Jeremiah 8:12
Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD.
Were they ashamed
The Hebrew word for "ashamed" is "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), which conveys a deep sense of embarrassment or disgrace. In the context of ancient Israel, shame was a powerful social and spiritual concept. It was not merely an internal feeling but a public acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The rhetorical question here implies a lack of moral consciousness among the people, highlighting their spiritual insensitivity and the erosion of societal values.

of the abomination they committed?
The term "abomination" is translated from the Hebrew word "תּוֹעֵבָה" (to'evah), which refers to something detestable or loathsome, often associated with idolatry or severe moral transgressions. In the historical context of Jeremiah, the Israelites were engaging in practices that were abhorrent to God, such as idol worship and social injustices. This phrase underscores the gravity of their sins and the breach of covenantal faithfulness.

No, they were not at all ashamed
The repetition of the negation "not at all" emphasizes the complete absence of remorse or guilt. This phrase suggests a hardened heart and a seared conscience, where the people have become desensitized to their sinful actions. It reflects a society that has lost its moral compass, a theme prevalent in the prophetic literature where the prophets call out the people's stubbornness and rebellion against God.

they did not even know how to blush
Blushing is a natural human response to shame or embarrassment, indicating an awareness of wrongdoing. The Hebrew phrase here implies a total lack of moral awareness or sensitivity. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the danger of persistent sin leading to a state where one's conscience is dulled, and the ability to recognize sin is lost. It serves as a warning against the gradual hardening of the heart.

Therefore they will fall among the fallen
The phrase "fall among the fallen" uses the imagery of defeat and destruction. In the historical context, this likely refers to the impending judgment and exile that would befall Judah due to their unrepentant sin. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the inevitable downfall that comes from turning away from God.

when I punish them
The word "punish" is derived from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), which can mean to visit, attend to, or reckon with. In this context, it signifies divine retribution. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this reflects God's justice and holiness. While God is merciful, He is also just, and unrepentant sin must be addressed. This phrase underscores the certainty of divine judgment.

they will collapse
The imagery of collapse conveys total ruin and helplessness. It is a vivid depiction of the consequences of sin, where the stability and security once enjoyed are utterly destroyed. This serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of human strength apart from God and the ultimate futility of relying on anything other than Him.

says the LORD
The phrase "says the LORD" is a declaration of divine authority. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is a reminder that these are not merely the words of a prophet but the authoritative pronouncement of God Himself. In a conservative Christian understanding, this underscores the reliability and seriousness of God's word, calling believers to heed His warnings and return to faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to the messages he delivered.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and was engaging in idolatry and other sins. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed towards this kingdom, warning them of impending judgment.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through Jeremiah. He is portrayed as just and righteous, holding His people accountable for their sins.

4. Abomination
Refers to the sinful practices and idolatry that the people of Judah were engaging in, which were detestable in the sight of God.

5. Punishment and Collapse
The consequences that God declares will come upon Judah due to their unrepentant sinfulness. This is a reference to the impending Babylonian exile.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Spiritual Insensitivity
When people become desensitized to sin, they lose the ability to feel shame or guilt. This spiritual numbness can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Judah's downfall.

The Importance of Repentance
True repentance involves recognizing sin, feeling genuine remorse, and turning back to God. Without repentance, judgment is inevitable.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a response to persistent sin and rebellion. Understanding His justice helps us appreciate His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

The Role of Prophets and Scripture
Prophets like Jeremiah were sent to call people back to God. Today, Scripture serves as our guide and warning, urging us to live righteously.

Living with Integrity
As believers, we are called to live in a way that honors God, being sensitive to sin and quick to repent when we fall short.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "abominations" that society may be desensitized to, and how can Christians maintain sensitivity to sin?

2. How does the concept of shame play a role in our spiritual lives, and what can we learn from Judah's lack of shame?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are living with integrity and not falling into the same patterns of sin as the people of Judah?

4. How can the messages of the prophets, like Jeremiah, inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for His people today?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted of sin. How did you respond, and what steps did you take to align yourself with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 6:15
This verse echoes the same sentiment about the people's lack of shame and inability to blush, highlighting a recurring theme in Jeremiah's prophecies.

Isaiah 3:9
This passage also speaks to the shamelessness of the people, showing a broader pattern of sinfulness in Israel and Judah.

Ezekiel 16:30
Here, the prophet Ezekiel addresses the brazen nature of Israel's sin, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Romans 1:28-32
The Apostle Paul describes a society that has turned away from God, resulting in a depraved mind and shameless behavior, paralleling the condition of Judah.
Peace, Peace; When There is no PeaceA.F. Muir Jeremiah 8:8-12
The Exposure of Pseudo-WisdomD. Young Jeremiah 8:8-12
People
Dan, Jeremiah
Places
Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Able, Abomination, Ashamed, Blush, Blushing, Cast, Certainly, Committed, Conduct, Disgusting, Fall, Fallen, Falling, Inspection, Loathsome, Low, Nay, Ones, Overthrown, Punish, Punished, Punishment, Red, Says, Shame, Stumble, Visitation, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 8:7-12

     6183   ignorance, of God

Jeremiah 8:11-12

     5468   promises, human

Library
December 8. "Is There no Balm in Gilead; is There no Physician There?" (Jer. viii. 22).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" (Jer. viii. 22). Divine healing is just divine life. It is the headship of Christ over the body. It is the life of Christ in the frame. It is the union of our members with the very body of Christ and the inflowing life of Christ in our living members. It is as real as His risen and glorified body. It is as reasonable as the fact that He was raised from the dead and is a living man with a true body and a rational soul to-day, at God's right
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

What have I Done?
The text is "What have I done?" I shall just introduce that by a few words of affectionate persuasion, urging all now present to ask that question: secondly, I shall give them a few words of assistance in trying to answer it; and when I have so done, I shall finish by a few sentences of solemn admonition to those who have had to answer the question against themselves. I. First, then, a few words of EARNEST PERSUASION, requesting every one now present, and more especially every unconverted person,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Who Shall Deliver?
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"--JER. viii. 22. "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the Lord our God."-JER. iii. 22. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed."-JER. xii. 14. "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1]
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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