Chapter 9

This chapter contains two of the most poignant, most important passages of the book. Jeremiah’s vivid lament at the beginning of the chapter and God’s outlining of what matters in the world towards the end of the chapter. In between there is a description of what has happened to the land itself by way of the sin of the people. The land has become desolate. Birds are gone, the sound of cattle is not heard and there is weeping and wailing for the mountains. Not only have the people failed to show compassion to other people, but their stubborn selfishness has begun to lay waste to the land itself.  

Jeremiah’s lament; 

“Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” 

God’s reminder (then and now);

 “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth.” 

AMEN.