Jeremiah 21:11-14 – Stop social injustice and misled arrogance

A Scrutiny of Jeremiah 21:11-14 suggests that was widespread social injustice and corruption during Jeremiah’s day. Ane there was also the issue of the people arrogantly thinking that they were safe and secure in fortified Jerusalem. Addressing the king of Judah, specifically the house of David, God was calling for them to deal with the two issues. They must correct social justice and stop being misled by their arrogance.   

In verses 11-12, God assured the rulers of Judah that if they did not correct the social injustice, He would judge them and destroy the nation. They were particularly told in verse 12 to “deliver the person who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor.” If they wouldn’t, God would send on unquenchable fire that none could extinguish to deal with them.

 

Then in verses 13-14, God turned His attention to dealing with the arrogance of their deluded confidence. They had the false notion that God would not allow any judgment to come upon Jerusalem. So they deluded themselves into thinking that Jerusalem was impenetrable. God assured them that they would be grossly disappointed for thinking that their fortified city was safe and secure and tight. He warned in verse 14 that He would punish them according to the results of their deeds, He would kindle a fire in its forest that it may devour all its environments.   

 

Here we see God showing why we must have social justice. God addressed this issue right at the formation of the nation. In the books of the Law, especially in Deuteronomy, God was calling for social justice often.  Deuteronomy 32:4 refers to God as the Rock and His ways are just. He has constantly called for justice to be shown to the foreigners, widows, and fatherless. In the New Testament, we see Jesus in His ministry address this issue. He assures us that attending to the needy is as good as attending to Him. James in his letter said that true religion is attending to the needs of orphans and widows (James 1:27).

 

For application, let us be sure to include in our life a program to show social concern. We must think of the needy and less fortunate. And where we can, we must do our best to meet those needs. Then as the passage shows, we must also be sure not to allow pride to delude us and cause us to underestimate the danger of any false security in our lives. Our safest place is in God. Only in an abiding relationship with Him can we  find security and safety. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe (Proverbs 18:10).