Some favoured an alliance with the East; some preferred the friendship of the West; others, a course of diplomatic dalliance; a few stood out for honest independence.  Some said that what the country needed was an increase of wealth; some held that a splendid and luxurious court like that of Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar would bring prosperity; others maintained that the troubles of the land could be healed only by a return to “simpler manners, purer laws.”  Among the nobility and their followers all kinds of novelties in the worship of idols were in fashion and new gods were imported every season.  The philosophers cultivated a discreet indifference to all religious questions.  The prophets taught that the only salvation for the nation lay in the putting away of idolatry and the revival of faith in the living and true God.

Judah was like a man standing at the cross-roads, on a stormy night, with all the guide-posts blown down.  Meantime the Babylonian foe was closing in around Jerusalem, and it was necessary to do something, or die.

The liberty of choice was an embarrassment.  The minds of men alternated between that rash haste which is ready to follow any leader who makes noise enough, and that skeptical spirit which doubts whether any line of action can be right because so many lines are open.  Into this atmosphere of fever and fog came the word of the prophet.  Let us consider what it means.

Stand ye in the ways and see:  that means deliberation.  When you are at a junction it is no time to shut your eyes and run at full speed.  Where there are so many ways some of them are likely to be wrong.  A turning-point is the place for prudence and forethought.

Ask for the old paths, what is the good way:  that means guidance.  No man is forced to face the problems of life alone.  Other men have tried the different ways.  Peace, prosperity, victory have been won by the nation in former times.  Inquire of the past how these blessings were secured.  Look for the path which has already led to safety and happiness.  Let history teach you which among all these crossing ways is the best to follow.

And walk therein:  that means action.  When you have deliberated, when you have seen the guiding light upon the way of security and peace, then go ahead.  Prudence is worthless unless you put it into practice.  When in doubt do nothing; but as long as you do nothing you will be in doubt.  Never man or nation was saved by inaction.  The only way out of danger is the way into work.  Gird up your loins, trembling Judah, and push along your chosen path, steadily, bravely, strenuously, until you come to your promised rest.

Now I am sure this was good counsel that the prophet gave to his people in the days of perplexity.  It would have been well for them if they had followed it I am sure it is also good counsel for us, a word of God to steady us and stimulate us amid life’s confusions.  Let me make it a personal message to you.