Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16
Jerusalem Besieged; 6:1-3-. Now Jeremiah describes the holy city under siege. The mission of the assaulting armies is to destroy the whole society. But the enemy is supposed to preserve a remnant. Judah has rejected the testimony of history, the law, and the prophets; only armies coming to destroy her will awaken her to reality.
Sadly, Jeremiah reflects. He hoped that the fire of his prophetic message would purge the impurities from Judah, as a refiner’s fire purges metal ore. But the fiery word of God has only demonstrated conclusively that the people of Judah are totally corrupt; they are hardened rebels all.
29 The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. 30 Reprobate [5] silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them.