Jeremiah 5 - Introduction

Jeremiah 5:1-31. Jerusalem is ripe for judgement

We may summarize the contents as follows:

Jeremiah 5:1. Even one righteous man would procure forgiveness. But moral obliquity and obstinacy in sin are universal among the enlightened no less than the ignorant. Retribution cannot but be the result.

Jeremiah 5:10. The people have refused to credit the forecasts of the true prophets. Therefore shall city and country alike be laid waste by a mighty nation of unknown tongue. Israel has chosen to serve foreign gods at home. Now she shall be compelled to serve foreign masters in exile.

Jeremiah 5:20. They fear not Jehovah, who is absolute in His control of nature's forces, whether beneficent or destructive. By craft, like that of the fowler, who fills his cage with trapped birds, rich men lay up wealth at the expense of the needy and the orphan. Divine vengeance must ensue.

Jeremiah 5:30. Prophets teach falsely, and support priestly rule. The people welcome this state of things. What shall the end be?