The book shifts to a new section as Jeremiah goes to the house of the Lord. Jeremiah 7:4 echoes what the people are saying: “The temple of the Lord!” They feel secure in Jerusalem because the Lord would never destroy his own house, right? Things looked dire over a century earlier under King Hezekiah, but Jerusalem was spared. Unfortunately, the Lord’s mercy back then led to the people feeling invincible. They could do whatever they wanted and the Lord would protect them. Jeremiah tries to warn the people against this false understanding.
He appeals to Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12), where the tabernacle was set up after the people entered the land (Joshua 18:1). This is where it was located when Samuel grew up (1 Samuel 3:21). However, at some point after Samuel the site was destroyed, presumably by the Philistines. The story is not directly told. Rather, we infer its demise from passages like this.
It’s easy to get caught up in doing religious things and feeling that justifies doing whatever we want otherwise. The people of Israel kept the sacrifices going and the temple functioning, but much of their lives were not in step with the Lord’s expectations. Instead the Lord said, “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. ” (Jeremiah 7:23b) The Lord wants our entire lives. It’s not to make things difficult (although it can be hard), but for our good.
To Ponder…
- In what ways are you following and obeying the Lord?
- Is there any sin in your life that you feel is justified?
- Do you believe that God’s call to obedience is for your good?