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"And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?"

Text: Jeremiah 5:9

UNDERSTANDING DIVINE PUNISHMENT

It is not easy to fully appreciate Divine Punishment. The following text may help us understand this concept a little better.

“‘They were like well-fed lusty stallions;
Every one neighed after his neighbour’s wife.
Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the LORD.
‘And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?'”
Jeremiah 5:8-9

1. “They were like well-fed lusty stallions”

a) This was a solemn illustration.

b) Judah was compared to an animal, albeit a horse.

i) It was a prosperous nation.

ii) People were well-fed.

iii) But they were “like animals” in their lusts.

2. “Every one neighed after his neighbour’s wife”

a) This is “intended exaggeration”.

b) There was large scale immorality.

c) What was not stated:

i) Destruction of the family.

ii) The suffering of children when families break up.

iii) The toll would affect the whole country.

3. “‘Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the LORD. ‘And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?'”

a) The words “punish” and “avenge” are used as synonyms.

b) The word “avenge” is not the same as “to take revenge”.

c) Revenge idea

i) It may be very personal feelings.

ii) Justice may not even be in the heart and mind.

d) The idea of “avenge”

i) It is the punishment of what is obviously wrong.

ii) The sins of Judah were pointed out.

iii) These could not be denied.

iv) God’s punishment is well within Divine justice.

v) Judah had broken God’s covenant and His commandments wantonly.