270
Prophets and Kings
and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain forever.”
Jeremiah 17:24, 25
.
This promise of prosperity as the reward of allegiance was accom-
panied by a prophecy of the terrible judgments that would befall the
city should its inhabitants prove disloyal to God and His law. If the
admonitions to obey the Lord God of their fathers and to hallow His
[412]
Sabbath day were not heeded, the city and its palaces would be utterly
destroyed by fire.
Thus the prophet stood firmly for the sound principles of right
living so clearly outlined in the book of the law. But the conditions
prevailing in the land of Judah were such that only by the most decided
measures could a change for the better be brought about; therefore
he labored most earnestly in behalf of the impenitent. “Break up
your fallow ground,” he pleaded, “and sow not among thorns.” “O
Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be
saved.”
Jeremiah 4:3, 14
.
But by the great mass of the people the call to repentance and
reformation was unheeded. Since the death of good King Josiah, those
who ruled the nation had been proving untrue to their trust and had
been leading many astray. Jehoahaz, deposed by the interference of
the king of Egypt, had been followed by Jehoiakim, an older son of
Josiah. From the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign, Jeremiah had little
hope of saving his beloved land from destruction and the people from
captivity. Yet he was not permitted to remain silent while utter ruin
threatened the kingdom. Those who had remained loyal to God must
be encouraged to persevere in rightdoing, and sinners must, if possible,
be induced to turn from iniquity.
The crisis demanded a public and far-reaching effort. Jeremiah
was commanded by the Lord to stand in the court of the temple and
speak to all the people of Judah who might pass in and out. From the
messages given him he must diminish not a word, that sinners in Zion
might have the fullest possible opportunity to hearken and to turn from
[413]
their evil ways.
The prophet obeyed; he stood in the gate of the Lord’s house and
there lifted his voice in warning and entreaty. Under the inspiration of
the Almighty he declared:
“Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these
gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of