The following commentary covers Chapters 4, 5, and 6.
Repentance
called for: the certain judgment of God
Chapter 4 resumes the
subject of chapters 2, 3, and, applying it at that time
to the people, tells them that, if they return, it must
be unto the Lord Himself—that neither forms nor
half-measures would be of any use. After verse 4 the
prophet announces the certain judgment of God, which
should come from the north, and fall upon Jerusalem in
destruction.
Universal sin:
Jeremiah's position
In chapter 5 the sin and
iniquity are shewn to be universal: rich and poor, all
are alike. And "Shall not I visit for these things?
saith Jehovah." Nevertheless He will not destroy
entirely. The source of evil, or, at least, that which
maintains it, is pointed out. The prophets prophesy
falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means.
Chapter 6 continues the testimony, but gives also the
position of Jeremiah in the midst of all this evil. In
verses 11-26 the judgment is plainly announced. The
conduct of the false prophets is again marked. In both
these chapters the coming of Nebuchadnezzar in judgment
is evidently declared.
Jeremiah 4 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
Repentance called for: the certain judgment of God
Chapter 4 resumes the subject of chapters 2, 3, and, applying it at that time to the people, tells them that, if they return, it must be unto the Lord Himself—that neither forms nor half-measures would be of any use. After verse 4 the prophet announces the certain judgment of God, which should come from the north, and fall upon Jerusalem in destruction.
Universal sin: Jeremiah's position
In chapter 5 the sin and iniquity are shewn to be universal: rich and poor, all are alike. And "Shall not I visit for these things? saith Jehovah." Nevertheless He will not destroy entirely. The source of evil, or, at least, that which maintains it, is pointed out. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means. Chapter 6 continues the testimony, but gives also the position of Jeremiah in the midst of all this evil. In verses 11-26 the judgment is plainly announced. The conduct of the false prophets is again marked. In both these chapters the coming of Nebuchadnezzar in judgment is evidently declared.