Book of Jeremiah

 “I the Lord have spoken”

Historical background and the purpose of the prophet.

All sources are: SVB, NBM , notes and handouts from lecture

Jeremiah lived from 626 BC, ended sometime after 586 BC in an unknown location. He was of a priestly family (Jer 1.1) and he speaks much of the priest and their abuse. He probably had seen it first hand  (5.30-31, 6.13, 23.11, 23.33). Jeremiah’s name may mean: Jehovah established, Jehova Throws, Jehova casts down – no one know exactly.

It is the longest book in the Bible, and also one of the most complex books.  The book is neither chronologically, nor thematically structured, but it has 4 main sections:

1.     The call of the prophet (ch1)

2.     Prophecies to Judah (2.1-45)

3.     Prophesies to the Gentiles (46.1-51.64)

4.     The fall of Jerusalem (52)

The Word of God burned in Jeremiah. He spoken mostly to the Kingdom of Judah, one section to the exiles (ch 29) some later are directed to Egypt, Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Babylon and a few cities. He was around in the same time as Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel and Ezekiel – but we don’t hear much about them knowing each other.

Jeremiah speaks very real about his life. He describes more of his life than any other.

Sin against God offended him. He is often called “ the weeping “ prophet. Very many emotions are described in the book. A lot of heart issues. Several times he describes how hard it was in all areas, to be a prophet, and wanted: he was put in stocks (20.2) , arrested 37.13,

Main themes:                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?                               Nain themes

Judgment -, could have been delayed but not stopped at his point. 11.15-17

Repentance – is possible (but will only delay Judah’s destruction) over and over again the people are offered a new chance. 11.7

God offer forgiveness, but no one takes him up on His offer.

Correlation between sin and its consequences. 14.10

Exile –God encourage them to do the best of the time in exile – both for themselves and for others 29.4-8

False prophets  - said different – this Jeremiah had to face all the time.

Several prophet at the same time to the people of God, but they did not listen. 28.6-9

Future restoration 30.22,ch.31, 12.15

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

What does the book show about the character and nature of God?

God is the husband  -Judah is the wife (2.1-3, 3.1-18, 31.31-34)

God is father –Judah is child. #.19, 31.9, 20

God is shepherd

He is the creator  - 10.16

The living water 2.13 – ref. John 4.10-11, John 7.38

He will take care of people, care for them, give them his Word, and discipline them 1.19, 31.33, 32.38, 46.28,

God weep over His precious people going astray 14.17

He wants to tell secrets 33.3

He is a keeper of His word - both the promises of judgment and salvation. Over and over again this is quoted – and it really gives an understanding that Jeremiah is serious about him delivering the messages correct, and also that God is very interested in getting his messages out:

“The Lord says” 274 times

“The Lord has spoken” 20 times

 He is referred to as “The lord of Heavenly Armies” 80 times in the book of Jeremiah.

He wants to give His people rest 31.2, 50.31

He loves with unfailing love 31.3                                                                                                                                                                       

Faithfull – The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercy never ceases. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning….

Time less truths: in 22.3 we read: “Be fair minded and just, do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Quit you evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering innocent! If you obey me, there will.“ –resembles the verses in Micah 6.8-9

Ch.17 .8 is similar to Psalm 1.3 – those who trust in the Lord /delight in the law of the Lord, are like trees planted along a riverbank.

What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?

In ch.31.31-34 we read about the new covenant that will be written on the hearts of Gods people.

He speaks about Himself as the living water in 2.13 and Jesus speaks about him having the Living water; John 4.10-11, John 7.38

In ch.1.6 when Jeremiah remarks” I am a youth” I was reminded of the words to Timothy in 1.Tim. 4.12, also about his youth,  - God is not looking at age but the heart! When he calls  - he also equips. We often list our weaknesses and limitations, but God promises His enabling presence! God calls us to a task He can help us to fulfill!

Jer. 15. 16 – When I discover your words – I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart delight, for I bear your name.

                                                                        

The new shepherd  - a new King – the day Judah will be saved  - points forward to God’s eternal solution – Jesus is prophesied about in 23.4-7 and 34.14-17.

Eventually He will give them hearts that recognizes Him as Lord  - they will return to Him wholeheartedly 24.7

The known verses in 29.11 –shows God heart and redemptive plan for His people.

We see in this book both God (14.17), and the prophet Jeremiah ( 9.1)weeps over the sin and resentment of the people  - in Rev 7.17 it says : God will wipe away every tear.