Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. Even the stork in the skyThe stork, known in Hebrew as "חֲסִידָה" (chasidah), is a bird recognized for its migratory patterns. In ancient times, the stork was a symbol of fidelity and care, often associated with the natural order and instinctual obedience to God's creation. The mention of the stork "in the sky" emphasizes its role in the heavens, following the divine order set by God. This highlights the contrast between the natural world, which adheres to God's timing, and the people of Israel, who have strayed from His commandments. knows her appointed seasons
The Hebrew word for "appointed seasons" is "מוֹעֲדֶיהָ" (mo'adeha), which refers to fixed times or festivals. This term is often used in the context of God's appointed times for Israel, such as the feasts and Sabbaths. The stork's knowledge of her seasons is instinctual, a testament to God's design in creation. This serves as a rebuke to the people of Israel, who, despite having the Law and the prophets, fail to recognize and adhere to God's appointed times and commands. and the turtledove, swift, and thrush
These birds, "תּוֹר" (tor) for turtledove, "סִיס" (sis) for swift, and "סוּס" (sus) for thrush, are also migratory birds known for their regular and predictable patterns. Each bird represents a different aspect of creation that follows God's natural order. The turtledove is often associated with peace and purity, the swift with speed and agility, and the thrush with song and beauty. Their inclusion underscores the message that all of creation, in its diversity, adheres to God's timing and order. observe the time of their migration
The phrase "observe the time" in Hebrew is "שָׁמְרוּ אֶת־עֵת" (shameru et-et), meaning to guard or keep the time. This implies a careful attention and adherence to the natural cycles established by God. The birds' migration is a metaphor for obedience and faithfulness to God's design, contrasting sharply with the disobedience of God's people, who fail to "guard" or "keep" the covenant and commandments given to them. But My people do not know
The phrase "My people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen nation. The Hebrew word "יָדְעוּ" (yade'u) means "do not know" or "are ignorant of." This ignorance is not due to a lack of information but a willful neglect of God's laws and instructions. Despite being God's covenant people, they have turned away from His teachings, showing a lack of understanding and discernment that even the birds possess. the requirements of the LORD
The "requirements" or "judgments" in Hebrew is "מִשְׁפַּט" (mishpat), which refers to God's laws, decrees, and ordinances. These are the divine standards by which the people are to live. The LORD, "יְהוָה" (YHWH), is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. The failure of the people to know God's requirements is a profound spiritual indictment, highlighting their rebellion and the resulting judgment. This serves as a call to repentance and a return to the covenant relationship with God, who desires His people to live in accordance with His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA 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 his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's truth. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed primarily at this kingdom. 3. Stork, Turtledove, Swift, ThrushBirds mentioned in this verse, symbolizing the natural order and instinctual obedience to God's creation. They serve as a contrast to the people of Judah, who fail to recognize and follow God's laws. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who desires His people to know and follow His requirements. His relationship with Israel is central to the message of Jeremiah. 5. MigrationThe natural, God-ordained process by which birds move from one region to another according to the seasons. This serves as a metaphor for understanding and obeying God's timing and commands. Teaching Points Recognizing God's OrderJust as birds instinctively follow their migratory patterns, believers are called to recognize and adhere to God's divine order and timing in their lives. The Danger of Spiritual IgnoranceIgnorance of God's requirements leads to spiritual peril. It is crucial for believers to seek knowledge and understanding of God's Word. The Importance of ObedienceThe natural world obeys God's commands without question. Believers should strive for the same level of obedience in their spiritual walk. Reflecting on God's FaithfulnessThe regularity of the seasons and migration patterns reflects God's faithfulness. Believers can trust in His consistent nature and promises. Cultivating Spiritual AwarenessJust as birds are aware of their seasons, Christians should cultivate spiritual awareness and sensitivity to God's leading and timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the behavior of the birds in Jeremiah 8:7 serve as a metaphor for spiritual awareness and obedience? 2. In what ways can we, like the people of Judah, become ignorant of God's requirements, and how can we guard against this? 3. How does understanding the natural order of creation help us trust in God's faithfulness and timing in our lives? 4. What practical steps can we take to increase our knowledge and understanding of God's Word, avoiding the spiritual ignorance mentioned in Jeremiah 8:7? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 8:7 to ensure that we are living in alignment with God's appointed seasons and purposes for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Hosea 4:6This verse highlights the theme of God's people perishing due to a lack of knowledge, similar to the ignorance of Judah in Jeremiah 8:7. Isaiah 1:3This passage compares Israel's lack of understanding to animals that know their owner, emphasizing the failure of God's people to recognize their relationship with Him. Ecclesiastes 3:1This scripture speaks to the concept of appointed times and seasons, reinforcing the idea that there is a divine order that should be acknowledged and respected. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Appointed, Conscious, Crane, Dove, Fixed, Heaven, Heavens, Judgment, Knoweth, Law, Migration, Observe, Ordinance, Requirements, Seasons, Sky, Stork, Swallow, Swift, Thrush, Truly, Turtle, Turtledove, Turtle-dove, Watched, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 8:7 4272 sky
4612 birds
4636 dove
4903 time
5892 instinct Jeremiah 8:7-12 6183 ignorance, of God 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 8:7 NIVJeremiah 8:7 NLTJeremiah 8:7 ESVJeremiah 8:7 NASBJeremiah 8:7 KJV
Jeremiah 8:7 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
