Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 5:20-25

"Declare ye this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying, Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it? and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it. But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear Jehovah our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in its season; that preserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good from you." — Jeremiah 5:20-25 (ASV)

1. Here, he shows the folly of a sinful people.

1. He describes the foolishness itself: hear, O foolish people, who have no heart; who have eyes, externally, but do not see with the heart. Blind the heart of this people (Isaiah 6:10).
2. He proves it in two ways:
   1. Through a comparison with unthinking creatures, noting their obedience: therefore, will you not fear me? Sand (the shore); they shall be moved (that is, the waves, no matter how much they are stirred up). I have set my boundaries about it (Job 38:10). In contrast is the disobedience of the people: But this people has an unbelieving heart. Do not be rebellious as the rebellious house is (Ezekiel 2:8).
   2. By showing their ingratitude for the kindness they have received, stating that they have turned back.

      He defines the terms of this kindness: the early rain comes at the beginning of the growing season after sowing, and the latter rain comes at the time the fruits ripen. It is the LORD who is guarding these appointed times.

      He then notes the cessation of this kindness, which was caused by your iniquities. Your sins have made a division between you and your God (Isaiah 59:2).