Background: (NET) Observance of the Sabbath day (and the Sabbatical year) appears to have been a litmus test of the nation’s spirituality since it is mentioned in a number of passages besides this one (cf., e.g., Isa 56:2, 6; 58:13; Neh 13:15–18). Perhaps this is because the Sabbath day was the sign of the Mosaic covenant (Exod 31:13–17v. 12 The LORD said to Moses, 13 “Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you just as the rainbow was the sign of the Noahic covenant (Gen 9:12, 13, 17) and circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:11). This was not the only command they failed to obey, nor was their failure to obey this one the sole determining factor in the LORD’s decision to destroy Judah (cf. 7:23–24; 11:7–8 in their contexts).
Ob and In:
1. Structure:
v.19-20 A message for the kings and everyone in Judah and Jerusalem
v.21-22 God pointed out the sins against Sabbath
v.23 Their ancestors had already disobeyed God and stubbornly refused to respond to discipline.
v.24 Your turn to make decision:
a. If you obey this is what you must and must not do. If you obey...then the blessings of continue to live. Their city will always filled with people. People will come bringing their offerings to the temple v.24-27a
v.25-26 If you do this, then the kings and princes who follow in David’s succession and ride in chariots or on horses will continue to enter through these gates, as well as their officials and the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem. This city will always be filled with people. Then people will come here from the towns in Judah, from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, from the territory of Benjamin, from the foothills, from the southern hill country, and from the southern part of Judah. They will come bringing offerings to the temple of the LORD: burnt offerings, sacrifices, grain offerings, and incense along with their thank offerings
(NICOT)These three elements—the throne of David, the temple, and the city Jerusalem—comprised the basic aspects of the national and religious life of the people of the covenant. Loyalty to the Lord of the covenant and obedience to the covenant demands were fundamental to the enjoyment of the blessings of the covenant.
b. v.27b If you disobey, I will set the gates of Jerusalem on fire...burn down all...no one will be able to put it out.
Summary and reflection: The word of the prophet includes the direct address of the people with the LORD's message. God wants people to know how His commandment clearly and to live an obedient life with trust. The results are lists and we can chose. The problem is do we believe? Or do we refuse to pay attention, even with the warning of discipline, we still disbelieve and thus the LORD said, they are "stubbornly" refused. v.23
2. Repeated words: gates
Jeremiah was told to speak to go and stand in all the (other) gates and spoke to all the people who pass through these gates.
The gates were also where the people carried the loads through and violated the Sabbath Law.
Summary and reflection: God counted everyone accountable to our own sins. We all have heard the Word and we all needed to make our own choice whether we will obey or not. Also, God knows us very well and we cannot deny. He spoke where our sins are taking place. We cannot deny.
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