These written words had been directly given from God, v. 18. The fast was instituted to seek divine help in the approaching conflict with Nebuchadnezzar. But of what good is a fast while the evils of apostasy and disobedience are unredressed? It was against these that Jeremiah protested; and his words were read to a vast concourse of people by Baruch his faithful friend. It was the month of December, and the royal chamber was warmed by a brazier of burning charcoal. As Jehudi read, the godless king cut the roll with a penknife and consigned it to the fire. All down

the ages false priests have dealt thus with the Word that condemned them. But a sailor does not escape shipwreck by destroying the chart which indicates the rocks on which he is drifting. God’s words are eternal, though the material on which they are written may perish. He who rejects God’s truth does so at his peril, while God hides his faithful servants in the secret of his presence, secure from the attacks of enemies.

(From the book of Lamentations, usually attributed to Jeremiah, a single selection is taken.)

Lamentations 3: 22-36. This book is remarkable for its variety of touching images. The prophet seems to stand amid the ruins of city and temple, burned with fire, strewn with the ashes of his people. This paragraph, however, is in marked contrast to the rest of the book, containing, as it does, a gleam of hope. If only we would turn from our griefs to the mercies, compassions, and goodness of the Lord, there would be light in our darkest dungeons. It is good to hope and quietly wait; to take Christ’s yoke and learn of him; to keep silent in submission and faith. God cannot east off. He does not willingly afflict; he has no sympathy or complicity with the turning of a man aside or subverting his cause. Let us be at least sure of this, that the Lord will neither east out nor east off. He may hide his face for a moment, but with everlasting kindness he will have mercy, according to the multitude of his compassions.

(a) What are the three main divisions of the book? (6) How much of the book is concerned with Judah? (¢) Against what other nations did Jeremiah prophesy?

When was his prophetic commission given to him and how long did it continue?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

What commission was entrusted to Jeremiah? How was he encouraged to fulfill it?

To whom did Jehovah first send the prophet? What was Judah’s sin?

What invitation was Jeremiah to extend to the Northern Kingdom? What was the necessary condition to forgive men?

What picture is drawn of the corruption of Jerusalem?

In what way was Israel deluded? How could the nation have avoided the threatened evil?

What is the secret of national devay and overthrow in all ages?

How does Jeremiah describe the folly of idolatry?

What covenant had Jeremiah made with Israel? By whom had it been broken?

What was the parable of the girdle intended to teach?

What contrast is drawn between human and divine help?

Wile does God expect of the shepherds of his flock?

What was the lesson of the two baskets of figs?

What new covenant will God make with his people?

Who were the Rechabites and why did they refuse to drink wine?

Who attempted to destroy the roll of Jeremiah’s prophecy? How was this iniquity punished?