Jerusalem is a religious city in Jeremiah’s day. People are burning incense, offering sacrifices, listening to prophets and going to their priests. Yet, the whole system has been corrupted.
Peace, peace, no peace
City violation
Ancient Jerusalem should have been a model city, a place of God’s beauty upon the earth with people living in loving unity, and thus been a future bride for the Son of God when he came as her king. But she failed
Liar, liar
Judah has been speaking false words about God. That’s happened through their idol worship, but it’s also seen in their denial of God’s punishing of sin.
What is truth?
Judah’s sins are leading to her collapse. When invasion comes, the small towns will be left empty. But can Jerusalem survive? Will her “friends” in other lands come to her rescue?
Decreation
Judah has been warned of the coming invasion which will be so destructive to her land. Judah has heard about the offer of forgiveness which the Lord has made to Israel in the north. But…
What is war good for?
The Lord has had Jeremiah speaking to Israel in the north, but with Judah in the south listening in. As Judah is now, Israel has been wayward like an unfaithful wife but the Lord offers forgiveness and reconciliation.