EGW WritingsJeremiah 2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 55, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 55, 1898, par. 9

We read in Jeremiah, “Moreover the word of the Lord came to me saying, Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I remember thee in the kindness of thy youth, in the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend: evil shall come upon them, saith the Lord. Hear ye the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity and are become vain?” [Jeremiah 2:1-5.] This is again expressed in regard to after generations, who have not learned wisdom.

13LtMs, Ms 55, 1898, par. 11

The Lord speaks to His people, “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me the fountain of living water, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:11-13.]

13LtMs, Ms 55, 1898, par. 12

This prophecy is especially applicable to the very time in which we are living. “Is Israel a servant (to theories and prejudices? Have they drawn in error as their breath?) is he a home-born slave? why is he spoiled?” [Verse 14.] This question comes as the voice of God to His people at this time.

13LtMs, Ms 55, 1898, par. 13

“Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way? And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.” “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed, how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou wash thee with nitre and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God.” [Verses 17-19, 21, 22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16a, 1885, par. 39

It is a beautiful morning. We have no seasickness as yet. Last evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The broad ocean was all that we could see surrounding us, and the sun went out of sight in the broad waters. We went into the dining room to attend services. Under the Episcopalian services, prayers were read, and chapters in the Old and New Testaments that were very appropriate for the occasion. The hymns sung were excellent in sentiment. The chapter read first was in Jeremiah. The second was in the New Testament in regard to the shipwreck of Paul. I wrote eight pages and prepared a reported article for the press. We were on deck most of the time.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC88 478.2

It is by beholding that we become changed. And as those sacred precepts in which God has opened to men the perfection and holiness of his character are neglected, and the minds of the people are attracted to human teachings and theories, what marvel that there has followed a decline of living piety in the church. Saith the Lord, “They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:3.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 33—From Sinai to Kadesh

PP 377.2

As they advanced, the way became more difficult. Their route lay through stony ravine and barren waste. All around them was the great wilderness—“a land of deserts and of pits,” “a land of drought, and of the shadow of death,” “a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt.” Jeremiah 2:6. The rocky gorges, far and near, were thronged with men, women, and children, with beasts and wagons, and long lines of flocks and herds. Their progress was necessarily slow and toilsome; and the multitudes, after their long encampment, were not prepared to endure the perils and discomforts of the way.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 33—The Terrible Murmurings of God’s People

EP 264.1

As they advanced, the way became more difficult. Their route lay through stony ravine and barren waste, “a land of deserts and of pits,” “a land of drought and of the shadow of death,” “a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt.” Jeremiah 2:6. Their progress was slow and toilsome, and the multitudes were not prepared to endure the perils and discomforts of the way.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 41, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 41, 1898, par. 29

You have not preserved a vital connection with God. You have not had even a legal religion. “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” “I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye had entered ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.” This is a description to the life of what presents itself to us at the present time. “The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and they prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. Wherefore I will yet plead with you saith the Lord, and with your children’s children will I plead. ... Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.” [Jeremiah 2:13, 7-9, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 41, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 43

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” [Isaiah 28:16.] “Hath a nation changed their gods? For my people have changed their [glory] for that which doth not profit.” “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field, or shall the cold, flowing waters that cometh from another place be forsaken?” [Jeremiah 2:11; 18:14.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1266—Church Leaders to be Humble and Spirit-Filled; Board Members Not to Serve Indefinitely

[Jeremiah 2:11-13; 7:3-11; Jeremiah 17:5-10; 18:11-15, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 2, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 2, 1894, par. 8

“Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:11-13.] “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord are these. For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor; if ye oppress not the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt; then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave unto your fathers, for ever and ever. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods that ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 7:3-11.] “Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh: but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green: and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” [Jeremiah 17:5-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 1, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 40

The Lord says, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet, and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” [Isaiah 28:16, 17.] “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” “Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from a rock of the field? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up.” [Jeremiah 2:11-13; 18:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 60, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 60, 1898, par. 40

“Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave? Why is he spoiled? ... Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way. And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what has thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Jeremiah 2:11-14, 17-19.]

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 166—To O. A. Olsen

1888 1401.1

The pure principles of the publishing institution have not been stoutly maintained. “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people hath changed their glory for that which doth not profit.” (Read Jeremiah 2:11-14, 21, 22, 34.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 65, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 65, 1895, par. 17

The pure principles of the publishing institution have not been stoutly maintained. “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people hath changed their glory for that which doth not profit.” (Read Jeremiah 2:11-14, 21, 22, 34.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 122, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 122, 1895, par. 3

The pure principles of the publishing institution have not been stoutly maintained. “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people hath changed their glory for that which doth not profit.” Read Jeremiah 2:11-14, 21, 22, 34.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 35—The Influence of Perception

1MCP 332.1

Changed for the Worse—It is by beholding that we become changed. And as those sacred precepts in which God has opened to men the perfection and holiness of His character are neglected and the minds of the people are attracted to human teachings and theories, what marvel that there has followed a decline of living piety in the church. Saith the Lord, “They have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13).—The Great Controversy, 478 (1911).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 413.1

The same beautiful and expressive figures are carried throughout the Bible. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses pointed to Him as the rock of Israel’s salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15); the psalmist sang of Him as “my Redeemer,” “the rock of my strength,” “the rock that is higher than I,” “a rock of habitation,” “rock of my heart,” “rock of my refuge.” In David’s song His grace is pictured also as the cool, “still waters,” amid green pastures, beside which the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock. Again, “Thou shalt make them,” he says, “drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life.” Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9. And the wise man declares, “The wellspring of wisdom [is] as a flowing brook.” Proverbs 18:4. To Jeremiah, Christ is “the fountain of living waters;” to Zechariah, “a fountain opened ... for sin and for uncleanness.” Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1.

That I May Know Him

The Living Water, January 18

TMK 24.5

References: Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalm 19:14; 62:7; 61:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:26 (margin); 94:22; 23:2; 36:8, 9; Proverbs 18:4; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1; Isaiah 26:4 (margin); 32:2; 41:17; 44:3; 35:6; 55:1; Revelation 22:1, 17.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC 478.2

It is by beholding that we become changed. And as those sacred precepts in which God has opened to men the perfection and holiness of His character are neglected, and the minds of the people are attracted to human teachings and theories, what marvel that there has followed a decline of living piety in the church. Saith the Lord: “They have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 8a, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 14

My brother, not you only, but others also, have “hewn out cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:13.] Have you felt the necessity of feeding the flock? ... You do not yourself understand enough to teach, and you must present the lessons of Christ in a clear, distinct manner so that people may see the practical application of them and set upon them to the saving of the soul. “Without me,” says Christ, “Ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Woe will be yourself, woe will be the church, if they accept any such confused, tangled theory; these themes will lead to discouragement and despair, because there is no Christ in them; there is no more light in them than there is in the traditions and commandments of men in the days when our Lord was upon the earth. Your theories are what may be termed “vain philosophies.” [Colossians 2:8.] The people are not fed by them. You put the crib too high.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 26, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 26, 1905, par. 18

There is to be no disregard of the truths we have received and heard. By every device the enemy will seek to draw away your mind from soul-saving truth unto fables. Under his influence, many will lose their spiritual perception and hew out for themselves cisterns, “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:13.] In his work of deception Satan uses those whose faith he has been able to shake. As in the garden of Eden he spoke through the serpent, so he will speak through men who have not held firmly to the words given by One of undisputed authority.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 79a, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 79a, 1910, par. 32

This is the testimony that the Lord desires to bear to the world. His praise should be continually in our hearts and upon our lips. Such testimonies will be an influence upon others as we seek to turn men from their self-indulgent efforts to secure happiness. We must show them that we have something better than that which they are seeking. When Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman he did not reprove her for coming to draw water from Jacob’s well but he presented something of far greater value. In comparison with Jacob’s well he presented “the fountain of living waters.” [Jeremiah 2:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 142, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 142, 1898, par. 2

God declared through His prophet Jeremiah, “My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Then He asks the question, “Is Israel a servant? Is he a home born, slave? Why is he spoiled? ... Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way? And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt to drink the waters of Sihor? Or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee; know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord the God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Jeremiah 2:13, 14, 17-19.] This people reveal that notwithstanding their advantages as His chosen people they are not the light of the world.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 290.3

But Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” Jeremiah 2:21. “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” Hosea 10:1. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Isaiah 5:3-7.

Prophets and Kings

Introduction—The Vineyard of the Lord

PK 19.2

But ancient Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Isaiah 5:3-7.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

AA 15.2

Of Israel God declared: “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” Jeremiah 2:21. “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” Hosea 10:1. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

TT 11.2

Of Israel God declared: “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine?” Jeremiah 2:21.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Glorious Destiny Israel Might Have Had

SS 9.1

But ancient Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” “Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Jeremiah 2:21; Isaiah 5:4-7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 166, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 41

“I had planted thee a noble vine,” God declares, “wholly a right seed; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of strange vine unto me?” [Jeremiah 2:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 138, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 16

“My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill, and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein; and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What more could have been done to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” [Isaiah 5:1-4.] “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” [Jeremiah 2:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 141, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 141, 1902, par. 10

Shall the vines of Sodom and Gomorrah be permitted to grow in the garden of the Lord? Will the terrible judgments of God be visited upon those who know the truth, because they have not formed characters after the divine example? Will God be obliged to say of His people today, as He said of Israel, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine?” [Jeremiah 2:21.] Let us subdue self. Let us overcome every evil trait of character. Then the grapes of the Lord will once more grow on the once-flourishing vine, which will no longer bear the grapes of Sodom and the clusters of Gomorrah.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 63—The Pearl of Great Price

1SM 400.2

Sinners are under a fearful deception. They despise and reject the Saviour. They do not realize the value of the pearl offered to them, and cast it away, rendering to their Redeemer only insult and mockery. Many a woman decks herself with rings and bracelets, thinking to gain admiration, but she refuses to accept the pearl of great price, which would secure for her sanctification, honor, and eternal riches. What an infatuation is upon the minds of many! They are more charmed with earthly baubles, which glitter and shine, than with the crown of immortal life, God’s reward for loyalty. “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 53, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 53, 1896, par. 9

How strongly and brightly shines the mercy and loving-kindness of God in His dealings toward His heritage. He has said, “My people have forgotten me days without number.” [Jeremiah 2:32.] “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” [Isaiah 49:15.] All heaven has the deepest interest in our welfare, that Satan shall not control us and conform us to his character. “For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.” [Malachi 4:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 154, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 27

Sinners are under a fearful deception. They despise and reject the Saviour. They do not realize the value of the pearl offered to them, and cast it away, rendering to their Redeemer only insult and mockery. Many a woman decks herself with rings and bracelets, thinking to gain admiration, but she refuses to accept the pearl of great price, which would secure to her sanctification, honor, and eternal riches. What an infatuation is upon the minds of many! They are more charmed with earthly baubles, which glitter and shine, than with the crown of immortal life, God’s gift for loyalty. “Can a maid forget her ornaments,” He asks, “or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.” [Jeremiah 2:32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 30

Is it not wondrously strange that the perversity of the human heart makes poor souls ignorant of what is worth seeking for they think themselves possessed of superior wisdom. They set more value upon gold and silver and diamonds than on the crown of glory that fadeth not away. “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Yet in Me is found the pearl of great price.” [See Jeremiah 2:32.]