Chapter 2 – A Poem Full of Heartfelt Questions

Chapter 2 is all poetry. It is the utterance of Jeremiah to the people of Jerusalem. It is the word of the Lord come to Jeremiah. Here, in poetic structure is a kind of assault on the imagination, an assault that forces the seeing of failure and infidelity.
God poses questions. Who has changed their gods and turned to follow “no-gods”? Who would chase after worthlessness and in so doing become worthless? 
God is presented as a loving spouse or a caring parent. The poem is an indictment. It is a description of a relationship gone bitter. The questions keep coming. 
There are two accusations in God’s indictment on the people. First, they have turned to other gods (idolatry) and second, they have not cared for the poor and for others (selfishness).  
The picture is hard to look at. The chapter itself speaks of shame. Instead of fidelity to God, the people (vs 27) have taken a tree and said, “You are my father”.  They have taken a rock and said, “You gave me birth.” When trouble comes, and trouble is coming, where will the new gods be then?  
There is an introduction here of two other places, Egypt and Assyria. These places will come to represent the people’s attempts to hang on to what they have as best they can. Judgment is coming. Exile is coming. The people will be taken into exile in Babylon. God will be with them even there in exile. However, some of the people and some of the politicians will counsel going to Egypt in attempt to avoid Babylon. God is warning against this. 
The end of the chapter has a striking image, another poetic device. 
“You shall be put to shame by Egypt, from it you will come away with your hands on your head...” Such are the times. How could this be? How could a people lose so much that they had taken for granted as certain? 
As you read chapters like this consider the tone of the voice of God.  
God seems to be experiencing a kind of pain and loss.  If he did not care for the people, there would be no questions like those in this chapter. There will be plenty of judgment and terror in the book of Jeremiah, but the heart of it is this emotional wrenching.  
What does it mean for people to be in relationship with God? In that relationship what are the points of joy and comfort and what are the points of sorrow and pain? 

Dear God; Help me to see how I so easily turn to worthless things seeking meaning or security. Show me again today what it means to trust in you, to be grateful for your love and to seek to reflect such love. Let me recount your faithfulness and give me eyes to see the needs of others. Give me eyes to see your love for all people. I trust in you.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.