The people of Judah implemented what might best be described as "superficial" reforms after the "book of the law" was found while repair work was being done on the temple during the reign of King Josiah. (See 2 Kings 22:8.) The book is believed to have been either the book of Deuteronomy or the entire books of Moses.
During a great portion of his early ministry, Jeremiah warned the people that religious rites in the temple were worthless in the absence of individual righteousness. He declared that the temple would be destroyed. A commentary in the John A. Dickson Publishing Company's King James Bible states: "It [Jeremiah's prophecyT stung the people, and they declared that the statement concerning the temple was blasphemy, which, according to their law, was punishable by death, and demanded that the prophet be immediately executed. They listened, however, to the counsels of his friends and the nobles who supported Josiah. They cited the instance of Micah's prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem to which Hezekiah and the people gave heed and thus averted the judgment. . . .
"In all Jewish history there is no greater, nobler instance of courage and heroism than was displayed by Jeremiah combating singlehanded the forces of evil about him. There he stands in the midst of godless princes, false prophets and the weak king denouncing sin and predicting disaster with death staring him in the face.
"This is more remarkable when we consider that he was a shy, peace-loving man possessed of a super-sensitive nature. He was accused of treason, charged with favoring the Chaldeans, thrown into prison and ever in danger of losing his life, but his one ruling passion was absolute fidelity to Jehovah in the faithful utterance of his message to his sinful, degenerate nation. His words were spoken with a pathos that can be appreciated and interpreted only by the spirit that can come into full communion with the prophet's soul."
Babylon captured Judah and destroyed the temple. The people of Judah finally were carried away captive into Babylon.
The Dickson commentary states: "How inspiring have been his unwavering faith and devotion to tried souls in trying times."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Elder Woodruff relates mission to prophecy
By observing the sabbath, people forsake wickedness
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Source: Commentary in the John A. Dickson Publishing Company's King James Bible.