Jeremiah

PROPHET
Joshua Pappas with Mark Mayes and Chris Abbott

General Introduction Jeremiah 1:1-19 The Call of Jeremiah

The Book of Jeremiah
1.

2.

Contains the words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah (1:1)

He was a priest.
Had access to the Temple compound (from which he would repeatedly prophesy)
Familiar with the priesthood (and its corruption during his lifetime)
Able to offer critique from within the Jewish religious system
Anathoth in the Land of Benjamin:
Possibly descended from Abiathar, the High Priest during Davids reign, removed by Solomon for supporting
Adonijah (1Kings 2:13-26)
Jeremiah was from a small town, served a small tribe, and perhaps came from a deposed priestly lineage. He lived
close enough to Jerusalem to understand its people, their worship, and their daily activities (ESV Study Bible,
Crossway, 2007, p. 1364).
Jeremiah was called to prophesy young (1:6) in c. 627 BC.
Youth = Heb. nahar (he who shakes off/shakes himself free)
Edersheim gives this as the last stage of childhood, before a male would become old enough to go to war, thus
making Jeremiah no older than 19 when he was called into ministry (Sketches of Jewish Social Life, Ch. 7).
His ministry spanned more than 40 years, and the reigns of the last five kings of Judah.
Charged to prophesy of the defeat of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem and Solomons Temple, and the 70-year captivity
of the people in Babylon.
Privileged to relate a clear uplifting prophecy of the New Covenant in which we may stand justified in Gods sight today.
th
7 Century prophet to Judah
Timeline:

Samaria falls: c. 722 B.C.

Manasseh reigns: c.687-642
Josiah, 8-years-old: c. 641

3.

Cleaned Temple: 628-7 B.C.

th
Josiahs 13 year and Jere-
Jeremiahs call: 627 B.C. (1:2)

Assyria falls: c. 626 B.C.

Death of Josiah: 609 B.C.
st
1 year of Nebuch.: 605 B.C.

st

1 Deportation: c. 606 B.C.

nd
2 Deportation: c. 597 B.C.
rd
3 (Destruction): c. 586 B.C.

Jeremiah lived in very troubled times!

Mostly (if not entirely) written at Jeremiahs dictation by the scribe, Baruch (36:4, 32)
The organization of the book represents the nature of Jeremiahs life and ministry.
On the surface it appears piecemeal, and isnt in chronological order.
Deeper: it is basically organized to stress Gods covenant relationship with his people (warnings of impending wrath,
present wrath, mercy, and a promise of restoration).

Notes on Jeremiah 1:1-19

1.
2.
3.

Setting information (1:1-3)

God Calls Jeremiah (1:4-10)
Jeremiahs Vision: The Nature of His Ministry foretold (1:11-19)
He will foretell the punishment of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians.
The people will mostly oppose him.

The Call of Jeremiah (1:4-10) (Elements of Ordination)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Favored: went to Mizpah

Kidnapped by Johanan (43:6)
Died? Egypt or Babylon?

Ordained from before his birth (vv. 4-5)

Calling (by God) Galatians 1:15; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 4:1
Expressed unreadiness and fear due to his youthfulness (v. 6-8)
Compliance (with God) 1Corinthians 1:26, 7:19
God re-commands Jeremiah, and cures his fear (vv. 7-8)
Commission (from God) Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16
Made a divine spokesman by and with Gods authority (vv. 9-10) (Similar to Isaiah 6)
Connection (to God) 1John 3:1; Romans 8:31-39






Judah the Unfaithful Spouse Jeremiah 2:1-3:5 Broken Cisterns

Jeremiah

The Covenant Unfaithfulness of Judah (2:1-3:5)

1. All Israel (including Judah) had it good with God (2:1-3)
2. Where did I go wrong? (2:4-8)
The people (vv.4-7)
You become what you devote yourself to.
God delivered them from slavery and the wilderness and gave them a good land to live in.
They defiled the land with sin.
The leaders (vv.8)
The priests did not seek the Lord and didnt know the Law.
The shepherds transgressed.
The prophets prophesied by Baal.
The application is easy to make: the whole church, teachers, elders, preachers
3. God contends:
Gods people changed their gods (2:9-13)
They brought suffering upon themselves and will know the error of their ways (2:14-19)
Judah rejected: a boldly adulterous wife (spiritual adultery) (2:20-3:5)

Broken Cisterns (2:13)

1. The two sins of Judah:
They forsook God, the true fountain of living waters.
They hewed out cisternsbroken cisterns that could not hold water (i.e. false religion).
2. Thatll preach!
This is the current condition of the world, and a real and present danger to the church!
John 4:7-14
God is the source of life and its sustenance!
People reject God for their own desires.
It is not that people just settle with something lesser when they reject God (i.e. from fountain to
cistern), its that they opt for nothing!
They rejected me
Atheism is a broken cistern.
Judaism is a broken cistern.
Islam is a broken cistern.
Buddhism is a broken cistern.
Denominationalism is a broken cistern.
Hypocrisy is a broken cistern.
Christianity is the fountain of living waters!
In rejecting Gods Law, Judah had rejected Gods life and opted for death. Let us take care not to
follow suit!

Jeremiah

Repent, Disaster is Coming Jeremiah 3:6-4:31 True Repentance

Call to Repentance (3:6 4:4)

1. Two sisters, Israel and Judah (3:6-10)
2. Israel Called to Repent (3:11-14)
3. The Rewards of Repentance (3:15-25)
4. Renewed Call to Repentance (4:1-4)

The Consequences of Refusing to Repent (4:5-31)
1. Disaster from the North (4:5-9)
2. Jeremiahs Reaction (4:10)
3. Destruction Described (4:11-31)
Like a dry, scorching wind (4:11-13)
Causes an alarm throughout the whole
land (4:14-21)
Deserved because the people do not
know God but do know evil (4:22)
Like uncreation (4:23-26)
Note the language similarities to
Genesis 1
Like the anguish of a woman in labor
(4:31)
Yet it will not be complete (4:27)

True Repentance
1. God allows repentance because He is
merciful, not because we are worthy
Jeremiah 3:13
Acts 11:8
Romans 3:23; 6:23
2. True repentance demands complete
commitment
Jeremiah 3:10-11
3. God rewards repentance richly
Jeremiah 3:14-18

I Will Not Make a Full End (4:27)
1. The Purposes for Leaving a Remnant
2. Remnant Terminology in Jeremiah
Remnant Theology

Jeremiah
God Rejects Apostate Judah Jeremiah 5:1-6:30 Seek the Ancient Paths

How can I pardon you? (5:1-9)

1. God wants to pardon his people.
2. He asks three parallel rhetorical questions.
Merciful destruction (5:10-19)
1. Make not a full end
2. Utterly treacherous:
They do not believe, nor fear the word of the Lord (so also later in v.22; Zeph 1:12, written during
Josiahs reign).
(V.13) Hebrew, ruach, means both spirit and wind. The false prophets are windbagsthey
have wind, but not the Spirit.
Note the empty wind of the false prophets (v.13), and the fire breath of Jeremiah (v.14).
3. Babylonian destruction foretold: an answer given before the question (v.19).
Blind and deaf: Shall I not punish them? (5:20-31)
They loved to have it so (2Tim 4:3).
But, not for long! (Amos 4:12).
Peace, Peace, when there is no peace (6:1-15)
1. The end (6:1-15)
They shall be overthrown
2. (V.10) More rhetorical questions.
3. (Vv.13-15) False repentance = false peace! (Josiah repented, the people were never really sorry.)

Seek the ancient paths (6:16-17)

1. Stand by the roads... This is a poetic call to reason (Isa 1:18;
1Thes 5:21).
We must seek to discern good from evil (Heb 5:14).
2. Ask for the ancient paths Beware of every angel of light
proclaiming a new way (2Cor 11:14).
But, judge carefully whether your old way is the ancient
way!
The (true) old way is the good way: live by it, and have peace!
3. They would not!

Rejected Silver (6:18-30)

1. Jeremiah (the word of God) is a tester of metals (Heb 4:12).
2. 7th Century Judah was bronze and iron: hard, unyielding metal.
3. The silver refiners task...
4. God wanted to refine them like silver, but (vv.29-30), though the lead continually cooked out, and the
refining went on and on, God could never see himself in them! So he rejected them.
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False Religion & Idolatry Jeremiah 7:1-10:25 Mans Way Not in Himself

Jeremiah

These 4 chapters contain a series of messages delivered by Jeremiah at the temple.

Chapter 7 opens with the people at the temple to worship the LORD. Apparently false prophets circulated the
idea God wouldnt destroy Jerusalem because the temple was there. They trusted these deceptive words (7:8).
Worthlessness of False Religion (7:1-8:3)
1. Jeremiah calls them to reform their ways (7:3).
2. God would let them live if they quit oppressing strangers, the fatherless, widows, shedding innocent blood, and
following other gods (7:6-7).
3. Although they were guilty of detestable acts (7:9-10), God was watching (7:11)! They had violated at least half of
the 10 commandments (7:9).
4. They are told to go to Shiloh and see what happened to it (7:12-15).
5. Gods anger will be poured out for their wicked ways (7:20) entire families would participate in idolatrous
worship (7:16-19).
6. They followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts, were a stiff-necked people, and did not respond to
correction (7:24-29).
7. The day will come when the people will call the land the Valley of Slaughter and the land will become desolate
(7:30-34).
Sin and Punishment (8:4-9:26) [in poetic form]
1. Even migratory birds follow their God-given instincts, but Gods rebellious people refuse to obey His laws (8:7).
Simply having the law does not make one wise (8:7), but handling it correctly and following it does.
Even the priests were corrupt (8:10) and practiced deceit!
The people are not ashamed of their loathsome conduct (8:12), so they will fall.
2. Gods punishment (via Babylonian invasion) would be severe: no fruit on the trees (8:13), poisoned water (8:14),
terror (8:15), and venomous snakes (8:17).
3. Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet (9:1, 10) and feels both sympathy (9:1) and disgust (9:2) for the
people.
4. A multitude of lies results in punishment from the LORD (9:3-9).
Destruction will result in a heap of ruins laid waste like a desert that no one can cross (9:10-16).
a. Call for the wailing women to come [...] and wail over us (9:17-18).
b. Joel 2:9 describes enemy soldiers that come through the windows like thieves bringing death.
c. The concept of death as the grim reaper comes in part from 9:22.
The uncircumcised in heart will suffer these things. The days are coming (9:25-26).
Idols vs. The True God (10:1-25) [in poetic form]
1. Man expends much effort making idols but they cannot walk, speak, or do any good (10:2-5).
2. To contrast, the LORD is great, mighty in power, and there is none like Him (10:6-10).
3. Everything that idols are not, the Lord is (10:12-16; repeated almost verbatim in 51:15-19).
4. Destruction is now imminent (10:17-22).
5. Jeremiahs Prayer (10:23-25):
Man, if directed by himself, will walk a path that leads to folly. Peoples steps should be directed by God
(10:23; Psalm 37:23; Prov 3:5-6; Prov 16:9; Prov 20:24).
Jeremiah prays that justice will be done (10:25; Psalm 79:6-7).
Application to the 21st Century
1. How dare I believe I can live a sinful life, but worship God on Sunday, and everything will be ok (7:9-11).
2. How long has it been since we wept for the sinful lives of others (9:1-2)?
3. May we allow the LORD to lead our ways and direct our steps (10:23).






Jeremiah Struggles Jeremiah 11 to 17 Running with Horses

Jeremiah

Curses of the Broken Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1-23)

1. Jeremiah Proclaims the Covenant Curses (11:1-8)
2. Judah Conspires Against God and is Cursed (11:9-17)
3. Anathoth Conspires Against Jeremiah and is Cursed (11:18-23)

Jeremiah Complains and God Responds (Jeremiah 12:1 - 13:27)

1. Jeremiah Complains: The Wicked Prosper (12:1-4)
2. God Responds: The Wicked Will Perish (12:5 13:27)
Running with Horses (12:5-6)
I Will Pluck Them Out of the Land (12:7-17)
The Ruined Loincloth (13:1-11)
The Grapes of Wrath (13:12-27)

The Drought and Jeremiahs Intercession (Jeremiah 14:1 - 15:9)

1. The Drought Described (14:1-6)
2. First Intercession and Response (14:7-12)
Jeremiah Intercedes: For Your Name (14:7-9)
God Responds: Do Not Pray (14:10-12)
3. Second Intercession and Response (14:13-18)
Jeremiah Intercedes: The Prophets Say (14:13)
God Responds: The Prophets Lie (14:14-18)
4. Third Intercession and Response (14:19 - 15:9)
Jeremiah Intercedes: Have You Rejected Us? (14:19-22)
God Responds: You Have Rejected Me (15:1-9)

Jeremiah Complains and God Responds (Jeremiah 15:10-21)

1. Jeremiah Complains: Woe Is Me (15:10)
2. God Responds: For Their Good (15:11-14)
3. Jeremiah Begs: Remember Me (15:15-18)
4. God Responds: Return and be Restored (15:19-21)

Curses and Blessings (Jeremiah 16:1 - 17:18)

1. Judah is Cursed: Famine, Sword and Pestilence (16:1-13)
2. Judah is Blessed: Future Restoration (16:14-21)
3. The Cursed and Blessed Man (17:1-13)
4. Jeremiah Prays to be Blessed (17:19-27)
5. Keep the Sabbath and be Blessed (17:19-27)

Running With Horses (Jeremiah 12:5-6)

What does it mean to contend with horses? Can a man run against a horse? How can we run with
horses today?
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Potter and Clay Jeremiah 18:1 through 20:18 Broken Vessel, Fire in my Bones

Jeremiah

The Potter and the Clay (Jeremiah 18:1-23)

1. Prophecy at the Potters House (18:1-11)
A Potters Power (vv.1-4)
Gods Power (vv.5-10)
Application to Judah (v.11)
2. Judahs Plans/Gods Plan (18:12-17)
3. Judah: Evil for Good (Jeremiah Calls for Justice) (18:18-23)
Remember, the bulk of chs. 14-15 contain Jeremiahs intercession for the people.

The Broken Vessel (Jeremiah 19:1-15)

1. Utter Ruin Proclaimed at the Potsherd Gate (19:1-9)
2. The Symbolic Meaning of the Broken Vessel (19:10-13)
3. Following-up in the Court of the Lords House (19:14-15)

From Pashur to Terror on Every Side (20:1-18)

1. Chief overseer of the house of the Lord vs the Lords chief overseer (20:1-2)
Same word (Heb. paqid) in both 1:10 and 20:1
2. Gods Response: Magor-Misabib (Lit. Terror On Every Side) (20:3-6)
3. Jeremiahs Lament: A Fire in my Bones (20:7-18)






Confrontations Jeremiah 21:1-29:32 The Lords
Plans

Jeremiah

The Lord Confronts the People of Judah & Jerusalem (26:1-24)

1.
2.
3.

Beginning of Jehoiakims reign (see sidebar)

Angry mobs attempted murder thwarted by Ahikam son of Shaphan
Note the peoples mindset, especially Jehoiakims, toward the word.

Dates of Events in Jeremiah

Dates

Passage

Under Josiah (627609

B.C.)

1:119

The Lord Confronts the Kings of Judah (21:1-22:30)

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

The Way of Life and Death (21:1-14)

King Zedekiah seeks the Lord in his desperation
The way of life and deatha choice set before the people
Ultimatum to the Kings (22:1-5)
Jehoahaz no future as king in Judah, Pharaoh replaced him with
Jehoiakim. Then Jehoiachin had no chin, He was carried away to
Babylon.
Last was Zedekiah, doomed to die-ah, His sons were slaughtered
before his eye-ah.
Jehoahaz was son of Josiah, so was Jehoiakim. Jehoiachin was son of
Jehoiakim. Mattaniah (Zedekiah) was Jehoiakims uncle.
(22:11-12) Jehoahaz (Birth name: Shallum, Heb. Retribution) will
never return to Judah.
Hell die in Egypt and so will all who flee there.
st
1 king of Judah to die in captivity.
Confronts Jehoiakim (22:13-23)
Confronts Jehoiachin (Birth name: Coniah, Heb. Strength of the Lord)
(22:24-30)
Write this man down as childless, the Curse of Coniah (Jewish
argument against accepting Jesus as Messiah, see Matthew 1:10)
Curse lifted, see Haggai 2:23, then Luke 1:32-33
Remember Jeremiah 18:6-10
Jehoiachin was the only one of Josiahs descendants to obey the Lord
with regard to Nebuchadnezzar (2Kings 21:12).
According to Rabbinical tradition, Jehoiachin repented in captivity.
He was eventually blessed by God in captivity (2Kings 25:27ff).

Under Jehoahaz (609)

7:134
and Jehoiakim (609597)
25:138
26:124
35:119
36:132
45:15
46:128
47:17
48:147
Under Jehoiachin (597) 20:122:30
and Zedekiah (597586)
24:110
27:122
28:117
29:132
30:131:40
32:144
33:126

The Lord Confronts Bad Shepherds & False Prophets (23:1-40,

27:1-22, 28:1-17)
1.
2.
3.
4.

1.
2.
3.

34:122
37:121

Bad Shepherds (23:1-8)

The Branch (v.5)
False Prophets (23:9-40)
Note vv.21-33
Jeremiah makes a yoke & strapswarning to Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre,
& Sidon to ignore the false prophets (27:1-22)
From wooden yoke to a yoke of iron: the false prophecy of Hananiah the
son of Azzur (28:1-17)
Note esp. vv.15-17

Jeremiahs Vision: Good & Bad Figs (24:1-10)

70 Years The Lords Plans for His People (29:1-32)
(29:1-7) Seek the welfare of the city (of your pilgrimage)
(29:10) 70 years (see Daniel 9:2)
(29:11-14) I know the plans I have for you

3:66:30

38:128
39:118
49:139
50:151:64
52:134
After the Fall of
Jerusalem (586)
From ESV Study Bible

40:142:22
43:144:30

Jeremiah
God Will Restore Jeremiah 30:1-33:26 The New Covenant

These 4 chapters are sometimes called the book of consolation, depicting the restoration of
Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom).
This passage is concerned with the future hope of the people of God.
Based on the information in 32:1, some date this passage to 587 B.C., the year before Jerusalem
was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and its people exiled to Babylon.
The Restoration of Israel and Judah (30:1-31:40)
1. These two chapters are written almost entirely in poetry, and are filled with optimism.
Notice the emphasis these words come from God! (30:1-5 ; 31:1-2; 32:1; 33:1-2)
In order to preserve for future generations the promise of restoration, God tells Jeremiah to
record these words in a book (scroll; 30:2).
2. Four sections in chapter 31 continue the theme of restoration:
(1) All people of God (31:1) prose
(2) Israel (31:2-22) poetry
(3) Judah (31:23-26) prose

(4) Judah & Israel (31:27-40) poetry and prose
3. The LORD promised (the days are coming, 31:27, 31, 38) He would make a new covenant with
the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His
church (see Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:7-13; 9:15; 10:16-17).
Jeremiah Buys a Field (32:1-44)
1. Although Jeremiah was perhaps reluctant (32:25), he obeys the Lords command to buy a field
even as the Babylonians are besieging Jerusalem (32:2, 44).
Hanamel (Jeremiahs cousin) sold him the field (32:9) in Anathoth where Jeremiah was from
(see 1:1).
This field was in Benjamins territory, and was purchased by Jeremiah for 17 shekels
(approx. seven ounces) of silver (32:8-9).
2. Why did he buy it?
The LORD asked him to (32:6-7).
Because he was the nearest relative (see Lev. 25:23-25).
Jeremiahs deed of purchase would enable him (or his heirs) to reclaim the field after the
exile (32:15).
Promise of Restoration (33:1-26)
1. The LORD will first judge His people (33:4-5), but then restore them in incredible ways (33:6-
26).
2. The LORD is praised as being good (33:11), love endures forever (33:11), and our
righteousness (33:16).
Application to the 21st Century
1. The LORD promised He would make a new covenant with His people (31:31-34). This prophecy
is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His church.
2. It is important to obey God even when, from mans perspective, it might seem illogical (32:25).

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Gods Judgment of Judah Jeremiah 34:1-45:5 First Temple Judaism Ends

Jeremiah

A Bad Rebound (34:1-22)

A Fifth Commandment Family: The Rechabites (35:1-19)

1. Note: Ch. 35 is not sequential to Ch. 34. Ch. 35 happened later. See chart on Lesson 8 Handout.
2. The date of the prophecy is the interval between the battle of Carchemish and the appearance of
Nebuchadnezzar at Jerusalem (Jeremiah 35:11) at the end of the same year. It is consequently 17 years
earlier than the narrative in Jeremiah 34:8 ff (Barnes).
3. The Rechabites:

Branch of the Kenites, descendants of Moses father-in-law (Numbers 10:29-32; Judges 1:16, 4:11; 1Chronicles 2:55)
Kenites later connected with Amalekites; separated from them at Sauls command & allied with the tribe of Judah
(Numbers 24:21; Judges 1:16; 1Samuel 15:6, 27:10)
Main body of Kenites settled in cities (1Samuel 30:29). Rechabites persisted in leading the nomadic life in obedience to
command of Rechabs son, Jonadab, who lived during Jehus reign, zealously followed Yahweh, & associated with the
purging of the house of Ahab (2Kings 10:15-17, 23). The names of his descendants mentioned in Jeremiah 35 are all
compounded with Yah. They followed their father not only as Nomads who drank no wine, but as followers of Yahweh.
God used their obedience to Jonadabs precepts to teach Judah an important lesson. It speaks to us too!

4. (V.2) House refers to the family, not to their dwelling place.

5. (Vv.12-19) The prophecy, including Gods application of the lesson from the Rechabites, and a profound
blessing on them & their descendants.

Baruch Writes Jeremiahs Prophecies (36:1-32; 45:1-5)

His Daily Bread (37:1-21)

Later than the request of Ch. 21. After Nebuchadnezzar temporarily withdrew from
Jerusalem at approach of Egyptians.

Malchiahs Cistern (38:1-28)

1. One of the well known sufferings of Jeremiah for the sake of his
ministry
2. The righteousness of Ebed-melech (eunuch could have been merely a
title, as in Genesis 37:36)

Assyrian Depiction of Babylonian Soldiers

The Fall of Jerusalem (39:1-18)
1. Two year siege which led to severe famine and desertion by many of the kings men, just as Jeremiah
had prophesied
2. A breachall the officers of the Babylonian army set themselves judicially within the city.
3. Jeremiah rescued by the Babylonians
4. A blessing upon Ebed-melech

After 586 B.C. (See Timeline. P.1) (40:1-44:30)

1. Favor for Jeremiah (40:1-6)
2. A Governor and a wicked plot (40:7-41:18)
3. Warning against fleeing to Egypt (42:1-22)
4. The peoples stubbornness persiststheir further doom pronounced (43:1-44:30)
5. History: Captivity, Rebuilding, & Second Temple Judaism
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Destruction of Jerusalem Jeremiah 52:1-34 Preservation of the Davidic Lineage

Jeremiah

Jerusalem 52:1-34
1. The Destruction of Jerusalem
2. The Preservation of the Davidic Lineage
The Importance of the Prophecy of Jeremiah & Gods Judgments in his Day
1. When the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4).
Habakkuk 1:5-6
Note the casual transition from Nebuchadnezzar to Evil-merodach
Who was Nebuchadnezzar? Who was in control?
Info: Evil-merodach (Amel-Marduk) was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar. He reigned
for two years (562 - 560 B.C.). Nergal-sharezer (Neriglissar), his brother-in-law (father of
Belshazzar, Daniel 5) murdered him & usurped his throne.
How God used the world empires: Babylon to
teach his people a lesson, prove his absolute
power to them, unite the ancient world; Persia
more of the same + rebuild Jerusalem, the
Temple & his peoples wealth; Greece common
language across the world; Rome relative peace
& order, good roads. Each of these elements
made the world ripe for the coming of Christ &
spread of the gospel.
2. Key Prophecies in Jeremiah Weve Noted:
Broken Cisterns
Not make a Full End
No Peace
Roman Road
Ancient Paths
A Mans Way
Broken Vessel
New Covenant
3. Responding to Prophecy: For thus says the LORD: When
seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I
will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans
for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I
will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek
me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the
LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all
the nations and all the places where I have driven you,
declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from
which I sent you into exile (Jeremiah 29:10-14 ESV).
Daniel 9:1ff
Ancient Greek New Testament Manuscript
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Judgment of the Nations Jeremiah 46:1-51:64 Egypt, Philistia, Moab & Others

Jeremiah

These 6 chapters consist of a series of prophecies against the nations.

Babylon overthrew Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria, and moved quickly to establish control over
much of the ancient Near East.

Judgment Against Egypt (46:1-28) Egypts defeat by Babylon was a decisive battle in the ancient
world, ending Egypts long-term claims to power.

Judgment Against Philistia (47:1-7) Pharaoh attacked Gaza causing an overthrow of the land and
everything in it (vs. 2). Ashkelon was also silenced.

Judgment Against Moab (48:1-47) Josephus implies that Jeremiahs prophecy concerning Moab
was fulfilled in 582 B.C.

Judgment Against Ammon (49:1-6)

Ammon was east of the Jordan and north of
Moab.

Judgment Against Edom (49:7-22) Edom

was famous for wisdom

Judgment Against Damascus (49:23-27)

An important and renown city in Aram

Judgment Against Kedar and Hazor (49:28-

33) Perhaps Arab regions

Judgment Against Elam (49:34-39) Elam

was the land northeast of the lower Tigris
Valley known for skilled archers

Judgment Against Babylon (50:1-51:64)

This section contains several summonses
concerning war against Babylon.
1. Babylons Defeat (50:1-20)
2. Babylons Desolation (50:21-46)
3. Babylons Destiny (51:1-64)

Application to the 21st Century

The God we serve is omnipotent. Who can
stand against Him (Jer 32:17)?
Appreciate the historical significance of
Jeremiahs writings.
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Jeremiah

Overview of the Book of Lamentations The Steadfast Love of the Lord

Basic Background

1. Title: How? in Hebrew (first word in the text), which says a lot.
2. Authorship:
Traditionally, Jeremiah
Similar theology & vocabulary to Jeremiah
Eye-witness feel
2Chronicles 35:25 says he uttered a lament for Josiah....
The book itself is an anonymous work, so debates are pointless; nevertheless the contents suggest
composition between 587 B.C. & around 520 B.C.
Note: only book in the Bible written by one who endured one of the several occasions of divine
judgment of sin in the Bible called the Day of the Lord
3. Theme:
Key passage: 3:19-24 Trust in Gods mercy & faithfulness is the key to restoration when sin has led us away
from Godeven when it seems it has led to ruin. If youre alive, theres hope in God.
God is sovereign & brings calamity upon those who refuse his warnings & wear out his patience.
God will not ignore genuine contrition & prayers of confession & petition to him.
There is (generally) nothing wrong with grieving over the loss or ruin of loved ones even if they deserved it.
Jeremiah is a lament for punished, ruined Jerusalem, but its central message is one of hope.

Outline: Five closely related poems that lead from loss & shame to restored hope & prayer for renewal*
How Lonely Sits the City (1:1-22)
The Lord Has Set Zion under a Cloud (2:1-22)
I Am the Man Who Has Seen Affliction (3:1-66)
How the Gold Has Grown Dim (4:1-22)
Restore Us to Yourself, O Lord (5:1-22)

The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases (3:19-24)

The Lord disciplines his children (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Note: 3:1-3
(When you) Despair vv.15-18
(turn to) Prayer vv.19-20
(then you can breathe the) Free Air vv.21-24
Words of hope:
Steadfast love
Never ceases
New every morning
Great faithfulness (1John 1:9)
The Lord IS my portion
Hope in him!




*Headings based on ESV Study Bible

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