Jeremiah 3:24
From our youth, that shameful god has consumed what our fathers have worked for--their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters.
From our youth
This phrase indicates a long-standing pattern of behavior, suggesting that the idolatrous practices began early in the history of the people. The Hebrew word for "youth" (נְעוּרִים, ne'urim) often refers to the early stages of life, symbolizing innocence and formative years. Historically, this points to the persistent nature of Israel's idolatry, which began soon after their settlement in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the importance of instilling faithfulness to God from a young age.

that shameful god
The term "shameful god" refers to the idols that Israel worshipped, particularly Baal, which is often associated with shame and disgrace in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew word for "shame" (בֹּשֶׁת, boshet) is used here to emphasize the dishonor and spiritual adultery involved in idol worship. This highlights the contrast between the holiness of Yahweh and the degrading nature of false gods. It serves as a call to recognize the futility and moral corruption of idolatry.

has consumed
The verb "consumed" (אָכַל, akal) in Hebrew conveys the idea of devouring or destroying. This reflects the destructive consequences of idolatry, which not only led to spiritual decay but also to tangible losses. The imagery of consumption underscores the insatiable nature of sin and its ability to deplete resources and blessings that God intended for His people.

what our fathers have worked for
This phrase emphasizes the generational impact of sin. The labor and efforts of the ancestors, meant to provide for future generations, were squandered due to idolatry. It serves as a sobering reminder of how the consequences of sin can extend beyond the individual to affect entire families and communities. The historical context here is the agricultural and pastoral economy of ancient Israel, where flocks and herds were vital for survival and prosperity.

their flocks and herds
Flocks and herds were central to the livelihood of ancient Israelites, representing wealth, sustenance, and divine blessing. The loss of these resources due to idolatry signifies not only economic ruin but also a spiritual breach, as these were often offered to false gods instead of Yahweh. This highlights the tangible cost of turning away from God and the forfeiture of His provision and protection.

their sons and daughters
The mention of "sons and daughters" underscores the tragic human cost of idolatry. In some cases, this may allude to the practice of child sacrifice associated with certain pagan rituals, which was abhorrent to God. It also reflects the broader impact on future generations, who suffer the consequences of their ancestors' unfaithfulness. This serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility to lead children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring that they inherit a legacy of faith rather than one of shame and loss.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often warned by prophets like Jeremiah about their idolatry and disobedience to God.

3. Shameful god
Refers to the idols and false gods that the people of Judah worshipped, leading them away from the true God.

4. Fathers
The ancestors of the people of Judah, who had worked hard to provide for their families and maintain their heritage.

5. Flocks and Herds
Represents the wealth and livelihood of the people, which were squandered due to idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to the loss of what is valuable, both materially and spiritually. It consumes resources and relationships, leaving emptiness.

Generational Impact
The choices of one generation affect the next. The idolatry of the fathers led to the suffering of their children, emphasizing the importance of godly legacy.

True Worship
Worship should be directed to God alone. Anything that takes His place in our lives becomes a "shameful god" that leads us away from His blessings.

Repentance and Restoration
God calls His people to turn away from idols and return to Him. Repentance is the first step towards restoration and reclaiming what has been lost.

Guarding Against Modern Idols
In today's world, idols may not be physical statues but can be anything that takes priority over God, such as money, power, or personal desires.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "shameful gods" that can consume our resources and relationships?

2. How can we ensure that we are leaving a godly legacy for the next generation?

3. In what ways can we identify and remove idols from our lives to ensure our worship is directed solely to God?

4. How does understanding the consequences of idolatry in Jeremiah 3:24 help us make better choices today?

5. What steps can we take to repent and restore our relationship with God if we have allowed idols to take His place in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, highlighting the seriousness of worshipping false gods.

Hosea 4:6
Speaks about the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge of God, similar to the consequences faced by Judah.

2 Kings 17:15
Describes how Israel rejected God's statutes and followed worthless idols, leading to their downfall.

Psalm 106:36-39
Details the consequences of idolatry, including the defilement and loss experienced by the people.

Romans 1:21-23
Discusses how turning away from God leads to futile thinking and the worship of created things rather than the Creator.
An Invitation to BackslidersJ. Hodgson.Jeremiah 3:21-25
Backsliding ChildrenJ. H. Evans, M. A.Jeremiah 3:21-25
Conversion to GodT. Cruso.Jeremiah 3:21-25
God ForgottenW. Whitecross.Jeremiah 3:21-25
Hope for the Worst BackslidersJeremiah 3:21-25
Responding to the CallJeremiah 3:21-25
Return to GodJ. H. Evans, M. A.Jeremiah 3:21-25
The Call of God ObeyedT. Kidd.Jeremiah 3:21-25
The Call to Repentance and its ResponseJames Hamilton.Jeremiah 3:21-25
The Essence of LoveW. Birch.Jeremiah 3:21-25
The Far-Reaching Consequences of SinJeremiah 3:21-25
True RepentanceJeremiah 3:21-25
Typical PenitenceA.F. Muir Jeremiah 3:21-25
People
Jeremiah, Josiah
Places
Assyria, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Baal, Consumed, Daughters, Devoured, Earliest, Fathers, Flock, Flocks, Fruits, Gods, Herd, Herds, Labor, Labored, Labour, Shame, Shameful, Sons, Youth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 3:24

     5947   shame

Jeremiah 3:1-25

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Jeremiah 3:21-25

     6227   regret

Jeremiah 3:24-25

     5746   youth
     6624   confession, of sin

Library
Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
A brilliant idea is an excellent thing. A man to work it out is still better. At the very time when Peter's followers were marshalling their forces, John Rockycana,5 Archbishop-elect of Prague (since 1448), was making a mighty stir in that drunken city. What Peter had done with his pen, Rockycana was doing with his tongue. He preached Peter's doctrines in the great Thein Church; he corresponded with him on the burning topics of the day; he went to see him at his estate; he recommended his works
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Stanzas by the Warden
The following stanzas, written by the Warden on the occasion of the baptism, will be read with pleasure, especially by those who are aware how faithfully the amiable writer of them fulfilled his part in preparing Kallihirua, not only for the right performance of such duties as seemed to await him in life, but (what was far more important) for an early death. THE BAPTISM OF KALLIHIRUA "I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY, AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION."--Jer. iii. 14. Far through the
Thomas Boyles Murray—Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian,

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

"The Heritage of the Heathen"
AND the Master said further, "We read in the lesson to-day a verse which tells us that the Lord has a pleasant land to give us, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the heathen' (Jer. iii. 19). And He has also said that He hath shewed His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the heathen.' "What, dear children, is this pleasant land? and what is the heritage of the heathen the Lord has promised you? The pleasant land is none other than the heritage of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Frances Bevan—Three Friends of God

How the Impudent and Bashful are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 8). Differently to be admonished are the impudent and the bashful. For those nothing but hard rebuke restrains from the vice of impudence; while these for the most part a modest exhortation disposes to amendment. Those do not know that they are in fault, unless they be rebuked even by many; to these it usually suffices for their conversion that the teacher at least gently reminds them of their evil deeds. For those one best corrects who reprehends them by direct invective; but to
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Conversion of all that Come.
"Turn Thou me and I shall be turned." --Jer. xxxi. 18. The elect, born again and effectually called, converts himself. To remain unconverted is impossible; but he inclines his ear, he turns his face to the blessed God, he is converted in the fullest sense of the word. In conversion the fact of cooperation on the part of the saved sinner assumes a clearly defined and perceptible character. In regeneration there was none; in the calling there was a beginning of it; in conversion proper it became a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God;" John i. 13. The words have a dependence on what goes before, and therefore I must direct you to them for the right understanding of it. You have it thus,--"He came to his own, but his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God." In
by John Bunyan—Miscellaneous Pieces

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Divine Jesus.
Jehovah-Jesus: John 1:1-18. the intimacy of John, John 13:23. 19:26. 20:2. 21:7, 20. "with Jesus," John 18:15.--John writes of Jesus--- when he wrote--getting the range--his literary style--the beginning--the Word--this was Jesus--the tragic tone. God's Spokesman: the Creator was Jehovah--- Jehovah is Jesus--the Spokesman--Old Testament revelations, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the elders of Israel, Isaiah, Ezekiel,--Whom these saw--various ways of speaking--John's Gospel
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

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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