Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?
The wise will be put to shame
The term "wise" in this context refers to those who are considered knowledgeable and discerning by societal standards. In Hebrew, the word is "חֲכָמִים" (chakhamim), which often denotes those with understanding and insight. However, the verse indicates that their wisdom is superficial and ultimately flawed. The phrase "put to shame" suggests a public exposure of their inadequacies. In a biblical context, true wisdom is aligned with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). The wise of Jeremiah's time, who relied on their own understanding rather than God's, are contrasted with this divine wisdom, leading to their disgrace.

they will be dismayed and trapped
"Dismayed" and "trapped" convey a sense of confusion and entrapment. The Hebrew word for "dismayed" is "חָתַת" (chatat), which implies being shattered or broken. This reflects the emotional and spiritual state of those who have turned away from God. "Trapped" suggests a snare or a pitfall, indicating that their own actions and decisions have led them into a predicament from which they cannot escape. Historically, this can be seen in the context of Judah's leaders who, despite their wisdom, could not avert the impending judgment due to their rejection of God's guidance.

Since they have rejected the word of the LORD
The phrase "rejected the word of the LORD" is central to understanding the cause of their downfall. The Hebrew word for "rejected" is "מָאַס" (ma'as), meaning to despise or refuse. This rejection is not merely intellectual but a willful disobedience and dismissal of God's commandments and teachings. The "word of the LORD" refers to the divine revelations and instructions given through the prophets. In the historical context of Jeremiah, this rejection led to the moral and spiritual decay of the nation, culminating in the Babylonian exile.

what wisdom do they really have?
This rhetorical question underscores the futility of human wisdom apart from God. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" here is "חָכְמָה" (chokhmah), which in biblical terms is often associated with skill in living according to God's will. The question challenges the validity of any wisdom that does not originate from the fear and knowledge of the Lord. In a broader scriptural context, this echoes the sentiment found in 1 Corinthians 1:20, where Paul questions the wisdom of the world in light of God's truth. The verse serves as a reminder that true wisdom is inseparable from a relationship with God and adherence to His word.

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 his people and his message.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commandments.

3. The Wise
Refers to the leaders, priests, and prophets of Judah who were considered knowledgeable and discerning but had turned away from God's truth.

4. The Word of the LORD
Represents God's commandments, teachings, and revelations given to His people through the prophets and the Scriptures.

5. Rejection of God's Word
The central event leading to the downfall of Judah, as the people and their leaders chose to ignore God's instructions and warnings.
Teaching Points
The Folly of Rejecting God's Word
True wisdom is rooted in the acceptance and application of God's Word. When we reject His teachings, we lose the foundation of true understanding and discernment.

Consequences of Spiritual Pride
The leaders of Judah were confident in their own wisdom, yet their pride led to their downfall. We must remain humble and teachable, recognizing our need for God's guidance.

The Importance of Scripture in Daily Life
Regular engagement with the Bible is crucial for maintaining spiritual wisdom and avoiding the pitfalls of worldly thinking.

The Role of Prophets and Teachers
God uses prophets and teachers to convey His truth. We should be attentive to those who faithfully communicate God's Word and be wary of those who distort it.

The Urgency of Repentance
Judah's rejection of God's Word led to severe consequences. We must be quick to repent and realign our lives with God's will when we stray.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the rejection of God's Word lead to a lack of true wisdom in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not relying on our own understanding but seeking God's wisdom in our decisions?

3. How can the example of Judah's leaders serve as a warning against spiritual pride and complacency?

4. What practical steps can we take to prioritize the study and application of Scripture in our daily routines?

5. How can we discern between true and false teachings in a world filled with conflicting messages about wisdom and truth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 1:7
Highlights the foundational truth that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, contrasting with the folly of rejecting God's wisdom.

Hosea 4:6
Speaks to the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge and the rejection of God's law, paralleling the consequences faced by Judah.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Discusses the contrast between worldly wisdom and the wisdom of God, emphasizing that true wisdom is found in Christ.
Backsliding in its Worst FormsS. Conway Jeremiah 8:4-11
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
Affrighted, Ashamed, Behold, Captured, Caught, Disappointed, Dismayed, Fear, Kicked, Kind, Manner, Overcome, Rejected, Shame, Shamed, Trapped, Wisdom, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 8:9

     1690   word of God
     5589   trap
     8713   discouragement
     8757   folly, effects of

Jeremiah 8:7-12

     6183   ignorance, of God

Jeremiah 8:8-9

     6231   rejection 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

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