Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet to the nations, even before he was conceived (Jer 1:5, 8–10). His ministry continued during the last five kings of Judah, see the beginning of Visions and Dreams by Prophet Daniel. From king Josiah who was the last good king of Judah (Jer 1:2–3), see Josiah of Judah, to king Zedekiah who rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Chron 36:11–13), see Zedekiah of Judah in Kings of Judah and Israel. Jeremiah didn't run away as Jonah did, see The Book of Jonah, and he didn't want the people to suffer (Jer 17:16, Jonah 1:1–3, 4:2). Jeremiah was faithful to God.
According to Jewish tradition, Jeremiah also wrote The Book of Lamentations.
It was during the time of king Josiah that the lost Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses was found (2 Chron 34:14–16). It was already at that time that the prophetess Huldah prophesied disaster for the people of Judah (2 Chron 34:23–25). However, it shouldn't come during the time of king Josiah (2 Chron 34:26–28).
Note that Huldah was a woman, see The Woman's Place in the Congregation.
It was during the time of king Josiah that the lost Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses was found (2 Chron 34:14–16). It was already at that time that the prophetess Huldah prophesied disaster for the people of Judah (2 Chron 34:23–25). However, it shouldn't come during the time of king Josiah (2 Chron 34:26–28).
Note that Huldah was a woman, see The Woman's Place in the Congregation.
An outline of the book of Jeremiah:
(The chapters aren't always written in chronological order.)
- Introduction (chapter 1).
- Prophecies about Judah (chapters 2–45):
- Preached repentance and judgment (2–24).
- Faced false prophets (26–29).
- Prophesied about a coming rehabilitation and a New Covenant
(30–33). - Met hard resistance (26, 28, 37–38).
- The end came in 587 BC when Jerusalem fell and Jews were taken to Babylon (34–41), see The Book of Habakkuk.
- Forced to accompany a group fleeing to Egypt (42–44).
- Prophecies about the neighboring nations (chapters 46–51):
It contains words of judgment on the neighboring nations. - Conclusion and Epilogue (chapter 52).
God watches over his word to fulfill it (Jer 1:12). God declared that judgement would come from the north upon Judah (Jer 1:14–16, 6:1, 22). It was later fulfilled
(Jer 39:1–2), see Zedekiah of Judah in Kings of Judah and Israel.
The desert east of Israel caused the armies of Babylon to come from the north. God
encourages Jeremiah to get ready and not to be afraid of the people (Jer 1:17–19).
(Jer 39:1–2), see Zedekiah of Judah in Kings of Judah and Israel.
The desert east of Israel caused the armies of Babylon to come from the north. God
encourages Jeremiah to get ready and not to be afraid of the people (Jer 1:17–19).
The prophecies were given from God to Jeremiah during a dark period in the history of the southern kingdom of Judah. The people of Judah had turned away from the Lord and began to serve the pagan gods that were served in the neighboring nations. Jeremiah was the last prophet to come to Judah before the exile to Babylon. In the first part, God pleaded with the people to turn back and God would help them. God wanted the people of Judah to follow the Old Covenant, the Mosaic covenant
(Jer 11:1–8, Lev (3 Mos) 26:1–46). Later the message from God was that it didn't matter if they turned or not, it was too late (Jer 11:11–14, 35:15–17). Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before the Lord, his heart won't go out to the people of Judah (Jer 15:1). Jeremiah even pronounced a curse on king Jehoiachin (Jer 22:24–30), see The Curse of Jechoniah.
(Jer 11:1–8, Lev (3 Mos) 26:1–46). Later the message from God was that it didn't matter if they turned or not, it was too late (Jer 11:11–14, 35:15–17). Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before the Lord, his heart won't go out to the people of Judah (Jer 15:1). Jeremiah even pronounced a curse on king Jehoiachin (Jer 22:24–30), see The Curse of Jechoniah.
Jeremiah had a ministry from the Lord that he knew wouldn't bear fruit. God knew from the beginning that the people of Judah wouldn't listen to Jeremiah. The people wouldn't listen to his prophecies (Jer 6:17, 7:27–28, 16:12, 22:21). Jeremiah was the last opportunity for Judah to repent. Just because God foreknows something doesn't necessarily mean it must happen that way: Jonah prophesied disaster for Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). But because the people of Nineveh turned from their evil way, God spared them at that time (Jonah 3:10). God isn't bound in time and can see into the future. He can therefore speak to people before it occurs, mostly through the use of prophets, see The Predestination Theory. If they didn't listen, many times he sent punishments from the neighboring nations to get their attention to repent.
God said he would spare Jerusalem if Jeremiah could find just one person who did what was right (Jer 5:1). God wanted the people to do justice and be righteous and deliver those who had been robbed from the hand of the oppressors. They should do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood (Jer 22:3). But such a person couldn't be found among the people. Therefore, God sent Babylon to defeat Judah, but a remnant was spared
(Jer 5:15–19). Messiah should come from the house of David, meaning a remnant must be spared to fulfill it.
(Jer 5:15–19). Messiah should come from the house of David, meaning a remnant must be spared to fulfill it.
Even their prophets prophesied lies, and their priests ruled according to the advice of these false prophets (Jer 5:31, 6:13–15, 14:14, 23:21, 32). They said what the people wanted to hear. God no longer accepted their ongoing religious practice
(Jer 6:20). God isn't interested in empty religion (Jer 7:21–24). God wanted the people to change their way of life (Jer 7:3–7). God wanted them to repent. God wanted obedience. But they even put up pagan idols in the temple and murdered their children as human sacrifices (Jer 7:30–31). If we would boast about anything, we should boast in knowing the Lord, the character of God (Jer 9:23–24).
(Jer 6:20). God isn't interested in empty religion (Jer 7:21–24). God wanted the people to change their way of life (Jer 7:3–7). God wanted them to repent. God wanted obedience. But they even put up pagan idols in the temple and murdered their children as human sacrifices (Jer 7:30–31). If we would boast about anything, we should boast in knowing the Lord, the character of God (Jer 9:23–24).
The people in Jeremiah's hometown wanted to kill him because of his prophecies
(Jer 11:21–23). Jeremiah complained to God why all the wicked were successful
(Jer 12:1–3). So did Job, Habakkuk, and Asaph (Job 21:7–9, Hab 1:2–4, 13,
Psalm 73:3–5). The people questioned Jeremiah's prophesies. They said that nothing bad happened, and that time just continued as before (Jer 17:15, 18). The reason for that is because of God's patience, he doesn't want anyone to go astray without giving everyone time to repent (2 Pet 3:7, 9). God is also merciful. If people repent, he can forgive them (Jer 18:7–8). But if they turn away and do evil, they will miss the blessings that God wants to give them (Jer 18:9–10). Other people also wanted to kill Jeremiah because of his prophecies (Jer 26:7–9, 11). Jeremiah didn't respond with fear, but warned them of what might happen to them if they killed him
(Jer 26:14–15), see Fear of Man.
Psalm 73:3–5). The people questioned Jeremiah's prophesies. They said that nothing bad happened, and that time just continued as before (Jer 17:15, 18). The reason for that is because of God's patience, he doesn't want anyone to go astray without giving everyone time to repent (2 Pet 3:7, 9). God is also merciful. If people repent, he can forgive them (Jer 18:7–8). But if they turn away and do evil, they will miss the blessings that God wants to give them (Jer 18:9–10). Other people also wanted to kill Jeremiah because of his prophecies (Jer 26:7–9, 11). Jeremiah didn't respond with fear, but warned them of what might happen to them if they killed him
(Jer 26:14–15), see Fear of Man.
When everything was going well, the people didn't want to follow God. It was only when problems arose that they began to pray for God's help, such as when they didn't receive any rain (Jer 14:3–4). But then it was too late (Jer 14:11–12). There are consequences for ongoing sin. However, Jeremiah tried to intercede with God on behalf of the people (Jer 14:20–21). But the people had passed the point of no return (Jer 15:2–3).
God singled out a specific ruler, king Manasseh (Jer 15:4). He practiced violence, child sacrifice, and gross idolatry (2 Kings 21:1–16, 2 Chron 33:1–9). Manasseh
became the worst king ever in Judah (and Israel), even though he was the son of Hezekiah who was a true follower of God. But Manasseh repented at the end of his life (2 Chron 33:10–17). If God can forgive Manasseh, he can forgive anyone. However, that didn't stop Judah's judgment.
became the worst king ever in Judah (and Israel), even though he was the son of Hezekiah who was a true follower of God. But Manasseh repented at the end of his life (2 Chron 33:10–17). If God can forgive Manasseh, he can forgive anyone. However, that didn't stop Judah's judgment.
Even Jeremiah himself was affected by the judgement (Jer 15:11–14, 19–21). Jeremiah was told to withdraw from the people of Judah (Jer 15:19b). It's similar to Christians not to associate with sexually immoral people who claim to be Christians (1 Cor 5:11). One reason is to show that there are consequences of sinning. Another reason is not to be influenced by that lifestyle. If the person repents, we should embrace that person again (2 Cor 2:5–8).
God also told the people of Judah that he would bring the people back from the foreign lands (Jer 16:14–15). But they would first be punished for their sin
(Jer 16:18, 25:8–10). God pronounced punishment upon the people (Jer 19:1–15). See God is sovereign in God's Attributes. God is in complete control, he knows what he is doing and has the power to carry out his will. But Jeremiah also struggled with the plan and purpose of God (Jer 20:14–18).
When king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked Judah, king Zedekiah of Judah asked Jeremiah what he should do. Jeremiah told them that if they surrendered they would live, but if they didn't they would die (Jer 21:8–9, 27:12–13, 38:2–3, 17–18, 23). But the people still didn't listen to him, because he didn't say what they wanted to hear. Judah was then defeated by Nebuchadnezzar after a siege of Jerusalem.
King Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured (Jer 52:4–7, 2 Kings 25:1–4,
Isa 22:2–3). His children were slaughtered before him, and Zedekiah was taken to Babylon bound in chains as prisoner (Jer 39:6–10, 52:8–11, 2 Kings 25:5–7).
The people of Judah taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar were considered good according to God, and the remaining people as the wicked (Jer 24:4–10),
see The Good Figs and the Bad Figs.
When king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked Judah, king Zedekiah of Judah asked Jeremiah what he should do. Jeremiah told them that if they surrendered they would live, but if they didn't they would die (Jer 21:8–9, 27:12–13, 38:2–3, 17–18, 23). But the people still didn't listen to him, because he didn't say what they wanted to hear. Judah was then defeated by Nebuchadnezzar after a siege of Jerusalem.
King Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured (Jer 52:4–7, 2 Kings 25:1–4,
Isa 22:2–3). His children were slaughtered before him, and Zedekiah was taken to Babylon bound in chains as prisoner (Jer 39:6–10, 52:8–11, 2 Kings 25:5–7).
The people of Judah taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar were considered good according to God, and the remaining people as the wicked (Jer 24:4–10),
see The Good Figs and the Bad Figs.
God promised to bring the people back from Babylon (Jer 24:6). They would return after 70 years in Babylon (Jer 25:11, 29:10, Dan 9:1–2, Isa 14:1).
For calculation of the 70-year period, see The Book of Habakkuk.
For calculation of the 70-year period, see The Book of Habakkuk.
The remaining people of Judah asked Jeremiah what they should do. He prophesied to them that they wouldn't flee to Egypt because then they would die, instead they would stay in Judah (Jer 42:9–17). But the people didn't want to obey God's words, instead they wanted to go to Egypt and took Jeremiah with them (Jer 43:4–7). Jeremiah then prophesied that Nebuchadnezzar would return and defeat Egypt
(Jer 43:8–13).
Jeremiah also prophesied against the neighboring nations, because they caused the people of Judah to practice worship of pagan gods. Prophesies against:
(Jer 43:8–13).
Jeremiah also prophesied against the neighboring nations, because they caused the people of Judah to practice worship of pagan gods. Prophesies against:
- Egypt (Jer 46:13, 19, 25–28).
- The Philistines (Jer 47:4–5).
- Moab (Jer 48:7–8).
- The Ammonites (present-day Jordan) (49:1–2).
- Edom (descendants of Esau) (49:8, 17), see The Book of Obadiah.
Today there are no Edomites on Earth. - Damascus (49:26–27).
- Kedar and Hazor (49:28–29).
- Elam (49:36–39).
- Babylon (50:2–5, 13, 23–24, 51:1–5, 7, 19–26, 59–64).
- "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch (Luk 1:31–33), and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'"
(Jer 23:5–6). - "In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch
(Luk 1:31–33) to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'" (Jer 33:15–16).
It has been partially fulfilled through Christ. This will be perfectly fulfilled during the millennial kingdom, see The Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement. This prophetic principle of two parallel meanings is called "The law of double reference", and is described in Visions and Dreams by Prophet Daniel.
Jeremiah also prophesied about Herod's killing of all the boys in Bethlehem and throughout the region who were two years old or younger, some time after the birth of Jesus (Jer 31:15 (LXX), Mat 2:16–18). He prophesied of a New Covenant to come (Jer 31:31–34), which came through the blood of Christ (Heb 8:8–12,
Luk 22:19–20), and was activated at The Crucifixion of Jesus. The New Covenant
was originally to the people of Israel and Judah. Through the transgressions of the Jews it came to the Gentiles (Rom 11:11), which means that the New Covenant is for all people on Earth, see chapter The Depth of the Riches in The Book of Romans.
Luk 22:19–20), and was activated at The Crucifixion of Jesus. The New Covenant
was originally to the people of Israel and Judah. Through the transgressions of the Jews it came to the Gentiles (Rom 11:11), which means that the New Covenant is for all people on Earth, see chapter The Depth of the Riches in The Book of Romans.
See also The Prophet Books in the Old Testament.
