Sin brings destruction (5–6, 8–9, 11, 22; Jer. 5:6, 10, 17). History records that Babylon was the enemy, but Jeremiah said that God was the enemy (vv. 4–5). He supervised the destruction of the walls and defenses (vv. 5, 8–9), the temple (vv. 6–7), and the people (vv. 10–12); Babylon was just His battle-ax (Jer. 51:20–23).
Sin brings disgrace (15–16). The passersby not only offer no comfort (1:12) but contribute to Jerusalem’s shame (v. 15). The enemy boasts of a great victory but does not give glory to God. All the faithful remnant could do was trust the purposes of God (v. 17) and cry out to Him for mercy (vv. 18–20).
