1 At that time, saith the LORD, they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves:
2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.
3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
5 Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
6 I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.
7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
8 How do ye say, We [are] wise, and the law of the LORD [is] with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he [it]; the pen of the scribes [is] in vain.
9 The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?
10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.
12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
13 I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: [there shall be] no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and [the things that] I have given them shall pass away from them.
14 Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.
15 We looked for peace, but no good [came; and] for a time of health, and behold trouble!
16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.
17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.
18 [When] I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart [is] faint in me.
19 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: [Is] not the LORD in Zion? [is] not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, [and] with strange vanities?
20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
22 [Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Overview of Jeremiah Chapter 8
Jeremiah Chapter 8 presents a poignant and somber reflection on the state of Judah and the consequences of their disobedience to God. The chapter serves as a prophetic warning, emphasizing the themes of judgment, repentance, and the futility of false hope. It captures the emotional turmoil of the prophet as he laments the fate of his people.
The Fate of the People
The chapter begins with a vivid description of the aftermath of destruction. The bones of the people are scattered, symbolizing the complete devastation that has befallen Judah due to their sins.
- The imagery of bones suggests death and decay, indicating that the people have faced severe judgment.
- The mention of the bones being gathered signifies a loss of identity and community among the people.
Rejection of God’s Law
The text highlights the persistent rejection of God’s commandments by the people of Judah. Despite numerous warnings, they continue to turn away from divine guidance.
- The people boast of their wisdom but are ultimately foolish in their actions.
- They refuse to acknowledge their transgressions, leading to their downfall.
The Prophet’s Lament
Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow for his people, illustrating his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. His lamentation reveals the emotional burden he carries as he witnesses their suffering.
- He questions the effectiveness of their rituals and sacrifices, indicating that mere outward expressions of faith are insufficient without true repentance.
- Jeremiah’s anguish reflects a deep love for his people, as he longs for their return to righteousness.
False Hope and Misguided Leaders
The chapter critiques the false prophets and leaders who mislead the people, offering them false assurances of peace and safety.
- These leaders fail to address the root causes of the nation’s problems, leading the people further astray.
- Their messages of comfort are contrasted with the reality of impending judgment.
The Call to Repentance
Amidst the despair, there is an underlying call for repentance. Jeremiah urges the people to return to God and seek forgiveness.
- True repentance involves a change of heart and a commitment to follow God’s ways.
- The chapter emphasizes that genuine acknowledgment of sin is necessary for restoration.
Conclusion and Reflection
Jeremiah Chapter 8 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of true repentance. The emotional depth of Jeremiah’s lament highlights the urgency of the message, calling the people to recognize their plight and return to their Creator.
This chapter challenges readers to reflect on their own lives, considering the ways they may stray from divine guidance and the necessity of seeking genuine reconciliation with God.
