Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"Their backslidings have increased."
Text: Jeremiah 5:6
DIVINE PUNISHMENT
The people in Judah had sinned gravely against the Lord. They had little or no regard for Him. Divine punishment was the only option left!
“Therefore a lion from the forest shall slay them,
A wolf of the deserts shall destroy them;
A leopard will watch over their cities.
Everyone who goes out from there shall be torn in pieces,
Because their transgressions are many;
Their backslidings have increased.”
Jeremiah 5:6
1. The Lion, the Wolf and the Leopard
a) It is possible that these are literal references.
b) But serious questions may be raised:
i) How often would these animals attack human beings?
ii) How many wild animals would be roaming around?
iii) How many could they kill?
2. Figures of speech
a) The Lion, the Wolf and the Leopard were used as figures of speech.
b) These animals were predators.
c) Their features well describe the Babylonian invaders.
i) The Lion would represent strength.
ii) The Wolf would represent ferocity.
iii) The Leopard would represent swiftness.
3. Intended impact may be found in the words chosen:
a) “Slay them”
b) “Destroy them”
c) “Torn in pieces”
These things would be felt very severely by all who lived in the cities of Judah.