They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. They will be exposedThe Hebrew root for "exposed" is "שָׁטַח" (shatach), which conveys the idea of being spread out or laid bare. In the context of ancient Israel, exposure of the dead was considered a profound dishonor. This phrase indicates a divine judgment where the bodies of the unfaithful are left unburied, symbolizing ultimate disgrace and rejection by God. to the sun, the moon, and all the host of heaven
This phrase refers to the celestial bodies that were often objects of worship in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word for "host" is "צָבָא" (tsaba), which can mean an army or a multitude, emphasizing the vast array of heavenly bodies. The Israelites were warned against idolatry, and this exposure to the elements they worshiped signifies the futility and vanity of their misplaced devotion. which they have loved and served
The Hebrew words "אָהַב" (ahav) for "loved" and "עָבַד" (avad) for "served" denote deep affection and devotion. This phrase highlights the people's idolatrous practices, where they gave their hearts and service to created things rather than the Creator. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive love and service to God. which they have followed, consulted, and worshiped
The progression of verbs here—"followed" (הָלַךְ, halak), "consulted" (דָּרַשׁ, darash), and "worshiped" (שָׁחָה, shachah)—illustrates a deepening relationship with idolatry. "Followed" suggests a lifestyle or path chosen, "consulted" implies seeking guidance or wisdom, and "worshiped" indicates acts of reverence and submission. This triad underscores the comprehensive nature of their apostasy. They will not be gathered or buried
In ancient Israelite culture, burial was a sacred duty, and to be denied it was a severe curse. The Hebrew word for "gathered" is "אָסַף" (asaph), which often refers to the gathering of people or things into a place of safety or rest. The absence of burial rites signifies a complete severance from community and covenantal blessings. but will lie like dung on the face of the earth
The imagery of "dung" (גֶּבֶל, gebel) is one of utter worthlessness and defilement. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, dung was a waste product, often used as fertilizer but considered unclean. This metaphor starkly portrays the spiritual decay and moral corruption of the people, serving as a vivid warning of the consequences of turning away from God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA 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 themes of repentance and impending judgment. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry, leading to the prophetic warnings of destruction and exile. 3. IdolatryThe worship of false gods and celestial bodies, which was prevalent in Judah despite God's commandments against it. This idolatry is a central theme in Jeremiah's prophecies. 4. The Host of HeavenRefers to celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars, which the people of Judah had wrongly worshiped, contrary to God's law. 5. Exile and JudgmentThe consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience, leading to their eventual conquest and exile by Babylon. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day idols. Consequences of DisobediencePersistent disobedience to God leads to judgment. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands. The Futility of False WorshipWorshiping anything other than God is ultimately futile and leads to spiritual emptiness and decay, as symbolized by the unburied bodies. God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe celestial bodies, though magnificent, are creations of God and should not be objects of worship. Recognizing God's sovereignty helps us maintain proper worship. Repentance and RestorationWhile judgment is pronounced, the call to repentance is always present. Turning back to God can restore our relationship with Him. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from worshiping God, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the warning in Jeremiah 8:2 about the consequences of idolatry apply to our personal lives today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is directed solely towards God and not towards His creation? 4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Jeremiah 8:2 relate to the message of the Gospel? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's call to obedience? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 4:19Warns against worshiping the sun, moon, and stars, highlighting the continuity of God's command against idolatry. 2 Kings 23:5Describes King Josiah's reforms, where he removed idolatrous priests who burned incense to the sun, moon, and stars, showing a historical context of idolatry in Judah. Romans 1:25Discusses the exchange of truth for a lie, worshiping created things rather than the Creator, paralleling Judah's idolatry. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Army, Bowed, Buried, Consulted, Dung, Face, Followed, Gathered, Ground, Heaven, Heavens, Host, Loved, Lovers, Lying, Moon, Placed, Prayers, Refuse, Servants, Served, Sky, Sought, Spread, Stars, Surface, Themselves, Walked, Waste, Worship, Worshiped, WorshippedDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 8:2 4251 moon
4281 stars
6151 dirt
8709 astrology
8748 false religion Jeremiah 8:1-2 4284 sun 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 Links Jeremiah 8:2 NIVJeremiah 8:2 NLTJeremiah 8:2 ESVJeremiah 8:2 NASBJeremiah 8:2 KJV
Jeremiah 8:2 Commentaries
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