◄ Jeremiah 8:3 ►
And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life," declares the LORD of Hosts.
Study Bible
And death will be chosen over life
This phrase reflects a profound sense of despair and hopelessness among the people. In the Hebrew context, "death" (מָוֶת, mavet) is not just a physical end but symbolizes separation from God, the source of life. The choice of death over life indicates a spiritual and moral decline, where the people have turned so far from God that they see no hope in His promises. Historically, this reflects the dire circumstances faced by the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, where the loss of homeland and identity led to a preference for death over a life of suffering and alienation.

by all the remnant that remains
The term "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) is significant in biblical theology, often referring to a small, faithful group preserved by God through judgment. However, here it is used ironically, as even this remnant has succumbed to despair. This highlights the pervasive impact of sin and judgment, where even those who survive calamity are not immune to its spiritual consequences. Theologically, it underscores the need for divine intervention and renewal, as human strength alone is insufficient for true restoration.

of this evil family
The "evil family" refers to the people of Judah, who have persistently turned away from God's covenant. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רָע, ra) encompasses moral wickedness and rebellion against God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where disobedience leads to judgment. It also reflects the collective nature of sin, where the actions of individuals contribute to the moral state of the entire community.

who remain in all the places to which I have banished them
The concept of banishment (גָּרַשׁ, garash) is deeply rooted in the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy, where disobedience results in exile from the Promised Land. This phrase emphasizes the reality of God's judgment, as the people are scattered among foreign nations. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, a period of profound loss and identity crisis for the Israelites. Yet, it also carries a note of hope, as the dispersed people are still within God's sovereign plan, and His promises of restoration remain.

declares the LORD of Hosts
This title, "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot), underscores God's supreme authority and power. It is a reminder that despite the current judgment, God is in control of the heavenly armies and the unfolding of history. This declaration assures the people that the same God who judges is also capable of delivering and restoring. It calls the faithful to trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem dire, and to remember that His purposes are always redemptive.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment.

2. The Remnant
Refers to the survivors of Judah who have been exiled due to their disobedience and idolatry. This group is characterized by their continued rebellion against God despite their circumstances.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the armies of heaven and earth. It underscores His authority in executing judgment and offering salvation.

4. Exile
The event of the Babylonian captivity where the people of Judah were taken from their homeland as a consequence of their persistent sin and rebellion against God.

5. Evil Family
Symbolizes the collective disobedience and moral decay of the people of Judah, who have turned away from God's covenant.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Rebellion
Persistent disobedience leads to spiritual and physical death. The people of Judah chose paths that led away from God, resulting in exile and despair.

The Sovereignty of God
God, as the LORD of Hosts, has the authority to judge and to save. His declarations are final and just, yet He desires repentance and life for His people.

The Tragic Choice
Choosing death over life reflects a heart hardened by sin. It serves as a warning to examine our own choices and align them with God's will.

Hope in Repentance
Despite the grim situation, God's character remains consistent. He offers hope and restoration to those who turn back to Him, as seen throughout Scripture.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God is life-giving. The call to choose life is a call to trust and follow God's commands, leading to blessing and fulfillment.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the choice of death over life by the remnant reveal about their spiritual condition, and how can we guard against similar choices in our lives?

2. How does the title "LORD of Hosts" in Jeremiah 8:3 enhance our understanding of God's authority and power in our current circumstances?

3. In what ways does the concept of exile in Jeremiah relate to spiritual separation from God today, and how can we seek restoration?

4. How do the themes of judgment and hope in Jeremiah 8:3 connect with the message of the Gospel in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between life and death (spiritually speaking). What guided your decision, and how can you apply that experience to future choices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 30:19
This verse presents the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging the Israelites to choose life by loving and obeying God. Jeremiah 8:3 reflects the tragic choice of death over life by the remnant, highlighting their continued rebellion.

Ezekiel 18:32
God expresses His desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live. This contrasts with the choice of death in Jeremiah 8:3, emphasizing God's heart for repentance and life.

Romans 6:23
The New Testament reiterates the consequences of sin as death, but offers the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This connection underscores the hope available despite the dire situation in Jeremiah.
Sermons
A Pitiable Condition: Death Preferable to LifeD. Young Jeremiah 8:3
People
Dan, Jeremiah
Places
Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Banish, Chosen, Death, Declares, Desired, Driven, Evil, Family, Hosts, Nation, Places, Prefer, Preferred, Rather, Remaining, Remains, Remnant, Residue, Rest, Says, Survivors, Whither
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 8:3

     6112   banishment
     9021   death, natural
     9614   hope, results of absence

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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