M'Cheyne Summary

Overview of Matthew 26 Matthew 26 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, marking the transition from Jesus’ public ministry and teaching to the events leading directly to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The chapter is rich with themes of betrayal, devotion, suffering, and fulfillment, capturing some of the most intense and poignant moments in the New Testament narrative. Major Sections and Events The Conspiracy to Arrest Jesus (Verses 1-5) Jesus announces that the Passover is near and explicitly tells His disciples that the Son of Man will be “delivered up to be crucified”. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders plot to arrest and kill Jesus, though they plan to avoid doing so during the feast to prevent unrest among the crowds. The Anointing at Bethany (Verses 6-13) While at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus’ head with expensive perfume. The disciples object to the “waste,” but Jesus defends her, stating that she has anointed Him in prepara...

Jeremiah 12 is a profound chapter in which the prophet Jeremiah engages in a personal and challenging dialogue with God about the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. It captures Jeremiah’s emotional struggle with understanding divine justice amid a corrupt and hostile environment. Key themes and structure of Jeremiah 12: Jeremiah’s Complaint and Questions (Verses 1-4): Jeremiah acknowledges God’s righteousness but questions why the wicked seem to prosper while he and the faithful suffer. He is troubled by seeing evildoers living comfortably and causing destruction, even though God is aware of his faithfulness and integrity. Jeremiah essentially pleads for God to judge the wicked who plot against him and brings harm to the land, asking, “How long will the land mourn because of the evil of its inhabitants?” This portion reflects Jeremiah’s personal crisis, especially given the conspiracies against his life by his own people at Anathoth (Jeremiah 11:19...

Acts 3 describes a remarkable event early in the Christian church that showcases the power of faith in Jesus Christ through the apostles Peter and John. Here is a detailed overview based on the biblical text and scholarly commentary: Setting: Peter and John are going to the temple in Jerusalem at the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.), the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1). At the Beautiful Gate of the temple, they encounter a man who was lame from birth, who was laid there daily to beg for alms. The Miracle: Instead of giving money, Peter commands the man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to "rise up and walk." Immediately, the man's feet and ankles are strengthened, and he stands, walks, and enters the temple praising God (Acts 3:2-10). This miracle surprises and amazes those who recognize the formerly lame beggar. Peter’s Sermon: Addressing the crowd gathered by the miracle, Peter emphasizes that the healing was not by their power or piety but by faith in Jesus, whom they h...

Joshua 23 is a chapter where Joshua, now old and advanced in years, delivers his first farewell address to the leaders and people of Israel. The key themes and messages in Joshua 23 can be summarized as follows: Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness in delivering them from their enemies and giving them the Promised Land. He emphasizes that all their victories and successes were because the Lord had fought for them (Joshua 23:3). Joshua calls the people to strong obedience to the Law of Moses , urging them to carefully obey everything written in the book of the law without turning aside to the right or left (Joshua 23:6). A crucial warning is given against intermingling with the remaining nations and their idolatrous practices . Joshua repeatedly warns that if Israel associates with these nations, adopts their gods, or intermarriages, these alliances will become snares leading to their downfall (Joshua 23:12-13). Joshua stresses the importance of separation f...

Matthew 25 is a significant chapter in the Bible that contains three major teachings of Jesus, each emphasizing essential aspects of life in the Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) This parable teaches the importance of being prepared for Christ’s return. Ten virgins take lamps to meet the bridegroom; five wise ones bring extra oil, and five foolish do not. When the bridegroom is delayed, only the prepared virgins are ready to enter the wedding feast, symbolizing the necessity of spiritual readiness and vigilance because the exact time of Jesus’ return is unknown. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Here, Jesus illustrates faithful stewardship of God-given resources. A man entrusts his servants with "talents" (a large sum of money) before leaving. Two servants invest and double their talents, while the third hides his out of fear. The master rewards the faithful servants with praise and greater responsibility but condemns the thir...

Overview of Jeremiah 11 Jeremiah 11 is a pivotal chapter in which the prophet Jeremiah delivers a stern message from God concerning the covenant between the Lord and Israel, highlighting the consequences of the people’s persistent disobedience and unfaithfulness. The chapter is structured around the themes of covenant, conspiracy, and divine judgment, while also reflecting the personal cost Jeremiah endures for speaking God’s words. Key Themes and Structure The Covenant Recalled (Jeremiah 11:1–5) God commands Jeremiah to announce the terms of the covenant to the people of Judah and Jerusalem—obedience brings blessing, but disobedience brings a curse. This covenant, rooted in the Exodus narrative, was foundational to Israel’s identity and relationship with God. Prophetic Warnings Ignored (Jeremiah 11:6–8) Despite repeated warnings through prophets, the people refuse to listen or reform, activating the curses of the covenant. Their ancestors had also failed to keep the covenant, lead...

Acts 2 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament that details the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost , the empowerment of the disciples , and the birth of the Christian Church . Here is a comprehensive overview based on the research: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2 begins with the disciples gathered on the day of Pentecost, when suddenly a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. This event filled them with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak in various languages they had not learned. This miraculous ability allowed them to communicate the gospel across diverse nations represented in Jerusalem. Speaking in Tongues and the Crowd's Reaction: The crowd was astonished because each person heard the disciples speaking in their own native tongue, which highlighted the Spirit’s supernatural work. Some mocked the disciples, accusing them of being drunk, but Peter rejected this mockery, clarifying that it was too early in the day to be ...

Joshua 22 describes the events following the conquest of Canaan, focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who were assigned land east of the Jordan River. After assisting in the conquest, these tribes were sent back to their territories by Joshua with a strong exhortation to obey God's law, love the LORD, and continue supporting their fellow Israelites as one united people under true worship of God. The key points and themes of Joshua 22 include: Sending the Eastern Tribes Home : Joshua blesses these tribes and sends them home with substantial wealth and livestock. He charges them to carefully obey God's commandments and serve Him wholeheartedly. The Altar Controversy : When the returning eastern tribes reach their land, they build an imposing altar near the Jordan River. The western tribes view this as a rebellion, fearing that the altar represents a rival place of worship and that the eastern tribes are abandoning the covenant with God. Mis...

Matthew 24 is a significant chapter in the New Testament where Jesus answers key questions posed by His disciples about the future, including the destruction of the temple, His coming, and the end of the age. This chapter is known for its complexity and varying interpretations among scholars and believers alike. Key points and interpretation of Matthew 24: Context and Setting: The chapter begins with Jesus and His disciples near the temple in Jerusalem. The disciples admire the temple buildings, and Jesus predicts its complete destruction, saying not one stone will be left upon another. This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the temple. Disciples’ Questions: The disciples privately ask Jesus three questions: When will the temple be destroyed? What will be the sign of His coming? What will be the sign of the end of the age? Two Main Themes: Jesus' answers address two distinct events: The imminent destruction of Jerusalem and the temple withi...

Jeremiah 10 is a chapter in the Book of Jeremiah that strongly condemns idolatry and contrasts the impotence of idols with the greatness and sovereignty of the true God, Yahweh. It addresses both the people of Israel and the surrounding nations, emphasizing the foolishness of worshipping man-made gods and calling the Israelites to trust in the living God alone. Key Themes and Content of Jeremiah 10 Rebuke of Idolatry: The chapter opens with a command to Israel to not learn the ways of the heathen or be dismayed by their astrological practices, which were based on false gods and superstitions. The idols, often crafted from wood and silver, are described as lifeless and powerless—unable to speak, move, or help their worshipers in times of trouble. This highlights the folly of idol worship compared to the living God. Contrast Between God and Idols: The true God is portrayed as the creator of the earth and heavens, who commands the elements and whose name is "great" and ...

Acts 1 serves as the opening chapter of the Book of Acts and focuses on the final moments of Jesus' earthly ministry, His instructions to the disciples, and His ascension into heaven. Here are the key points from Acts 1 based on research: Connection to the Gospel of Luke : Acts 1 begins by referencing a "first book," understood to be the Gospel of Luke, addressing Theophilus. Luke wrote both books as a two-volume work to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life and the early Church (Acts 1:1-2). Jesus' Post-Resurrection Ministry : After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over 40 days, providing convincing proofs that He was alive and teaching them about the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that He is restoring God's Kingdom beginning with Israel (Acts 1:3). This ties back to themes from the Gospel of Luke and Old Testament prophecies (Acts 1:3). Promise of the Holy Spirit : Jesus instructs the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the ...

Joshua chapters 20 and 21 describe two key aspects of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership: the designation of cities of refuge and the allocation of Levitical cities. Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge God instructs Joshua to designate six cities of refuge across Israel—three on each side of the Jordan River (west: Kadesh in Naphtali, Shechem in Ephraim, Hebron in Judah; east: Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gad, Golan in Manasseh). These cities serve as sanctuaries for people who have accidentally killed another person unintentionally (manslayers). They provide protection from the "avenger of blood" who might seek revenge. The manslayer must present themselves to the city elders, be admitted, and remain in the city until they have stood trial and until the death of the high priest at the time, after which they may safely return home without fear of retribution. This system prevents the shedding of innocent blood and ensures fair ju...

Matthew 23 is a chapter in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus delivers a stern and comprehensive condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees , the religious leaders of His time. This chapter is significant for its powerful denunciation of hypocrisy, legalism, and spiritual blindness among the Jewish elite, who were supposed to lead the people but instead obstructed true righteousness. Key Themes and Content of Matthew 23: Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples , warning them about the scribes and Pharisees who sit in "Moses' seat"—meaning they hold religious authority—and instructs people to follow their teachings but not their example because they do not practice what they preach (Matthew 23:1-3). The chapter is best known for the “7 Woes” that Jesus pronounces against these leaders. These woes highlight various forms of hypocrisy such as: Shutting the kingdom of heaven in people's faces while not entering themselves (v.13). Exploiting others with burdens...

Jeremiah 9 is a powerful and sorrowful chapter in which the prophet Jeremiah expresses deep grief over the sinful condition of his people and the coming judgment from God. It highlights themes of lamentation , deceit , unfaithfulness , judgment , desolation , and ultimately the call to know God as the true source of wisdom and hope. Key points from Jeremiah 9 include: The Prophet's Lament : Jeremiah wishes he could weep endlessly for the slain and suffering of his people because of their rebellion and coming punishment (Jeremiah 9:1-2). He even wishes to find a place far away from them due to their pervasive unfaithfulness, calling them adulterers—a metaphor for spiritual infidelity to God. Deceit and Falsehood : The chapter details a society overwhelmed by lies, treachery, and betrayal. "Their tongue is a bow that shoots lies," leading to pervasive deception even among friends and kin. Truth is scarce, and dishonesty wears people out (Jeremiah 9:3-6). God’s Refin...

Psalms 149 and 150 are the final chapters of the Book of Psalms and serve as a grand, jubilant conclusion emphasizing praise and worship of God . Psalm 149: Praise and Victory for God’s People It calls the faithful to "sing to the Lord a new song" and rejoice in God as their Maker and King. The psalm insists on praising God with dancing, music (timbrel and harp), and joyful singing , depicting worship as a full-bodied, communal celebration . God delights in His people, especially the humble, crowning them with victory (Psalm 149:4). Interestingly, it juxtaposes worship with a readiness for spiritual conflict, symbolized by the "double-edged sword" in the hands of the faithful (verses 6-9), signifying God's justice and power to execute vengeance on nations opposing His will. This psalm highlights the believer’s joy in God and the honor of being part of His faithful people. Psalm 150: Universal Call to Praise with Instruments It begins and ends with t...

Joshua chapters 18 and 19 detail the division of the remaining Promised Land among the seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance, following the earlier allotments to Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River. Key Elements from Joshua 18: Assembly at Shiloh: The entire congregation of Israel gathered at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was set up. Although the land was largely subdued, seven tribes had not yet received their land portions. Joshua urged them to stop delaying and possess the land the Lord had given them. Survey and Division of Land: Joshua ordered that three men from each of the seven tribes be sent out to survey and write a detailed description of the land allotted for inheritance. This survey was to be divided into seven parts, reflecting the areas to be allotted. Judah was to remain in the south, and the house of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) in the north. Casting Lots: After the survey party return...

Matthew 22 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Matthew that contains several key teachings and interactions involving Jesus, particularly focused on themes of authority, the kingdom of God, resurrection, and the greatest commandments. Here is a comprehensive overview based on biblical commentary and studies: Jesus' Encounter with Opponents and Their Attempts to Trap Him : The chapter opens with various groups—the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians—trying to trap Jesus with difficult questions. For example, in Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees and Herodians question Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, attempting to catch Him in a political trap. Jesus perceives their hypocrisy and replies cleverly, stating, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," highlighting the priority of divine obligations over earthly powers. Jesus’ Response to the Sadducees on Resurrection : The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, pr...

Jeremiah 8 is a powerful chapter in which the prophet Jeremiah delivers a solemn message about Judah’s persistent sin, refusal to repent, and the resulting divine judgment. The chapter is both a warning and a lament that exposes the spiritual decay and moral failure of the people, while also inviting self-reflection and a call for repentance. Key themes and contents of Jeremiah 8 include: Desecration of the Graves (verses 1-3): God predicts a calamity where the bones of Jerusalem’s leaders, priests, prophets, and people will be exposed to the elements they once worshiped, such as the sun, moon, and stars. Their bones will not be gathered for burial but left scattered as a sign of judgment and disgrace. Refusal to Repent (verses 4-7): Despite it being natural to return after falling, the people stubbornly refuse to repent and turn back to God. Jeremiah contrasts their spiritual blindness with the instinctual migration of birds, which know their seasons, to highlight their stubbor...

Psalm 148 is a biblical psalm of worship that calls on all creation—angels, humans, natural elements, and cosmic bodies—to praise their Creator . It emphasizes that everything that exists owes its existence and purpose to God and therefore is summoned to offer praise to Him. Key Themes and Structure Universal Praise: The psalm begins and ends with the Hebrew word hallelujah ("praise Yah"), which serves both as a call and an exclamation to offer praise to God. Heavenly and Earthly Realms: It is structured in two main sections: The heavens and their inhabitants (angels, sun, moon, stars, and "waters above the heavens") are called to praise God (verses 1-6). The earth and its inhabitants (sea creatures, mountains, trees, animals, young and old humans, kings, and princes) are then invited to praise God (verses 7-14). Reasons for Praise: The psalmist reminds that God alone is exalted above earth and heaven and that God has given strength ("raised a horn...

Joshua chapters 16 and 17 focus on the allocation of the Promised Land to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh , who are descendants of Joseph. These chapters detail the territorial boundaries assigned to these tribes and highlight their incomplete conquest of the land, as well as their responses to their inheritance. Summary of Joshua 16 The chapter outlines the specific boundaries and cities allotted to the tribe of Ephraim , including towns such as Bethel and Gezer. The territory of Joseph’s descendants extended from the Jordan River near Jericho across the wilderness into the hill country. Despite receiving this inheritance, the people of Ephraim and Manasseh did not completely drive out the Canaanites living among them. Instead, the Canaanites continued to live in some towns and were subjected to forced labor rather than being expelled (Joshua 16:10-12). This incomplete obedience led to ongoing struggles and partially compromised Israelite faithfulness to God’s commands. Su...

Matthew 21 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Matthew that begins the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, often called Passion Week. It highlights Jesus’ kingly authority, His zeal for true worship, and the importance of faith, while confronting religious hypocrisy and unbelief. Key events and themes in Matthew 21 include: The Triumphal Entry (verses 1-11): Jesus instructs two disciples to fetch a donkey and her colt, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy about the Messiah’s peaceful arrival (riding a donkey). Jesus enters Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds spreading cloaks and branches, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David,” recognizing Him as the promised King. This event publicly declares Jesus as the Messiah and King and stirs the city’s attention. Cleansing the Temple (verses 12-17): Jesus enters the temple and overturns the tables of money changers and merchants, condemning them for turning the house of prayer into a “den of robbers.” He shows His passion for righteousnes...

Jeremiah 7 is a prophetic chapter where the Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah, delivers a stern rebuke to the people of Judah. This chapter focuses on a call for genuine repentance and warnings against false trust in the temple as a guarantee of God’s protection despite sinful behavior. Key themes and content of Jeremiah 7 include: Call to Reform: God commands the people to "reform your ways and your actions" and promises that if they do so, He will allow them to continue living in their land (Jeremiah 7:3-7). Authentic repentance is described as justice between neighbors, protecting the vulnerable (foreigners, widows, fatherless), avoiding violence, and rejecting idolatry. False Security in the Temple: The people falsely believe that because they worship at the Temple, they will be safe regardless of their immoral actions. Jeremiah condemns this trust in deceptive words like “This is the temple of the Lord” as worthless, warning that mere presence or ritual witho...

Psalms 146 and 147 are part of the final five Psalms (146–150) known as the Hallelujah Psalms, which are characterized by exuberant praise and a focus on God's eternal reign and care for creation and people. Psalm 146 Main theme: The superiority of God over earthly rulers and the reasons why trust should be placed in God alone rather than in human princes or leaders. Key points: The psalmist opens with a call to praise the Lord all one’s life, emphasizing continuous worship (146:1-2). Trust should not be placed in humans who are mortal and whose plans fail with their death (146:3-4). God is described as the eternal Maker of heaven and earth, faithful forever (146:5-6). God acts justly by upholding oppressed people, feeding the hungry, freeing prisoners, giving sight to the blind, lifting those bowed down, and loving the righteous (146:7-9). God watches over foreigners, sustains the fatherless and widows, and frustrates the wicked (146:9). The Lord reigns forever, a reign...

Joshua chapters 14 and 15 focus primarily on the division of the Promised Land , particularly emphasizing the allotment given to the tribe of Judah and the notable figure Caleb. Joshua 14: Caleb's Inheritance and Faith Caleb, from the tribe of Judah and one of the original spies sent by Moses 45 years earlier, approaches Joshua to claim the land promised to him by God through Moses because of his wholehearted faith and obedience. Despite being 85 years old, Caleb boldly requests the hill country of Hebron, which was inhabited by the Anakites—giants who had intimidated others. Joshua blesses Caleb and grants him Hebron. Caleb then drives out the Anakites from the area, fulfilling God's promise. Caleb’s faithfulness is highlighted repeatedly, described as "wholly following the Lord," a testament to his unique spirit different from the other spies who feared the inhabitants of the land. Joshua 15: The Territory of Judah Chapter 15 describes in detail the border...

Matthew 20 is a significant chapter in the Gospel of Matthew that encapsulates key teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven , focusing on themes of grace, service, humility, and faith . The chapter contains a parable, predictions of Jesus' death, and teachings on greatness and service. Here is a detailed overview: 1. Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers at different times throughout the day to work in his vineyard but pays them all the same wage, a denarius. Those hired first expected to receive more than those hired later, but the employer pays all equally, sparking complaints from the early workers. The landowner responds that he has the right to be generous and pay all workers equally regardless of their hours worked. Jesus concludes by teaching that "the last will be first, and the first last," illustrating God's grace and the unexpected way rewards are given in His kingdom....

Jeremiah 6 portrays a dramatic and urgent warning from God through the prophet Jeremiah concerning the impending judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah due to their persistent sin and rebellion. The chapter is rich with vivid imagery and repeated calls for repentance, all set against the backdrop of coming catastrophe. Key Themes 1. Urgent Warning and Call to Flee Jeremiah 6:1–2 commands the people of Benjamin to flee from Jerusalem, signaling the seriousness of the approaching disaster. This warning is both literal (encouraging immediate action to avoid danger) and symbolic (highlighting the spiritual threat of ignoring divine warnings). Military Imagery: The text describes preparations for siege: enemies are instructed to cut trees and build mounds around Jerusalem, emphasizing that the city is the target of God’s judgment. 2. Consequences of Persistent Sin Jerusalem’s Wickedness: The city is described as “full of oppression” and “wickedness,” both in its treatment of people a...

Psalm 145 is widely regarded as a pinnacle of worship within the Book of Psalms, composed by King David. It is notable for its balance in portraying both the majesty and the compassion of God, and for its use as an acrostic in Hebrew—each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (with the exception of a missing nun verse, a topic of textual criticism, which some ancient manuscripts and translations restore). Structure and Key Themes Acrostic Design: Most verses of Psalm 145 proceed with a successive Hebrew letter, serving as both a poetic device and a memory aid for recitation. Themes of Praise and Sovereignty: The psalm is a hymn of praise, extolling God as worthy of worship for His greatness, goodness, and kindness. David emphasizes God’s omnipotence and benevolence, declaring that the Lord is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (verse 8). God’s Dominion and Care: The psalm highlights God’s everlasting kingdom and His ...

Overview of Joshua 12-13 Joshua chapters 12 and 13 are pivotal in the Book of Joshua as they transition from the conquest phase to the settlement of the Promised Land. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these chapters: Joshua 12 Conquests Overview : This chapter summarizes the military campaigns led by both Moses and Joshua, detailing the kings and territories conquered by the Israelites. It serves as a capstone to the first major section of Joshua, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. East Side of Jordan : Verses 1-6 focus on the victories achieved by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River before the Israelites crossed into Canaan. Key kings defeated include Sihon and Og, rulers of regions from Bashan to Moab. The land conquered east of the Jordan was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. West Side of Jordan : Verses 7-24 list the 31 kings defeated by Joshua west of the Jordan River. This comprehensive list ...

Matthew 19 is a chapter in the New Testament where Jesus teaches about several important topics, including marriage and divorce, the place of children in the kingdom of heaven, and the challenge of wealth in relation to eternal life. Key themes and events in Matthew 19 include: Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce : Jesus affirms God's original design for marriage as a lifelong union. He emphasizes that divorce was permitted because of the hardness of people's hearts but was not God's ideal. Jesus teaches that anyone who divorces except for sexual immorality and marries another commits adultery. Jesus welcoming children : When disciples rebuke parents bringing children to Jesus, He insists that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these and invites children to come to Him, highlighting the value of childlike faith. The encounter with the rich young ruler : A young man asks Jesus what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus references keeping t...

Jeremiah 5 is a powerful chapter centered on the widespread corruption, injustice, and unfaithfulness in Jerusalem and Judah, highlighting God's impending judgment because of these conditions. Key Themes and Content of Jeremiah 5: Search for Righteousness: God commands Jeremiah to search the streets and squares of Jerusalem for even one person who is upright, deals honestly, and seeks the truth (verse 1). God promises forgiveness for the city if even one such person is found. However, Jeremiah finds none. The people repeatedly swear by the Lord’s name but do so falsely, showing hypocrisy and deceit (verses 1-2). Resistance to Repentance: Despite God's previous judgments and discipline, the people have hardened their hearts and refused to repent , even when struck or corrected (verse 3). Jeremiah initially hopes that the common poor, who may be ignorant of God's ways, are the problem, but later discovers that the leaders, who know God’s laws, are also rebellious and ...