Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway. Yet My people have forgotten MeThe phrase "My people" is deeply significant, indicating a covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "forgotten" is "שָׁכַח" (shakach), which implies not just a lapse in memory but a willful neglect or disregard. This forgetfulness is not merely intellectual but relational, indicating a profound spiritual amnesia where the people have turned away from their identity and purpose as God's chosen nation. Historically, this reflects Israel's repeated cycles of apostasy, where they abandoned the worship of Yahweh for the allure of surrounding pagan practices. They burn incense to worthless idols that made them stumble in their ways in the ancient roads and to walk on byways, not on the highway Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. The People of Judah The audience of Jeremiah's prophecy, who had turned away from God to worship idols, leading to their spiritual and moral decline. 3. Worthless Idols Objects of worship that the people of Judah turned to instead of God, representing their spiritual adultery and rebellion. 4. Ancient Roads Symbolic of the established, righteous ways of living according to God's commandments and covenant. 5. Bypaths Representing the deviant paths and practices that the people chose, leading them away from God's truth and righteousness. Teaching Points The Danger of ForgetfulnessForgetting God leads to spiritual decline and moral confusion. Regular remembrance of God's faithfulness and commandments is crucial for maintaining a righteous path. The Allure of Idolatry Idolatry is not just about physical idols but anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day idols such as wealth, power, or status. The Importance of the Ancient Paths The "ancient roads" symbolize God's timeless truths and commandments. We are called to walk in these paths, which lead to life and blessing. Consequences of Deviating from God's Path Choosing bypaths over God's highway results in spiritual stumbling and separation from God. We must be vigilant in our walk with God, ensuring we remain on His path. Repentance and Return God always offers a way back through repentance. Acknowledging our deviations and returning to God's ways restores our relationship with Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "worthless idols" that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?2. How does the concept of "ancient roads" apply to our daily walk with God today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we do not forget God in our busy lives? 4. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14 help us understand the importance of choosing the right path? 5. Reflect on a time when you chose a "bypath" instead of God's "highway." What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, highlighting the seriousness of Judah's sin in turning to idols. Isaiah 30:21 The call to walk in the way of the Lord, contrasting with the bypaths mentioned in Jeremiah 18:15. Proverbs 14:12 The warning about ways that seem right to a person but lead to death, paralleling the consequences of Judah's choices. Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus' teaching on the narrow and wide gates, reflecting the choice between the ancient roads and bypaths.
People JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, Lebanon, SirionTopics Ancient, Built, Burn, Burned, Burning, Bypaths, By-paths, Byways, Cast, Cause, Caused, Falling, Forgotten, Gods, Highway, Idols, Incense, Lifted, Memory, Nothing, Offer, Paths, Perfume, Perfumes, Raised, Roads, Side-roads, Stumble, Stumbled, Vain, Vanity, Walk, WorthlessDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 18:15 5186 stumbling Library The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. "Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every … Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Hindrances to Mourning The Ninth Commandment John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord; Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Of the Decrees of God. Degrees of Sin Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 18:15 NIVJeremiah 18:15 NLT Jeremiah 18:15 ESV Jeremiah 18:15 NASB Jeremiah 18:15 KJV Jeremiah 18:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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