Prophet Jeremiah stated that the chastisement of Jerusalem was more severe than the judgment on Sodom. (Lamentations 4:6) Jeremiah had seen the glorious city of Jerusalem, which was reduced to ruins by the ruthless Babylonians. He lamented for the city, which was chosen by God, but not judged by Him. The comparison of the destruction of Jerusalem and Sodom highlights the severe or extreme nature of God’s judgment on His chosen people. God does not show favour to Israel, though they were the treasured possession; indeed, He was more severe with them. (Exodus 19:15; Romans 2:11)
Swift destruction: Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed swiftly. No human hands were involved. Fire and brimstone rained from heaven, and the city was destroyed. People died in a moment; there was an extended time of pain, agony, tears, and groaning. The cities were levelled, all inhabitants died, and the whole region became a wasteland. (Genesis 19)
Prolonged suffering of Jerusalem: In contrast, the suffering of Jerusalem happened over an extended time. The people of God had the covenant, promises, the Law, the Temple, sacrifices, and teachers of the Law. Yet they became stubborn, and their hearts hardened. Hence, invited the judgment of God. Many were victims of the invasion, died in battle or were maimed in the fight. Some were taken as slaves and exiled to a foreign land. It was followed by famine, abandonment, lack of dignity, and shame. It also included the seventy years of Babylonian exile. Jeremiah acknowledges that the judgment on Jerusalem was the consequence of waywardness, spiritual adultery, rejecting God’s Word, violence, and unrighteousness.
Warning for Christians: Those who do not know but sin will receive a light beating. Those who know are expected to be sober, sensitive and live according to the light received. Otherwise, they deserve a severe beating. (Luke 12:47-48) Christians who know the gospel, the Word of God, are expected to be teachers to the world. If they sin, they will be judged more strictly than those who do not know the Bible. (James 3:1)
Do I understand that the Holy God judges in righteousness?