Dear RTB’ers,
God continues His warnings to Judah/Jerusalem in today’s first four verses, but then He seems to deliver them from their enemies in the rest of the chapter. See especially 29:5-8. Two following verses are particularly confusing: Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, while their hearts are far from Me, and their fear of Me is a commandment taught by men, therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people… (vv. 13-14a). The people are acting like they are worshiping, but their heart is not in it. Still, God says that He will do wonderful things with them. Confusing. God will do wonderful things even though the people are not genuine? Jesus quotes verse 13a in speaking of the Pharisees as hypocrites (and that makes sense), but He does not follow that up with the second verse above. So this pair of verses leaves me confused.
In chapter 30 God is warning His people not to go down to Egypt. This was a major item in Jeremiah’s life; he was warning the Jews with the same message, then he was himself taken to Egypt against his will. God’s word to Judah is clear: Egypt’s help is worthless and empty… (v. 30:7a). But the people refuse to listen: For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord… (v. 30:9). Still, He continues to offer them His help: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength… (v. 30:15b). Quietness and trust. A good word for us!
Blessings!
Fred