Jeremiah 3:6-11

Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Comparative criminality

I. State this decision of the Lord.

1. Israel, from the time they became a distinct nation, cast off God; therefore, given into Assyrian captivity and divorced by God.

2. Judah had retained the worship of God, but revelled in idolatry.

3. Because of their apparent superiority, Judah would scarcely own her relationship to Israel.

4. Though their sins were ostensibly less, they were committed with tenfold aggravations. Their advantages had been greater; larger number of prophets sent them; enjoyed stated ordinances; presence of God in their midst (in Temple).

II. Confirm this decision of the Lord. Specious insincerity is worse than open profaneness, because--

1. It argues a deeper depravity of heart.

2. It casts more dishonour upon God.

3. It does more extensive injury to man. Address--

(1) Those who are careless about religion.

(2) Those who profess religion. (C. Simeon, M. A.)

Judah hath not turned unto Me with her whole heart, but feignedly:--

Hypocrisy

The word “feignedly” is literally, with a lie. See the picture: here is one figured as a penitent woman, who comes to pray--in other words, to tell lies in the sanctuary, and to heap up falsehoods upon the altar where the fire has gone out. But is this possible? It is not only possible, it is actual, it is the history of today. Could we but see things as they really are, we should see that the largest figure amongst many competitive figures is that of hypocrisy. That admits of many colours and many definitions and modifications. All hypocrisy is not the same as to external attitude and bulk and colour. How subtle it is! It likes a little prayer; it does not object to go where the music is good, and where the preaching is pointless; it can speak smoothly, when it is full of anger; it can promise musically, and disappoint mockingly and triumphantly; it can sit like a saint, whilst its heart is far away or is plotting mischief. There is, then, a return to God which is no return; there is a going to Church which is not going to church; there is a piety which is impious; there is a calling to God as Father which God Himself replies to ironically, as if men would call Him anything to flatter Him into the suspension of His judgment or the conferring of an immediate favour. (J. Parker, D. D.)