The prophet Jeremiah centuries later returned to this theme (continued)
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 of complying with them. '"'Do my commandments, not only in some things, but according to all which I command you". Make conscience of moral duties especially, and rest not in those that are merely ritual. '" Hear the words of the covenant, and do them." (a) This was the original contract between God and them when He first formed them into a people. It was what He commanded their fathers, when He first brought them forth out of the land of Egypt (verse 4, and again, verse 7). He never intended to take them under His conduct and protection upon any other terms. This was what He required from them in gratitude for the great things He did for them when He brought them from the iron furnace. Therefore He redeemed them out of the service of the Egyptians, which was perfect slavery, that He might take them into His own service, which is perfect freedom (Luke i. 74, 75).
(6) This was not only laid before them then, but it was with the greatest importunity imaginable pressed upon them (verse 7). God not only commanded but earnestly protested it to their fathers, when He brought them into covenant with Himself. Moses inculcated it again and again, by precept upon precept, and line upon line.
(c) This was made the condition of the relation between them and God which was so much their honour and privilege. "'So shall ye be my people, and I will be your God"'; I will own you for Mine, and you may call upon Meas yours. This shows that if they refused to obey they could no longer claim the benefit of the relation.
(d) It was upon these terms that the land of Canaan was given them for a possession. "'Obey my voice, that I may perform the oath sworn to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey" (verse 5). God was ready to fulfil the promise, but they must fulfil the condition. If not, the promise is void, and it is just with God to turn them out of possession. Being brought in upon their good behaviour, they had no wrong done them if they were turned out upon their bad behaviour. Obedience was the rent reserved by the lease, with a power to reenter for nonpayment.
(e) This obedience was not only made a condition of the blessing but was required under the penalty of a curse. This is mentioned first here (verse 3), that they might if possible be awakened by the terrors of the Lord. "Cursed be the man"', though it were but a single person, ''that obeys not the words of this covenant," much more when it is the body of the nation that rebels. There