This chapter details Judah’s 70 year captivity in Babylon, and the “cup of the wine of wrath” from which many nations will be forced to drink (metaphorically).
” ‘For twenty-three years… I [Jeremiah] have spoken persistently to you, but you have… neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets, saying, “Turn now, every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds… Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.” Yet you have not listened to me, declares the Lord, that you might provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm.’ ” (v3-7 abr)
I’ve heard people say that God is loving in the NT, and wrathful in the OT. I understand where that train of thought comes from, however, I suggest a thorough / careful reading of the OT shows God was just as loving then as He is now.
Why would God send numerous messengers to His people, wait for generations, and still preserve a remnant of them, despite their consistent sin? If God was truly vengeful and wrathful in OT times He may have struck down Adam and Eve and started over. Perhaps He would not have saved Noah’s family from the flood, or Lot’s family from Sodom and Gomorrah. Perhaps He would have let all of His people die during those 40 years in the desert.
The truth is, since the beginning of creation God has been fully loving, gentle and patient, though we don’t always see it that way. He gives second, third, and one hundredth chances, because He loves us. He didn’t send Jeremiah one day and exile / destroy people the next – Jeremiah (one of many prophets) spoke for 23+ years before God allowed disaster to wipe out the unrepentant (sparing many). If He’s not loving, even in OT times, then I don’t know how else to describe Him.
Father God, Our Loving Creator and Patient Shepherd, You treat us far better than we deserve. You withhold Your anger until we give You no choice, and even then You pull Your punches. Father thank you for the gifts of grace and mercy as seen through Your teachers, prophets, judges, leaders, and especially Jesus Himself. Thank you for sparing everyone who allows You, and inviting us into restored relationship with You. We praise Your loving, gentle, and righteous name, with every breath, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training