(a)(i)Outline Jeremiah's message about the sins of Judah. (ii)State two consequences of such sinfulness.

(a)(i) Jeremiah's message about the sins of Judah

Jeremiah, called to prophesy in the closing years of the kingdom of Judah, delivered a searching indictment of the nation's covenant unfaithfulness. His message may be outlined as follows:

• Forsaking the Lord, the fountain of living waters. Judah had abandoned the true God who had delivered her from Egypt and had dug for herself broken cisterns that could hold no water.
• Idolatry and Baal worship. The people bowed to the gods of the nations, set up altars on every high hill and under every green tree, and even offered their children as burnt sacrifices to Baal and Molech.
• Corrupt and empty religion. They trusted in the mere presence of the Temple, chanting "the temple of the Lord", while their hearts and conduct were far from God. Their sacrifices and feasts had become an abomination because they lacked obedience.
• Injustice and oppression. The leaders, priests and prophets shed innocent blood, oppressed the widow, the orphan and the stranger, and pursued dishonest gain.
• Moral corruption. Adultery, lying, stealing, swearing falsely and breaking of the Sabbath were common among the people.
• False prophets and faithless priests. The prophets prophesied lies and the priests ruled by their own authority, crying "Peace, peace" when there was no peace, and the people loved to have it so.
• Refusal to repent. Despite repeated warnings, Judah stiffened her neck, hardened her heart and would not return to the Lord.

(ii) Two consequences of such sinfulness

1. Invasion and destruction by Babylon. Because of her sins, Judah was overrun by Nebuchadnezzar; Jerusalem and the Temple were burnt and destroyed.
2. Exile and captivity. The people were carried away into captivity in Babylon for seventy years, losing their land, freedom and place of worship.