Jeremiah 6 “The Misery of Leaving the Ancient Path”

Jeremiah 6

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Still – Hillsong
• Ancient Words – Michael W. Smith
• I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Bible is God’s Word – Lesson for Kids
• I’m Trusting You | Roar VBS | Group Publishing
• Good in Every Way | Roar VBS | Group Publishing
• Won’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing | Shipwrecked VBS | Group Publishing
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The tribe of Benjamin was one of the two tribes that made up the southern kingdom of Judah. The Lord tells them to flee to nearby towns because Jerusalem will be destroyed (v. 1). This means that the main responsibility for the coming destruction lies with the tribe of Judah, which carried on the royal line. God has already commanded foreign kings to capture the city of Jerusalem (vv. 2–6). Jerusalem spews out evil like a spring pours out water. What God sees before His eyes are only people who are sick and wounded (v. 7). The Lord calls them to take this suffering as a warning and repent (v. 8).

God tells Jeremiah that when the enemy comes, they will devastate Jerusalem and take its people into captivity. Therefore, he must do whatever he can to save even one person before disaster strikes (v. 9). Jeremiah replies that no one listens to his message. He feels God’s anger burning within him, too heavy for him to keep to himself (vv. 10–11). The Lord commands him to pour that anger out into the streets, for as He has already declared, Jerusalem will fall, and all its inhabitants—young and old, men and women—will be taken away (v. 12).

Jerusalem has become utterly corrupt. Because of that, the people suffer, but their leaders insist that there is no problem. Even after committing such disgusting acts, they feel no shame or guilt. Nothing remains for them except judgment (vv. 13–15). God had shown them the right path, promising rest if they walked in it—but they refused. The Lord appointed watchmen to warn them, yet the people would not listen (vv. 16–17).

Therefore, the Lord declares judgment on Judah and Jerusalem before the whole world (vv. 18–19). The people of Judah continue to bring expensive offerings and gifts to the Lord, but He cannot take pleasure in them (v. 20). The Lord will bring disaster upon them (v. 21), carried out by a great nation from the north. When that time comes, there will be no place to escape—only the path of mourning and suffering remains (vv. 22–26).

Finally, the Lord commands Jeremiah to test the people of Judah. Their sin runs so deep that, like metal that refuses to be purified, their impurity remains even after being refined in fire. Therefore, just as one discards impure silver that cannot be cleansed, the Lord will reject the people of Judah (vv. 28–30).

Meditation:

To believe in and follow the Lord is to walk the path that leads to true peace. That path is the “ancient path” (v.16)—the “best way” that God revealed long ago. It is the road that leads to “rest for the soul.” Yet to our sinful nature, this path feels narrow and difficult. So, we are often tempted to choose the way that seems wider and smoother. For a time, that way may bring satisfaction, but in the end, it leads only to “terror on every side” (v.25).

Following God’s Word is not merely something that pleases God—it is ultimately a blessing to ourselves. On the other hand, rejecting God’s Word and following our own desires does not merely make God angry—it draws disaster upon ourselves.

The people of Judah failed to understand this truth even after witnessing the tragic downfall of Israel. They ignored the prophets who rebuked their spiritual corruption and moral decay and called them to repentance. Yet, when they gathered for worship, they still brought expensive offerings, seeking the Lord’s blessing. They silenced the prophets who confronted their sin and instead looked for voices that would soothe their uneasy conscience and pray blessings over them. Those who were meant to lead the people toward life instead led them to destruction. They brought ruin upon themselves. Even though God sent watchmen like Jeremiah to warn them, they refused to turn back.

Today, there is a renewed interest in what is “retro.” People are rediscovering the beauty and value of things from the past—things once dismissed as outdated or irrelevant in a modern age. But among all that should be recovered, the most important is this “ancient path.” It is the most reliable way, walked by countless believers through thousands of years. To stand on that path today is one of the greatest blessings we can have.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for placing us on the ancient path. Thank You for leading us to walk the narrow and difficult way. Yet within our hearts still stirs the desire to take a newer, wider, and easier road. Lord, please govern our hearts. Hold us firmly so that we may walk straight and faithfully behind You on this path. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Following God’s “ancient path” may not always be easy, but it always leads to peace, while following our own way leads to trouble.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think the “ancient path” means? How is it different from other paths?
  • Can you think of a time you followed what was right, even though it was hard?
  • How do you think God helps us when we walk His way?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think God calls His way the “ancient path”? What makes it valuable even today?
  • What are some “easier” paths people your age might choose instead of God’s way?
  • What can help you stay on God’s path when you feel tempted to give up or follow the crowd?