The last of the righteous and faithful kings of Israel, Josiah, died in 609 BC. He was a reforming king who relentlessly called the people of Judah to return to the Lord, be faithful to the covenant, and live righteous lives. Jeremiah was a prophet who echoed Josiah’s message with fiery language
All week the first reading has been from the section of Jeremiah that could be called the chapters of “Idolatry, Injustice, and the Coming Judgment.” Today’s message is no different with the warning that the fate that awaits Jerusalem and its Temple is the same fate suffered by the city of Shiloh (Jer 26:4-6). What was the fate of Shiloh?
Shiloh was a city in ancient Israel that was established as a sanctuary city when the people entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. It was the city that was home to the Tabernacle/Tent of Meeting and the Ark of the Covenant – the presence of God among the people during the Exodus and now when settled in the land. This is 300-350 years before Jerusalem became the capital and the Temple was built. In other words, Shiloh was the center of Israelite worship and presence of the Lord among his covenant people. The etymology of the word “Shiloh” likely translates as “tranquility town.”
How did “Shiloh” end up as a curse?
After the time of the Judges and of the Prophet Samuel, the people of the Northern tribes were well on their way down the path of “unbecoming” the People of God and of the Covenant. The list of transgressions is long and a harbinger of what was to come. When the Israelites went to war against the Philistines, they took the Ark into battle as though it were a “lucky charm.” The Philistines roundly defeated the Israelites, captured the Ark, and destroyed Shiloh.
Jeremiah used the example of Shiloh to warn the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem what God would do, warning them that their holy city, Jerusalem, like Shiloh, could fall under divine judgment.
Lest all this become “ancient history, we are a people that have the sanctuary of the Church, the presence of God in the tabernacle, the testimony of the Prophets and Law, and the revelation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as the fulfillment of all the covenant promises. The question that we should engage is to discern what part of our life is like that of the people of Shiloh then or Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s time? Do we walk the law laid before us? Do we listen to the prophets of Scripture and of our time?
Jeremiah Chapter 7 is referred to as “The Temple Sermon.” Take a moment to follow the link and read the chapter. From this and the first reading for today the warning for us is don’t treat the Eucharist, the Word of God, the Sacraments, the Church and your participation in these things as your “lucky charm” that will ward off evil and keep enemies at bay. These moments of grace are provided so that we turn (and keep turning) towards the Lord in true worship and in a life that reflects that relationship with God.
Note: If you like to read a short item on Jeremiah 7 check out FriarMusings on the Temple Sermon.
Image credit: The Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo, fresco on ceiling of Sistine Chapel, Vatican City | Public Domain