Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 5:30
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
30. wonderful ] appalling. The word properly means desolation, destruction.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
30, 31. See introd. summary to section. Leaders and people unite in disaffection.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 30. A wonderful and horrible thing is committed on the land] Dahler translates: “Strange crimes and horrible trespasses have been committed in the land.” These have been already detailed; but this may refer to what follows.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
So prodigious or stupendous a crime, that it is beyond the thought or apprehension of man to conceive, much more to express; and so abominable, that a man would even loathe the thoughts of. What this is we have in the next verse.
The land, Heb. this land, aggravating the greatness of the wonder, that such a thing should be in such a land: see Isa 26:10.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
30. (Jer 23:14;Hos 6:10).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land. What may justly raise admiration in some, and horror in others, or both in all: it is so amazing that it can hardly be conceived of, and so shameful and filthy as not to be expressed; what it is follows:
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The Prophet, being not satisfied with the reproof which we have observed, speaks still more strongly against the wickedness of the people. He then says, that so deplorable was their state as to make all to feel amazed. A stupendous thing, he says, has happened, which exceeds all human conception, and cannot be comprehended. By the two words he uses, he intimates that the impiety of the people could not be expressed in words or could not be conceived by the mind; for it was a monstrous thing. This is the meaning. (157)
(157) The words literally are, —
Amazement and horribleness has been done in the land.
That is, what occasioned both had been done, or what ought to have filled all with the feeling of amazement and horror. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(30) Wonderful.Better, terrible.
Is committed.Better, has come to pass.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Pause Reader over this horrible thing, as it was found in the days of Jeremiah: and then ask, if the annals of the Church’s history, hath ever heard or seen the like. Are there any Prophets or preachers prophesying falsely now, in holding up the merit of good works, and speaking peace, when there is no peace, to unawakened, unregenerated sinners? Are there any such to be found, who rule in the minds of men by such false allurements to ruin; and are cherished by them to their hurt? And are those doctrines false and ruinous as they are, yet so delightful to their minds, that they love them, and would hate everyone that would attempt to undeceive them? – Let these points be considered as they ought. And if things are found to be so, as that they are in numberless instances: how pointed and unanswerable is the question that closeth all: what will ye do in the end thereof? What can all such do, but lay down in sorrow. From all false guides, and errors, and delusions, which tend to fill the mind with vanity, and hide Christ from the soul; good Lord deliver us! Isa 50:11 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jer 5:30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
Ver. 30. A wonderful and horrible thing. ] Res stupenda et horrenda; an abhorred filth, such as may well draw from us a Heu, heu, Domine Deus
Is committed in the land.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jer 5:30-31
30An appalling and horrible thing
Has happened in the land:
31The prophets prophesy falsely,
And the priests rule on their own authority;
And My people love it so!
But what will you do at the end of it?
Jer 5:30-31 This short strophe is the conclusion of the description of the apostasy of Abraham’s seed. The leaders are corrupt (cf. Jer 2:8; Jer 2:26; Jer 4:9; Jer 5:13; Jer 6:13; Jer 8:10; Jer 13:13; Jer 14:14-16; Jer 14:18; Jer 18:18) and the people not only tolerate it but revel (cf. Mic 2:11) in their wickedness and, by implication, participate in it, or would like to! What has happened to covenant faith and faithfulness?
Jer 5:31
NASB, NKJVthe priests rule on their own authority
NRSVthe priests exploit the people
NJB, TEV,
JPSOAthe priests rule as the prophets direct
REBthe priests are in league with them
This question is, from what root does the VERB come?
1. – BDB 921, KB 1190, Qal IMPERFECT, to rule (NASB, NKJV)
2. – BDB 432, KB 434, to go down in the sense of joining hands or cooperation (cf. NJB, TEV. JPSOA, REB)
But what will you do at the end of it This may refer to the false promises and hopes of the false prophets. What will they do when the invader comes? They will lose all credibility (cf. Deu 18:20-22).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Where else does the concept of Jer 5:1 appear? How is this passage related to that text?
2. How are chapters 2 and 5 of Jeremiah related?
3. Does Jeremiah have a good relationship to other prophets of his day?
4. Why does Judah not listen to Jeremiah’s message?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
A wonderful = An astounding.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Jer 5:30-31
6. Intentional deception (Jer 5:30-31)
That which is commonplace among men often is shocking in the eyes of God. As the Lord evaluated the religious situation in Judah He regarded what was taking place as astonishing and horrible (Jer 5:30). Not only the political rulers (Jer 5:28) but the spiritual rulers as well were utterly corrupt. Jeremiah was both prophet and priest and he criticized those who held both offices. The prophets were prophesying falsehoods, promising the people that God was on their side and no ill would befall their nation. They peddled a false security based on empty forms and rituals. It was a superficial religion, a religion which did not get in the way of ones everyday life. The priests rule at their side, i.e., at the beck and call of the prophets. But the people were as guilty as their religious leaders for they encouraged and supported them. Falsehood is generally far more pleasant to the ear than truth and the men of Judah were quite anxious to hear the assurances of peace and prosperity. But what will all of these men do at the end when they ultimately face the God of judgment and truth? The word end might refer to the death of the individual apostates or to the end of the national existence when Judah would as a nation stand face to face with God.
Jer 5:30-31
“A wonderful and horrible thing has come to pass in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end?”
This, in fact is an eloquent summary of the prevailing conditions in Judah in the times of Jeremiah, preceding the fall of Jerusalem and the captivity of God’s people.
The cause of the trouble is the failure of the nation to honor their religious duty of praising and worshipping God. This made way for the false prophets and the reprobate priests who deceived and encouraged the people in their wickedness. With all religious restraint out of the way, the whole people at once fell into the pursuit of selfish and lustful goals. With no adequate guidance, they quickly degenerated into a nation of idolaters, oppressors, and debauchees; and “the people just loved it!” There was no genuine hope whatever of such a condition ever healing itself.
As it was in the days of the flood when every thought and imagination of men’s hearts was evil, and only evil, continually, the mission of Abraham and his posterity to keep alive the knowledge and love of the true God had, at last, totally failed (except for the righteous remnant).
“What will ye do at the end thereof …” (Jer 5:31)? This was the question that not only concerned Israel, but God Himself. What would God do, now that the Chosen People had failed in one of their principal purposes?
No disaster ever took God by surprise; and we can read God’s answer to the disastrous situation that surfaces here in the first two chapters of Paul’s Book of Romans.
GOD’S ANSWER
The judicial hardening of mankind was at this point complete, it was the third such emergency in God’s dealings with humanity. (1) There was the condition before the flood; and God’s answer then was the Great Deluge. (2) Then there was the organized wickedness that culminated in the Tower of Babel; and God’s answer then was the confounding of the languages of humanity and the introduction of the device of the Chosen People; (3) Now that the whole race of Adam, Jews and Gentiles alike, had given themselves to Satan for the third time, what would God do? He sent the Blessed Saviour in his FIRST ADVENT. That is the reason God has been so careful to announce three times in the last two chapters that “this is not the end of Israel.” This will be a mission of mercy. Is this hardening of all mankind ever going to happen again? The answer is yes. And what will God do then? (4) The Final Judgment will come upon Adam’s rebellious race.
Not One Is Upright – Jer 5:1-31
Open It
1. Why do you expect more or less of your leaders than of the average citizen?
2. In your mind, where does a national ruler get the authority to rule?
Explore It
3. On what condition did God say He would forgive the city of Jerusalem? (Jer 5:1)
4. What words on the part of the Israelites did God discern as a lie? (Jer 5:2)
5. How did Jeremiah report that the people responded to the Lords rebuke? (Jer 5:3)
6. How did Jeremiah try to give the leaders the benefit of the doubt? (Jer 5:4-5)
7. Why did Jeremiah predict vicious attacks by wild animals? (Jer 5:6)
8. What sins provoked God to punish Israel? (Jer 5:7-9)
9. What limitation did God place on the destruction of Israel and Judah? (Jer 5:10-11)
10. How did the people deceive themselves about God and His prophets? (Jer 5:12-13)
11. What did God say Jeremiahs words would be to the people of Israel and Judah? (Jer 5:14)
12. How did God specify the manner in which He would punish Israel? (Jer 5:15-17)
13. In what way did Israels punishment fit the offense? (Jer 5:18-19)
14. What was wrong with the peoples perspective? (Jer 5:20-22)
15. Why did the harvests fail in Judah? (Jer 5:23-25)
16. What were the characteristics of the wicked people condemned by Jeremiah? (Jer 5:26-29)
17. What was the shocking condition of the people of Israel during Jeremiahs time? (Jer 5:30-31)
Get It
18. Why do you think it would make a difference to God to find one honest person in a sin-filled city?
19. What result did God hope to see from the punishment He inflicted on the people?
20. Even without the words of the prophets, why do we have ample reason to respect God?
21. Why is a willful offense worse than ignorant breaking of a law?
22. How can the Word of God be a blessing to some and a curse to others?
23. How have you experienced the lack of respect for God in our society today?
24. To what extent does God care about how people acquire wealth?
25. Why is it significant that lack of concern for the poor and powerless is often mentioned among the sins God judges?
26. What is the proper source of authority for those who minister to or hold authority over Gods people?
Apply It
27. In what way can you visibly show respect for God in the coming week?
28. What is one way you can submit your sources of income and use of money to the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit?
Questions On Jeremiah Chapter Five
By Brent Kercheville
1 What is Gods condemnation of these people in Jer 5:1?
2 What is the peoples sin in Jer 5:2-3?
3 What did God determine to do (Jer 5:4-6)? What was the response of the people?
4 Should the people be forgiven (Jer 5:7-11)? Why shouldnt forgiveness be offered?
5 What is the false thinking of the people (Jer 5:12-13)? Is this still true today?
6 Explain the imagery of Jer 5:14-17.
7 What does God promise (Jer 5:18-19)?
8 What is wrong with the people (Jer 5:20-31)? What is the result of their errors?
TRANSFORMATION:
How does this relationship change your relationship with God?
What did you learn about him?
What will you do differently in your life?
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
A wonderful and horrible thing: or, Astonishment and filthiness, Jer 2:12, Jer 23:14, Isa 1:2, Hos 6:10
Reciprocal: Pro 28:4 – that Jer 18:13 – a very Jer 22:22 – thy pastors Eze 22:25 – a conspiracy Mal 1:6 – O priests
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 5:30. This verse is a general description of conditions that existed at the time Jeremiah was writing; the situation will be itemized in the next verse.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 5:30-31. A wonderful and horrible thing is committed So stupendous a crime, that it is beyond the apprehension of man to conceive, much more to express, its greatness; and so abominable, that a man ought even to loathe the thoughts of it. What this is, we have in the next verse; in the land That is, this land, which aggravates the greatness of the wonder that such a thing should exist in such a land! The prophets prophesy falsely, &c. Both priests and prophets agree to speak pleasing things to the people, thereby to keep up their interest and authority with them. And my people love to have it so They are well enough pleased to be thus misled. If the prophets and priests will let them alone in their sins, they will give them no disturbance in theirs. They love to be held and governed by a loose rein, and like those rulers very well that will not restrain their lusts, and those teachers that will not reprove them: see note on Isa 30:10. And what will ye do in the end thereof And what can this end in, but a total corruption of manners? The consequence of which must be the utter ruin of the state.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Lord announced that an appalling and horrible thing had happened in Judah. The prophets did not deliver the Lord’s messages, but instead preached what the people wanted to hear. Also, the priests conducted worship as they thought best, rather than as the Lord had specified. But instead of revolting against these misleaders, the people loved their apostate behavior. Yet, the Lord asked, what would they do in the end? [Note: Compare the other questions in this chapter (Jer 5:7; Jer 5:9; Jer 5:22; Jer 5:25; Jer 5:29).] They could not avoid His judgment in the end for their breach of covenant.
"There is a straight line from apostasy to disaster, from sin to death." [Note: Kidner, p. 45.]
"When we listen to the religion that is largely preached in our generation, we hear the same thing the unbelieving philosophers and sociologists are saying. The only difference is that theological language is used. But God says, ’It will not do. This brings you under my judgment.’" [Note: Schaeffer, p. 53.]