The prophet Jeremiah centuries later returned to this theme
Obedience 181 well with them; but woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them''.
3. A PRopHET's INDICTMENT
The prophet Jeremiah centuries later returned to this theme (fer. xt. 1-8). He becomes prosecutor in God's name. He draws up an indictment against the Jews, for wilful disobedience to the commands of their rightful sovereign. And for the more solemn management of this charge: (a) He produces the commission he had to draw up the charge against them. He did not take pleasure in accusing the children of his people, but God commanded him to speak it to the men of Judah (verses 1, 2). In the original it is plural, "Speak ye this." For what he said to Jeremiah was the same that he gave in charge to all his servants the prophets. They none of them said any other but what Moses in the law had said. To that therefore they must refer themselves, and direct the people, "Hear the words of this covenant.'' Turn to your Bibles! Be judged by them!
Jeremiah must now proclaim this "in the cities of Judah, and the streets of Jerusalem"', that all may hear, for all are concerned. All the words of reproof and conviction which the prophets spake were grounded upon the words of the covenant, and agreed with that. Therefore, hear these words, and understand by them upon what terms you stood with God at first. Then, by comparing yourselves with the covenant, you will soon be aware upon what terms you now stand with him.
(b) He opens the charter upon which their state was founded and by which they held their privileges. They had forgotten the tenor of it, and lived as if they thought the grant was absolute, and that they might do what they pleased, and yet have what God had promised. Or, as if they thought that keeping up the ceremonial observances was all that God required of them.
4. Gop INSISTS ON OBEDIENCE He therefore shows them, with all possible plainness, that the thing God insisted upon was obedience. That was better than sacrifice. He said, "'Obey my voice"' (verse 4), and again, 'Obey my voice" (verse 7). Own God for your master. Give up yourselves to Him as His subjects and servants. Attend to all the declarations of His mind and will, and make conscience