Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
In Jeremiah 2:18–19 God mocks Israel for going to Egypt/Assyria “to drink the waters” of their enemies; what are the modern equivalents of “drinking” from hostile sources for security or identity, and how can a church tell when it has started seeking protection from the world rather than from God?
Another way to ask: God makes fun of Israel for running to Egypt and Assyria for help and “drinking their water.” What are today’s versions of looking to enemies or ungodly sources for safety or identity, and how can a church tell it’s trusting the world more than God?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript frames “drinking” from Egypt/Assyria as seeking life, protection, or identity from sources opposed to God—essentially “the world”—instead of from the Lord. A church can tell it’s doing this when it looks outside God for saving help, rather than returning to obedience and trusting God as the only fountain.
- Jeremiah’s image: “What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters…?… in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?”
- The speaker admits he’s “not sure exactly what historical significance” but emphasizes, “they were Israel’s enemies.”
- He draws the main point clearly: “You cannot look to your enemies for life. You cannot look to… the world for life and protection.”
- He connects it to idolatry: God asks, “Where are thy gods… Let them arise if they can save thee in time of trouble.”
- He interprets the spiritual diagnosis: “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee… it is an evil thing and bitter… my fear is not in thee.”