Jeremiah 8:4-22

Jeremiah 8:4 to Jeremiah 9:1. Forecast of punishment as the result of sin

The section may be thus summarized.

(i) Jeremiah 8:4. Human fortunes and conduct are as a rule liable to change, but Israel pursues a steady course of disobedience. Migratory birds obeying unerringly their instincts compare favourably with the men who have intellect to understand Jehovah's teaching, yet falsify or ignore it. (ii) Jeremiah 8:10. Even prophets and priests are covetous, insincere, foolishly optimistic, and unblushingly wicked. They must suffer the penalty. Their wives and lands shall be given to others. (iii) Jeremiah 8:13. They are as a tree without fruit or leaf. It remains only in despair to take refuge within walls. The northern foes" approach can be already heard. They devastate city and country alike. No charm can avert this serpent-like attack. (iv) Jeremiah 8:18 to Jeremiah 9:1. There sounds from afar the cry of dismay from those who have moved Jehovah to anger. The time for deliverance has gone by. Is there indeed no remedy? No, none. Would that my tears were as limitless as the calamity which calls them forth.