A.
A People of Contrast: Judgment from Yahweh has made the people of Judah a people of contrast in that they were blessed, but are now suffering severely 4:1-11
1.
People Once Honored, Now Humbled, 4:1-2.
2.
Unnaturally Cruel and Uncaring Mothers, 4:3-4.
3.
Once Rich, Now Destitute, 4:5.
4.
Once Strong and Healthy, Now Weak and Sickly, 4:6-8.
5.
Longing for Death Due to Hunger, 4:9.
6.
Once Compassionate, Now Cannibalistic, 4:10.
7.
The Judgment Is from the Lord, 4:11.
B.
The Sin of Leaders. Although all used to consider Jerusalem impregnable, it was the sin of the religious leaders that caused God to bring judgment, and the leaders are despised, 4:12-16.
1.
Impregnable Jerusalem, 4:12.
2.
The Sins of the Religious Leaders Brought Destruction, 4:13.
3.
The Religious Leaders Are Now Despised, 4:14-15.
4.
The Judgment Is from the Lord, 4:16.
C.
The Completion of Judgment. Although no one could have helped Judah because of Babylon’s readiness, and this became evident with the capture of their king, the nation of Edom who mocked Judah will itself experience judgment, 4:17-22.
1.
No Ally Could Have Helped the Nation, 4:17.
2.
Babylon’s Stalking: Destruction was certain as the Babylonians patiently waited until the fall, 4:18-19.
3.
The King Captured. When the king was captured it was proof that the nation was being judged for breaking the covenant, 4:20.
4.
The Mockery of Edom. Although the nation of Edom laughed at Judah’s complete destruction, they too will be destroyed, 4:21-22.
V A. Chapter Five is known as the Fifth Dirge or funeral poem and is the account of the repentant remnant pleading with Yahweh for a merciful remembrance of them. Jeremiah 18
once again reminds the Lord of the condition of His people, and he confesses trust in Yahweh’s sovereignty and asks that He might restore them, 5:1-22.
A.
A Final Description of Desolation & Prayer for Remembrance. The prophet urges the Lord to remember and see His people who are extremely downcast because of their condition which occurred as a result of their sin, 5:1-18.
1.
Introductory Petition: The prophet urges the Lord to Remember and See what has occurred to His people in the land, 5:1.
2.
First Lament.
a.
No Property, 5:2.
b.
Helpless People, 5:3.
c.
Only Necessities of Life in the Land, 5:4.
d.
Oppressed People, 5:5.
e.
A Dependent People to Survive, 5:6.
f.
Confession of Sin as the Cause, 5:7.
3.
Second Lament, 5:8-16.
a.
No Hope of Deliverance, 5:8.
b.
Constant Famine and Hunger, 5:9.
c.
Women Are Raped, 5:11.
d.
Leaders Are Humiliated, 5:12.
e.
Endless Work for the Strong, 5:13.
f.
No Joy in the City, 5:14-15.
g.
Confession of Sin as the Cause, 5:16.
4.
The Result of the Lament: The people are depressed because Zion is destroyed, 5:17-18.
B.
A Tribute and Plea to Yahweh. Confessing that Yahweh is sovereign, the prophet also requests that He will not abandon the nation, but restore them, 5:19-22.
1.
Confession of Trust, 5:19-20.