6:1 The Lord warned Jeremiah’s own tribe of Benjamin to flee, not to the security of the great walled city of Jerusalem because it would be under siege, but toward Tekoa, a town about 12 miles south of Jerusalem. The warning smoke signal was lit at Beth-haccerem, halfway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
6:3 The shepherds were the leaders of Babylon’s armies.
6:9 The remnant mentioned here is not to be confused with the righteous remnant. This remnant refers to those left after the first wave of destruction. Like a grape gatherer, Babylon wouldn’t be satisfied until every person was taken. Babylonians invaded Judah three times until they destroyed the nation and its Temple completely (2 Kings 24–25).
6:10 The people became angry and closed their ears. They wanted no part of God’s commands because living for God did not appear very exciting. As in Jeremiah’s day, people today dislike God’s demand for disciplined living. As unsettling as people’s responses might be, we must continue to share God’s Word. Our responsibility is to present God’s Word; their responsibility is to accept it. We must not let what people want to hear determine what we say.
6:14 “Ignore it and maybe it will go away!” Sound familiar? This was Israel’s response to Jeremiah’s warnings. They kept listening to predictions of peace because they did not like Jeremiah’s condemnation of their sin. But denying the truth never changes it; what God says always happens. Sin is never removed by denying its existence. We must confess to God that we have sinned and ask him to forgive us.
6:16 The right path for living is “the old paths . . . the good way” that has been marked out by God. But the people refused to take God’s path, going their own way instead. We face the same decision today—going God’s old but true way, or following a new path of our own choosing. Don’t be misled. The only way to find peace and “rest for your souls” is to walk on God’s path.
6:20 Sheba, located in southwest Arabia, was a center of trade in incense and spices used in pagan religious rituals.
6:25 Ominous travel warnings, increased threat levels, and tight security were as much a part of life in ancient Israel as they are in the world today. Terrorism, in one form or another, has been a tactic throughout history. The question raised about such real or potential dangers forces us to examine our sense of ultimate security. Whether the outlook is bleak or hopeful, do we actually trust in God? Or does our trust last only as long as the threat seems distant?
6:29, 30 Metal is purified by fire. As it is heated, impurities are burned away and only the pure metal remains. As God tested the people of Judah, however, he could find no purity in their lives. They continued in their sinful ways. Do you see impurities in your life that should be burned away? Confess these to God and allow him to purify you as he sees fit. Take time right now to reflect on the areas of your life that he has already refined; then thank him for what he is doing.