The conspiracy of Anathoth.
This incident may afford us some lessens on the subject of persecution, in its occasion and character, the behavior of the persecuted and the righteous action of God in dealing with it.
I. THE OCCASION OF THE CONSPIRACY ILLUSTRATES A COMMON CAUSE OF PERSECUTION. Jeremiah had been proclaiming unwelcome truths. He had exposed sin and threatened judgment. Such preaching was unpopular, and the men of Anathoth sought to stay it by force (Verse 21).
1. The faithful preacher must expect to meet with opposition. Unpopularity is no proof of incompetence (i.e. if it arises from the subject-matter of the teaching, not from the style of the teacher). Christ, who began his mission with public favor, ended it amidst universal contumely.
2. The most needful truth is the most unwelcome. The smooth words of false prophets of "peace" are acceptable. But they are narcotics given to men who should be roused to flee for their lives. The only hope for those who are spending wicked lives is in their being awakened to a sense of guilt and danger. The effort to awaken them, however, stirs their resentment.
II. THE CONDUCT OF THE CONSPIRATORS REVEALS THE TRUE CHARACTER OF PERSECUTORS.
1. It is foolish. Truth cannot be destroyed by suppressing the voice that utters it. Some day it will declare itself in spite of all hindrance.
2. It is unfair. Words are met by force. To silence a voice is not to reply to it. Violent opposition to the spread of ideas is a tacit confession of inability to meet them on their own ground of reason, a virtual confession of their force of truth.
3. It is destructive of social order. Jeremiah's fellow-townsmen conspire against him. The persecuting spirit divides nearest neighbors. It is the greatest enemy to brotherly charity (Matthew 10:36).
4. It is treacherous. While Jeremiah was ignorant of their enmity—led like a lamb to the slaughter—the men of Anathoth were plotting against his life.
5. It is murderous. The tree is to be destroyed with its fruit. Professing a good purpose, persecution is invariably possessed by a cruel spirit.
6. It covers enmity to God in opposition to his servants. Jeremiah was bidden no longer to prophesy in the Name of Jehovah. It could not be denied that he spoke with Divine authority. Therefore to silence him was to refuse to receive the message of God.
III. THE BEHAVIOR OF THE VICTIM EXEMPLIFIES THE RIGHT COURSE TO BE PURSUED UNDER PERSECUTION.
I. Not to desist from the duty which provoked the persecution. Jeremiah met with little but opposition throughout his long life; yet he remained faithful to the last.
2. Not to rashly embrace danger. Jeremiah sought deliverance. It is childish to court persecution.
3. To seek help from God. Jeremiah at once committed his cause to God. God alone
IV. THE ACTION OF GOD TYPIFIES THE ULTIMATE EXECUTION OF DIVINE JUDGMENT.
1. Punishment must follow such wickedness. Though it is delayed, the vengeance must come.
2. This punishment will be severe. "The young men shall die by the sword," the children by famine. Fearful sin must bring fearful penalties.
3. This punishment will be without exception. No remnant of the men of Anathoth will be spared. All are guilty; all must suffer. There is a popular impression to the effect that the number of sinful persons lessens the blame attaching to each individual. It is a mistake. If all sin, each will be punished individually as much as if one only were guilty. No conspiracy of men, however widespread, however subtle in schemes, however violent in action, can defeat the ends of Divine justice (Proverbs 11:21).