3:1,2
This chapter will finish on a much more hopeful and cheerful note! But before we get there I am afraid that there is more judgement to deal with. The focus now turns back to Jerusalem. “Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!” As usual, God does not mince His words. Jerusalem was rebellious, accepting no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, and does not seek to draw near to Him. These are the things that she should be doing. Now Israel is a microcosm of the whole world, and the whole world is guilty of these sins. Rebellion is man’s problem.
3:3-5
The officials and rulers should be looking after the people, but instead they exploited the people. The religious leaders were no better. They should have been men of God, having godly principles, and honouring God. Instead they were treacherous and profaned the sanctuary. These things were exhibited among the religious leaders when Jesus was on earth. A good society needs civic leaders who uphold justice and seek to protect people, and it needs religious leaders who are dedicated to the Lord.
In contrast, the Lord is righteous and perfect in every way. He dispenses justice. Men can only get away with injustice for so long, at some point their evil will catch up with them. But the unrighteous know no shame. Sadly the things spoken about here are very much reflected in our own society.
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