Israel during Jeremiah's time was at a crossroads, literally and figuratively. One of the reasons the land that Israel occupied was fought over so in ancient times was that it stood at the crossroads of civilization. People coming from the north or east had to go through Israel to get to Egypt and vice versa. The spice trains, the lumber, the jewels, all were carried through that area, and whoever controlled the area controlled commerce.
The people of Israel were at a crossroads with their God as well. They had given control of their lives over to other gods, and they were at a point where they had to choose which route they were going to take. Jeremiah's pleas first to the people and then to the leaders fell on deaf ears.
So I will go to the leaders
and speak to them;
surely they know the way of the LORD,
the requirements of their God."
But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke
and torn off the bonds. - Jer. 5:5 NIV
This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
I appointed watchmen over you and said,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But you said, 'We will not listen.' - Jer. 6:16-17 NIV
The people felt they were free. It was their life to do with as they pleased. They had broken off the yoke of the Lord and were running after their own course. Instead of choosing the good way, they were heading for disaster, but they didn't want to hear about it.
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