Judah was being attacked by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah had been set up as a vassal king, but he had rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, so Judah was once again attacked by the Babylonian army. So, Zedekiah sent two priests, Pashhur and Zephaniah to the prophet Jeremiah to ask him to inquire of the Lord so that the Babylonians would withdraw.

The Lord sent back three messages. To Zedekiah, the Lord said He himself would fight against him in full fury and wrath. Many would die of hunger, plague or the sword. The remainder would be taken by Babylon. The Lord was judging them for their grievous sin. To the people, the Lord told them He was setting out two paths for them to follow: one which led to death and one which led to life. Those who surrendered to Babylon would live. Finally, to the house of Judah, the Lord told them to administer justice.

What is it to administer justice? Rescuing people from oppression, and refraining from violence against foreigners, widows, and orphans is what administering justice means. But they would not do so, for they had forsaken the way of the Lord.


Application: Father, thank you for setting before us the path to life. There is a path that looks easier, but this one leads to death. Help us to choose the harder path, knowing it will lead to life.
One Word: Take the way of life