthy fear and respect for God in our lives? 10. Discuss the metaphor of judgement being like a 'consuming fire'. How does this illustrate God's severity and relentlessness against sin? 11. How does the certainty of God's judgment influence our spiritual actions and choices? 12. Reflect on the theme of divine judgement in Jeremiah 5. How does it affect your understanding of God's character? 13. How can the lessons in Jeremiah 5 guide us in addressing the presence of unfaithfulness and disobedience in our society? 14. How can this chapter inspire us to embrace righteousness and truth more passionately? 15. In our present day, how can we be vigilant about not rejecting God’s words like the influential leaders did in Jeremiah 5? 16. In the context of today's world, how do we identify and combat deceitful actions and words that veer us away from God's path? 17. How can the narrative of divine judgement and unrepentance in Jeremiah 5 guide Christians in their spiritual leadership roles? 18. How does Jeremiah 5 shape your understanding of the connection between societal corruption and spiritual decay? 19. What are practical steps we can take to prevent ourselves from the same pitfalls the people of Judah fell into? 20. How can we use the teachings from Jeremiah 5 to guide younger generations in their spiritual journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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