The Prophet Jeremiah did not want to speak Heaven’s message of divine displeasure and disaster for Israel and its leaders, but Heaven had its way. Eventually, according to tradition, Jeremiah’s reproachful preaching led to his stoning to death by Jews in Egypt, exasperated with his exhortations. Just before the March 15 lockdown in Metro Manila, this column asked, “Are quakes, Taal and Covid-19 Duterte’s punishment?” (https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/12/opinion/columnists/are-quakes-taal-and-covid-19-dutertes-punishment/702430/). The same thing happened in Israel during Jeremiah’s time, with the Israelites largely backing their rulers, even those displeasing God. Precisely why chastisement may fall upon both the leaders and the led.

Source: Manila Times August 29, 2020 16:52 UTC