Jeremiah
IntroCh 1Ch 2Ch 3Ch 4Ch 5Ch 6Ch 7Ch 8Ch 9Ch 10Ch 11Ch 12Ch 13Ch 14Ch 15Ch 16Ch 17Ch 18Ch 19Ch 20Ch 21Ch 22Ch 23Ch 24Ch 25Ch 26Ch 27Ch 28Ch 29Ch 30Ch 31Ch 32Ch 33Ch 34Ch 35Ch 36Ch 37Ch 38Ch 39Ch 40Ch 41Ch 42Ch 43Ch 44Ch 45Ch 46Ch 47Ch 48Ch 49Ch 50Ch 51Ch 52
Chapter 1
Jeremiah’s Call and Commission
1
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin,
Anathoth was one of the cities for Levites established by Joshua (Num 35:2-7; Jos 14:4, 21:3, 21:13-18).
It is not clear why the people from Jeremiah’s hometown turned against him (11:18-23).
There was a high priest Hilkiah who served under king Josiah; it is unclear if Jeremiah was a descendant (2Ki 22, 23; 2Ch 34). Another Levite named Hilkiah is mentioned to have lived around that time too (1Ki 6:13).
2
to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
The Word of the LORD plays a prominent role in this book. Either by the Word coming to Jeremiah, or by Jeremiah’s delivery of the Word, or by the admonishing to listen and receive the Word.
As the Word of God reveals in this book what will happen to Judah, the Word of God endures.
Though verse one announces the book as the words of Jeremiah, this verse shows that the words came from God.
3
It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.
Two kings with very short reigns are not mentioned, Jehoahaz (2Ki 23:31-34) and Jehoiachin (2Ki 24:8).
Notice how this verse at the beginning of the book brackets the book’s contents with verse 52:27, where it reads that Judah went into captivity.
4
     Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
This phrasing of this verse evokes Gen 15:4-5 where the Word of the LORD came to Abraham and took him outside to look at the sky. That instance in Genesis may be read as an actual incarnation of the Word. This instance in Jeremiah may also be read in that way as verse 1:9 supports the idea of an actual incarnation of the Word.
The phrasing of the Word coming to Jeremiah occurs numerous times in this book (1:4, 1:11, 1:13, 2:1, 13:3, 13:8, 16:1, 18:5, 24:4, 28:12, 29:30, 32:6, 32:26, 33:1, 33:19, 33:23, 34:12, 35:12, 36:27, 37:6, 42:7, 43:8).
5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5, 1:10, 18:7-10).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Paul states a similar sentiment (Gal 1:15-16).
God knew Jeremiah, He consecrated Jeremiah, He appointed Jeremiah. Similarly, God forms (Job 10:9-11; Ps 139:13-14), knows (e.g. Mt 10:30; Jn 10:14; 1Co 8:3; 2Ti 2:19), consecrates (e.g. Act 9:13; Rom 1:7; 1Co 1:2, 6:11), and appoints each one of us to do works (e.g. Rom 8:28; Eph 2:10; Heb 12:1).
6
Then I said, “Oh, Lord GOD!
Behold, I do not know how to speak,
Because I am a youth.”
Other people commissioned by God replied in a similar manner (Ex 4:10; Jdgs 6:15; 1Sa 9:21; Is 6:5).
7
But the LORD said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
Because everywhere I send you, you shall go,
And all that I command you, you shall speak.
To God, the fact that Jeremiah is young is not relevant.
8
-“Do not be afraid of them,
For I am with you to save you,” declares the LORD.
God recognizes that we might be afraid of following His instructions.
See comment in Mt 28:20 about I am with you.
The promise to rescue Jeremiah is repeated in 1:19.
9
Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me,
“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
Gen 15:4-5 relates how the Word of the LORD came to Abraham and took him outside to look at the sky. That instance in Genesis may be read as an actual incarnation of the Word. This verse 1:9 along with 1:4 supports the idea of an actual incarnation of the Word.
10
-“See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms,
To root out and to tear down,
To destroy and to overthrow,
To build and to plant.”
The authority Jeremiah received is over the whole world (1:5, 1:10).
The Almond Branch and Boiling Pot
11
     And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.”
12
Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”
The word of the LORD v.11 and the LORD v12 are presented as equal (Jn 1:1). Similarly in v. 13-14.
13
     And the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north.”
There is disagreement as to what nation was being referred to by the boiling pot.
14
Then the LORD said to me, “Out of the north the evil will be unleashed on all the inhabitants of the land.
The word of the LORD v.13 and the LORD v.14 are presented as equal (Jn 1:1). Similarly in v. 11-12.
15
For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD; “and they will come and place, each one of them, his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls around, and against all the cities of Judah.
A prophecy fulfilled in 39:3.
A similar prophecy is given in 43:10.
16
And I will pronounce My judgments against them concerning all their wickedness, since they have abandoned Me and have offered sacrifices to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands.
The offenses are codified in Ex 20:3-4.
17
Now, belt your garment around your waist and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will make you dismayed before them.
A call to battle. A belt is related to righteousness, faithfulness (Is 11:5) and truth (Eph 6:14).
This verse is a stern warning about shying away from God’s calling.
18
Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, to its priests, and to the people of the land.
Everyone in Judah is counted as an enemy (2:29).
We all were counted as enemies until we were reconciled (Rom 5:10; Col 1:21-22)
19
And they will fight against you but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you,” declares the LORD.
Though there are physical nations threatening Judah, the actual warfare is against God.
See comment in Mt 28:20 about I am with you.
Chapter 2
Judah’s Apostasy
1
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2
“Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says:
“I remember regarding you the devotion of your youth,
Your love when you were a bride,
Your following after Me in the wilderness,
Through a land not sown.
Note the nostalgic tone of I remember …. The church is not immune to finding itself in this same situation (Rev 2:4-5).
The following has a marriage flair as in Gen 24:5 and 1Sa 25:42.
In the wilderness, Israel was a nomadic people, not an agricultural one; though the wilderness did not provide a harvest, the people looked to God as a faithful provider (Dt 2:7, 32:10).
The verses that follow (2:5, 2:11, 2:13, 2:17, 2:19) draw a picture of a divorce (3:1), the abandonment of a covenant relationship.
The picture of a bride is retaken in 2:32.
3
-“Israel was holy to the LORD,
The first of His harvest.
All who ate of it became guilty;
Evil came upon them,” declares the LORD.’”
The times in the wilderness were better than the present time.
4
     Hear the word of the LORD, house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel.
5
This is what the LORD says:
“What injustice did your fathers find in Me,
That they went far from Me,
And walked after emptiness and became empty?
We are to become like Jesus if we follow Jesus. As they pursued emptiness, they became empty, what they pursued (2Ki 17:15; Hos 9:10).
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
6
-“They did not say, ‘Where is the LORD
Who brought us up out of the land of Egypt,
Who led us through the wilderness,
Through a land of deserts and of pits,
Through a land of drought and of deep darkness,
Through a land that no one crossed
And where no person lived?’
We are to remember and tell of the mighty acts of God in our lives.
7
-“I brought you into the fruitful land
To eat its fruit and its good things.
But you came and defiled My land,
And you made My inheritance an abomination.
8
-“The priests did not say, ‘Where is the LORD?’
And those who handle the Law did not know Me;
The rulers also revolted against Me,
And the prophets prophesied by Baal
And walked after things that were of no benefit.
Four groups of leaders with greater responsibility are listed: priests, experts of the Law, rulers, and prophets.
Again the charge of following after empty things.
9
     “Therefore I will still contend with you,” declares the LORD,
“And I will contend with your sons’ sons.
Notice the generational responsibilities, the fathers (2:5), then you, and the children’s children.
10
-“For cross to the coastlands of Kittim and see,
And send to Kedar and observe closely,
And see if there has been anything like this!
Kittim is likely a reference to a distant west and Kedar (Arab tribes) to a distant east, thus a charge to look wide and far.
11
-“Has a nation changed gods,
When they were not gods?
But My people have exchanged their glory
For that which is of no benefit.
Even those who do not know God are at least loyal.
12
-“Be appalled at this, you heavens,
And shudder, be very desolate,” declares the LORD.
The heavens were appointed as witnesses to Judah’s walk (Dt 31:28).
13
“For My people have committed two evils:
They have abandoned Me,
The fountain of living waters,
To carve out for themselves cisterns,
Broken cisterns
That do not hold water.
The charge is abandonment when there was no fault (2:5).
Note the contrast between living water, which connotes running water, with the static, stagnant character of water in a cistern.
The LORD is the spring living water (Jer 2:13, 17:13). Through Jesus we have access to the living water (Jn 4:19, 7:38; Rev 7:17, 21:6, 22:1-2, 22:17).
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
14
     “Is Israel a slave? Or is he a servant born in the home?
Why has he become plunder?
From being a bride devoted to God, Israel is now looked down.
15
-“The young lions have roared at him,
They have roared loudly.
And they have made his land a waste;
His cities have been destroyed, without inhabitant.
16
-“Also the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes
Have shaved your head.
Memphis and Tahpanhes are cities in northern Egypt. This verse might refer to the population that relocated there and spoken to in 44:1-19.
17
-“Have you not done this to yourself
By your abandoning the LORD your God
When He led you in the way?
18
-“But now what are you doing on the road to Egypt,
Except to drink the waters of the Nile?
Or what are you doing on the road to Assyria,
Except to drink the waters of the Euphrates River?
God delivered them from Egypt, going back would be backsliding.
Contrast this verse with the rejection of the living water (2:13).
19
-“Your own wickedness will correct you,
And your apostasies will punish you;
Know therefore and see that it is evil and bitter
For you to abandon the LORD your God,
And the fear of Me is not in you,” declares the Lord GOD of armies.
20
     “For long ago I broke your yoke
And tore off your restraints;
But you said, ‘I will not serve!’
For on every high hill
And under every leafy tree
You have lain down as a prostitute.
Verses 20, 25, and 27 reveal the people’s heart, will not serve, must go after foreign gods, recognizing wood and stones as parents. This with the denial of guilt in verses 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, and 3:13.
21
-“Yet I planted you as a choice vine,
A completely faithful seed.
How then have you turned yourself before Me
Into the degenerate shoots of a foreign vine?
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
22
-“Although you wash yourself with lye
And use much soap,
The stain of your guilt is before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.
We cannot cleanse ourselves in the eyes of God.
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
23
“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled,
I have not gone after the Baals’?
Look at your way in the valley!
Know what you have done!
You are a swift young camel running about senselessly on her ways,
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
24
A wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness,
That sniffs the wind in her passion.
Who can turn her away in her mating season?
None who seek her will grow weary;
In her month they will find her.
25
-“Keep your feet from being bare,
And your throat from thirst;
But you said, ‘It is hopeless!
No! For I have loved strangers,
And I will walk after them.’
Verses 20, 25, and 27 reveal the people’s heart, will not serve, must go after foreign gods, recognizing wood and stones as parents. This with the denial of guilt in verses 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, and 3:13.
26
     “Like the shame of a thief when he is discovered,
So the house of Israel is shamed;
They, their kings, their leaders,
Their priests, and their prophets,
27
Who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’
And to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
For they have turned their backs to Me,
And not their faces;
But in the time of their trouble they will say,
‘Arise and save us!’
Verses 20, 25, and 27 reveal the people’s heart, will not serve, must go after foreign gods, recognizing wood and stones as parents. This with the denial of guilt in verses 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, and 3:13.
28
-“But where are your gods
Which you made for yourself?
Let them arise, if they can save you
In the time of your trouble!
For as many as the number of your cities
Are your gods, Judah.
29
     “Why do you contend with Me?
You have all revolted against Me,” declares the LORD.
30
“In vain I have struck your sons;
They did not accept discipline.
Your sword has devoured your prophets
Like a destroying lion.
31
-“You generation, look to the word of the LORD.
Have I been a wilderness to Israel,
Or a land of thick darkness?
Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam;
We will no longer come to You’?
32
-“Can a virgin forget her jewelry,
Or a bride her attire?
Yet My people have forgotten Me
For days without number.
33
-“How well you prepare your way
To seek love!
Therefore even to the wicked women
You have taught your ways.
34
-“Also on your skirts is found
The lifeblood of the innocent poor;
You did not find them breaking in.
But in spite of all these things,
Oppressing the poor is a grave fault in the eyes of God (Job 24:14; Is 3:14-15, 10:2; Ezk 18:10-12; Jam 2:5-6).
35
You said, ‘I am innocent;
Surely His anger is turned away from me.’
Behold, I will enter into judgment with you
Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
See note in 2:23.
36
-“Why do you go around so much
Changing your way?
Also, you will be put to shame by Egypt,
Just as you were put to shame by Assyria.
Confidence and trust in the world is shameful for God’s people (Is 30:3).
37
-“From this place as well you will go out
With your hands on your head;
For the LORD has rejected those in whom you trust,
And you will not prosper with them.”
Chapter 3
The Defiled Land
1
God says, “If a husband divorces his wife
And she leaves him
And becomes another man’s wife,
Will he return to her again?
Would that land not be completely defiled?
But you are a prostitute with many lovers;
Yet you turn to Me,” declares the LORD.
Marrying the same person after having divorced them was not allowed (Dt 24:1-4); God cannot take Israel back. The prophet Hosea illustrates what God is willing to do in Hos 3:1-3.
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
The idea of a rebirth is reinforced by the call to circumcise (4:4).
2
“Raise your eyes to the bare heights and see;
Where have you not been violated?
You have sat for them by the roads
Like an Arab in the desert,
And you have defiled a land
With your prostitution and your wickedness.
3
-“Therefore the showers have been withheld,
And there has been no spring rain.
Yet you had a prostitute’s forehead;
You refused to be ashamed.
The promised land was described as plentiful in water from heaven (Dt 11:10-14, 28:12).
Lack of water might also be understood as the absence of the Holy Spirit in the land (Is 32:14-15, 44:3-4)
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
4
-“Have you not just now called to Me,
‘My Father, You are the friend of my youth?
5
-‘Will He be angry forever,
Or keep His anger to the end?’
Behold, you have spoken
And have done evil things,
And you have had your own way.”
We are not to rely on God’s grace to cover our transgressions (Rom 5:20-6:2).
Yet, God answers yes in verse 12.
Faithless Israel
6
     Then the LORD said to me in the days of King Josiah, “Have you seen what faithless Israel did? She went up on every high hill and under every leafy tree, and she prostituted herself there.
Jeremiah ministered during Josiah’s time as king (2Ch 35:25; Jer 1:2).
What Israel did is listed in 2Ki 17:7-23.
7
Yet I thought, ‘After she has done all these things she will return to Me’; but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
The motif of a return is strong in verses 3:7-4:1.
8
And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a certificate of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and prostituted herself also.
This refers to the exile of the northern kingdom by the hands of the Assyrians.
9
And because of the thoughtlessness of her prostitution, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.
Notice the charge of adultery with the worships of stones and rituals around trees.
10
Yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception,” declares the LORD.
The return of Judah was shallow, this makes Judah even guiltier.
The religious reforms that king Josiah (3:6) implemented (2Ki 23:1-25; 2Ch 34:1-8, 34:29-33) were not sincere or enough (2Ki 23:26-27).
God Invites Repentance
11
     And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has proved herself to be more righteous than treacherous Judah.
Jesus made similar comments (Mt 11:20-24).
12
Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say,
‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD;
‘I will not look at you in anger.
For I am gracious,’ declares the LORD;
‘I will not be angry forever.
This verse is a picture of God calling to the tribes who were exiled by Assyria. God is willing to be patient and forgive. See verse 3:18.
Notice the plea to return (3:12, 3:14, 3:22, 4:1).
This verse answers the question in verse 5, with the condition mentioned in the verse following.
13
-‘Only acknowledge your wrongdoing,
That you have revolted against the LORD your God,
And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every leafy tree,
And you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the LORD.
See note in 3:3.
14
‘Return, you faithless sons,’ declares the LORD;
‘For I am a master to you,
And I will take you, one from a city and two from a family,
And bring you to Zion.’
Notice the plea to return (3:12, 3:14, 3:22, 4:1).
God’s intent is to keep a remnant (Jer 3:14, 4:27, 5:18).
The promise is a return to Zion.
15
     “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you knowledge and understanding.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
16
And it shall be in those days when you become numerous and are fruitful in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ And it will not come to mind, nor will they remember it, nor miss it, nor will it be made again.
Abundance is a sign of the Messianic age (Is 9:3).
The ark represents the Sinai covenant. This covenant will be forgotten. Jeremiah is announcing the time of a new covenant in which all nations will participate (31:31-34).
17
At that time they will call Jerusalem ‘The Throne of the LORD,’ and all the nations will assemble at it, at Jerusalem, for the name of the LORD; and they will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil heart.
This verse likely refers to the heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21:22-26).
18
In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance.
Ezekiel spoke of Judah and Israel reunited in a new covenant (Ezk 37:15-28).
19
     “Then I said,
‘How I would set you among My sons
And give you a pleasant land,
The most beautiful inheritance of the nations!’
And I said, ‘You shall call Me, My Father,
And not turn away from following Me.’
God is a Father (e.g Ex 4:22; Dt 8:5, 14:1, 32:6, 32:18; Jer 31:9; Hos 11:1; Mt 6:9; Jn 1:12-13) and a Husband (e.g. Jer 2:2, 3:1).
The people chose instead to call wood and stone father (2:27).
20
-“However, as a woman treacherously leaves her lover,
So you have dealt treacherously with Me,
House of Israel,” declares the LORD.
21
     A voice is heard on the bare heights,
The weeping, the pleading of the sons of Israel.
Because they have perverted their way,
They have forgotten the LORD their God.
A dramatic scene.
22
“Return, you faithless sons,
I will heal your faithlessness.”
“Behold, we come to You;
For You are the LORD our God.
Notice the plea to return (3:12, 3:14, 3:22, 4:1).
Healing is what we need (e.g. Is 30:26; Hos 6:1, 14:4; Act 4:30).
The second part of this verse starts a confession that continues to 3:25.
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
23
-“Certainly the hills are a deception,
Commotion on the mountains.
Certainly in the LORD our God
Is the salvation of Israel.
A foreshadow of the redeeming ministry of Jesus (Ps 3:8, 130:7-8; Jer 31:7; Lk 1:68; Tit 2:13-24).
24
     “But the shame has consumed the product of our fathers’ labor since our youth—their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.
The shame is likely a reference to Baal; this verse is a reference to the actual material cost of pursuing emptiness in the world.
25
Let us lie down in our shame, and let our humiliation cover us; for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day. And we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”
This verse is likely a confession by Jeremiah and his plea to the people that started in 3:21.
God’s plan is to replace the cover of humiliation and cover us with righteousness (Ps 132:9; Is 61:10; Rev 19:7-8).
Chapter 4
Judah Threatened with Invasion
1
“If you will return, Israel,” declares the LORD,
“Then you should return to Me.
And if you will put away your detestable things from My presence,
And will not waver,
Notice the plea to return (3:12, 3:14, 3:22, 4:1).
2
And if you will swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’
In truth, in justice, and in righteousness;
Then the nations will bless themselves in Him,
And in Him they will boast.”
Three actions are laid out by the LORD, to put away the detestable things (things that make the Lord jealous), to not waver, and, if we are to invoke His name, we need to act in truth, justice, and righteousness.
These actions are the conduit for Abraham’s blessings (Gen 12:3, 22:18).
Jeremiah announces the universal redemption (Jer 4:2, 12:14-17; 16:19-21).
3
     For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem:
“Break up your uncultivated ground,
And do not sow among thorns.
The ground is a picture of our hearts, the call is to sow heavenly seeds as thorns choke up the word (Mt 13:22; Mk 4:18-19; Lk 8:14).
To not sow among thorns might also be an admonishing against putting our trust in the world as the soil was cursed with thorns (Gen 3:17-18).
4
-“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD
And remove the foreskins of your hearts,
Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,
Or else My wrath will spread like fire
And burn with no one to quench it,
Because of the evil of your deeds.”
A call to circumcision would have been responded with ‘We are already circumcised’. Thus
circumcision is a sign of a new birth; see comment in 3:1.
Circumcision was a sign for the covenant with Abraham (Gen 17:10-13). Those who were not God’s people were referred to as uncircumcised (1Sa 14:6; Ezk 31:18).
Uncircumcision of the heart or ears is a sign of disobedience (Lv 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 6:10, 9:25-26; Ezk 44:7-9; Act 7:51). When speaking or the ears, sometimes it is translated as closed ears.
The covenant of the circumcision is a foreshadowing of a spiritual circumcision of the heart. This verse points to a new, different covenant (Rom 2:28-29; Phi 3:3; Col 2:11-13). Physical circumcision is not relevant to the spiritual standing before God (1Co 7:19; Gal 5:6, 6:15; Col 3:11).
5
     Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say,
“Blow the trumpet in the land;
Cry aloud and say,
‘Assemble, and let’s go
Into the fortified cities.’
6
-“Raise a flag toward Zion!
Take refuge, do not stand still,
For I am bringing evil from the north,
And great destruction.
7
-“A lion has gone up from his thicket,
And a destroyer of nations has set out;
He has gone out from his place
To make your land a waste.
Your cities will be ruins,
Without an inhabitant.
The lion, a picture of Judah (Gen 49:9) and Jesus (Rev 5:5), is a picture of judgment (Jer 25:38; Hos 5:14, 13:7) against Judah (4:5).
8
-“For this, put on sackcloth,
Mourn and wail;
For the fierce anger of the LORD
Has not turned away from us.”
A sackcloth was a sign of humility and submission (1Ki 20:31-32), self-denial (e.g. 2Ki 19:1; Est 4:1), or of mourning (e.g. Gen 37:34; 2Sa 3:31)
The people’ response was to dress in scarlet and gold (4:30).
9
“And it shall come about on that day,” declares the LORD, “that the heart of the king and the hearts of the leaders will fail; and the priests will tremble, and the prophets will be astonished.”
The king, leaders, priests, prophets all should have foreseen what would happen.
10
     Then I said, “Oh, Lord GOD! Surely You have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ‘You will have peace’; yet a sword touches the throat.”
The name Jerusalem means City of Peace.
Jeremiah’s expectation was of peace; in his eyes, the LORD is not keeping His promise.
On the contrary, the LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
Jesus lamented that people in Jerusalem did not know what would bring peace (Lk 19:41-42).
11
     At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A scorching wind from the bare heights in the wilderness, in the direction of the daughter of My people—not to winnow and not to cleanse,
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
12
a wind too strong for this—will come at My command; now I will also pronounce judgments against them.”
13
“Behold, he goes up like clouds,
And his chariots like the whirlwind;
His horses are swifter than eagles.
Woe to us, for we are ruined!”
14
     Wash your heart from evil, Jerusalem,
So that you may be saved.
How long will your wicked thoughts
Lodge within you?
A last minute plea from the prophet.
15
For a voice declares from Dan,
And proclaims wickedness from Mount Ephraim.
Dan and Ephraim represent the northern kingdom, which had already gone into exile to Assyria (2Ki 17:6, 22-23; Jer 2:18).
16
“Report it to the nations, now!
Proclaim to Jerusalem,
‘Enemies are coming from a remote country,
And they raise their voices against the cities of Judah.
17
-‘Like watchmen of a field they are against her all around,
Because she has rebelled against Me,’ declares the LORD.
18
-“Your ways and your deeds
Have brought these things upon you.
This is your evil. How bitter!
How it has touched your heart!”
Grief over Judah’s Devastation
19
     My soul, my soul! I am in anguish! Oh, my heart!
My heart is pounding in me;
I cannot keep silent,
Because, my soul, you have heard
The sound of the trumpet,
The alarm of war.
Jeremiah feels the impending attack.
Verses 19-26 are Jeremiah’s lament, with an interjection by God in v. 22.
20
Disaster upon disaster is proclaimed,
For the whole land is devastated;
Suddenly my tents are devastated,
And my curtains in an instant.
21
How long must I see the flag
And hear the sound of the trumpet?
Likely a reference to the enemy army.
22
“For My people are foolish,
They do not know Me;
They are foolish children
And have no understanding.
They are skillful at doing evil,
But they do not know how to do good.”
23
     I looked at the earth, and behold, it was a formless and desolate emptiness;
And to the heavens, and they had no light.
Points to a moment before creation (Gen 1:1), thus creation is undone.
24
I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking,
And all the hills jolted back and forth.
25
I looked, and behold, there was no human,
And all the birds of the sky had fled.
No people and no birds is the undoing of creation.
26
I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a wilderness,
And all its cities were pulled down
Before the LORD, before His fierce anger.
In the creation story, God saw that the creation was good, in contrast with what Jeremiah sees in verses 23-26.
The flood was also an undoing of creation, see comment in Gen 7:21.
27
     For this is what the LORD says:
“The whole land shall be a desolation,
Yet I will not execute a complete destruction.
God’s intent is to keep a remnant (Jer 3:14, 4:27, 5:18).
28
-“For this the earth will mourn,
And the heavens above will become dark,
Because I have spoken, I have purposed,
And I have not changed My mind, nor will I turn from it.”
29
At the sound of the horseman and archer every city flees;
They go into the thickets and climb among the rocks;
Every city is abandoned,
And no one lives in them.
30
And you, desolate one, what will you do?
Although you dress in scarlet,
Although you adorn yourself with jewelry of gold,
Although you enlarge your eyes with makeup,
In vain you make yourself beautiful.
Your lovers despise you;
They seek your life.
Perhaps this verse refers to diplomatic maneuvers to try to diffuse an attack.
31
For I heard a voice cry as of a woman in labor,
The anguish as of one giving birth to her first child.
The voice of the daughter of Zion gasping for breath,
Stretching out her hands, saying,
“Ah, woe to me, for I faint before murderers.”
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
Chapter 5
Jerusalem’s Godlessness
1
“Roam about through the streets of Jerusalem,
And look and take notice.
And seek in her public squares,
If you can find a person,
If there is one who does justice, who seeks honesty,
Then I will forgive her.
When Abraham bargained with God, ten righteous men were needed(Gen 18:23-32).
2
-“And although they say, ‘As the LORD lives,’
Certainly they swear falsely.”
An offense against Lev 19:12.
Such an oath must be supported by truth, justice, and righteousness (4:2).
Jesus admonished against this practice (Mt 5:33-36, 23:16-19).
3
LORD, do Your eyes not look for honesty?
You have struck them,
But they did not weaken;
You have consumed them,
But they refused to accept discipline.
They have made their faces harder than rock;
They have refused to repent.
Jeremiah speaks and intercedes in v. 3-5.
4
     Then I said, “They are only the poor,
They are foolish;
For they do not know the way of the LORD
Or the judgment of their God.
Guilt remains even when not knowing (Lev 5:17).
5
-“I will go to the great
And speak to them,
For they know the way of the LORD
And the judgment of their God.”
But together they too have broken the yoke
And burst the restraints.
The yoke might be a picture of the Law (Act 15:20).
We are God’s servants, we are yoked with Jesus (Mt 11:28).
From the one who has been entrusted much, much more will be asked (Lk 12:48).
6
Therefore a lion from the forest will kill them,
A wolf of the deserts will destroy them,
A leopard is watching their cities.
Everyone who goes out of them will be torn in pieces,
Because their wrongdoings are many,
Their apostasies are numerous.
A lion can be an image of divine judgment (Hos 13:7-8). God uses images from creation to depict judgment and attacking armies. But it is also a reminder of the chastisements listed in Deuteronomy (Dt 32:24).
7
     “Why should I forgive you?
Your sons have forsaken Me
And sworn by those who are not gods.
When I had fed them to the full,
They committed adultery
And stayed at the prostitute’s house.
The charges against Judah.
8
-“They were well-fed lusty horses,
Each one neighing at his neighbor’s wife.
An offense against Ex 20:17, Dt 5:21 illustrated with animal behavior.
9
-“Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD,
“And shall I not avenge Myself
On a nation such as this?
A question formulated also in 5:29.
10
     “Go up through her vine rows and destroy,
But do not execute a complete destruction;
Strip away her branches,
For they are not the LORD’S.
Jesus and Paul use a similar picture of the people being branches (Jn 15:4-6; Rom 11:17-21).
It is unclear who is speaking in this verse.
11
-“For the house of Israel and the house of Judah
Have dealt very treacherously with Me,” declares the LORD.
12
They have lied about the LORD
And said, “Not He;
Misfortune will not come upon us,
Nor will we see sword or famine.
A comment similar to that of the serpent (Gen 3:4-5).
13
-“The prophets are as wind,
And the word is not in them.
So it will be done to them!”
The prophets’ words are empty as opposed to spiritual guidance.
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
Judgment Proclaimed
14
     Therefore, this is what the LORD, the God of armies says:
“Because you have spoken this word,
Behold, I am making My words fire in your mouth,
And this people wood, and it will consume them.
The book of Jeremiah is unusual in depicting the word as fire (Jer 5:14, 20:9, 23:29).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
15
-“Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from far away, you house of Israel,” declares the LORD.
“It is an enduring nation,
It is an ancient nation,
A nation whose language you do not know,
Nor can you understand what they say.
This is to contrast with God’s words who they do understand but behave as though they do not.
16
-“Their quiver is like an open grave,
All of them are warriors.
God is at war with Judah.
17
-“They will devour your harvest and your food;
They will devour your sons and your daughters;
They will devour your flocks and your herds;
They will devour your vines and your fig trees;
They will demolish your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword.
A reversal of the promise of abundance (Dt 7:13-14).
Notice the people’s trust is in what they built.
18
     “Yet even in those days,” declares the LORD, “I will not make a complete destruction of you.
God’s intent is to keep a remnant (Jer 3:14, 4:27, 5:18).
19
And it shall come about when they say, ‘Why has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Just as you have abandoned Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you will serve strangers in a land that is not yours.’
The people abandoned God, thus He will make them feel abandoned.
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
20
     “Declare this in the house of Jacob
And proclaim it in Judah, saying,
A new speech starts.
21
‘Now hear this, you foolish and senseless people,
Who have eyes but do not see,
Who have ears but do not hear.
A common observation by the prophets (Isa 6:9-10; Jer 5:21; Ezk 12:2).
Jesus expressed a similar sentiment about the disciples (Mk 8:18). God enables us to see, hear, and understand (Dt 29:4).
22
-‘Do you not fear Me?’ declares the LORD.
‘Do you not tremble in My presence?
For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea,
An eternal limit, and it will not cross over it.
Though the waves toss, they cannot prevail;
Though they roar, they will not cross over it.
The fear of the LORD is the starting point (Pr 1:7).
God separated the waters from the ground at creation (Gen 1:9-10; Job 38:10-11).
23
-‘But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart;
They have turned aside and departed.
The people, also part of creation, do not follow God’s order.
24
-‘They do not say in their heart,
“Let us now fear the LORD our God,
Who gives rain in its season,
Both the autumn rain and the spring rain,
Who keeps for us
The appointed weeks of the harvest.”
A description of living in obedience in the promised land (Dt 11:13-14; Jam 5:7-8).
25
-‘Your wrongdoings have turned these away,
And your sins have kept good away from you.
Sin prevents blessings from flowing.
26
-‘For wicked people are found among My people,
They watch like fowlers lying in wait;
They set a trap,
They catch people.
With the next verse, we see that the trapped people make their captors wealthy.
27
-‘Like a cage full of birds,
So their houses are full of deceit;
Therefore they have become great and rich.
Deceit might bring wealth but it does not bring blessings.
28
-‘They are fat, they are sleek,
They also excel in deeds of wickedness;
They do not plead the cause,
The cause of the orphan, so that they may be successful;
And they do not defend the rights of the poor.
Ignoring the rights of the poor is a grave offense. This is in contrast with nature where limits are observed (5:22).
29
-‘Shall I not punish them for these things?’ declares the LORD,
‘Or shall I not avenge Myself
On a nation such as this?’
A question formulated also in 5:9.
30
     “An appalling and horrible thing
Has happened in the land:
31
The prophets prophesy falsely,
And the priests rule on their own authority;
And My people love it this way!
But what will you do when the end comes?
Chapter 6
The Coming Destruction of Jerusalem
1
“Flee to safety, you sons of Benjamin,
From the midst of Jerusalem!
Blow a trumpet in Tekoa
And raise a warning signal over Beth-haccerem;
For evil looks down from the north,
Along with a great destruction.
2
-“The beautiful and delicate one, the daughter of Zion, I will destroy.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
3
-“Shepherds and their flocks will come to her,
They will pitch their tents around her,
They will pasture, each in his place.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
4
‘Prepare for war against her;
Arise, and let’s attack at noon.
Woe to us, for the day declines,
For the shadows of the evening lengthen!
5
-‘Arise, and let’s attack by night
And destroy her palaces!’”
6
For this is what the LORD of armies says:
“Cut down her trees
And pile up an assault ramp against Jerusalem.
This is the city to be punished,
In whose midst there is only oppression.
The message has become urgent; five times in this chapter it is mentioned that the LORD says (6:6, 6:9, 6:12, 6:16, 6:21, 6:22).
7
-“As a well keeps its waters fresh,
So she keeps fresh her wickedness.
Violence and destruction are heard in her;
Sickness and wounds are constantly before Me.
8
-“Be warned, Jerusalem,
Or I shall be alienated from you,
And make you a desolation,
An uninhabited land.”
9
     This is what the LORD of armies says:
“They will thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel like the vine;
Pass your hand over the branches again
Like a grape gatherer.”
The picture is of the grapes left behind after harvesting; the Law instructs to leave it for the poor (Lv 19:9-10, 23:22; Dt 24:19). Here the invaders go over the branches again.
10
To whom shall I speak and give warning,
That they may hear?
Behold, their ears are closed
And they cannot listen.
Behold, the word of the LORD has become for them a rebuke;
They take no delight in it.
Other translations refer to the ears as uncircumcised (Act 7:51). See comment in 4:4.
11
But I am full of the wrath of the LORD;
I am weary of holding it in.
“Pour it out on the children in the street
And on the gathering of young men together;
For both husband and wife shall be taken,
The old and the very old.
Jeremiah sees himself as a vessel to be poured on the people, from the infants to the very old.
12
-“Their houses shall be turned over to others,
Their fields and their wives together;
For I will stretch out My hand
Against the inhabitants of the land,” declares the LORD.
13
“For from the least of them to the greatest of them,
Everyone is greedy for gain,
And from the prophet to the priest
Everyone deals falsely.
Greed for gain is a form of idolatry; also in 8:10 (Mt 6:24; Col 3:5; 1Ti 3:3, 6:10).
Verses 6:13-15 are similar to 8:10-12.
14
-“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially,
Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
But there is no peace.
Jesus lamented that people in Jerusalem did not know what would bring peace (Lk 19:41-42).
The LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
15
-“Were they ashamed because of the abomination they had done?
They were not ashamed at all,
Nor did they know even how to be ashamed.
Therefore they will fall among those who fall;
At the time that I punish them,
They will collapse,” says the LORD.
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
16
     This is what the LORD says:
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
Then you will find a resting place for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jesus explains how to walk in the good way in Mt 11:29.
17
-“And I set watchmen over you, saying,
‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’
But they said, ‘We will not listen.’
This is a picture of the prophets providing guidance to the people (e.g. Ezk 3:17-21, 33:1-9; Hos 8:1).
The reproach of not listening appears multiple times (Jer 6:17, 6:19, 7:13, 7:24, 7:26-28).
18
-“Therefore hear, you nations,
And know, you congregation, what is among them.
19
-“Hear, earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people,
The fruit of their plans,
Because they have not listened to My words,
And as for My Law, they have rejected it also.
God calls for witnesses, the nations (6:18), creation, and the Law (Dt 4:26, 30:19, 31:26).
The reproach of not listening appears multiple times (Jer 6:17, 6:19, 7:13, 7:24, 7:26-28).
20
-“For what purpose does frankincense come to Me from Sheba,
And the sweet cane from a distant land?
Your burnt offerings are not acceptable
And your sacrifices are not pleasing to Me.”
Multiple prophets delivered similar words (e.g. 1Sa 15:22; Is 1:11-13, 66:3; Jer 6:20; Hos 6:6, 8:13; Amo 5:21-24; Mic 6:6-8; Mt 9:13, 12:7; Mk 12:33).
21
Therefore, this is what the LORD says:
“Behold, I am placing stumbling blocks before this people.
And they will stumble against them,
Fathers and sons together;
Neighbor and friend will perish.”
Isaiah spoke similar words (Is 8:14-15).
The Enemy from the North
22
     This is what the LORD says:
“Behold, there is a people coming from the north land,
And a great nation will be stirred up from the remote parts of the earth.
23
-“They seize bow and spear;
They are cruel and have no mercy;
Their voice roars like the sea,
And they ride on horses,
Lined up as a man for the battle
Against you, daughter of Zion!”
A frightening sentencing for Jerusalem as the target of the invaders from the north.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
24
We have heard the report of it;
Our hands are limp.
Anguish has seized us,
Pain like that of a woman in childbirth.
25
Do not go out into the field,
And do not walk on the road;
For the enemy has a sword,
Terror is on every side.
26
Daughter of my people, put on sackcloth
And roll in ashes;
Mourn as for an only son,
A most bitter mourning.
For suddenly the destroyer
Will come against us.
A sackcloth was a sign of humility and submission (1Ki 20:31-32), self-denial (e.g. 2Ki 19:1; Est 4:1), or of mourning (e.g. Gen 37:34; 2Sa 3:31)
There are multiple calls to mourning in Jeremiah (e.g. Jer 6:26, 9:17-21).
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
27
     “I have made you an assayer and an examiner among My people,
So that you may know and put their way to the test.”
28
All of them are stubbornly rebellious,
Going about as a slanderer;
They are bronze and iron.
They are, all of them, corrupt.
29
The bellows blow fiercely,
The lead is consumed by the fire;
In vain the refining goes on,
But the wicked are not separated.
The refinement failed to purge the impurities; this leaves Judah in an irremediable situation and Judah is rejected (6:30).
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
30
They call them rejected silver,
Because the LORD has rejected them.
Chapter 7
Message at the Temple Gate
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Verses 7:1-15 are known as the first Temple Sermon. A second instance is in 26:1-24.
2
“Stand at the gate of the LORD’S house and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the LORD!’”
The people come to worship but their deeds do not reflect God’s name and character (7:9-10).
3
This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you live in this place.
4
Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’
The people had put their trust in something material, built by human hands. Perhaps in their minds was how God defended the city against Sennacherib (Is 37:33-37).
5
For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a person and his neighbor,
6
if you do not oppress the stranger, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor follow other gods to your own ruin,
In verses 5-6, notice the absence of rituals, sacrifices, tithing, food regulations, and even the keeping of the Sabbath.
7
then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.
God is still willing to let them live there.
The land was given to the patriarchs, God’s gifts and calling aer irrevocable (Rom 11:29). But it is up to God who lives in the land (Lv 25:23).
8
     “Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.
9
Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, offer sacrifices to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known,
10
then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are saved!’—so that you may do all these abominations?
11
Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I Myself have seen it,” declares the LORD.
A problem that continued in Jesus’ time (Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46).
12
     “But go now to My place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the beginning, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.
The Tabernacle with the ark had been in Shiloh. The priest Eli ministered there (1Sa 1:3), and it is where the prophet Samuel grew up (1Sa 1:24). Shiloh was now in ruins after the northern kingdom had been conquered by Assyria.
A similar charge is in 26:6. The response then will be to try to kill Jeremiah.
13
And now, because you have done all these things,” declares the LORD, “and I spoke to you, speaking again and again, but you did not listen, and I called you but you did not answer,
The reproach of not listening appears multiple times (Jer 6:17, 6:19, 7:13, 7:24, 7:26-28).
14
therefore I will do to the house which is called by My name, in which you trust, and to the place which I gave you and your fathers, just as I did to Shiloh.
15
I will hurl you out of My sight, just as I have hurled out all your brothers, all the descendants of Ephraim.
Ephraim was the leader tribe of the northern kingdom.
16
     “As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not plead with Me; for I am not listening to you.
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
The prophets interceded for the people, e.g. Moses (Ex 32:9-14; Num 14:13-19; Dt 9:16-20), Aaron (Ps 99:6), Samuel (1Sa 7:7-9, 12:22-23), Jeremiah (Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11, 14:19-21, 18:20), Amos (Amo 7:2, 5), and Paul (Eph 3:14-21; Col 1:9-12; 2Th 1:11-12). Jesus and the Spirit intercede for us too (Is 53:12; Jn 17:9; Rom 8:26-27, 8:34; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 1Jn 2:1).
17
Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
18
The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make sacrificial cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods in order to provoke Me to anger.
The practices that offended God were pervasive in the social fabric.
19
Are they provoking Me?” declares the LORD. “Is it not themselves instead, to their own shame?”
20
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, My anger and My wrath will be poured out on this place, on human and animal life, and on the trees of the field and the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and not be quenched.”
21
     This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat flesh.
22
For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices.
23
But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you shall walk entirely in the way which I command you, so that it may go well for you.’
A reference to Ex 19:3-6, before the Law or the Tabernacle.
24
Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked by their own advice and in the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and they went backward and not forward.
The reproach of not listening appears multiple times (Jer 6:17, 6:19, 7:13, 7:24, 7:26-28).
25
Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets, sending them daily, again and again.
26
Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers.
The reproach of not listening appears multiple times (Jer 6:17, 6:19, 7:13, 7:24, 7:26-28).
27
     “So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you.
28
And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God or accept discipline; trustworthiness has perished and has been eliminated from their mouth.
Notice the mentioning of losing trustworthiness in their words (Is 59:15).
29
-‘Cut off your hair and throw it away,
And take up a song of mourning on the bare heights;
For the LORD has rejected and forsaken
The generation of His wrath.’
30
For the sons of Judah have done that which is evil in My sight,” declares the LORD. “They have put their detestable things in the house which is called by My name, to defile it.
Verses 7:30 - 8:3 present God’s verdict.
31
They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind.
The sacrificing of children is explicitly forbidden in the Torah (Lev 18:21, 24-28; Dt 12:31).
Also admonished in 32:35.
32
     “Therefore, behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when it will no longer be called Topheth, or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but the Valley of the Slaughter; for they will bury in Topheth because there is no other place.
This Valley of Hinnom is likely the place identified as Geenna, hell, in the gospels. See comment in Mt 5:22.
33
The dead bodies of this people will be food for the birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth; and no one will frighten them away.
34
Then I will eliminate from the cities of Judah and from the streets of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride; for the land will become a site of ruins.
Chapter 8
The Sin and Treachery of Judah
1
“At that time,” declares the LORD, “they will bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of its leaders, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem from their graves.
Notice that all levels of society are listed.
Compare with verse 8:10.
2
They will spread them out to the sun, the moon, and to all the heavenly lights, which they have loved, which they have served, which they have followed, which they have sought, and which they have worshiped. They will not be gathered nor buried; they will be like dung on the face of the ground.
In retribution to having worshiped the Queen of Heaven (7:18).
The bones will be offensive to look at and will defile the land (Dt 23:12-14).
3
And death will be chosen rather than life by all the remnant that remains of this evil family, that remains in all the places to which I have driven them,” declares the LORD of armies.
As opposed to choosing life (Dt 30:19; Jn 17:3).
4
“You shall say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says:
“Do people fall and not get up?
Does one turn away and not repent?
5
-“Why has this people, Jerusalem,
Turned away in continual apostasy?
They hold on to deceit,
They refuse to return.
Deuteronomy called the people to hold fast to the LORD, to cling to Him (e.g. Dt 4:4, 10:20, 11:22, 13:4, 30:20). Here the people were clinging to lies.
6
-“I have listened and heard,
They have spoken what is not right;
No one repented of his wickedness,
Saying, ‘What have I done?’
Everyone turned to his own course,
Like a horse charging into the battle.
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
7
-“Even the stork in the sky
Knows her seasons;
And the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane
Keep to the time of their migration;
But My people do not know
The judgment of the LORD.
8
     “How can you say, ‘We are wise,
And the Law of the LORD is with us’?
But behold, the lying pen of the scribes
Has made it into a lie.
In this verse the people claim to be wise, in the next God asks what kind of wisdom that would be.
Contrast the Law of the Lord is with us in this verse with they have rejected the word of the Lord in the next. Having the commandment is not the same as practicing the commandment.
Note the charge against the scribes to have transformed the Law into a lie.
9
-“The wise men are put to shame,
They are dismayed and caught;
Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD,
So what kind of wisdom do they have?
There is no wisdom if not found in the word of God (Prv 1:2-3).
10
-“Therefore I will give their wives to others,
Their fields to new owners;
Because from the least even to the greatest
Everyone is greedy for gain;
From the prophet even to the priest,
Everyone practices deceit.
Compare with verse 8:1 where all layers of society are listed.
Greed for gain is a form of idolatry, also in 6:13 (Co 3:5; 1Ti 3:3, 6:10).
Verses 8:10-12 are similar to 6:13-15.
11
-“They have healed the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially,
Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
But there is no peace.
Jesus lamented that people in Jerusalem did not know what would bring peace (Lk 19:41-42).
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
The LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
12
-“Were they ashamed because of the abomination they had done?
They were not ashamed at all,
And they did not know how to be ashamed;
Therefore they will fall among those who fall;
At the time of their punishment they will collapse,”
Says the LORD.
See note in 8:6.
13
     “I will certainly snatch them away,” declares the LORD.
“There will be no grapes on the vine
And no figs on the fig tree,
And the leaf will wither;
And what I have given them will pass away.”’”
Abundance was a promise for obedience (Dt 7:12-14, 8:7-9).
14
Why are we sitting still?
Assemble yourselves, and let’s go into the fortified cities
And perish there,
For the LORD our God has doomed us
And given us poisoned water to drink,
Because we have sinned against the LORD.
15
We waited for peace, but no good came;
For a time of healing, but behold, terror!
16
From Dan there is heard the snorting of his horses;
At the sound of the neighing of his stallions
The whole land quakes;
For they come and devour the land and its fullness,
The city and its inhabitants.
Dan was in the north.
17
“For behold, I am sending serpents among you,
Vipers for which there is no charm;
And they will bite you,” declares the LORD.
A serpent could be charmed and subdued (Ecc 10:11).
Evokes the episode in Num 21:6-9.
A warning revealed in Deuteronomy (Dt 32:24).
18
     My sorrow is beyond healing,
My heart is faint within me!
It is not clear who is speaking in 8:18 and 9:1-2.
19
Behold, listen! The cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land:
“Is the LORD not in Zion? Is her King not within her?”
“Why have they provoked Me with their carved images, with foreign idols?”
The people cry out for God, but He does not answer because of their idolatry.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
20
“Harvest is past, summer is over,
And we are not saved.”
21
I am broken over the brokenness of the daughter of my people.
I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
22
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?
The healing from God feels delayed.
The priest and prophets were not able to provide true healing (8:11).
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
Chapter 9
Grief over Zion
1
Oh, that my head were waters
And my eyes a fountain of tears,
That I might weep day and night
For those slain of the daughter of my people!
It is not clear who is speaking in 8:18 and 9:1-2.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
2
Oh that I had in the desert
A travelers’ lodging place;
So that I might leave my people
And go away from them!
For all of them are adulterers,
An assembly of treacherous people.
This is a reversal of entering the promised land and a return to the wilderness.
3
“They bend their tongues like their bows;
Lies and not truth prevail in the land;
For they proceed from evil to evil,
And they do not know Me,” declares the LORD.
Verses 3, 6, and 24 speak of knowing the Lord in contrast with the multiple verses (2-8) about deceit and falsehoods. Verse 24 speaks of the value of knowing God, which is eternal life (Jn 17:3).
Knowing God is emphasized and encouraged throughout the Bible (e.g. Ex 33:13; Jer 9:24, 22:15-16; 31:34; Dan 11:32; Hos 6:3, 6:6; Jn 10:27, 17:3, 17:25-26; Gal 4:8-9, Phil 3:8-10; Col 1:10) as well as the perils of not knowing Him (e.g. Jdg 2:10-12; Jer 2:8, 4:22; 5:4-5, 9:3, 9:6; Hos 4:1; 1Co 15:34). A number of people are accused of not knowing the Father (e.g. Ex 5:2; 1Sa 2:12; Hos 4:1; Mt 25:12; Jn 8:19, 8:55, 16:3).
The story of creation tells us about what God is like, He speaks, He sees, He discerns, He gives life, He blesses His creation. When we know God, we recognize His voice and His words, His mighty acts, His mercy. We know what pleases or grieves Him, we know His heart.
4
“Let everyone be on guard against his neighbor,
And do not trust any brother;
Because every brother utterly betrays,
And every neighbor goes about as a slanderer.
Guarding against our neighbors is quite opposed to the peace preached (8:11); and it reveals a house divided (Mt 12:25; Mk 3:24; Lk 11:17).
Lost is the love for their neighbor (Lv 19:18; Mt 19:19; Mk 12:31; Lk 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jam 2:8).
Verses 9:4-5 are similar to Mic 7:5. Jesus quotes Mic 7:6 in Mt 10:21.
5
-“Everyone deceives his neighbor
And does not speak the truth.
They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
They weary themselves committing wrongdoing.
6
-“Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit;
Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD.
See comment in 9:3.
7
     Therefore this is what the LORD of armies says:
“Behold, I will refine them and put them to the test;
For what else can I do, because of the daughter of My people?
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
8
-“Their tongue is a deadly arrow;
It speaks deceit;
With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor,
But inwardly he sets an ambush for him.
Our words can deliver life or death (Ps 140:3; Jer 9:3; Jam 3:8-12).
9
-“Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD.
“Shall I not avenge Myself
On a nation such as this?
10
     “I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains,
And for the pastures of the wilderness a song of mourning,
Because they are laid waste so that no one passes through,
And the sound of the livestock is not heard;
Both the birds of the sky and the animals have fled; they are gone.
Verse 9:1 speaks of shedding tears for the people, this verse places the mountains, creation as a worthier object of sorrow.
11
-“I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins,
A haunt of jackals;
And I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitant.”
12
     Who is the wise person who may understand this? And who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD has spoken, that he may declare it? Why is the land destroyed, laid waste like the desert, so that no one passes through?
Evokes Is 53:1.
13
The LORD said, “Because they have abandoned My Law which I put before them, and have not obeyed My voice nor walked according to it,
14
but have followed the stubbornness of their heart and the Baals, as their fathers taught them,”
The idolatry was passed on by their ancestors.
15
therefore this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood; and I will give them poisoned water to drink.
The retribution for delivering death through their words (9:3, 8).
16
I will also scatter them among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known; and I will send the sword after them until I have put an end to them.”
In Jeremiah, the scattering of the people has two sides to it. One the one side, God will scatter the people for their disobedience (Jer 9:16, 13:24, 18:17, 24:9). On the other, the leaders are responsible for causing the sheep to scatter and get lost, portrayals of not following God (Jer 10:21, 23:1-2, 50:6).
The Messiah will gather His people (e.g. Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5-6, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 16:15, 23:3-8; 31:8-10, 32:37; Zph 3:20; Zch 8:7-8, 10:10).
For not knowing God (9:3, 6), their chastisement will be to go to a land that they do not know.
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
17
     This is what the LORD of armies says:
“Consider and call for the mourning women, that they may come;
And send for the skillful women, that they may come!
The picture of a funeral is presented as the professional wailing women are called.
18
-“Have them hurry and take up a wailing for us,
So that our eyes may shed tears,
And our eyelids flow with water.
19
-“For a voice of wailing is heard from Zion:
‘How devastated we are!
We are put to great shame,
For we have abandoned the land
Because they have torn down our homes.’”
20
Now hear the word of the LORD, you women,
And let your ears receive the word of His mouth;
Teach your daughters wailing,
And have every woman teach her neighbor a song of mourning.
God also addresses the women of the land.
Notice the funeral sorrow (9:17) continues into the next generation.
21
For death has come up through our windows;
It has entered our palaces
To eliminate the children from the streets,
The young men from the public squares.
A picture of death entering like a thief against which there is no protection.
It evokes the angel of death killing the firstborns in Egypt (Ex 12:12-13, 29).
22
Speak, “This is what the LORD says:
‘The corpses of people will fall like dung on the open field,
And like the sheaf after the reaper,
But no one will gather them.’”
23
     This is what the LORD says: “Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches;
Education, power, or wealth is not what impresses God.
24
but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Paul refers to boasting in the Lord in 1Co 1:31 and 2Co 10:17.
Note that knowing God and understanding Him is more valuable than education, power, and wealth. See comment in 9:3.
Mercy, justice, and righteousness on earth are God’s purpose.
25
     “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised—
26
Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all those inhabiting the desert who trim the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart.”
Judah is listed with their enemies (after Egypt) simply as one among several nations who practice circumcision.
Circumcision was a sign for the covenant with Abraham (Gen 17:10-13). Those who were not God’s people were referred to as uncircumcised (1Sa 14:6; Ezk 31:18).
Uncircumcision of the heart is a sign of disobedience (Lv 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 6:10, 9:25-26; Ezk 44:7-9; Act 7:51).
The covenant of the circumcision is a foreshadowing of a spiritual circumcision of the heart. This verse points to a new, different covenant (Rom 2:28-29; Phi 3:3; Col 2:11-13). Physical circumcision is not relevant to the spiritual standing before God (1Co 7:19; Gal 5:6, 6:15; Col 3:11).
Chapter 10
A Satire on Idolatry
1
Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, house of Israel.
Other commentators have observed that 10:1-16 might have the exiles in Babylon as their intended audience since the Babylonians were known for their studies of the heavens.
2
This is what the LORD says:
“Do not learn the way of the nations,
And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens,
Although the nations are terrified by them;
Ancient pagan cultures would fear fenomena like lightning, thunder, eclipses. Deuteronomy warns about being drawn to the skies (Dt 4:19).
Verses 10:7 and 10:13 point to God as the One to fear, the one who mandates over the heavens.
3
For the customs of the peoples are futile;
For it is wood cut from the forest,
The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.
Learning practice from other nations results in emptiness.
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
4
-“They decorate the idol with silver and gold;
They fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not totter.
Isaiah spoke similar words (Is 40:19-20, 41:7, 44:9-20).
5
-“They are like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot walk!
Do not fear them,
For they can do no harm,
Nor can they do any good.”
God states that fearing the idols is like fearing a scarecrow on a field.
Verse 10:7 points to God as the One to fear.
6
     There is none like You, LORD;
You are great, and Your name is great in might.
In the style of the Psalmist, verses 10:6-10:16 draw a chasm between God the nations and their gods.
7
Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
For it is Your due!
For among all the wise men of the nations
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.
8
But they are altogether stupid and foolish;
The instruction from idols is nothing but wood!
The wise men of the nations (10:7) are actually stupid (1Co 1:18-20).
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the people for going after it (2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
.
9
Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish,
And gold from Uphaz,
The work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith;
Their clothing is of violet and purple;
They are all the work of skilled people.
10
But the LORD is the true God;
He is the living God and the everlasting King.
The earth quakes at His wrath,
And the nations cannot endure His indignation.
11
     This is what you shall say to them: “The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under these heavens.”
Verses 10:10-11 contrast the everlasting King and the temporal man-made gods (2Co 4:18).
This sentence of death for the gods echoes Ps 82:7.
12
     It is He who made the earth by His power,
Who established the world by His wisdom;
And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.
Verses 10:12-16 are perhaps a hymn as they appear again in 51:15-19.
13
When He utters His voice, there is a roar of waters in the heavens,
And He makes the clouds ascend from the end of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain,
And brings out the wind from His storehouses.
Verse 10:1 tells of the fear the nations have for the signs of the heavens but actually the heavens are under the command of the LORD.
This verse evokes Ps 135:7.
14
Every person is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
For his cast metal images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.
15
They are worthless, a work of mockery;
At the time of their punishment they will perish.
16
The Portion of Jacob is not like these;
For He is the Maker of everything,
And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance;
The LORD of armies is His name.
The Portion of Jacob is another name for the LORD.
These are the gods referred to in 10:14-15.
Other commentators have observed that 10:1-16 might have the exiles in Babylon as their intended audience since the Babylonians were known for their studies of the heavens.
17
     Pick up your bundle from the ground,
You who live under siege!
18
For this is what the LORD says:
“Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land
At this time,
And I will cause them distress,
So that they may be found.”
The slinging gives a picture of suddenness. It is not a way to treat friends (1Sa 25:29).
19
     Woe to me, because of my injury!
My wound is incurable.
But I said, “This certainly is a sickness,
And I must endure it.”
20
My tent is destroyed,
And all my ropes are broken.
My sons have gone from me and are no more.
There is no one to stretch out my tent again
Or to set up my curtains.
The proclamation in Is 54:1-3, which follows the suffering servant song, undoes the effects seen in this verse.
21
For the shepherds have become stupid
And have not sought the LORD.
Therefore they have not prospered,
And all their flock is scattered.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
Jeremiah announces the scattering of the people (9:16, 10:21, 13:24, 18:17, 23:1-2, 24:9). But there will be restoration and the Messiah will bring them back (Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 31:10).
22
The sound of a report! Behold, it is coming—
A great roar from the land of the north—
To make the cities of Judah
A desolation, a haunt of jackals.
23
     I know, LORD, that a person’s way is not in himself,
Nor is it in a person who walks to direct his steps.
Verses 10:23-25 are a prayer by Jeremiah.
24
Correct me, LORD, but with justice;
Not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
A common request (Ps 6:1, 38:1).
25
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You,
And on the families who do not call upon Your name;
For they have devoured Jacob;
They have devoured him and consumed him,
And have laid waste his settlement.
Words similar to those in Ps 79:6-7.
Chapter 11
The Broken Covenant
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2
“Hear the words of this covenant, and speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
The following verses contain multiple references to the words in Deuteronomy.
Verses 11:2 and 11:6 are likely reiterations of the reading of the Book of the Law found in the temple (2Ki 22:8, 10; 2Ch 34:15, 18).
3
and say to them, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “Cursed is the one who does not obey the words of this covenant
A reference to Dt 11:26-28 and Dt 27:26.
Verses 11:3-8 are rich in reference to the Sinai covenant as written in Deuteronomy.
Jeremiah will reply to the pronouncement of this curse in 11:5.
4
which I commanded your forefathers on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all that I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’
A reference to Dt 4:20.
5
in order to confirm the oath which I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.”’” Then I replied, “Amen, LORD.”
A reference to how the land is described throughout Deuteronomy (e.g Dt 6:3, 11:9, 26:9, 26:15, 27:3, 31:20)
The reference to the promise to the forefathers appears numerous times in Deuteronomy (e.g. Dt 1:8, 1:35, 6:10, 6:18, 7:8, 7:12-13).
Amen is a response like in Dt 27:15-26.
6
     And the LORD said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Hear the words of this covenant and do them.
Verses 11:2 and 11:6 are likely reiterations of the reading of the Book of the Law found in the temple (2Ki 22:8, 10; 2Ch 34:15, 18).
7
‘For I solemnly warned your fathers on the day I brought them up from the land of Egypt, even to this day, warning them persistently, saying, “Listen to My voice.”
8
‘Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in the stubbornness of their evil heart, each one of them; therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant which I commanded them to do, but they did not.’”
9
     Then the LORD said to me, “A conspiracy has been found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
A picture of how what is covered up will be revealed (Lk 12:2-3). The conspiracy involved the whole population.
10
They have turned back to the wrongdoings of their ancestors who refused to hear My words, and they have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant which I made with their fathers.”
The findings of uncovering the conspiracy.
11
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am bringing disaster on them which they will not be able to escape; though they will cry out to Me, I will not listen to them.
The outcome for Judah will be exile, like it had been for Israel.
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
12
Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they certainly will not save them in the time of their disaster.
13
For your gods are as many as your cities, Judah; and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to the shameful thing, altars for burning incense to Baal.
A charge of infidelity permated in pain (see 11:5).
14
     “So as for you, do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster.
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
The prophets interceded for the people, e.g. Moses (Ex 32:9-14; Num 14:13-19; Dt 9:16-20), Aaron (Ps 99:6), Samuel (1Sa 7:7-9, 12:22-23), Jeremiah (Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11, 14:19-21, 18:20), Amos (Amo 7:2, 5), and Paul (Eph 3:14-21; Col 1:9-12; 2Th 1:11-12). Jesus and the Spirit intercede for us too (Is 53:12; Jn 17:9; Rom 8:26-27, 8:34; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 1Jn 2:1).
15
-“What right has My beloved in My house
When she has carried out many evil schemes?
Can the sacrificial flesh take away from you your disaster,
So that you can rejoice?”
God feels the pain of a spouse who has been betrayed; Israel is still called My beloved.
That we have a way for atonement does not make sin permissible (Rom 5:20-6:2, 6:15).
16
The LORD named you
“A green olive tree, beautiful in fruit and form”;
With the noise of a great tumult
He has set fire to it,
And its branches are worthless.
The olive tree is a picture of Israel (Rom 11:17-24); it also represents a renewed people (Hos 14:4-6).
God knows our names. God said to Abraham his descendants would be like the stars in the sky (Gen 15:5, 22:17, 26:4). In Is 40:26, God declares He knows the name of every star, names given by Him (Ps 147:4). He calls us each by name (Jn 10:3).
17
The LORD of armies, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you because of the evil of the house of Israel and the house of Judah, which they have done to provoke Me by offering sacrifices to Baal.
The LORD … who planted you, a gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
Plots against Jeremiah
18
     Moreover, the LORD made it known to me and I knew it;
Then You showed me their deeds.
God reveals the hearts of men (Lk 12:2-3; 1Co 14:25).
19
But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter;
And I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying,
“Let’s destroy the tree with its fruit,
And let’s cut him off from the land of the living,
So that his name will no longer be remembered.”
In 12:3, Jeremiah argues that the wicked should be the sheep to be slaughtered rather than him.
The phrasing a lamb led … points to the Suffering Servant song (Is 53:7).
20
But, LORD of armies, who judges righteously,
Who puts the feelings and the heart to the test,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You I have committed my cause.
Man looks at the outward appearance, the LORD looks into the soul (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21, 139:23; Pr 15:11; Jer 11:20, 12:3, 17:10, 20:12; Mt 9:4; Lk 16:15; Jn 2:25; Rom 8:27; Rev 2:23).
It is for the LORD to avenge (Lv 19:18; Dt 32:35, 32:41; Ps 94:1; Is 35:4, 61:2, 63:4; Jer 11:20, 15:15, 20:12; Nah 1:2; Rom 12:19, 13:4; 1Th 4:6; Heb 10:30; 1Pe 2:23).
21
     Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth, who are seeking your life, saying: “Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, so that you do not die by our hand”;
Anathoth was a region in the land of Benjamin, where Jeremiah ministered. The men of Anathoth included priests who were likely Jeremiah’s relatives (Jer 1:1).
In the people of Anathoth’s minds perhaps they consider Jeremiah a false prophet who deserves death (Dt 18:20-22).
22
therefore, this is what the LORD of armies says: “Behold, I am going to punish them! The young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters will die by famine;
As the people of Anathoth seek Jeremiah’s life, they themselves will die.
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
23
and a remnant will not be left to them, because I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth—the year of their punishment.”
Chapter 12
Jeremiah’s Prayer
1
Righteous are You, LORD, when I plead my case with You;
Nevertheless I would discuss matters of justice with You:
Why has the way of the wicked prospered?
Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?
Verses 12:1-6 read like a psalm.
God invites us to discuss matters with Him (Jer 12:1; Is 1:18, 41:1, 41:21, 43:26). It is not that we are likely to win an argument with God, Job learned that the hard way, but it will help us know Him better.
As the previous section dealt with the plot from Anathoth against Jeremiah, and verse 12:6 refers to his family, 12:1-6 would be in reference to Jeremiah relatives in Anathoth.
Habakkuk brought up a similar complaint about evil people prospering (Hab 1:12-17).
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
2
You have planted them, they have also taken root;
They grow, they have also produced fruit.
You are near to their lips
But far from their mind.
Jeremiah is presenting a legal challenge to the fact that unrighteous people prosper, not what should be expected from God’s words (e.g. Psalm 1).
Isaiah and Ezekiel proclaimed similar words (Is 29:13; Ezk 33:31-32).
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
3
But You know me, LORD;
You see me
And examine my heart’s attitude toward You.
Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter,
And set them apart for a day of slaughter!
Jeremiah argues that the wicked should be like sheep to be slaughtered rather than himself (11:19). Sanctifying, or setting apart, here it has a negative connotation.
Man looks at the outward appearance, the LORD looks into the soul (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21, 139:23; Pr 15:11; Jer 11:20, 12:3, 17:10, 20:12; Mt 9:4; Lk 16:15; Jn 2:25; Rom 8:27; Rev 2:23).
4
How long is the land to mourn,
And the vegetation of the countryside to dry up?
Due to the wickedness of those who live in it,
Animals and birds have been snatched away,
Because people have said, “He will not see our final end.”
As the ground was cursed because of Adam’s sin, Jeremiah tells how creation is not immune to the ongoing sin of the people (Gen 3:17; Jer 12:4, 14:5-6; Hos 4:1-3).
5
     “If you have run with infantrymen and they have tired you out,
How can you compete with horses?
If you fall down in a land of peace,
How will you do in the thicket by the Jordan?
Verses 12:7-13 are God’s response to Jeremiah’s lament in 12:1-4.
Verses 5-6 are a call to remain strong in the face of adversity; God warns Jeremiah relatives in Anathoth are nothing in comparison to other adversities that Jeremiah will face.
6
-“For even your brothers and the household of your father,
Even they have dealt treacherously with you,
Even they have called aloud after you.
Do not believe them, though they say nice things to you.”
A warning to Jeremiah about threats from his own family.
Jeremiah’s relatives deal with him like they deal with God, saying hollow nice things (12:2).
God’s Answer
7
     “I have forsaken My house,
I have abandoned My inheritance;
I have handed the beloved of My soul
Over to her enemies.
The beloved is a reiteration of 11:15.
In verses 12:7-10, notice the zeal that God feels in regard to His possessions, My house, My inheritance, the beloved of My soul, My vineyard, My field, My pleasant field.
8
-“My inheritance has become to Me
Like a lion in the forest;
She has roared against Me;
Therefore I have come to hate her.
9
-“Is My inheritance like a speckled bird of prey to Me?
Are the birds of prey against her on every side?
Go, gather all the animals of the field,
Bring them to devour!
A picture of the creation coming against Judah (in response to 12:4).
10
-“Many shepherds have ruined My vineyard,
They have trampled down My field;
They have made My pleasant field
A desolate wilderness.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6, 31:27-28, 32:41; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
11
-“It has been made a desolation;
Desolate, it mourns before Me;
The whole land has been made desolate,
Because no one takes it to heart.
12
-“On all the bare heights in the wilderness
Destroyers have come,
For the sword of the LORD is devouring
From one end of the land even to the other;
There is no peace for anyone.
Jesus lamented that people in Jerusalem did not know what would bring peace (Lk 19:41-42). The LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
13
-“They have sown wheat but have harvested thorns,
They have strained themselves to no profit.
So be ashamed of your produce
Because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”
The land has been corrupted (in response to 12:4).
Sowing, rain, and harvesting were common pictures of the fruits of righteous behavior (Pr 11:18; Jer 4:3; Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9; Jam 3:18); here we have the opposite effect.
Harvesting can also be an image of judgment (Jer 51:33; Joe 3:13; Mt 3:12, 13:30, 39).
14
     This is what the LORD says concerning all My wicked neighbors who do harm to the inheritance with which I have endowed My people Israel: “Behold, I am going to drive them out of their land, and I will drive the house of Judah out from among them.
The neighbors must be referring to Gentile nations (12:10). Since they seems to know about the LORD (12:16), they could be neighbors like Moab and Ammon.
Jeremiah announces a universal redemption (Jer 4:2, 12:14-17; 16:19-21)
15
And it will come about that after I have driven them out, I will again have compassion on them; and I will bring them back, each one to his inheritance and each one to his land.
God will have compassion on them again, His mercies are new every morning (Jer 3:12; Lam 3:22-23).
16
Then, if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ just as they taught My people to swear by Baal, they will be built up in the midst of My people.
Teachers need to be particularly held to a higher standard (Jam 3:1).
The nations will need to learn how to be God’s people.
17
But if they do not listen, then I will drive out that nation, drive it out and destroy it,” declares the LORD.
Chapter 13
The Ruined Undergarment
1
This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen undergarment and put it around your waist, but do not put it in water.”
2
So I bought the undergarment in accordance with the word of the LORD, and put it around my waist.
3
Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying,
4
“Take the undergarment that you bought, which is around your waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates and hide it there in a crevice of the rock.”
5
So I went and hid it by the Euphrates, as the LORD had commanded me.
6
After many days the LORD said to me, “Arise, go to the Euphrates and take from there the undergarment which I commanded you to hide there.”
The Euphrates was a long distance away. Other translations render the word as Perath, a rainfall stream a few miles from Anathoth.
7
Then I went to the Euphrates and dug, and I took the undergarment from the place where I had hidden it; and behold, the undergarment was ruined, it was completely useless.
God is illustrating how Judah had come to be like a piece of clothing that had been ruined and could not be worn.
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
8
     Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
9
“This is what the LORD says: ‘To the same extent I will destroy the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.
Their pride was misplaced, meekness was missing among the people (Mt 5:6), see 13:15.
The pride of Judah must be Jerusalem, and the pride of Jerusalem must be the temple.
10
‘This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have followed other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this undergarment which is completely useless.
11
‘For as the undergarment clings to the waist of a man, so I made the entire household of Israel and the entire household of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘so that they might be My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen.’
Deuteronomy called the people to hold fast to the LORD, to cling to Him (e.g. Dt 4:4, 10:20, 11:22, 13:4, 30:20).
God’s people are to bring renown, praise, and glory to Him, like a beautiful piece of garment (Dt 26:18-19). God will indeed restore Judah and Israel to bring back the praise and glory (Jer 33:6-9)
Captivity Threatened
12
     “Therefore you are to speak this word to them. ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “Every jug is to be filled with wine.”’ And when they say to you, ‘Do we not very well know that every jug is to be filled with wine?’
In this second illustration by Jeremiah, the people react as though nothing new had been revealed. Whereas having jugs filled with wine might be a reason for joy and a reflection of comfort, they will be used as instruments of judgment against the people.
13
then say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am going to fill all the inhabitants of this land—the kings who sit for David on his throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem—with drunkenness!
14
Then I will smash them against each other, both the fathers and the sons together,” declares the LORD. “I will not have compassion nor be troubled nor take pity so as to keep from destroying them.”’”
15
     Listen and pay attention, do not be haughty;
For the LORD has spoken.
Meekness was missing among the people (Mt 5:6),
16
Give glory to the LORD your God
Before He brings darkness
And before your feet stumble
On the mountains in the dark,
And while you are hoping for light
He makes it into gloom,
And turns it into thick darkness.
Give glory … perhaps a last opportunity to repent (Jos 7:19).
Following the warning to fill the people with drunkenness (13:13), a warning about the land becoming dark. Perhaps an image of people blacking out in their drunkness.
The thick darkness evokes the ninth plague against Egypt.
17
But if you do not listen to it,
My soul will weep in secret for such pride;
And my eyes will shed
And stream down tears,
Because the flock of the LORD has been taken captive.
It is not clear if God or Jeremiah speak in this verse.
The people taken into captivity will cause deep sorrow.
18
Say to the king and the queen mother,
“Take a lowly seat,
For your beautiful crown
Has come down from your head.”
Likely a reference to king Jehoiachin and his mother (2Ki 24:8-15).
The royal family taking lowly seats points to the end of their reign.
The beautiful crown falls like Judah and Israel failed to be God’s praise and glory (13:11).
19
The cities of the Negev have been locked up,
And there is no one to open them;
All Judah has been taken into exile,
Wholly taken into exile.
20
     “Raise your eyes and see
Those coming from the north.
Where is the flock that was given you,
Your beautiful sheep?
21
-“What will you say when He appoints over you—
And you yourself had taught them—
Former companions to be head over you?
Will sharp pains not take hold of you
Like a woman in childbirth?
22
-“If you say in your heart,
‘Why have these things happened to me?’
Because of the magnitude of your wrongdoing
Your skirts have been removed
And your heels have suffered violence.
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
23
-“Can the Ethiopian change his skin,
Or the leopard his spots?
Then you as well can do good
Who are accustomed to doing evil.
Our sinful nature prevents us from doing good. We need to be transformed (reborn) into the likeness of Jesus (Rom 8:29; 1Co 15:49; 2Co 3:18; Php 3:21; 1Jn 3:2).
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
24
-“Therefore I will scatter them like drifting straw
To the desert wind.
Jeremiah announces the scattering of the people (9:16, 10:21, 13:24, 18:17, 23:1-2, 24:9). But there will be restoration and the Messiah will bring them back (Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 31:10).
25
-“This is your lot, the portion measured to you
From Me,” declares the LORD,
“Because you have forgotten Me
And trusted in falsehood.
26
-“So I Myself have stripped your skirts off over your face,
So that your shame will be seen.
A graphic picture of a woman being raped, an amplified image of 13:22 where the heels had become visible because of the lifting of the skirt.
27
-“As for your adulteries and your lustful neighings,
The outrageous sin of your prostitution
On the hills in the field,
I have seen your abominations.
Woe to you, Jerusalem!
How long will you remain unclean?”
Chapter 14
Drought and a Prayer for Mercy
1
That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah regarding the drought:
Verses 1-9 lament over the lack of rain and water, a contrast with the effects of the pouring out of the Spirit (Is 32:14-20, 44:1-4). Notice the last verse of the chapter where it is acknowledged the inability of other gods to give rain (14:22).
Verses 10-14 outline the sentence declared by God.
The promised land was described as plentiful in water from heaven (Dt 11:10-14, 28:12).
A drought was a signal of judgment (Dt 28:11-12, 11:16-17).
2
“Judah mourns
And her gates languish;
Her people sit on the ground in mourning garments,
And the cry of Jerusalem has ascended.
The ambiance is that of a funeral.
3
-“Their nobles have sent their servants for water;
They have come to the cisterns and found no water.
They have returned with their containers empty;
They have been put to shame and humiliated,
And they cover their heads,
Social standing is not a covering for God’s judgment.
The covering of their heads is a sign of mourning.
4
Because the ground is cracked,
For there has been no rain on the land.
The farmers have been put to shame,
They have covered their heads.
Empty cisterns and a cracked ground are also symbols of the people’s walking away from God (14:10), the fountain of living waters (Jer 2:11).
5
-“For even the doe in the field has given birth only to abandon her young,
Because there is no grass.
6
-“The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights;
They pant for air like jackals,
Their eyes fail
Because there is no vegetation.
As the ground was cursed because of Adam’s sin, Jeremiah tells how creation is not immune to the ongoing sin of the people (Gen 3:17; Jer 12:4, 14:5-6; Hos 4:1-3)..
7
-“Though our wrongdoings testify against us,
LORD, act for the sake of Your name!
Our apostasies have indeed been many,
We have sinned against You.
In verses 7-9, Jeremiah appeals to God and His character: for the sake of His name, He is Israel’s hope, its Savior, a warrior.
8
-“Hope of Israel,
Its Savior in time of distress,
Why are You like a stranger in the land,
Or like a traveler who has pitched his tent for the night?
The land’s situation is as though God were a foreigner, not known. In verse 10, God replies it is the people who walked away.
9
-“Why are You like a confused person,
Like a warrior who cannot save?
Yet You are in our midst, LORD,
And we are called by Your name;
Do not leave us!”
Judah would be like the young fawn abandoned by the doe (14:5).
10
     This is what the LORD says to this people: “So much they have loved to wander; they have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD does not accept them; now He will remember their wrongdoing and call their sins to account.”
11
So the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for a good outcome on behalf of this people.
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
The prophets interceded for the people, e.g. Moses (Ex 32:9-14; Num 14:13-19; Dt 9:16-20), Aaron (Ps 99:6), Samuel (1Sa 7:7-9, 12:22-23), Jeremiah (Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11, 14:19-21, 18:20), Amos (Amo 7:2, 5), and Paul (Eph 3:14-21; Col 1:9-12; 2Th 1:11-12). Jesus and the Spirit intercede for us too (Is 53:12; Jn 17:9; Rom 8:26-27, 8:34; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 1Jn 2:1).
12
When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather, I am going to put an end to them by the sword, famine, and plague.”
False Prophets
13
     But I said, “Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see a sword, nor will you have famine; on the contrary, I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”
Jeremiah points out that the people are being deceived by false prophets.
The LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
14
Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them, nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility, and the deception of their own minds.
False prophecy was a serious offense and its sentence was death (Dt 18:20-23).
15
Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the prophets who are prophesying in My name, although it was not I who sent them—yet they keep saying: ‘There will be no sword or famine in this land’—by sword and famine those prophets shall meet their end!
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
16
And the people to whom they are prophesying will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and there will be no one to bury them—neither them, nor their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters. For I will pour out their own wickedness upon them.
… will pour their own wickedness upon them, God’s discipline resembles the offense (see references in 14:15).
17
-“You will say this word to them,
‘Let my eyes stream down tears night and day,
And let them not cease;
For the virgin daughter of my people has been crushed with a mighty blow,
With a sorely infected wound.
God’s response is of heavy sorrow.
The expression daughter of My people or daughter of Zion is common in Jeremiah (4:11, 4:31, 6:2, 6:23, 6:26, 8:11, 8:19, 8:21, 8:22, 9:1, 9:7, 14:17), as per Zch 9:9, it refers to Jerusalem.
Jeremiah also includes references to the daughter of Egypt (46:24) and daughter of Babylon (50:42, 51:33).
18
-‘If I go out to the country,
There are those killed by the sword!
Or if I enter the city,
There are diseases from famine!
For both prophet and priest
Have wandered around in the land that they do not know.’”
19
     Have You completely rejected Judah?
Or have You loathed Zion?
Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing?
We waited for peace, but nothing good came;
And for a time of healing, but behold, terror!
Verses 14:19-22 are a prayer of repentance.
20
We know our wickedness, LORD,
The wrongdoing of our fathers, for we have sinned against You.
Jeremiah acknowledges the sin in the hope of making forgiveness possible. See note in 2:23.
21
Do not despise us, for the sake of Your own name;
Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory.
Remember and do not annul Your covenant with us.
The throne of Your Glory may refer to the cover of the ark of the covenant. The cover was thought of as the throne where God would speak from (Ex 25:22), where He would sit (1Sa 4:4; 2Sa 6:2; 1Ch 13:6, 28:18; Ps 99:1).
As they appeal to the covenant, this verse perhaps reveals that their confidence was based on having possession of the ark.
Nevertheless, God had announced that the ark, and thus the Sinai covenant, would be forgotten (3:16).
22
Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain?
Or can the heavens grant showers?
Is it not You, LORD our God?
Therefore we wait for You,
For You are the one who has done all these things.
An acknowledgement to God’s authority over creation and to His power too end the drought (14:1-4).
Chapter 15
Judgment Must Come
1
Then the LORD said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people. Send them away from My presence and have them go!
After the intercessory prayer in 14:19-21, God answers that He will not listen as He had done earlier (11:11).
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
This verse evokes the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden (Gen 3:23-34) and how God orders Moses and the people to depart away after the golden calf transgression (Ex 33:1).
2
And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘This is what the LORD says:
“Those destined for death, to death;
And those destined for the sword, to the sword;
And those destined for famine, to famine;
And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”’
Four destinies set for the people, the second and third seem a division of the first one. Thus two main destinies, death and captivity.
As people approach Jeremiah for guidance, he points to a destiny set by God, as only God can pronounce such a judgment.
3
And I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the LORD: “the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth to devour and destroy.
Another set of four destinies for the people. We see the first one, the sword, as the second in 15:2. The last three seem to be a breakdown of famine, the third one in 15:2.
4
I will make them an object of terror among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.
Manasseh became king when he was 12 and reigned for 55 years from 697 to 642 BC approximately. He did evil in the sight of the LORD (2Ki 21:1-18, 24:3-4; 2Ch 33:1-20).
5
     “Indeed, who will have pity on you, Jerusalem,
Or who will mourn for you,
Or who will turn aside to ask about your welfare?
6
-“You who have forsaken Me,” declares the LORD,
“You keep going backward.
So I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you;
I am tired of relenting!
A deep revelation of God’s character, I am tired of relenting.
7
-“I will winnow them with a winnowing fork
At the gates of the land;
I will bereave them of children, I will destroy My people;
They did not repent of their ways.
8
-“Their widows will be more numerous before Me
Than the sand of the seas;
I will bring against them, against the mother of a young man,
A destroyer at noon;
I will suddenly bring down on her
Shock and horror.
9
-“She who gave birth to seven sons withers away;
Her breathing is labored.
Her sun has set while it was still day;
She has been shamed and humiliated.
So I will turn over their survivors to the sword
Before their enemies,” declares the LORD.
Perhaps a depiction of Jerusalem as a mother.
10
     Woe to me, my mother, that you have given birth to me
As a man of strife and a man of contention to all the land!
I have not lent, nor have people lent money to me,
Yet everyone curses me.
Jeremiah addresses his mother and recites a lament that echoes Job’s lament about his birth (Job 3:1-13). Jeremiah laments his birth after he was imprisoned (Jer 20:14-18).
These are Jeremiah’s words about how the people treated him. Lending can cause friction between lender and borrower; Jeremiah uses this illustration to show his astonishment for the people’s reproach towards him.
11
The LORD said, “I will certainly set you free for purposes of good;
I will certainly make the enemy plead with you
In a time of disaster and a time of distress.
Note the double certainly in God’s response.
12
     “Can anyone smash iron,
Iron from the north, or bronze?
Verse 15:20 elaborates on this part of God’s response.
13
-“I will give your wealth and your treasures
As plunder without cost,
For all your sins
And within all your borders.
In 15:13-14, God seems to be addressing Judah’s exile.
14
-“Then I will make your enemies bring your possessions
Into a land that you do not know;
For a fire has been kindled in My anger,
And it will burn upon you.”
When we enter into God’s rest, His Sabbath, His anger will no longer burn (Ex 35:3).
Jeremiah’s Prayer and God’s Answer
15
     You know, LORD;
Remember me, take notice of me,
And take vengeance for me on my persecutors.
Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away;
Know that for Your sake I endure reproach.
Years of scorn and derision do not go without effect; Jeremiah asks for retribution against his opponents (17:18, 15:15, 18:19-23, 20:11-12).
It is for the LORD to avenge (Lv 19:18; Dt 32:35, 32:41; Ps 94:1; Is 35:4, 61:2, 63:4; Jer 11:20, 15:15, 20:12; Nah 1:2; Rom 12:19, 13:4; 1Th 4:6; Heb 10:30; 1Pe 2:23).
But Jeremiah is well aware of the LORD’s patience towards us.
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
16
Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
LORD God of armies.
God’s words are like bread and honey and a foreshadow of the eucharist, where we eat the Word, the bread of life, the body of Jesus (Dt 8:3; Ps 19:10, 119:103; Jer 15:16; Ezk 3:1-3; Mt 4:4; Jn 4:31-32, 6:32-35; Rev 10:9-11).
The command to eat the words or a scroll is common with the prophets (Jer 15:16; Ezk 3:1-3; Rev 10:9-11).
Jeremiah remembers a time when receiving the word from God was a joyous occasion.
17
I did not sit in a circle of revelers and celebrate.
Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone,
For You filled me with indignation.
Jeremiah has been shunned and isolated by the people; contrast this with his delight in eating God’s words in 15:16.
18
Why has my pain been endless
And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream
With water that is unreliable?
Jeremiah’s frustration and pain blur his perception of God, who is a stream of living water (Jer 2:13, 17:13).
But the frustration and pain are no excuse, these words are serious enough that God asks Jeremiah to repent in the next verse.
19
     Therefore, this is what the LORD says:
“If you return, then I will restore you—
You will stand before Me;
And if you extract the precious from the worthless,
You will become My spokesman.
They, for their part, may turn to you,
But as for you, you are not to turn to them.
If Jeremiah agrees to take back his commissioning, God will reinstate him.
Extracting the precious from the worthless might refer to discerning the heavenly treasures from the earthly discomforts.
God’s response includes a call to not to be seduced by the desire to be accepted by his contemporaries.
20
-“Then I will make you to this people
A fortified wall of bronze;
And though they fight against you,
They will not prevail over you;
For I am with you to save you
And rescue you,” declares the LORD.
This verse elaborates on 15:12.
God acknowledges that Jeremiah is fighting a battle and promises to be with him. This is a reiteration of the promise in 1:18-19.
See comment in Mt 28:20 about I am with you.
21
“So I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked,
And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.”
Chapter 16
Distresses Foretold
1
The word of the LORD also came to me, saying,
2
“You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place.”
A discontinuation of the creation blessings (Gen 1:28) and the blessings in the Torah (e.g. Lv 26:9; Dt 28:4). Note that a future family for Jeremiah would not be immune to the looming punishment.
This command must have been given when Jeremiah was a young man, before he could consider or as he was considering marriage.
A reversal of creation is revealed also in 4:23-26.
3
For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who give birth to them, and their fathers who father them in this land:
4
“They will die of deadly diseases, they will not be mourned or buried; they will be like dung on the surface of the ground. And they will perish by sword and famine, and their dead bodies will become food for the birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth.”
Disease, war, and famine will be against the people.
The corpses will be offensive to look at and will defile the land (Dt 23:12-14).
5
     For this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house of mourning, or go to mourn or to console them; for I have withdrawn My peace from this people,” declares the LORD, “and My favor and compassion.
A command to not enter the house of mourning (16:5) or feasting (16:8), this conveys God’s absence from their lives.
Three considerations will be removed, God’s peace, favor, and compassion (16:13).
The Messiah will restore peace (Is 9:5-8), favor (Is 49:8), and compassion.
6
Both great people and small will die in this land; they will not be buried, people will not mourn for them, nor will anyone make cuts on himself or have his head shaved for them.
Self-mutilation or shaving for the dead was forbidden (Lv 19:28; Dt 14:1).
7
People will not break bread in mourning for them, to comfort anyone for the dead, nor give them a cup of consolation to drink for anyone’s father or mother.
8
Moreover, you shall not go into a house of feasting to sit with them to eat and drink.”
A command to not enter the house of mourning (16:5) or feasting (16:8), this conveys God’s absence from their lives.
9
For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I am going to eliminate from this place, before your eyes and in your time, the voice of rejoicing and the voice of joy, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride.
10
     “Now it will happen that, when you tell this people all these words, they will say to you, ‘For what reason has the LORD declared all this great disaster against us? And what is our wrongdoing, or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?’
Claiming not to have sinned adds to our transgressions (Jer 2:23, 2:35, 3:3, 3:13, 6:15, 8:6, 8:12, 13:22, 16:10).
Acknowledging that we fall short from God’s righteousness is the path to receive grace (1Jn 1:7-8).
11
Then you are to say to them, ‘It is because your forefathers have abandoned Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and have followed other gods, and served and worshiped them; but they have abandoned Me and have not kept My Law.
When hearing the charges against their ancestors, the people should have meditated and examined their own actions, the next verse reveals that they failed to do so.
12
‘You too have done evil, even more than your forefathers; for behold, each one of you is following the stubbornness of his own evil heart, without listening to Me.
God is patient; He waits through generations for the people to respond and return.
13
‘So I will hurl you off this land to the land which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers; and there you will serve other gods day and night, because I will show you no compassion.’
Peace, favor, and compassion have been removed (16:5).
God Will Restore Them
14
     “Therefore behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when it will no longer be said, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’
15
but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had banished them.’ For I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers.
The Messiah will gather His people (e.g. Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5-6, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 16:15, 23:3-8; 31:8-10, 32:37; Zph 3:20; Zch 8:7-8, 10:10).
16
     “Behold, I am going to send for many fishermen,” declares the LORD, “and they will fish for them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill and from the clefts of the rocks.
Here fishermen portray God’s judgment. Jesus will use this word to portray redemption (Mt 4:19; Mk 1:17; Lk 5:10). In some of the parables, fishermen acts as judges (Mt 13:48)
17
For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their wrongdoing concealed from My eyes.
18
I will first repay them double for their wrongdoing and their sin, because they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable idols and their abominations.”
Note the first that must come before the restoration proclaimed in 16:14.
Double measure chastisement is common (Jer 16:18; 17:18; Rev 18:6).
Isaiah speaks of the time of restoration after the people having been doubly chastised (Is 40:1-2).
19
     LORD, my strength and my stronghold,
And my refuge in the day of distress,
To You the nations will come
From the ends of the earth and say,
“Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood,
Futility, and things of no benefit.”
Verses 16:19-21 form a psalm about the greatness of God over other false gods.
Jeremiah announces a universal redemption (Jer 4:2, 12:14-17,16:19-21), along with bringing back the sons of Israel (16:14-15), the nations will come to God (Is 1:3).
The nations will acknowledge that their gods were nothing.
20
Can a person make gods for himself?
But they are not gods!
21
     “Therefore behold, I am going to make them know—
This time I will make them know
My power and My might;
And they will know that My name is the LORD.”
In the OT, and particularly in Ezekiel, a revelatory action, were the subject can be Israel or another nation, followed by, … will know that I am the LORD appears numerous times (e.g. Ex 6:7, 7:5; Dt 29:6; 1Ki 20:13; Is 49:23; Ezk 6:7, 25:7, 25:11, 25:17; Joe 3:17). In this verse My name replaces I in the revelatory phrase.
God’ name was given to Jesus (Jn 17:11-12).
LORD brackets 16:19-21.
Chapter 17
The Deceitful Heart
1
The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus;
With a diamond point it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts
And on the horns of their altars,
This section 17:1-11 provides insights into the human heart (17:1, 5, 9, 10).
Writing was usually done on scrolls (Is 38:8; Jer 36:2, 28) or tablets of clay (e.g. Is 8:1; Hab 2:2). The mentioning of an extremely hard stylus point speaks of having to write on hearts of stone. Hardened hearts recall Egypt’s Pharaoh (e.g. Ex 7:13).
Jeremiah will announce a new covenant where God’s law, rather than sin, will be on the hearts of men (Jer 31:31-33; 2Co 3:3). The prophet Ezekiel spoke of God replacing our hearts (Ezk 11:19-20, 18:31, 36:26).
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
2
As they remember their children,
So they remember their altars and their Asherim
By green trees on the high hills.
3
Mountain of Mine in the countryside,
I will turn over your wealth and all your treasures as plunder,
Your high places for sin throughout your borders.
4
And you will, even of yourself, let go of your inheritance
That I gave you;
And I will make you serve your enemies
In the land which you do not know;
For you have kindled a fire in My anger
Which will burn forever.
When we enter into God’s rest, His Sabbath, His anger will no longer burn (Ex 35:3).
Letting go of the inheritance, the promised land, is entering into God’s wrath.
5
     This is what the LORD says:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the LORD.
Verses 17:5-11 speak of everyone, not only the people of Judah, in particular pointing out the heart’s need of healing (17:9).
Note that the word for mankind comes from adam, which means dirt.
Verses 5-8 evoke the curses and blessings proclaimed on mounts Ebal and Gerizim in Deuteronomy 27 and 28.
David and Isaiah also warned about trusting in the flesh rather than God (Ps 20:7-9; Is 20:5, 30:1-5, 30:15-16, 31:1-3).
6
-“For he will be like a bush in the desert,
And will not see when prosperity comes,
But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
A land of salt that is not inhabited.
Trust in mankind is equated with living in the desert.
… will not see may refer to a blindness that will prevent the person from enjoying the prosperity or may refer to a time when the person will have already passed away.
7
-“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose trust is the LORD.
The blessed one, depicted in verses 7-8, is placed in contrast with the cursed one in verses 5-6.
8
-“For he will be like a tree planted by the water
That extends its roots by a stream,
And does not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought,
Nor cease to yield fruit.
Note that trusting in the LORD does not eliminate times of drought.
Trust in the LORD is equated with abundance of water and yielding fruit (Ps 1:3; Jn 4:13-14, 15:5-7).
Bearing abundant fruit is expected from the believers (e.g. Ps 1:3, 92:12-15; Jer 17:7-8; Jn 15:5; Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9; Phil 1:11; Col 1:6, 10).
9
     “The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?
The human heart is depicted as deceitful, ill, and incomprehensible. Notice that this section (17:5-11) speaks of humankind, not only of Judah. In Acts, the disciples pray for God’s mighty arm to heal (Act 4:29-30).
This verse may be read as in interjection by Jeremiah, followed by God’s response.
10
-“I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
To give to each person according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.
God’s replies that He can look into the hearts of men (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:23; Jer 11:20, 17:10, 20:12; Lk 16:15; Act 1:24; Rom 8:27; Rev 2:23).
Man looks at the outward appearance, the LORD looks into the soul (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21, 139:23; Pr 15:11; Jer 11:20, 12:3, 17:10, 20:12; Mt 9:4; Lk 16:15; Jn 2:25; Rom 8:27; Rev 2:23).
11
-“As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid,
So is a person who makes a fortune, but unjustly;
In the middle of his days it will abandon him,
And in the end he will be a fool.”
Wealth appropriation is not righteous.
12
     A glorious throne on high from the beginning
Is the place of our sanctuary.
13
LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who abandon You will be put to shame.
Those who turn away on earth will be written down,
Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, that is the LORD.
Jeremiah proclaims the LORD is the fountain of living water (Jer 2:13, 17:13); he has returned (15:19) after having called God an unreliable water stream (15:18). We too can be forgiven.
14
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved,
For You are my praise.
Notice the plea for healing after the declaration of the heart being sick in 17:9, the plea for salvation after the warning against trusting the flesh in 17:5, and the continuation of praise in 17:12-13.
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
15
Look, they keep saying to me,
“Where is the word of the LORD?
Let it come now!”
Jeremiah was mocked by his listeners.
“Where is …” is a common taunt (e.g. Ps 42:3, 42:10, 79:10, 115:2; Jer 17:5; Joe 2:17; Mic 7:10).
16
But as for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd following after You,
Nor have I longed for the disastrous day;
You Yourself know that the utterance of my lips
Was in Your presence.
Jeremiah presents God as witness of his ministry.
17
Do not be a terror to me;
You are my refuge in a day of disaster.
Jeremiah asks God to make a distinction between him and the people.
18
Let those who persecute me be put to shame, but as for me, let me not be put to shame;
Let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed.
Bring on them a day of disaster,
And crush them with double destruction!
Jeremiah is asking God to make a distinction between him and those who oppose him, just as God did when He liberated Israel from Egypt (e.g Ex 8:22, 11:7).
The Sabbath Must Be Kept
19
     This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand at the public gate, through which the kings of Judah come in and go out, as well as at all the gates of Jerusalem;
The plural gates, in reference to the gates of Jerusalem, appears seven times in 17:19-27.
20
and say to them, ‘Listen to the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all inhabitants of Jerusalem who come in through these gates.
The message is for all the social strata.
21
‘This is what the LORD says: “Take care for yourselves, and do not carry any load on the Sabbath day or bring anything in through the gates of Jerusalem.
Deuteronomy presents the observance of the Sabbath as a remembrance and celebration of having been freed from Egypt (Dt 5:12-15). Carrying a load portrays oppression and servitude, thus it is a picture that renegades having been liberated from slavery (Dt 5:15).
Sabbath day appears seven times in 17:19-27.
22
You shall not bring a load out of your houses on the Sabbath day nor do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers.
Prophets like Isaiah (Is 56:1-5, 58:13-14) and Ezekiel (Ezk 20:12-24) also admonished the people about keeping the Sabbath.
23
Yet they did not listen or incline their ears, but stiffened their necks so as not to listen or accept discipline.
24
     “But it will come about, if you give your attention to Me,” declares the LORD, “to bring no load in through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to keep the Sabbath day holy by doing no work on it,
25
then there will come in through the gates of this city kings and officials sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their officials, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever.
26
They will come in from the cities of Judah and from the areas surrounding Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, from the lowland, from the hill country, and from the Negev, bringing burnt offerings, sacrifices, grain offerings, and frankincense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving to the house of the LORD.
27
But if you do not listen to Me, to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load and coming in through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will set fire to its gates, and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem and not go out.”’”
In John Chapter 5, Jesus heals a man who had been invalid for thirty five years. Jesus’ words to “pick up your pallet and walk” do not break the Sabbath’s regulations because the Sabbath is a day to celebrate deliverance, liberation (Dt 5:12; Lk 13:15). Jesus released the man from the bondage of infirmity and gave him a new life. Carrying the pallet is a picture of having been liberated, of triumph, not of oppression.
A miracle with a similar lesson to teach is in Lk 13:10-17; the Sabbath is a day to free people from bondage.
Chapter 18
The Potter and the Clay
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2
“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you.”
3
So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel.
4
But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.
Spoiled is the same condition as the undergarment in 13:7.
5
     Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
The word came while at the potter’s house (18:12).
6
“Am I not able, house of Israel, to deal with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, house of Israel.
Evokes the creation story where God created man from the soil (Gen 2:7). God reminds Israel that He is the creator.
7
At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot it, to tear it down, or to destroy it;
In 18:7-10, we see that God communicates and interacts with all peoples and nations.
In Matthew’s gospel in particular and in the Bible in general, dreams are a common way in which God communicates with people, Jews and Gentiles alike (Mt 1:20, 2:12, 13, 19, 22, 27:19). We see this often in the OT too (e.g. Gen 20:1-6, 28:12, 31:10-11, 24, 37:1-10, 40:5-11, 41:1-7).
8
if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I planned to bring on it.
9
Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;
10
if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will relent of the good with which I said that I would bless it.
11
So now, speak to the men of Judah and against the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am forming a disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Now turn back, each of you from his evil way, and correct your ways and your deeds!”’
Contrast God’s plan in this verse and the people’s plans in the next.
12
But they will say, ‘It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will persist in the stubbornness of his evil heart.’
To stick to our plans and disregard God’s plan, which is a warning about a looming disaster (18:11), can only end up badly.
13
     “Therefore this is what the LORD says:
‘Just ask among the nations,
Who ever heard anything like this?
The virgin of Israel
Has done a most appalling thing.
14
-‘Does the snow of Lebanon leave the rock of the open country alone?
Or is the cold flowing water from a foreign land ever dried up?
15
-‘For My people have forgotten Me,
They burn incense to worthless gods.
And they have stumbled in their ways,
In the ancient roads,
To walk on paths,
Not on a highway,
My people have forgotten Me are the words of a brokenhearted lover.
In 6:16, Jeremiah showed how to walk on the ancient paths; see comment there.
16
To make their land a desolation,
An object of perpetual hissing;
Everyone who passes by it will be astonished
And shake his head.
17
-‘Like an east wind I will scatter them
Before the enemy;
I will show them My back and not My face
In the day of their disaster.’”
Jeremiah announces the scattering of the people (9:16, 10:21, 13:24, 18:17, 23:1-2, 24:9). But there will be restoration and the Messiah will bring them back (Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 31:10).
18
     Then they said, “Come and let’s devise plans against Jeremiah. Certainly the Law is not going to be lost by the priest, nor advice by the wise, nor the divine word by the prophet! Come, and let’s strike at him with our tongue, and let’s pay no attention to any of his words.”
Three groups, the priests, the elders, and the prophets, respond in opposition to Jeremiah
Jeremiah had prophesied about the ark of the covenant being forgotten (3:16). In Ezk 7:26 we see these three groups in collusion too, that verse also mentions that the Law will be lost.
Striking Jeremiah with the tongue was probably false accusations, see next verse. A global media campaign against Jeremiah would be very hard to endure.
19
     Give Your attention to me, LORD,
And listen to what my opponents are saying!
Jeremiah presents and leaves the matter in God’s hands.
It is for the LORD to avenge (Lv 19:18; Dt 32:35, 32:41; Ps 94:1; Is 35:4, 61:2, 63:4; Jer 11:20, 15:15, 20:12; Nah 1:2; Rom 12:19, 13:4; 1Th 4:6; Heb 10:30; 1Pe 2:23).
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
20
Should good be repaid with evil?
For they have dug a pit for me.
Remember how I stood before You
To speak good in their behalf,
So as to turn Your wrath away from them.
Despite the opposition that Jeremiah faced, he kept interceding for the people to the point that God instructed Jeremiah to stop (7:16, 11:14, 14:11) as He would not listen (11:11, 15:1).
The prophets interceded for the people, e.g. Moses (Ex 32:9-14; Num 14:13-19; Dt 9:16-20), Aaron (Ps 99:6), Samuel (1Sa 7:7-9, 12:22-23), Jeremiah (Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11, 14:19-21, 18:20), Amos (Amo 7:2, 5), and Paul (Eph 3:14-21; Col 1:9-12; 2Th 1:11-12). Jesus and the Spirit intercede for us too (Is 53:12; Jn 17:9; Rom 8:26-27, 8:34; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 1Jn 2:1).
21
Therefore, give their children over to famine
And turn them over to the power of the sword;
And let their wives become childless and widowed.
Let their men also be slaughtered to death,
Their young men struck and killed by the sword in battle.
Though the pain and frustration push Jeremiah to pray these words (18:21-23), believers have explicit instructions and examples to do otherwise (e.g. Mt 5:43-47; Lk 23:34; Act 7:59-60).
22
May a cry be heard from their houses
When You suddenly bring raiders upon them;
For they have dug a pit to capture me
And hidden snares for my feet.
23
But You, LORD, know
All their deadly schemes against me;
Do not forgive their wrongdoing
Or wipe out their sin from Your sight.
But may they be overthrown before You;
Deal with them in the time of Your anger!
Chapter 19
The Broken Jar
1
This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a potter’s earthenware jar, and take some of the elders of the people and some of the senior priests.
2
Then go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom, which is by the entrance of the Potsherd Gate, and proclaim there the words that I tell you,
3
and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, you kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold I am going to bring a disaster upon this place, at which the ears of everyone that hears of it will tingle.
4
Since they have abandoned Me and have made this place foreign, and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods that neither they nor their forefathers nor the kings of Judah had ever known, and since they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent
They have changed the land to the extent that God does not recognize them anymore.
The shedding of innocent blood is a grave offense (e.g. Dt 19:10; 2Ki 21:16; Pr 1:16, 6:17; Is 59:7), especially when performed against the poor (Pr 22:22-23; Jer 2:34).
5
and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I did not command nor speak of, nor did it ever enter My mind;
6
therefore, behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but rather the Valley of Slaughter.
7
And I will frustrate the planning of Judah and Jerusalem in this place, and I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hand of those who seek their life; and I will make their carcasses food for the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth.
8
I will also turn this city into an object of horror and hissing; everyone who passes by it will be appalled and hiss because of all its disasters.
9
And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh during the siege and in the hardship with which their enemies and those who seek their life will torment them.”’
As they lost their children by offering them to Baal, they would lose their children by eating them (Lam 4:10).
10
     “Then you are to break the jar in the sight of the men who accompany you,
11
and say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “To the same extent I will break this people and this city, just as one breaks a potter’s vessel, which cannot again be repaired; and they will bury their dead in Topheth, because there is no other place for burial.
Judah is hopeless like a broken jar.
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
12
This is how I will treat this place and its inhabitants,” declares the LORD, “so as to make this city like Topheth.
13
The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like the place Topheth, because of all the houses on whose rooftops they burned sacrifices to all the heavenly lights and poured out drink offerings to other gods.”’”
14
     Then Jeremiah came from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the courtyard of the LORD’S house and said to all the people,
15
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Behold, I am going to bring on this city and all its towns the entire disaster that I have declared against it, because they have stiffened their necks so as not to listen to My words.’”
Chapter 20
Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah
1
When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer, who was chief overseer in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things,
2
Pashhur had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put him in the stocks that were at the upper Benjamin Gate, which was by the house of the LORD.
3
Then on the next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “Pashhur is not the name the LORD has called you, but rather Magor-missabib.
Despite being beaten up and imprisoned, Jeremiah is defiant before the temple’s chief officer. Compare with 1:19 where God had said the people would not overcome Jeremiah.
4
For this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am going to make you a horror to yourself and to all your friends; and while your eyes look on, they will fall by the sword of their enemies. So I will hand all Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will take them away as exiles to Babylon and will kill them with the sword.
As Pashhur has inflicted terror on Jeremiah, he and family and friends will be punished with terror.
5
‘I will also give all the wealth of this city, all its produce and all its valuable things—even all the treasures of the kings of Judah I will hand over to their enemies, and they will plunder them, take them away, and bring them to Babylon.
6
‘And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into captivity; and you will enter Babylon, and there you will die and there you will be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have falsely prophesied.’”
Jeremiah’s Complaint
7
     LORD, You persuaded me and I let myself be persuaded;
You have overcome me and prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all day long;
Everyone mocks me.
Moses also felt that he was getting an unfair deal (Num 11:11-12).
Compare with Gen 32:28 where Jacob, Israel, wrestles with God and prevails.
The book of Jeremiah provides insights into his soul in his prayers of repentance and his adoration of God (e.g. Jer 3:22-25, 12:1-4, 15:15-18, 17:14-18, 18:19-23, 20:7-18).
8
For each time I speak, I cry aloud;
I proclaim violence and destruction,
Because for me the word of the LORD has resulted
In taunting and derision all day long.
9
But if I say, “I will not remember Him
Nor speak anymore in His name,”
Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
And I am tired of holding it in,
And I cannot endure it.
The word of the LORD would cause anguish inside Jeremiah (4:19, 20:9).
The book of Jeremiah is unusual in depicting the word as fire (Jer 5:14, 20:9, 23:29).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
10
For I have heard the whispering of many,
“Terror on every side!
Denounce him; let’s denounce him!”
All my trusted friends,
Watching for my fall, say:
“Perhaps he will be persuaded, so that we may prevail against him
And take our revenge on him.”
This verse illustrates the mocking and derision Jeremiah referred to in 10:7-8.
Note how the mocking terror on every side was placed on Pashhur as judgment (20:4).
Note how Jeremiah’s close friends try to prevail against him, but he knows only God is able to prevail over anyone (10:7).
11
But the LORD is with me like a powerful champion;
Therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will be put to great shame because they have failed,
An everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten.
Jeremiah knows that his friends will not prevail against him (20:10) as God will be his defender.
12
Yet, LORD of armies, who tests the righteous,
Who sees the mind and the heart;
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You I have disclosed my cause.
Man looks at the outward appearance, the LORD looks into the soul (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21, 139:23; Pr 15:11; Jer 11:20, 12:3, 17:10, 20:12; Mt 9:4; Lk 16:15; Jn 2:25; Rom 8:27; Rev 2:23).
It is for the LORD to avenge (Lv 19:18; Dt 32:35, 32:41; Ps 94:1; Is 35:4, 61:2, 63:4; Jer 11:20, 15:15, 20:12; Nah 1:2; Rom 12:19, 13:4; 1Th 4:6; Heb 10:30; 1Pe 2:23).
13
Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD!
For He has saved the soul of the needy one
From the hand of evildoers.
This verse works against the sorrow and suffering of 20:7-12, a similar change as what we see in Ps 22:22 following Ps 22:1-21.
14
     Cursed be the day when I was born;
May the day when my mother gave birth to me not be blessed!
Jeremiah knew God had appointed him before birth (Jer 1:5).
15
Cursed be the man who brought the news
To my father, saying,
“A boy has been born to you!”
And made him very happy.
This section 20:15-18 evokes Job’s lament (or vice versa) (Job 3:1-12).
16
But may that man be like the cities
Which the LORD overthrew without relenting,
And may he hear an outcry in the morning
And an alarm for war at noon;
The overthrown cities would be Sodom and Gomorrah (Lam 4:6),
17
Because he did not kill me before birth,
So that my mother would have been my grave,
And her womb forever pregnant.
18
Why did I ever come out of the womb
To look at trouble and sorrow,
So that my days have been spent in shame?
A picture similar to that portrayed in Job 3:10-11.
Chapter 21
Jeremiah’s Message for Zedekiah
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying,
After the first siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Zedekiah was imposed as king of Judah ca. 597 BC (2Ki 24:17; 2Ch 36:10). He rebelled against Babylon (1Ki 24:20; 2Ch 36:13; Jer 52:3), which caused a second invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem (2Ki 25:1; 2Ch 36:18-19; Jer 39:1-2, 52:4-6). The events described in this chapter must have occurred ca. 588-586 BC (2Ki 25:1-3; Jer 52:4-6).
Pashhur mentioned here is not the one mentioned in 20:1.
2
“Please inquire of the LORD in our behalf, because Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is making war against us; perhaps the LORD will deal with us in accordance with all His wonderful acts, so that the enemy will withdraw from us.”
Zedekiah did evil in the eyes of the LORD (2Ki 24:19; 2Ch 36:12; Jer 52:3), thus these words sound hollow.
3
     But Jeremiah said to them, “You shall say to Zedekiah as follows:
4
‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I am going to turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you are making war against the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who are besieging you outside the wall; and I will gather them into the middle of this city.
5
And I Myself will make war against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, and in anger, wrath, and great indignation.
The phrase an outstretched hand and a mighty arm is usually employed in reference to the liberation from Egypt (e.g. Ex 3:20, 6:6; Dt 4:34, 5:15, 6:21; Jer 32:21). Here it is used against Judah, which had a hardened heart like Pharaoh’s (Ex 7:13; Jer 17:1).
6
I will also strike the inhabitants of this city, both the people and the animals; they will die of a great plague.
7
Then afterward,” declares the LORD, “I will hand Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants, and the people, that is, those who survive in this city from the plague, the sword, and the famine, over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, to their enemies, and to those who seek their lives; and he will strike and kill them with the edge of the sword. He will not spare them nor have pity nor compassion.”’
8
     “You shall also say to this people, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.
These are words Moses spoke and encouraged the people to choose life (Dt 30:15, 19).
9
Anyone who stays in this city will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague; but anyone who leaves and goes over to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live, and he will have his own life as plunder.
The destinies of sword, famine, and captivity were listed in 15:2. Note that surrendering to the Chaldeans would be choosing life. Note the word plunder, surrendering would represent a type of victory.
Those who listened to God’s instruction, even if it meant going into exile, got to keep their own life as a reward (Jer 21:9, 29:20, 38:2, 39:18, 45:5).
10
For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good,” declares the LORD. “It will be handed over to the king of Babylon and he will burn it with fire.”’
Perhaps Jerusalem itself had become an idol as the sentence is against the city.
11
     “Then say to the household of the king of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD,
12
house of David, this is what the LORD says:
“Administer justice every morning;
And save the person who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor,
So that My wrath will not spread like fire
And burn, with no one to extinguish it,
Because of the evil of their deeds.
The administration of justice should reflect the LORD’s loving kindness (Lam 3:22-23).
The topic of administering justice continues after the next two verses; see comment in 22:3.
13
     “Behold, I am against you, you inhabitant of the valley,
You rocky plain,” declares the LORD,
“You who say, ‘Who will come down against us?
Or who will enter our dwellings?’
At first, someone declaring that God would protect them might seem like a godly person, but that claim can be deceitful.
14
-“But I will punish you according to the results of your deeds,” declares the LORD,
“And I will kindle a fire in its forest
So that it may devour all its surroundings.”’”
Chapter 22
Warning of Jerusalem’s Fall
1
This is what the LORD says: “Go down to the house of the king of Judah and there speak this word,
2
and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on David’s throne, you and your servants and your people who enter these gates.
3
‘This is what the LORD says: “Do justice and righteousness, and save one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. And do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.
The king was in charge of administering justice. (e.g. 1Ki 3:16-28; Pro 16:10-15, 31:4-9; Heb 11:33).
The charge to defend the oppressed is a reiteration of 21:12, and a frequent admonition in the bible (e.g. Ps 12:5, 44:24, 72:4, 72:14, 73:8; Pro 4:31, 22:22; Ecc 4:1; Is 3:15, 30:12).
4
For if you will indeed perform this instruction, then kings will enter the gates of this house, sitting in David’s place on his throne, riding in chariots and on horses, the king himself, his servants, and his people.
5
But if you will not obey these words, I swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that this house will become a place of ruins.”’”
6
For this is what the LORD says concerning the house of the king of Judah:
“You are like Gilead to Me,
Like the summit of Lebanon;
Yet most assuredly I will make you a wilderness,
Cities that are not inhabited.
Gilead was a fertile terrain (e.g. Num 32:1) known for a medicinal balm (Jer 8:22). The summit of Lebanon must refer to the highest mountain in Israel, thus a symbol of pride.
7
-“For I will set apart destroyers against you,
Each with his weapons;
And they will cut down your choicest cedars
And throw them on the fire.
Some commentators think that the choicest cedars refers to those used to build the temple in Jerusalem (1Ki 5:5-10; 1Ch 22:3-5; 2Ch 2:3-9). This idea is reinforced by the question posed in 22:15.
8
     “Many nations will pass by this city; and they will say to one another, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this great city?’
Verses 22:8-9 restate Dt 29:24-25.
9
Then they will answer, ‘Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD their God and bowed down to other gods and served them.’”
10
     Do not weep for the dead or mourn for him,
But weep deeply for the one who goes away;
For he will never return
Or see his native land.
The dead refers to king Joisah, a righteous king. This verse tells us the fate of his son, who will be exiled, will be cause for more sorrow.
11
     For this is what the LORD says regarding Shallum the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who became king in the place of his father Josiah, who went out from this place: “He will never return there;
Shallum son of Josiah refers to king Jehoahaz;
12
but in the place where they took him into exile, there he will die and he will not see this land again.
King Jehoahaz was carried off to Egypt (2Ki 23:31-34; 2Ch 36:2-4).
Messages about the Kings
13
     “Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness,
And his upstairs rooms without justice,
Who uses his neighbor’s services without pay
And does not give him his wages,
The words and admonitions in 22:13-19 are for Jehoiakim, who was Jehoahaz’ brother and succeeded him as king (2Ki 23:34; 2Ch 36:4).
Withholding wages was forbidden (Dt 24:14-15).
14
Who says, ‘I will build myself a large house
With spacious upstairs rooms,
And cut out its windows,
Paneling it with cedar and painting it bright red.’
Cedars and red coloring conveys expensive materials.
15
-“Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar?
Did your father not eat and drink
And do justice and righteousness?
Then it was well for him.
The words here and in the next verse remind Jehoiakim that his father Josiah was a righteous king (2Ki 23:25).
Josiah was content leading a simple life and was not concerned with competing in cedar, which would be burned (22:7).
16
-“He pled the cause of the afflicted and the poor,
Then it was well.
Is that not what it means to know Me?”
Declares the LORD.
Josiah knew the LORD.
Knowing God is emphasized and encouraged throughout the Bible (e.g. Ex 33:13; Jer 9:24, 22:15-16; 31:34; Dan 11:32; Hos 6:3, 6:6; Jn 10:27, 17:3, 17:25-26; Gal 4:8-9, Phil 3:8-10; Col 1:10) as well as the perils of not knowing Him (e.g. Jdg 2:10-12; Jer 2:8, 4:22; 5:4-5, 9:3, 9:6; Hos 4:1; 1Co 15:34). A number of people are accused of not knowing the Father (e.g. Ex 5:2; 1Sa 2:12; Hos 4:1; Mt 25:12; Jn 8:19, 8:55, 16:3).
The story of creation tells us about what God is like, He speaks, He sees, He discerns, He gives life, He blesses His creation. When we know God, we recognize His voice and His words, His mighty acts, His mercy. We know what pleases or grieves Him, we know His heart.
The story of creation tells us about what God is like, He speaks, He sees, He discerns, He gives life, He blesses His creation. When we know God, we recognize His voice and His words, His mighty acts, His mercy. We know what pleases or grieves Him, we know His heart.
17
“But your eyes and your heart
Are intent only upon your own dishonest gain,
And on shedding innocent blood,
And on practicing oppression and extortion.”
Eyes and heart denote the whole being. Jehoiakim’s faults were many: dishonest gain, shedding innocent blood, oppression, extortion.
18
     Therefore this is what the LORD says regarding Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:
“They will not mourn for him:
‘Oh, my brother!’ or, ‘Oh, sister!’
They will not mourn for him:
‘Oh, for the master!’ or, ‘Oh, for his splendor!’
19
-“He will be buried with a donkey’s burial,
Dragged off and thrown out beyond the gates of Jerusalem.
A donkey’s burial for a king is a strong signal of contempt.
Jehoiakim was taken to Babylon and did not have a royal burial (2Ch 36:5-6). This verse closes the section that started in 22:13 and lists Jehoiakim’s transgressions. This section reveals how corrupt governments ares similar through history.
20
-“Go up to Lebanon and cry out,
And raise your voice in Bashan;
Cry out also from Abarim,
For all your lovers have been crushed.
These are elevated, mountainous regions.
21
-“I spoke to you in your prosperity;
But you said, ‘I will not listen!’
This has been your way from your youth,
That you have not obeyed My voice.
22
-“The wind will sweep away all your shepherds,
And your lovers will go into captivity;
Then you will certainly be ashamed and humiliated
Because of all your wickedness.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
23
-“You who live in Lebanon,
Nested in the cedars,
How you will groan when sharp pains come on you,
Pain like a woman in childbirth!
24
     “As I live,” declares the LORD, “even if Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were a signet ring on My right hand, yet I would pull you off;
Coniah refers to Jehoiachin who succeeded Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:8; 2Ch 36:9).
25
and I will hand you over to those who are seeking your life, yes, to those of whom you are frightened, that is, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the Chaldeans.
26
I will hurl you and your mother who gave birth to you into another country where you were not born, and there you will die.
Jehoiachin, Coniah, and his mother surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar (2Ki 24:12) and he took them into exile (2Ki 24:15).
27
But as for the land to which they long to return, they will not return to it.
28
-“Is this man Coniah a despised, shattered jar?
Or is he an undesirable vessel?
Why have he and his descendants been hurled out
And cast into a land that they had not known?
29
-“O land, land, land,
Hear the word of the LORD!
30
This is what the LORD says:
‘Write this man down as childless,
A man who will not prosper in his days;
For no man among his descendants will prosper
Sitting on the throne of David
Or ruling again in Judah.’”
Jehoiachin, Coniah, had seven children (1Ch 3:17) but neither one of them sat on the throne; his uncle Zedekiah succeeded as king (2Ki 24:17; 2Ch 36:10). Jehoiachin, Coniah, is referred to as Jeconiah in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew (Mt 1:12).
Chapter 23
The Coming Messiah: the Righteous Branch
1
“Woe to the shepherds who are causing the sheep of My pasture to perish and are scattering them!” declares the LORD.
Though it was God’s will to drive the people away (see 23:3), the shepherds are guilty for causing it.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
Jeremiah announces the scattering of the people (Jer 9:16, 10:21, 13:24, 18:17, 23:1-2, 24:9). Todo global link
There will be restoration and the Messiah will gather and bring the people back (Is 11:11-12, 11:16, 34:16, 43:5, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 23:3, 31:8-12, 32:37-38). Todo global link
2
Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not been concerned about them; behold, I am going to call you to account for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD.
3
“Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply.
Fruitful and multiply evoke the creation story, and thus a renewal, a new birth; and it is alluded to in Jer 31:22. A second creation is also announced by Isaiah (Is 65:17, 66:22), and it is part of our hope (2Pe 3:13; Rev 21:1, 5).
todo renewal, fruitful
todo copy to Is
4
I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.
Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise (Jn 10:11, 14).
Jeremiah admonishes the leaders for letting the sheep get lost (Jer 50:6). That none would be missing was announced by Isaiah (Is 40:26, speaking of the people as stars) and Jeremiah (Jer 23:4, 33:13), and fulfilled by Jesus (Jn 6:39, 10:27-29, 17:12, 18:9).
5
     “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;
And He will reign as king and act wisely
And do justice and righteousness in the land.
A righteous branch or shoot is a common term for the Messiah (Is 4:2, 11:1-5, 53:2; Jer 23:5, 33:15-16; Zch 3:8, 6:12-13). Todo global link
In Jeremiah the promise to restore the Davidic kingdom is announced repeatedly (Jer 23:5-6, 30:9, 33:14-17). Todo global link
6
-“In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will live securely;
And this is His name by which He will be called,
‘The LORD Our Righteousness.’
Judah and Israel reflect the wholeness of God’s people to be saved.
Isaiah also announced names for the Messiah (Is 9:6).
In ancient practices, a king would receive a new name when taking the throne.
Paul describes Jesus as our righteousness (1Co 1:30; Phl 3:9).
7
     “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when they will no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought the sons of Israel up from the land of Egypt,’
8
but, ‘As the LORD lives, who brought up and led the descendants of the household of Israel back from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ Then they will live on their own soil.”
The Messiah will gather His people (e.g. Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5-6, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 16:15, 23:3-8; 31:8-10, 32:37; Zph 3:20; Zch 8:7-8, 10:10).
False Prophets Denounced
9
     As for the prophets:
My heart is broken within me,
All my bones tremble;
I have become like a drunken man,
And like a man overcome by wine,
Because of the LORD
And because of His holy words.
Feeling like a drunken man must be because Jeremiah is filled with the Holy Spirit, like the disciples on Pentecost (Act 2:13-15).
10
For the land is full of adulterers;
For the land mourns because of the curse.
The pastures of the wilderness have dried up.
Their course is evil
And their might is not right.
11
“For both prophet and priest are defiled;
Even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.
12
“Therefore their way will be like slippery paths to them,
They will be driven away into the gloom and fall down in it;
For I will bring disaster upon them,
The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
13
     “Moreover, among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing:
They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.
14
-“Also among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing:
The committing of adultery and walking in deceit;
And they strengthen the hands of evildoers,
So that no one has turned back from his wickedness.
All of them have become to Me like Sodom,
And her inhabitants like Gomorrah.
The prophets in Samaria did an offensive thing (23:13), those in Judah a horrible thing, much more severe.
By mentioning Sodom and Gomorrah the expected outcome would be destruction.
15
Therefore this is what the LORD of armies says concerning the prophets:
‘Behold, I am going to feed them wormwood
And make them drink poisonous water,
For from the prophets of Jerusalem
Ungodliness has spread into all the land.’”
16
     This is what the LORD of armies says:
“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you.
They are leading you into futility;
They tell a vision of their own imagination,
Not from the mouth of the LORD.
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
17
-“They keep saying to those who despise Me,
‘The LORD has said, “You will have peace”’;
And as for everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart,
They say, ‘Disaster will not come on you.’
The LORD is exposing all those who declare peace at this time to be false prophets (Jer 4:9-10, 6:14, 8:11, 12:12, 14:13, 23:17; similarly in Ezk 13:10; Mic 3:5).
18
-“But who has stood in the council of the LORD,
That he should see and hear His word?
Who has paid attention to His word and listened?
A heavenly council is often referred to in the bible (e.g. Job 1:6, 2:1; Ps 82:1, 89:5-7, 149:1; 1Ki 22:19). The point being that the council of God is closed to humans.
Toso chap 33? Approaching the throne
19
-“Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone forth in wrath,
Even a whirling tempest;
It will swirl down on the head of the wicked.
20
-“The anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart;
In the last days you will clearly understand it.
God’s words and acts are easier to understand in hindsight.
This verse is similar to 30:24.
21
-“I did not send these prophets,
But they ran.
I did not speak to them,
But they prophesied.
22
-“But if they had stood in My council,
Then they would have announced My words to My people,
And would have turned them back from their evil way
And from the evil of their deeds.
23
     “Am I a God who is near,” declares the LORD,
“And not a God far off?
First of three questions. God is near to those who call upon Him (Ps 145:18). Isaiah described God as being near, accessible (Is 55:6). But He is far from those who do not know Him.
24
-“Can a person hide himself in hiding places
So that I do not see him?” declares the LORD.
“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.
Second question, can a person be not accountable to God?
Third question, can secrets be kept from God?
God is omnipresent (Job 34:21-22; Ps 139:7:12; Is 29:15; Heb 4:13); His love (Ps 33:5, 119:64) and His glory (Num 14:21; Ps 72:19; Isa 6:3) fill the earth. He is praised (Ps 48:10; Hab 3:3) throughout the earth.
25
     “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’
26
How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the deceitfulness of their own heart,
27
who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they report to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal?
28
The prophet who has a dream may report his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word truthfully. What does straw have in common with grain?” declares the LORD.
29
“Is My word not like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?
The book of Jeremiah is unusual in depicting the word as fire (Jer 5:14, 20:9, 23:29).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
The word is an instrument of war and judgment (Hos 6:5; Heb 4:12).
30
Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the LORD, “who steal My words from each other.
31
Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the LORD, “who use their tongues and declare, ‘The Lord declares!’
32
Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the LORD, “and reported them and led My people astray by their lies and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them nor command them, nor do they provide this people the slightest benefit,” declares the LORD.
33
     “Now when this people or the prophet or a priest asks you, saying, ‘What is the pronouncement of the LORD?’ then you shall say to them, ‘What pronouncement?’ The LORD declares, ‘I will abandon you.’
34
Then as for the prophet or the priest or the people who say, ‘The pronouncement of the LORD,’ I will bring punishment upon that person and his household.
35
This is what each one of you will say to his neighbor and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’
36
For you will no longer remember the pronouncement of the LORD, because every person’s own word will become the pronouncement, and you have perverted the words of the living God, the LORD of armies, our God.
37
This is what you will say to that prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’
38
And if you say, ‘The pronouncement of the LORD!’ for that reason the LORD says this: ‘Because you said this word, “The pronouncement of the LORD!” I have also sent word to you, saying, “You shall not say, ‘The pronouncement of the LORD!’”’
39
Therefore behold, I will certainly forget you and thrust you away from My presence, along with the city which I gave you and your fathers.
40
I will put an everlasting disgrace on you and an everlasting humiliation which will not be forgotten.”
Chapter 24
Baskets of Figs and the Returnees
1
After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken into exile Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the officials of Judah with the craftsmen and metalworkers from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me: behold, two baskets of figs placed before the temple of the LORD.
Jeconiah was also known as Jehoiachin. He surrendered himself and the city to Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC (2Ki 24:10-12); he was then taken into exile.
2
One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs, and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten due to rottenness.
3
Then the LORD said to me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “Figs: the good figs are very good, and the bad ones, very bad, which cannot be eaten due to rottenness.”
4
     Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans.
The bad figs depicted those who had remained in Jerusalem.
Note how God will regard as good the exiles, it is a quality impressed on them, an action of grace.
Todo global link we are to identify with the exiles 29:4
6
‘For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; and I will build them up and not overthrow them, and I will plant them and not uproot them.
A similar promise of restoration is in 29:10-11.
They will not come back because of their righteousness but because God will see them as good (Dt 9:6).
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6, 31:27-28, 32:41; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
7
‘I will also give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me wholeheartedly.
Messiah’s renewal includes removing our heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh (Jer 24:7, 31:33, 32:39; Ezk 11:19; 18:31, 36:26). This is an answer to David’s prayer (Ps 51:10).
The words in 24:7 are similar to those in 31:33 and 32:38-39 that describe the new everlasting covenant.
In 24:5-7, the rapid succession of six I will by God followed by one they will is reminiscent of the seven I will in Ex 6:6-8. The promises overlap including the declarations about being a people for God and bringing to the land promised to their forefathers.
The restoration in 24:5-7 also parallels the restoration proclaimed by Moses in Dt 30:1-10.
See comment in Ex 6:6-7.
To make a people for Himself has been God’s intent (Ex 19:5-6; Lev 26:12; Dt 26:18; Jer 11:4; 13:11; Is 51:15-16; Jer 7:23, 30:22, 31:33, 32:38; Ezk 14:11, 37:27; Zch 8:8; 2Co 6:16; Heb 8:10; Ref 21:3). Todo order refs & global link
8
     ‘But like the bad figs which cannot be eaten due to rottenness,’ indeed, this is what the LORD says, ‘so will I give up Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem who remain in this land, and the ones who live in the land of Egypt.
9
‘I will make them an object of terror and an evil for all the kingdoms of the earth, as a disgrace and a proverb, a taunt and a curse in all the places where I will scatter them.
Jeremiah announces the scattering of the people (9:16, 10:21, 13:24, 18:17, 23:1-2, 24:9). But there will be restoration and the Messiah will bring them back (Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 31:10).
10
‘And I will send the sword, the famine, and the plague upon them until they are eliminated from the land which I gave to them and their forefathers.’”
Chapter 25
Prophecy of the Captivity
1
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon),
Jehoiakim’s reign started ca. 609 BC (2Ki 23:36-37), the fourth year would be ca. 606; about nine years before the first major Babylonian exile in 597 BC. The following year, 605 BC, Babylonian and Median forces defeated Assyria and Egypt in the Battle of Carchemish. Around this time, Judah was also invaded and became a vassal nation (Dan 1:1). Here in this chapter, in ca. 606, we read about Jeremiah alerting Jehoiakim about the impending attack. Babylon did take some of the articles from the temple and some of the people (Dan 1:2-6).
The events in Ch 36 also took place in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, perhaps after these in Ch 35 as Jeremiah goes into hiding in Ch 36.
Todo polish timeline here
2
the word which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,
3
“From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
God is patient, Jeremiah has been admonishing Judah for more than twenty years.
Jeremiah’s ministry started in the thirteenth year of Josiah ca. 627 BC. It is believed that Jeremiah died in Egypt ca. 570 BC; thus this moment is close to the midpoint in his ministry.
4
And the LORD has sent to you all His servants the prophets again and again, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear,
5
saying, ‘Turn now, everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds, and live on the land which the LORD has given to you and your forefathers forever and ever;
The land is theirs but there are expectations for the people of God.
The gifts of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29).
6
and do not follow other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, then I will do you no harm.’
7
Yet you have not listened to Me,” declares the LORD, “in order to provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm.
You have not listened is mentioned three times (25:3, 4, 7).
8
     “Therefore this is what the LORD of armies says: ‘Because you have not obeyed My words,
9
behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these surrounding nations; and I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and hissing, and an everlasting place of ruins.
My servant is a special title, used for Abraham (Gen 26:24), Moses (Num 12:7; Jos 1:1-2), David (2Sa 7:8; Ps 89:20; Jer 33:21-26; Ezk 34:23-24), Israel as a nation (Is 44:1-3; Jer 30:10, 46:27-28), and Jesus (Is 42:1-9, 49:1-12, 50:4-10, 52:13-53-12).
10
‘Moreover, I will eliminate from them the voice of jubilation and the voice of joy, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp.
11
‘This entire land will be a place of ruins and an object of horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.
Note that this verse along with 25:12 and 29:10 speak of the length of the Babylonian rule, seventy years. Judah’s exile was shorter, the destruction of the temple was in 587 BC and the start of the return in 538 BC, some forty nine years after the second exile.
Babylon Will Be Judged
12
     ‘Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation,’ declares the LORD, ‘for their wrongdoing, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation.
13
‘I will bring upon that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations.
The book mentioned here, a scroll, is probably the one Jeremiah dictated to Baruch as described in 36:2-6.
14
‘(For many nations and great kings will make slaves of them, even them; and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.)’”
15
     For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to me: “Take this cup of the wine of wrath from My hand and give it to all the nations to whom I send you, to drink from it.
In this section of the text Jeremiah delivers a message to the nations 25:15-17, this message has a strong eschatological tone.
16
Then they will drink and loudly vomit and act insanely because of the sword that I am going to send among them.”
17
     So I took the cup from the LORD’S hand and gave it to all the nations to whom the LORD sent me, to drink from it:
18
To Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, and its kings and its officials, to make them places of ruins, objects of horror, hissing, and a curse, as it is this day;
19
To Pharaoh king of Egypt, his servants, his officials, and all his people;
20
and to all the foreign people, all the kings of the land of Uz, all the kings of the land of the Philistines (that is, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod);
21
To Edom, Moab, and the sons of Ammon;
22
and to all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastlands which are beyond the sea;
23
and to Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who trim the corners of their hair;
24
and to all the kings of Arabia and all the kings of the foreign people who live in the desert;
25
and to all the kings of Zimri, all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of Media;
26
and to all the kings of the north, near and far, one with another; and all the kingdoms of the earth which are on the face of the ground; and the king of Sheshach shall drink it after them.
27
     “And you shall say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Drink, be drunk, vomit, fall down, and do not get up, because of the sword which I am sending among you.”’
28
And if they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies says: “You shall certainly drink!
The image of God’s cup of wrath is also present in Revelation (Rev 14:10, 16:19).
29
For behold, I am beginning to inflict disaster on this city which is called by My name, so should you be completely free from punishment? You will not be free from punishment, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth,” declares the LORD of armies.’
30
     “Therefore you shall prophesy against them all these words, and you shall say to them,
‘The LORD will roar from on high
And raise His voice from His holy dwelling;
He will roar forcefully against His fold.
He will shout like those who tread the grapes,
Against all the inhabitants of the earth.
31
-‘A clamor has come to the end of the earth,
Because the LORD has a controversy with the nations.
He is entering into judgment with humanity;
As for the wicked, He has turned them over to the sword,’ declares the LORD.”
32
     This is what the LORD of armies says:
“Behold, evil is going out
From nation to nation,
And a great storm is being stirred up
From the remotest parts of the earth.
33
     “Those put to death by the LORD on that day will be from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried; they will be like dung on the face of the ground.
34
-“Wail, you shepherds, and cry out;
Wallow in the dust, you masters of the flock;
For the days of your slaughter and your dispersions have come,
And you will fall like a precious vessel.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
35
-“There will be no sanctuary for the shepherds,
Nor escape for the masters of the flock.
36
-“Hear the sound of the cry of the shepherds,
And the wailing of the masters of the flock!
For the LORD is destroying their pasture,
37
And the peaceful grazing places are devastated
Because of the fierce anger of the LORD.
38
-“He has left His hiding place like the lion;
For their land has become a horror
Because of the fierceness of the oppressing sword
And because of His fierce anger.”
Chapter 26
Cities of Judah Warned
1
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD, saying,
Jehoiakim was Josiah’s son (1Ch 3:15) and reigned from 609 to 598 BC.
Todo timeline
2
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah who have come to worship in the LORD’S house all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word!
This message is similar to the one we learned of in 7:1-15.
This probably happened during one of the holidays when people were required to travel to Jerusalem.
Todo global link holidays
3
‘Perhaps they will listen and everyone will turn from his evil way, and I will relent of the disaster which I am planning to inflict on them because of the evil of their deeds.’
4
And you shall say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “If you do not listen to Me, to walk in My Law which I have set before you,
5
to listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have been sending to you again and again, but you have not listened;
6
then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.”’”
A Plot to Murder Jeremiah
7
     The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD.
8
Yet when Jeremiah finished speaking everything that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, “You must die!
Stephen found himself in a similar situation when testifying about Jesus (Act 7:48-58).
Note that the people, the priest, and the prophets are listed as having seized Jeremiah.
9
Why have you prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘This house will be like Shiloh and this city will be in ruins, without inhabitant’?” And all the people gathered to Jeremiah at the house of the LORD.
10
     When the officials of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king’s house to the house of the LORD and sat at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’S house.
11
Then the priests and the prophets spoke to the officials and to all the people, saying, “A death sentence for this man! For he has prophesied against this city, just as you have heard with your own ears!”
12
     Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and to all the people, saying, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.
13
Now then, reform your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will relent of the disaster which He has pronounced against you.
14
But as for me, behold, I am in your hands; do with me as is good and right in your sight.
15
Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city and its inhabitants; for truly the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words so that you hear them.”
The people collectively would be guilty of shedding innocent blood (Dt 19:10, 21:7-8).
Jeremiah Is Spared
16
     Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “No death sentence for this man! For he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.”
Note here how the officials and the people face the priests and prophets.
17
Then some of the elders of the land rose up and spoke to all the assembly of the people, saying,
18
“Micah of Moresheth used to prophesy in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah; and he spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, ‘This is what the LORD of armies has said:
“Zion will be plowed like a field,
And Jerusalem will become heaps of ruins,
And the mountain of the house like the high places of a forest.”’
This would be the prophet Micah (Mic 1:1). This verse contains a quote from Mic 3:12.
19
Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah actually put him to death? Did he not fear the LORD and plead for the favor of the LORD, and the LORD relented of the disaster which He had pronounced against them? But we are committing a great evil against our own lives!”
20
     Indeed, there was also a man who used to prophesy in the name of the LORD, Uriah the son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim; and he prophesied against this city and against this land words similar to all those of Jeremiah.
Recall that this episode was early in the reign of Jehoiakim (26:1). Verses 26:20-33 contain the story of the prophet Uriah who was indeed killed by Jehoiakim. It is unclear if the episode with Uriah happened before or after this other episode with Jeremiah. In either case Jehoiakim was guilty of innocent blood.
21
When King Jehoiakim and all his warriors and all the officials heard his words, then the king sought to put him to death; but Uriah heard about it, and he was afraid, so he fled and went to Egypt.
22
Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor and certain men with him, to Egypt.
23
And they brought Uriah from Egypt and led him to King Jehoiakim, who killed him with a sword and threw his dead body into the burial place of the common people.
24
     But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that he was not handed over to the people to put him to death.
Ahikam was one of the men Josiah sent to the prophetess Huldah to inquire of the LORD after having heard the words of the Book of the Law (2Ki 22:12-16; 2Ch 34:19-22). His father Shaphan was a scribe (2Ki 22:12).
Chapter 27
The Nations to Submit to Nebuchadnezzar
1
In the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying—
King Zedekiah started his reign in ca. 597 BC. The next chapter starts off with in the same year, the fourth year, that would be ca. 594 BC.
2
this is what the LORD has said to me: “Make for yourself restraints and yokes and put them on your neck,
3
and send word to the king of Edom, the king of Moab, the king of the sons of Ammon, the king of Tyre, and to the king of Sidon by the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah.
These kings might have sent envoys to Jerusalem to pay homage to Zedekiah as the new king of Judah, or Zedekiah was trying to form a coalition to rebel against Babylon as Jeremiah appeals directly to him in 27:12-15.
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5, 1:10, 18:7-10).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
4
Order them to go to their masters, saying, ‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “This is what you shall say to your masters:
5
‘I have made the earth, mankind, and the animals which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight.
The message is to start by the proclamation that the God of Israel is the creator and the He is sovereign over creation.
6
‘And now I have handed all these lands over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and I have also given him the animals of the field to serve him.
Todo my servant link
7
‘All the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will make him their servant.
God ordained the Babylonians to rule the area for seventy years (todo link).
This would be approximately three generations.
8
     ‘And it will be that the nation or the kingdom which will not serve him, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish that nation with the sword, with famine, and with plague,’ declares the LORD, ‘until I have eliminated it by his hand.
Rebellions against Babylon equates rebellion against God Himself.
9
‘And as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers who talk to you, saying, “You will not serve the king of Babylon.”
The (false) prophets and their words are listed next to the diviners and sorcerers of the land.
This chapter contains multiple warnings about false prophets (27:9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18). The next chapter describes the direct confrontation between Hananaih’s false prophecy and Jeremiah.
10
‘For they are prophesying a lie to you in order to remove you far from your land; and I will drive you away and you will perish.
Todo link to Hananiah
11
‘But the nation that will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let remain on its land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and they will cultivate it and live in it.’”’”
12
     I spoke words like all these to Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, “Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him and his people, and live!
After a I have made … in 27:5, the text in 27:12-22 shows Jeremiah speaking in the first person as though to show that he completed the task assigned to him (todo link about prophets alerting).
13
Why should you die, you and your people, by the sword, famine, and plague, as the LORD has spoken to the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?
A poignant question to the king.
14
So do not listen to the words of the prophets who talk to you, saying, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying a lie to you;
This chapter contains multiple warnings about false prophets (27:9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).
15
for I have not sent them,” declares the LORD, “but they are prophesying falsely in My name, so that I will drive you away and that you will perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”
16
     Then I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, “Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house will now shortly be brought back from Babylon”; for they are prophesying a lie to you.
Zedekiah’s reign started after the first exile (todo link).
17
‘Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon, and live! Why should this city become a place of ruins?
18
‘But if they are prophets, and if the word of the LORD is with them, have them now plead with the LORD of armies that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD and the house of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem do not go to Babylon.
This chapter contains multiple warnings about false prophets (27:9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18). The next chapter describes the direct confrontation between Hananaih’s false prophecy and Jeremiah.
19
‘For this is what the LORD of armies says concerning the pillars, concerning the sea, concerning the kettle stands, and concerning the rest of the vessels that are left in this city,
These articles were indeed carried to Babylon (2Ki 25:13-17; Jer 52:17-23).
20
which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he led into exile Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem—
Todo add note about Jeconiah
21
‘Yes, this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel, says concerning the vessels that are left in the house of the LORD and in the house of the king of Judah and in Jerusalem:
22
“They will be brought to Babylon and will be there until the day I visit them,” declares the LORD. “Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.”’”
Todo their a verse about visiting them a message to the exiles
Ezra records the fulfillment of this occasion (Ez 1:7-10).
Chapter 28
Hananiah’s False Prophecy
1
Now in the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, Hananiah the prophet the son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, spoke to me at the house of the LORD in the sight of the priests and all the people, saying,
In the same year as the previous chapter would have been ca. 594 BC.
The scene takes place in the temple area, the same place where Jeremiah has spoken (Jer 7:1-15, 26:2).
The text is in the first person.
2
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
Hananiah opens his utterance as Jeremiah does (e.g. 7:3, 9:15, 16:9, 19:15, 25:27, 27:4, 27:21, 29:4, 29:8). This is a false prophecy, the LORD had not said such; thus Hananiah is using the name of the LORD in falsehood, in vain (Ex 20:7; Lv 19:12; Dt 5:11).
As Hananiah is speaking to Jeremiah in the presence of the priests and people (28:1), he is implicitly charging Jeremiah to be a false prophet.
Jesus advises us to be discrete when possible (Mt 18:15); Jeremiah rebukes Hananiah privately later (28:12-13).
3
‘Within two years I am going to bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD’S house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took from this place and brought to Babylon.
Two more years would be ca. 592 BC. Jeremiah had announced that the Babylonian rule would last seventy years starting in ca. 605 BC; see comments in 25:1 and 25:11.
4
‘I am also going to bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”
5
     Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the sight of the priests and in the sight of all the people who were standing at the house of the LORD,
6
and Jeremiah the prophet said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD fulfill your words which you have prophesied, to bring back the vessels of the LORD’S house and all the exiles, from Babylon to this place.
Amen, expresses agreement: so be it.
7
Yet hear now this word which I am going to speak so that you and all the people can hear it!
8
The prophets who were before me and before you from ancient times also prophesied against many lands and against great kingdoms regarding war, disaster, and plague.
9
As for the prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, then that prophet will be known as one whom the LORD has truly sent.”
We need to be cautious when someone claims to speak for the LORD, we may not know if what a prophet speaks is true (Dt 18:20-22).
10
     Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke it.
11
Hananiah spoke in the sight of all the people, saying, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Even so within two full years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations.’” Then Jeremiah the prophet went his way.
12
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
13
“Go and speak to Hananiah, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: “You have broken the yokes of wood, but in their place you have made yokes of iron.”
14
‘For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him. And I have also given him the animals of the field.”’”
15
Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen now, Hananiah: the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie.
16
Therefore, this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am going to remove you from the face of the earth. This year you are going to die, because you spoke falsely against the LORD.’”
17
     So Hananiah the prophet died in the same year, in the seventh month.
Hananiah died within two months after his false prophecy (Ex 20:7; Dt 5:11).
Chapter 29
Message to the Exiles
1
Now these are the words of the letter which Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders of the exile, the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Lets read 29:1-14. 70 years of captivity
2
(This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the high officials, the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalworkers had departed from Jerusalem.)
Link queen mother
Todo link timeline
Thus, this letter was for the first group of people who went into exile in 597 BC. The prophet Ezekiel was in this group.
3
The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, saying,
4
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
Note the I have sent/driven …. by the LORD in 29:4, 7, 14, 20 and contrast with the I have not sent … in 29:9 and 31.
From Jerusalem to Babylon appears in 29:4 and 29:20, it conveys an undoing of God’s plan as Abraham was called from Ur, which likeBabylon was in Mesopotamia. The judgments by God also convey an undoing of creation, see comments in Gen X and Jer X. Todo copy 29:20.
Though this letter was written to the exiles in Babylon, it is also intended for us today as we are to identify with the exiles (todo link james 1pe)
5
‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.
6
‘Take wives and father sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may give birth to sons and daughters; and grow in numbers there and do not decrease.
7
‘Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity.’
Advice for us
Jesus also admonished us to love and pray for our enemies (Mt 5:44). Paul instructs to pray for the civil authorities (1Ti 2:1-4). Ezra followed this model to pray for the authorities (Ezr 6:10).
Note the I have … by the LORD in 29:4, 7, 14.
Be good citizens
8
For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst or your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to their interpretations of your dreams which you dream.
9
‘For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.
10
     “For this is what the LORD says: ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
Daniel was aware of Jeremiah’s words (Dan 9:2).
Note the I will visit you.
11
‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Restoration after the exile the remnant
Similar words of restoration appear in 24:4-6.
12
‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
I will listen … this is very important as access to the temple will not be available to them.
Similar to Solomon’s prayer when the temple was dedicated
13
‘And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
A fulfillment of Dt 4:27-29.
An answer to a prayer by Solomon (1Ki 8:46-50; 2Ch 6:24-25). Todo copy to 29:12
14
‘I will let Myself 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 where I sent you into exile.’
Todo gathering
Note the I have … by the LORD in 29:4, 7, 14.
15
     “Because you have said, ‘The LORD has raised up prophets for us in Babylon’—
Bad prophecy did not stop, the LORD had not raised those prophets
16
for this is what the LORD says concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who live in this city, your brothers who did not go with you into exile—
Those who remained in Jerusalem were being rebellious, the words in 29:17-19 are for them.
17
this is what the LORD of armies says: ‘Behold, I am sending upon them the sword, famine, and plague; and I will make them like rotten figs that cannot be eaten due to rottenness.
18
‘I will pursue them with the sword, with famine, and with plague; and I will make them an object of terror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse and an object of horror and hissing, and a disgrace among all the nations where I have driven them,
19
because they have not listened to My words,’ declares the LORD, ‘which I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets; but you did not listen,’ declares the LORD.
20
‘You, therefore, hear the word of the LORD, all you exiles, whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Those who listened to God’s instruction, even if it meant going into exile, got to keep their own life as a reward (Jer 21:9, 29:20, 38:2, 39:18, 45:5).
21
     ‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you falsely in My name: “Behold, I am going to hand them over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your eyes.
22
Because of them a curse will be used by all the exiles from Judah who are in Babylon, saying, ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire,’
23
because they acted foolishly in Israel, and committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and falsely spoke words in My name which I did not command them. I am He who knows, and a witness,” declares the LORD.’”
24
     Now you shall speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,
25
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people who are in Jerusalem, and to the priest Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests, saying,
The words in 29:26-28 are not from the LORD.
26
“The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to be the overseer of the house of the LORD for every insane person who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and in the iron collar.
Jeremiah was labeled insane.
27
So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth who prophesies to you,
28
seeing that he has sent word to us in Babylon, saying, ‘The exile will be long; build houses and live in them, and plant gardens and eat their produce’?”’”
29
     Now Zephaniah the priest read this letter to Jeremiah the prophet.
30
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
31
“Send word to all the exiles, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: “Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, although I did not send him, and he has made you trust in a lie,”
Todo copy Trust in a lie (Jer 28:15, 29:31). Like the serpent in the garden
32
therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am going to punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants; he will not have anyone living among this people, and he will not see the good that I am going to do for My people,” declares the LORD, “because he has spoken falsely against the LORD.”’”
Preached rebellion consolidate
Chapter 30
Liberation from Captivity Promised
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Chapters 30-33 comprise what is known as the Book of Restoration or Book of Consolation within Jeremiah.
2
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.
3
‘For behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.’ The LORD says, ‘I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers, and they shall take possession of it.’”
4
     Now these are the words which the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah:
5
     “For this is what the LORD says:
‘I have heard a sound of terror,
Of fear, and there is no peace.
Note verses 30:5-7 describe a tribulation prior to the restoration.
6
-‘Ask now, and see
If a male can give birth.
Why do I see every man
With his hands on his waist, as a woman in childbirth?
And why have all faces turned pale?
7
-‘Woe, for that day is great,
There is none like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s distress,
Yet he will be saved from it.
This verse highlights the people of God being in the midst of the tribulation.
8
     ‘It shall come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of armies, ‘that I will break his yoke from their necks and will tear to pieces their restraints; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.
Compare this with Hananiah’s false prophecy in 28:2-3.
The Messiah is a liberator (Is 9:4).
9
‘But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
The mention of a royal figure, in the line of David, who will rise; thus a promise to restore David's kingdom.
There was an expectation among the people that Jesus’ rule as an earthly king was imminent (Mt 20:21, 21:9; Mk 11:10; Lk 19:11, 24:19-21; Jn 1:49, 6:14-15, 12:13; Act 1:6).
10
-‘And do not fear, Jacob My servant,’ declares the LORD,
‘And do not be dismayed, Israel;
For behold, I am going to save you from far away,
And your descendants from the land of their captivity.
And Jacob will return and be at peace, without anxiety,
And no one will make him afraid.
Notice the unconditional I am going to save you that includes descendants.
Salvation means being liberated ,being at peace, removing fear.
Todo global link about peace
11
-‘For I am with you,’ declares the LORD, ‘to save you;
For I will completely destroy all the nations where I have scattered you,
Only I will not destroy you completely.
But I will discipline you fairly
And will by no means leave you unpunished.’
The promise of being along with His people is an overarching theme in the Bible (Gen 21:20, 21:22, 26:3, 26:24, 26:28, 28:15, 31:3, 35:3, 39:2-3, 39:21-23, 46:4, 48:21; Ex 3:12, 33:14; Dt 2:7, 20:1-4, 31:6-8, 31:23; Jos 1:5, 6:27; Jdg 1:19; 1Sa 18:14; 2Sa 7:9; 1Ki 11:38; 2Ki 18:7; Is 41:10, 43:2, 43:5; Jer 1:8, 1:19, 15:20; Ezk 34:30-31; Zch 8:23; Mat 1:23; Act 7:9, 18:10; Phil 4:9). Failure and hardship awaits us when God is not with us (Num 14:42; Dt 1:42, 31:17-18).
The restoration does not imply that the previous words delivered by Jeremiah are void (Is 40:1).
12
     “For this is what the LORD says:
‘Your broken limb is irreparable,
And your wound is incurable.
In different and sometimes dramatic ways, the book of Jeremiah illustrates the idea of how God’s people found itself in an irremediable situation:
Israel had a stain that could not be washed (Jer 2:22).
God could not take Israel back after having divorced her (Dt 24:1-4; Jer 3:1).
Israel was like silver from which the impurities could not be removed (Jer 6:28-30).
Israel was like a garment that had been ruined in the mud (Jer 13:6-7).
Israel could not do anything about her nature like a leopard could not change its spots (Jer 13:23).
Israel had their sin written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Israel was like a broken earthenware jar that could not be put back together (Jer 19:10-11).
Israel had a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
These bring the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) and a new birth and renewal (Jer 33:6-9) that will make Israel a virgin again (Jer 31:3-4).
13
-‘There is no one to plead your cause;
No healing for your sore,
No recovery for you.
14
-‘All your lovers have forgotten you,
They do not seek you;
For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy,
With the punishment of a cruel one,
Because your wrongdoing is great,
And your sins are numerous.
We are counted as God’s enemies until we are reconciled through Jesus (Rom 5:8-11).
15
-‘Why do you cry out over your injury?
Your pain is incurable.
Because your wrongdoing is great
And your sins are numerous,
I have done these things to you.
This evokes the liberation from Egypt when the Israelites were in a seemingly impossible situation and God asked Why are you crying … (Ex 14:15).
Israel is in an irreparable situation, see comment in 30:12.
16
-‘Therefore all who devour you will be devoured;
And all your adversaries, every one of them, will go into captivity;
And those who plunder you will become plunder,
And all who plunder you I will turn into plunder.
A promise of protection like that spoken to Abraham (Gen 12:3).
17
-‘For I will restore you to health
And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the LORD,
‘Because they have called you an outcast, saying:
“It is Zion; no one cares for her.”’
Having pointed out an incurable illness (Jer 30:12-13, 15), God is still able to bring and begin healing. The LORD is our healer (Ex 15:26).
Restoration of Jacob
18
     “This is what the LORD says:
‘Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob
And have compassion on his dwellings;
And the city will be rebuilt on its ruins,
And the palace will stand on its rightful place.
19
-‘From them will come a song of thanksgiving
And the voices of those who celebrate;
And I will multiply them and they will not decrease;
I will honor them and they will not be insignificant.
God will restore to health (30:17), the fortunes of tents the city (30:18), and it will be abundant (30:19) and with honor (30:19). The gospel of John presents Jesus as the fulfillment in regard to health (Jn 5:8, 9:7, 11:43-44), to the dwellings (Jn 2:15-16), abundantly (Jn 10:10), and with honor (Jn 17:22).
20
-‘Their children also will be as before,
And their congregation will be established before Me;
And I will punish all their oppressors.
21
-‘Their leader shall be one of them,
And their ruler will come out from their midst;
And I will bring him near and he shall approach Me;
For who would dare to risk his life to approach Me?’ declares the LORD.
The Law indicated that a king would have to be an Israelite (Dt 17:14-15).
Approaching a king would be punishable by death (Est 4:15-5:2). Only the priests could approach the holy of holies (2Ch 26:16-21).
Jesus made it possible for us to approach God’s throne (Heb 4:16).
22
‘You shall be My people,
And I will be your God.’”
Jesus made this possible (Jn 20:17).
23
     Behold, the tempest of the LORD!
Wrath has gone forth,
A sweeping tempest;
It will whirl upon the head of the wicked.
24
The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back
Until He has performed and accomplished
The intent of His heart.
In the latter days you will understand this.
This is a verse similar to 23:20.
A first glance latter days here may refer to the first advent of Jesus as the New Covenant is about the be announced (31:31), but is unclear what latter days might refer to as it includes restoration of Moab and Elam (Jer 23:20, 30:24, 48:47, 49:39).
Chapter 31
Israel’s Mourning Turned to Joy
1
“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”
Note the fullness of the promise in all the families.
2
     This is what the LORD says:
“The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness—
Israel, when it went to find its rest.”
A picture of being in the wilderness and re-entering the promised land.
In the Bible, entering into God’s rest is depicted in different forms: entering and taking possession of the Promised Land (Dt 3:18-20, 12:9-10, 25:19; Jos 1:13-15, 22:3-4; Ps 95:10-11); having been liberated (Dt 5:15); being in God’s presence (Ex 33:14; Mt 11:28). The invitation to enter into God’s rest still stands (Heb 4:1-5).
See note in Jos 1:13.
3
The LORD appeared to him long ago, saying,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you out with kindness.
A picture of God appearing in the wilderness to guide the people.
Notice everlasting love.
4
-“I will build you again and you will be rebuilt,
Virgin of Israel!
You will take up your tambourines again,
And go out to the dances of the revelers.
Rebuilding of Jerusalem and a declaration of the renewal as a virgin.
This verse may be revealing a wedding scene, see 33:11.
5
-“Again you will plant vineyards
On the hills of Samaria;
The planters will plant
And will enjoy the fruit.
In 31:2-20, there is a strong emphasis on Ephraim and Samaria.
In this section, 31:2-22, which is just prior to the announcement of the New Covenant, there is a strong emphasis on Israel, Ephraim, and Samaria (31:1-2, 4-6, 9-10, 18, 20). This has made commentators speculate if this section is specifically about the northern kingdom, one hundred years after their exile, or if the text is about the nation as a whole, as verses 7 and 11 explicitly mentions Jacob.
Nevertheless, the New Covenant will include the house of Israel (31:27) and its fulfillment is described in the gospel of John (Jn 4:27-42) and the book of Acts (Act 8:4-25).
6
-“For there will be a day when watchmen
On the hills of Ephraim call out,
‘Arise, and let’s go up to Zion,
To the LORD our God.’”
There is a reference to the call to worship when Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:19-24).
7
     For this is what the LORD says:
“Sing aloud with joy for Jacob,
And be joyful with the chief of the nations;
Proclaim, give praise, and say,
‘LORD, save Your people,
The remnant of Israel!’
8
-“Behold, I am bringing them from the north country,
And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth,
Among them those who are blind and those who limp,
The pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together;
They will return here as a great assembly.
The north was where invaders (judgment) would come from (e.g. 4:6, 6:1, 6:22, 13:20, 47:2, 50:41), here it is God’s people.
The people listed would have much difficulty completing a long journey walking.
The blind, the lame, or those with a deformed limb were not allowed to approach the altar (Lev 21:16-23; Dt 23:1). This verse speaks of a new time when God will remove the faults that are part of us; Jesus healed the blind and the lame (Mt 15:30-31; 21:14).
The Messiah will gather His people (e.g. Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5-6, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 16:15, 23:3-8; 31:8-10, 32:37; Zph 3:20; Zch 8:7-8, 10:10).
9
-“They will come with weeping,
And by pleading I will bring them;
I will lead them by streams of waters,
On a straight path on which they will not stumble;
For I am a father to Israel,
And Ephraim is My firstborn.”
Previously, God refused to listen to their prayers.
Todo update global link about not listening
God will guide them like a good shepherd (Ps 23:1-3; Is 40:11; Ezk 34:11-16; Jn 10:4, 11, 14).
The relationship between God and the people can be seen as a father-son or husband-wife.
10
     Hear the word of the LORD, you nations,
And declare it in the coastlands far away,
And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him,
And He will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.”
The Messiah will gather His people, see comment in 31:8.
11
For the LORD has ransomed Jacob
And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.
Though God is stronger than all (1Jn 4:4).
Believers are also redeemed from a strong man (Mt 12:29; Mk 3:27; Lk 11:21-22).
In 31:9-11, God will lead, will make them walk, will gather, will keep, and has ransomed. The outcome will be joyous, see next verse.
12
“They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion,
And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD—
Over the grain, the new wine, the oil,
And over the young of the flock and the herd.
And their life will be like a watered garden,
And they will never languish again.
New wine is a symbol of blessings (Gen 27:28; Dt 7:12-13, 11:13-14), of entering and taking possession of the Promised Land (Dt 33:27-28), and of the Messiah’s redemption (Jer 31:11-12; Hos 2:21-23; Zch 9:14-17).
Evokes the creation story as the Garden of Eden was well watered by rivers (Gen 2:10-14).
13
-“Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance,
And the young men and the old together;
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.
14
-“I will refresh the soul of the priests with abundance,
And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.
15
     This is what the LORD says:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamenting and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.”
Rachel died as she was giving birth to Benjamin and she was buried near Bethlehem (Gen 35:16-19). Though there are multiple towns called Ramah in the bible (e.g. in Asher, Jos 19:29; in Naphtali, Jos 19:36), the one mentioned here is believed to be Ramah of Benjamin.
The sorrow in this verse feels out of place in the midst of the rejoicing and abundance in the previous two, but perhaps in the midst of the celebration those lost in the time of judgment are remembered. Rachel here might be a picture of God as a mother.
Or it is perhaps to point out the uneven sequence of events in life, as Matthew points out in his gospel (Mt 2:18).
Jacob refused to be comforted when he believed Joseph was dead (Gen 37:33-35).
16
This is what the LORD says:
“Restrain your voice from weeping
And your eyes from tears;
For your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD,
“And they will return from the land of the enemy.
The promise is for bringing Rachel’s children back even though they were thought of as being no more.
17
-“There is hope for your future,” declares the LORD,
“And your children will return to their own territory.
18
-“I have certainly heard Ephraim grieving,
‘You have disciplined me, and I was corrected,
Like an untrained calf;
Bring me back that I may be restored,
For You are the LORD my God.
19
-‘For after I turned back, I repented;
And after I was instructed, I slapped my thigh;
I was ashamed and also humiliated
Because I bore the shame of my youth.’
20
-“Is Ephraim My dear son?
Is he a delightful child?
Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him;
Therefore My heart yearns for him;
I will certainly have mercy on him,” declares the LORD.
21
     “Set up roadmarks for yourself,
Place guideposts for yourself;
Direct your mind to the highway,
The way by which you went.
Return, O virgin of Israel,
Return to these your cities.
22
-“How long will you waver,
You rebellious daughter?
For the LORD has created a new thing on the earth:
A woman will shelter a man.”
The Messianic time is of renewal (Is 65:17, 66:22; 2Pe 3:13; Rev 21:1, 5);
A woman sheltering a man perhaps intends to illustrate something utterly unexpected.
23
     This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes,
‘The LORD bless you, O place of righteousness,
O holy hill!’
24
Judah and all its cities will live together in it, the farmers and those who travel with flocks.
25
For I give plenty of water to the weary ones, and refresh everyone who languishes.”
26
At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep had been pleasant to me.
Jeremiah might have had a dream described in 31:1-26.
A New Covenant
27
     “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of mankind and the seed of animals.
Notice the fullness in the house of Israel and the house of Judah, which will experience a type of repopulation by the inclusion of other nations and the renewal of creation. It is an announcement of the universal character of the New Covenant, the reaching of the gospel to all nations (Mt 28:19).
The absence of people and fauna in Jerusalem is a reversal of the creation blessing to fill and multiply the earth. This desolation of the land and of Jerusalem in particular is mentioned throughout the book (7:20, 9:10, 12:4, 21:6, 31:27, 32:43, 33:10, 33:12, 36:29, 50:3, 51:62).
Ezekiel announced the reuniting of the northern and southern kingdoms (37:15-23).
Todo global link salvation to all nations
28
And just as I have watched over them to uproot them, tear them down, ruin, destroy, and bring disaster on them, so I will watch over them to build and to plant them,” declares the LORD.
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6, 31:27-28, 32:41; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
29
“In those days they will no longer say,
‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
But it is the children’s teeth that have become blunt.’
This is likely an allusion to the suffering of the children for the transgressions of their parents, as the Sinai covenant was laid out (Ex 20:5, 34:7; Dt 5:9; Lam 5:7). Ezekiel elaborates on the meaning of this proverb and how God will respond differently (Ezk 18:14).
30
But everyone will die for his own wrongdoing; each person who eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will become blunt.
31
     “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,
Notice the reiteration of the completeness of house of Israel and house of Judah from 31:27. It also reflects Ephraim as firstborn as Israel is listed first (Jer 31:9).
Ezekiel spoke of reuniting the kingdoms (37:15-23).
Only Jeremiah uses the words new covenant though multiple prophets including Isaiah and Ezekiel also announced a covenant to come (Is 42:6-7, 49:8-9, 54:10, 55:3, 56:4-6, 59:20-21, 61:8; Ezk 16:60-63, 34:25, 37:26; Hos 2:18-19).
Jesus established the New Covenant the night he was betrayed (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24; Lk 22:20) thus linking it with the Passover celebration of liberation from bondage. Only Luke explicitly mentions new.
Paul links this new covenant with the ministry of Jesus (1Co 11:23:26; 2Co 3:3-4); Hebrews identifies Jesus’ ministry as the New Covenant (Heb 8:7-13).
32
not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.
The Sinai covenant was broken (Is 24:5; Jer 11:10, 22:9, 31:32; Ezk 16:59), a new covenant is needed.
The role of God in the Sinai covenant was a husband (e.g. Is 54:5; Jer 3:6-10, 31:32; Ez 16:30-32).
33
“For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD: “I will put My law within them and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
After reuniting the kingdoms (31:27, 31), only Israel needs to be mentioned.
Their sin was written on their hearts of stone (Jer 17:1).
Messiah’s renewal includes removing our heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh (Jer 24:7, 31:33, 32:39; Ezk 11:19; 18:31, 36:26). This is an answer to David’s prayer (Ps 51:10).
A circumcised heart was a promise from Deuteronomy (Dt 30:6).
The Law will be written of their hearts as opposed to written on tablets of stone (Ex 31:18) and kept inside the ark (Ex 25:16, 40:20; Dt 10:2; 1Ki 8:9; Heb 9:4), which will not be rebuilt (Jer 3:16). Having the Law in our hearts had already been the intent (Dt 6:4-6, 11:18, 30:14).
Having the Law in our hearts makes us to be like Jesus (Ps 40:7-8).
The Law reflects God’s character, thus the Law is as eternal as He is. The Law is a witness to God’s righteousness (Is 40:8; Mt 5:18; Rom 3:21).
The Law itself does not change, only where it is placed; in the ark before, in our hearts onward.
Paul links this covenant with the ministry of Jesus (2Co 3:3-4).
God’s intent is to be for His people (Jer 7:23, 11:4, 24:7, 30:22, 31:1, 31:33, 32:38; Ezk 11:20, 14:11, 34:30-31, 36:28, 37:23, 37:27; Zch 8:8, 13:9). Jesus made having the Father as our God possible (Jn 20:17). Todo make this a global link
The words in 31:33 and 32:38-39 are similar to those spoken to the exiles, the good figs, in 24:7.
34
They will not teach again, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their wrongdoing, and their sin I will no longer remember.”
Note the completeness of they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest in contrast with the transgressions committed by all (Is 56:11; Jer 6:13, 8:10). The covenant addresses a problem pointed out earlier (Jer 2:8, 4:22, 5:4-5, 9:3, 9:6).
Jesus’ covenant was for the forgiveness of sins (Mt 26:28).
Knowing God is emphasized and encouraged throughout the Bible (e.g. Ex 33:13; Jer 9:24, 22:15-16; 31:34; Dan 11:32; Hos 6:3, 6:6; Jn 10:27, 17:3, 17:25-26; Gal 4:8-9, Phil 3:8-10; Col 1:10) as well as the perils of not knowing Him (e.g. Jdg 2:10-12; Jer 2:8, 4:22; 5:4-5, 9:3, 9:6; Hos 4:1; 1Co 15:34). A number of people are accused of not knowing the Father (e.g. Ex 5:2; 1Sa 2:12; Hos 4:1; Mt 25:12; Jn 8:19, 8:55, 16:3).
The story of creation tells us about what God is like, He speaks, He sees, He discerns, He gives life, He blesses His creation. When we know God, we recognize His voice and His words, His mighty acts, His mercy. We know what pleases or grieves Him, we know His heart.
As part of the New Covenant, God will put His Law inside the people, write it on their hearts, be their God, reveal Himself to them, forgive their iniquity, forget their transgressions. The people will be God’s people and know Him. Grace permeates the Covenant as the people’s response is to simply receive.
The giving of the Spirit is not mentioned here but Ezekiel does mention Him in Ezk 36:26-27.
35
     This is what the LORD says,
He who gives the sun for light by day
And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
The LORD of armies is His name:
An important pronouncement follows as the LORD is introduced (e.g. Ex 20:1-2).
The covenant with Noah was confirmed by the rainbow (Gen 9:12-13). Israel will be confirmed by the order of day and night, set in Creation (Gen 1:1-2:3).
36
“If this fixed order departs
From Me,” declares the LORD,
“Then the descendants of Israel also will cease
To be a nation before Me forever.”
This is an important promise for the exiles to hear.
Descendants of Israel is literally the seed of Israel, also in the next verse.
This recalls the promise to Abraham (Gen 12:7) but more so the promise to Jacob (Gen 28:13-14). It also evokes Is 54:1-3.
37
This is what the LORD says:
“If the heavens above can be measured
And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
Then I will also reject all the descendants of Israel
For everything that they have done,” declares the LORD.
The heavens indeed cannot be measured.
The enduring of the seed of Israel and this and the previous verse indicate that the seed of mankind in 31:27 will not replace the Jewish people.
38
     “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the city will be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate.
The city is Jerusalem. As it is declared to be for the LORD, and the renewal of Kidro is announced in 31:40, thus 31:38-40 must refer to the Heavenly Jerusalem.
39
The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead, to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to Goah.
Isaiah speaks of building and using a cornerstone along with using justice as the measuring line (Is 28:16-18) to cancel the covenant with death.
Ezekiel describes a measuring line nearby the temple (Ezk 47:3-5).
The measuring line in this verse contrasts with the line used against Jerusalem when it was destroyed (Lam 2:8).
40
And the entire valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it will not be uprooted or overthrown ever again.”
Evokes the promise after the flood (Gen 9:11, 15).
It refers to the city in the previous verse, thus Jerusalem.
31:38-40 must refer to the Heavenly Jerusalem as the earthly Jerusalem was overthrown and destroyed in 70 AD.
Chapter 32
Jeremiah Imprisoned
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar.
Zedekiah’s reign lasted eleven years (2Ki 24:18-20; 2Ch 36:11; Jer 52:1-3), thus the tenth year of Zedekiah’s reign means that the final assault on the city is imminent, ca. 587 BC.
2
Now at that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, which was at the house of the king of Judah,
The context as to why Jeremiah is imprisoned in the courtyard is given by Chapter 37. Babylon has withdrawn from Jerusalmen after Zedekiah asked Egypt for help and Jeremiah leaves Jerusalem for his hometown to tend to legal business.
3
because Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying, “Why do you prophesy, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am going to hand this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it;
They thought Jeremiah had turned and become an agent to help the Babylonians defeat Jerusalem (Jer 37:13-14).
4
and Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hand of the Chaldeans, but he will certainly be handed over to the king of Babylon, and he will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye.
The city is under siege (32:2), the king does not want the people to be discouraged from fighting, but by imprisoning Jeremiah, the king is making the people fight God (33:5).
Chaldeans is another term for Babylonians.
5
Then he will take Zedekiah to Babylon, and he will be there until I visit him,” declares the LORD. “If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed”’?”
Years before, Zedekiah had already heard Hananiah’s false prophecy declaring liberation within two years (Jer 28:1-11).
6
     And Jeremiah said, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
7
‘Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you, saying, “Buy for yourself my field which is at Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.”’
Anathoth Jeremiah’s hometown (1:1, 29:27). Anathoth was one of the cities for Levites established by Joshua (Num 35:2-7; Jos 14:4, 21:3, 21:13-18).
The rules to buy land by the nearest relative are in Lv 25:23-28.
8
Then my uncle’s son Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard in accordance with the word of the LORD and said to me, ‘Buy my field, please, that is at Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for you have the right of possession and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.
9
     “So I bought the field which was in Anathoth from Hanamel my uncle’s son, and I weighed out the silver for him, seventeen shekels of silver.
The land would be returned in the Jubilee year, the price would reflect the number of years until then (Lv 25:13-17, 23-28).
David bought a threshing floor to offer a sacrifice for fifty shekels (2Sa 24:24).
The burial site that Abraham bought was grossly overpriced (Gen 23:14).
10
And I signed and sealed the deed, and called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales.
11
Then I took the deeds of purchase, both the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions and the open copy;
12
and I gave the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of Hanamel my uncle’s son and in the sight of the witnesses who signed the deed of purchase, in the sight of all the Jews who were sitting in the courtyard of the guard.
Later, we will learn that Baruch son of Neriah is Jeremiah’s scribe (Jer 36:32, 45:1) though he had been assisting Jeremiah for many years, see comment in 45:1.
13
And I commanded Baruch in their sight, saying,
14
‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Take these deeds, this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware jar, so that they may last a long time.”
15
‘For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Houses and fields and vineyards will again be purchased in this land.”’
Jeremiah Prays and God Explains
16
     “After giving the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD, saying,
Todo Jeremiah’s prayers
17
‘Oh, Lord GOD! Behold, You Yourself have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,
Jeremiah is wondering why God had him buy the field. Nothing is too difficult … Jeremiah might be wondering if God is about to defend the city, which God has said He would not do; or Jeremiah might be wondering if it is possible at all to come back to a time when normal commercial operations will resume.
18
who shows mercy to thousands, but repays the wrongdoing of fathers into the laps of their children after them, great and mighty God. The LORD of armies is His name;
This is a reference to the Sinai covenant as described in the Torah (Ex 20:5, 34:7; Dt 5:9). See comment in Jer 19:29.
19
great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of mankind, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;
The consequences, the fruit, of our deeds are more relevant than the deeds themselves.
20
who has accomplished signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.
21
‘You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror;
Extending the hand or arm of the Lord is a sign of power and might (e.g. Ex 3:20, 6:6; Dt 4:34, 5:15, 6:21; Jer 32:21), often in reference to the liberation from Egypt; an exception being Jer 21:5.
Todo global link ^^^ from Acts
22
and You gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
23
‘They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your Law; they did not do anything that You commanded them to do; therefore You have made all this disaster happen to them.
24
‘Behold, the assault ramps have reached the city to take it; and the city has been handed over to the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, the famine, and the plague; and what You have spoken has come to pass; and behold, You see it.
25
‘Yet You have said to me, Lord GOD, “Buy for yourself the field with money and call in witnesses”—although the city has been handed over to the Chaldeans.’”
Though Jeremiah is certain he had received a word (32:8) from the LORD, he does not understand why God would have him buy the plot of land, it seems pointless.
26
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”
Verses 26 and 27 show the Word is the LORD
Todo global link: Nothing is too difficult for God (Gen 18:14;Job 42:2; Isa 50:2; Jer 32:17, 27; Mt 19:26; Lk 1:37).
28
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am going to hand this city over to the Chaldeans and to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will take it.
In 32:28-44, God answers Jeremiah's question in 32:25 and explains to him that Judah will go into exile but God will restore their fortunes including a new everlasting covenant (32:40).
29
And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will enter and set this city on fire and burn it, with the houses where people have offered incense to Baal on their roofs and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke Me to anger.
God’s answer to Jeremiah includes a long list of transgressions that Judah has committed.
30
For the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah have been doing only evil in My sight since their youth; for the sons of Israel have been only provoking Me to anger by the work of their hands,” declares the LORD.
31
“Indeed this city has been to Me a provocation of My anger and My wrath since the day that they built it, even to this day, so that it should be removed from My sight,
32
because of all the evil of the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah which they have done to provoke Me to anger—they, their kings, their leaders, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
33
They have turned their back to Me and not their face; though I taught them, teaching again and again, they would not listen to accept discipline.
34
But they put their detestable things in the house which is called by My name, to defile it.
35
They built the high places of Baal that are in the Valley of Ben-hinnom to make their sons and their daughters pass through the fire to Molech, which I had not commanded them, nor had it entered My mind that they should do this abomination, to mislead Judah to sin.
The sacrificing of children is explicitly forbidden in the Torah (Lev 18:21, 24-28; Dt 12:31). Todo global link
Also admonished in 7:31.
36
     “Now therefore the LORD God of Israel says the following concerning this city of which you say, ‘It has been handed over to the king of Babylon by sword, by famine, and by plague’:
37
Behold, I am going to gather them out of all the lands to which I have driven them in My anger, in My wrath, and in great indignation; and I will bring them back to this place and have them live in safety.
The Messiah will gather His people (e.g. Is 11:11-12, 34:16, 43:5-6, 49:5, 56:8, 66:18-20; Jer 16:15, 23:3-8; 31:8-10, 32:37; Zph 3:20; Zch 8:7-8, 10:10).
38
They shall be My people, and I will be their God;
39
and I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them.
Messiah’s renewal includes removing our heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh (Jer 24:7, 31:33, 32:39; Ezk 11:19; 18:31, 36:26). This is an answer to David’s prayer (Ps 51:10).
The words in 31:33 and 32:38-39 are similar to those spoken to the exiles, the good figs, in 24:7.
40
I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts, so that they will not turn away from Me.
Everlasting covenant: (Is 55:3; Jer 31:33-34, 50:5; Ezek 37:26). Todo add Jer refs to global link
41
I will rejoice over them to do them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and all My soul.
A gardener is a common picture of God (e.g. Gen 2:8; Ex 15:17; 2Sa 7:10; Is 5:1-7, 60:21, 61:3; Jer 2:21, 11:17, 12:2, 12:10, 24:6, 31:27-28, 32:41; Ezk 19:10-13; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13; Jn 15:1).
Note the with all My heart and all My soul.
42
For this is what the LORD says: ‘Just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.
43
‘And fields will be purchased in this land of which you say, “It is a desolation, without man or animal; it has been handed over to the Chaldeans.”
44
‘People will buy fields for money, sign and seal deeds, and call in witnesses in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the Negev; for I will restore their fortunes,’ declares the LORD.”
Chapter 33
Restoration Promised
1
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, saying,
The context as to why Jeremiah is imprisoned in the courtyard is given by Chapter 37. Babylon has withdrawn from Jerusalmen after Zedekiah asked Egypt for help and Jeremiah leaves Jerusalem for his hometown to tend to legal business.
2
“This is what the LORD says, He who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to create it, He whose name is the LORD:
3
‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
4
For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah which have been torn down to make a defense against the assault ramps and the sword:
5
‘While they are coming to fight the Chaldeans and to fill their houses with the bodies of people whom I have struck down in My anger and My wrath, and I have hidden My face from this city because of all their wickedness:
The people will be fighting God, see comment in 32:4.
6
‘Behold, I am going to bring to it healing and a remedy, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.
Israel had been portrayed as having a would or illness for which there was no physician (Jer 30:12-13, 15).
The LORD is our healer (Ex 15:26), and He has expressed His willingness to heal (Jer 3:22).
Isaiah 9:3-5 presents the times of the Messiah with abundance, truth (as an agent of liberation, Jn 8:32), and peace.
7
‘And I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, and will rebuild them as they were at first.
Ezekiel announced the reuniting of the northern and southern kingdoms (37:15-23).
8
‘And I will cleanse them from all their wrongdoing by which they have sinned against Me, and I will forgive all their wrongdoings by which they have sinned against Me and revolted against Me.
This is part of the new covenant (31:34).
9
‘It will be to Me a name of joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, which will hear of all the good that I do for them, and they will be frightened and tremble because of all the good and all the peace that I make for it.’
The gentiles will hear and know.
10
     “This is what the LORD says: ‘Yet again there will be heard in this place, of which you say, “It is a waste, without man and without animal,” that is, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, without man and without inhabitant and without animal,
11
the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say,
“Give thanks to the LORD of armies,
For the LORD is good,
For His mercy is everlasting,”
as they bring a thanksgiving offering into the house of the LORD. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,’ says the LORD.
The restoration is depicted as a wedding. We are to understand that the son, the groom, is Jesus and the bride is the church (Is 61:10; Jer 33:11; Mt 9:15; 2Co 11:2; Eph 5:25-27; Rev 19:7, 21:2, 21:9). Todo, should this be a global link.
A picture of the temple being rebuilt, either physical or spiritual.
12
     “This is what the LORD of armies says: ‘There will again be in this place which is waste, without man or animal, and in all its cities, a pasture for shepherds who rest their flocks.
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
13
‘In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, in the cities of the Negev, in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them,’ says the LORD.
Jeremiah admonishes the leaders for letting the sheep get lost (Jer 50:6). That none would be missing was announced by Isaiah (Is 40:26, speaking of the people as stars) and Jeremiah (Jer 23:4, 33:13), and fulfilled by Jesus (Jn 6:39, 10:27-29, 17:12, 18:9).
The Davidic Kingdom
14
     ‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
In the announcement of the restoration, there is a strong emphasis on the reunification of the northern and southern kingdoms (Jer 31:27, 31:31, 33:14; Ezk 37:15-23).
15
‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch of David sprout; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth.
A righteous branch or shoot is a common term for the Messiah (Is 4:2, 11:1-5, 53:2; Jer 23:5, 33:15-16; Zch 3:8, 6:12-13). Todo global link
In Jeremiah the promise to restore the Davidic kingdom is announced repeatedly (Jer 23:5-6, 30:9, 33:14-17). Todo global link
16
‘In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety; and this is the name by which it will be called: the LORD is our righteousness.’
The LORD is our righteousness, not ours.
When condemned by the enemy this should be our response, The LORD is our righteousness.
17
For this is what the LORD says: ‘David shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel;
As the people are to go into exile, God reminds them of His promise to David (2Sa 7:11-16; 1Ki 2:4, 8:25; 1Ch 17:10-14; Ps 89:19-45).
33:17-21 shows that the monarchy and the priesthood are attached, personified in Melchizedek (Ge 14:18-20; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:1-2) and in Jesus (Heb 7:1-8:6, 9:11-28).
18
and the Levitical priests shall not lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to prepare sacrifices continually.’”
19
     And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
20
“This is what the LORD says: ‘If you can break My covenant for the day and My covenant for the night, so that day and night do not occur at their proper time,
21
then My covenant with David My servant may also be broken, so that he will not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levitical priests, My ministers.
33:17-21 shows that the monarchy and the priesthood are attached, personified in Melchizedek (Ge 14:18-20; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:1-2).
Jesus fulfills the eternal covenant as a king and priest (e.g. Ps 110:4; Heb 2:17, 4:14-5:10).
22
‘As the heavenly lights cannot be counted, and the sand of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who serve Me.’”
God’s people are a royal priesthood (Ex 19:6; Is 61:6, 66:21; 1Pe 2:5, 2:9; Rev 1:6).
This verse evokes the promise to Abraham (Gen 15:5).
23
     And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
24
“Have you not observed what these people have asserted, saying, ‘The two families which the LORD chose, He has rejected them’? So they despise My people as no longer being a nation in their sight.
These people are not part of God’s family.
The chosen two families likely refer to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Ezekiel announced the reuniting of the northern and southern kingdoms (Ezk 37:15-23).
25
This is what the LORD says: ‘If My covenant for day and night does not continue, and I have not established the fixed patterns of heaven and earth,
26
then I would reject the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, so as not to take from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I will restore their fortunes and have mercy on them.’”
Descendants of Jacob would point to the Jewish people. Descendants of David would point to princes and princesses, a royal family, made possible by Jesus (Mt 2801; Jn 20:17).
This is a reiteration of Ps 89:29, 36 about the descendants of David.
Chapter 34
A Prophecy against Zedekiah
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army, with all the kingdoms of the earth that were under his control and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem and all its cities, saying,
2
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and say to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am handing this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire.
We do not have an explicit timeline of when the events in this chapter happened. However 34:21 refers to Babylon withdrawing from Jerusalem, thus the context for this chapter is complemented by Chapter 37; Babylon has withdrawn from Jerusalmen after Zedekiah asked Egypt for help. The next verse reinforces this setting.
3
‘And as for you, you will not escape from his hand, for you will assuredly be caught and handed over to him; and you will see the king of Babylon eye to eye, and he will speak with you face to face, and you will go to Babylon.’”’
4
Yet hear the word of the LORD, Zedekiah king of Judah! This is what the LORD says concerning you: ‘You will not die by the sword.
5
‘You will die in peace; and as spices were burned for your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so they will burn spices for you; and they will mourn for you, crying, “Oh, my lord!”’ For I have spoken the word,” declares the LORD.
6
     Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem
7
when the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and all the remaining cities of Judah, that is, Lachish and Azekah, for they alone remained as fortified cities among the cities of Judah.
8
     The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were in Jerusalem, to proclaim release to them:
In the Hebrew the verb to make a covenant is to cut the covenant. Thus we will see the description of their punishment below in 34:18-20.
We see this when God made a covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:6-11, 17-18).
9
that each person was to set his male servant free and each his female servant, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, so that no one would keep them, his Jewish brother or sister, in bondage.
A Hebrew person would sell themselves and become a servant when encountering difficult economic circumstances. They were supposed to be released during the jubilee year (Lv 25:35-55).
10
And all the officials and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant that each person was to set his male servant free and each his female servant, so that no one would keep them in bondage any longer; they obeyed, and set them free.
11
But afterward they turned around and took back the male servants and the female servants whom they had set free, and brought them into subjection as male servants and as female servants.
The text does not tell us exactly why they turned around. It is not difficult to imagine that this happened after the Babylonians withdrew from Jerusalem (Jer 34:21, 37:4-5) injecting false hope that the city would be spared.
12
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
13
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘I made a covenant with your forefathers on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, saying,
God is a liberator (e.g. Ex 6:6-7, 20:2; Is 9:4; 61:1; Jer 34:13; Jn 8:32, 36; Rom 8:2; 2Co 3:17; Gal 5:1,13).
14
“At the end of seven years each of you shall set free his Hebrew brother who has been sold to you and has served you for six years, and you shall send him out free from you.” But your forefathers did not obey Me nor incline their ear to Me.
When we keep the commandment we reflect God’s character.
We are to extend to others what He did for us (Mt 18:32-33).
15
‘Although recently you had turned and done what is right in My sight, each one proclaiming release to his neighbor, and you had made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My name.
God is attentive to our actions. The covenant was particularly significant as it was performed in the temple.
16
‘Yet you turned and profaned My name, and each person took back his male servant and each his female servant whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your male and female servants.’
By breaking the covenant, God’s name is profaned.
Oppressing people is contrary to God’s character.
17
     “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You have not obeyed Me in proclaiming release, each one to his brother and each to his neighbor. Behold, I am proclaiming a release to you,’ declares the LORD, ‘to the sword, to the plague, and to the famine; and I will make you a terror to all the kingdoms of the earth.
18
‘I will give the people who have violated My covenant, who have not fulfilled the words of the covenant which they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between its parts—
In the Hebrew the verb to make a covenant is to cut the covenant. We see an example of this when God made a covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:6-11, 17-18).
19
the officials of Judah and the officials of Jerusalem, the high officials and the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the parts of the calf—
God Himself had walked in between the pieces (Gen 15:17) in the form of a blazing torch.
20
I will hand them over to their enemies and to those who seek their lives. And their dead bodies will be food for the birds of the sky and the animals of the earth.
Throughout the Bible we see that God’s chastisement resembles the transgression, a punishment in kind (e.g. Jer 5:13, 5:19, 9:3-16, 11:21-22, 14:15-16; 34:20; Hos 4:6; Obd 1:15). This principle is also reflected in the Law (e.g. Ex 21:23; Lv 24:19; Dt 19:21).
21
‘Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials I will also hand over to their enemies and to those who seek their lives, and to the army of the king of Babylon which has withdrawn from you.
22
‘Behold, I am going to give a command,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring them back to this city, and they will fight against it and take it and burn it with fire; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitant.’”
Chapter 35
The Rechabites’ Obedience
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
Todo timeline
He events in this chapter took place many years before those in Chapter 34, but they are inserted here to contrast the obedience of the Rechabites to their father Jonadab with the disobedience of Judah towards God.
2
“Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak to them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.”
3
So I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons, and all the household of the Rechabites,
4
and I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was next to the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the doorkeeper.
We will learn later that the Rechabites did not build or live in houses (35:9-10). Being invited by a prophet to come in the temple chambers must have been intimidating or at least uncomfortable.
5
Then I set before the men of the house of the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, “Drink wine!”
Pitchers full of wine would be copious amounts of wine. It would be impolite to refuse.
6
But they said, “We will not drink wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall not drink wine, you or your sons, forever.
Jonadab would be Jehonabad son of Rechab in 2Ki 10:15-23, who along with King Jehu rid the land of Baal worshipers.
7
‘You shall not build a house, and you shall not sow seed nor plant a vineyard, nor own one; but you shall live in tents all your days, so that you may live many days in the land where you live as strangers.’
A people who set themselves apart from the world to live as sojourners (Heb 11:13; Jam 1:1; 1Pe 1:1, 2:11).
8
And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,
Note the emphasis of obeyed the voice in this verse and have obeyed and have done according in the 35:10.
9
nor to build ourselves houses to live in; and we do not have a vineyard, a field, or seed.
10
But we have lived only in tents, and have obeyed and have done according to all that our father Jonadab commanded us.
11
However, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let’s go to Jerusalem away from the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Arameans.’ So we have lived in Jerusalem.”
To protect their lives, they moved into Jerusalem, a walled city. Note how common sense is attached to the commandment.
Judah Rebuked
12
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
13
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not accept instruction by listening to My words?” declares the LORD.
14
“The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab have been followed, which he commanded his sons: not to drink wine. And they do not drink wine to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not listened to Me.
A contrast between listening to an earthly father and ignoring a heavenly father.
15
Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘Turn now every person from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not follow other gods to worship them. Then you will live in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.
In 35:15-17, God chastises Judah for not listening three times.
16
‘Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have followed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’
17
Therefore this is what the LORD says, the God of armies, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them; because I spoke to them but they did not listen, and I have called them but they did not answer.’”
18
     Then Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father, kept all his commands, and done according to all that he commanded you,
The fifth commandment speaks of honoring our father and mother and a long life in return (Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16); God fulfills his promise to Jonadab’s children.
19
therefore this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Jonadab the son of Rechab will not lack a man to stand before Me always.”’”
Standing before the LORD meaning denotes a place of distinction (Jer 15:1, 15:19, 18:20) and the enduring nature of this pledge raises the Rechabites to be along with the priest ministering before the altar (Jer 33:17-18).
The Rechabites did endure as they participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Neh 3:14).
Chapter 36
Jeremiah’s Scroll Read in the Temple
1
In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Jehoiakim’s reign started ca. 609 BC (2Ki 23:36-37), the fourth year would be ca. 606. The following year, 605 BC, Babylonian and Median forces defeated Assyria and Egypt in the Battle of Carchemish. Around this time, Judah was also invaded and became a vassal nation (Dan 1:1). Here in this chapter, we read about Jeremiah alerting Jehoiakim about the impending attack. Babylon took some of the articles from the temple and some of the people (Dan 1:2-6), this was prior to the first exile in 597 BC.
The events in Ch 25 also took place in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign, perhaps before Ch 36 as Jeremiah had not gone into hiding.
Todo timeline
2
“Take a scroll and write on it all the words which I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day.
3
Perhaps the house of Judah will listen to all the disaster which I plan to carry out against them, so that every person will turn from his evil way; then I will forgive their wrongdoing and their sin.”
God is willing to forgive provided we repent and change our ways.
4
     Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah, and Baruch wrote on a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD which He had spoken to him.
5
Jeremiah then commanded Baruch, saying, “I am restricted; I cannot go into the house of the LORD.
6
So you go and read from the scroll, which you have written at my dictation, the words of the LORD to the people at the LORD’S house on a day of fasting. And you shall also read them to all the people of Judah who come from their cities.
Day of fasting
Todo: yom kippur ?
There was some religiosity see 36:9
7
Perhaps their pleading will come before the LORD, and everyone will turn from his evil way; for great is the anger and the wrath that the LORD has pronounced against this people.”
8
So Baruch the son of Neriah acted in accordance with all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading from the book the words of the LORD in the LORD’S house.
9
     Now in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, all the people in Jerusalem and all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem proclaimed a fast before the LORD.
Todo yom kippur
Note that a number of months has passed as it is now one year after 36:1.
10
Then Baruch read to all the people from the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper courtyard, at the entry of the New Gate of the LORD’S house.
11
     Now when Micaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard all the words of the LORD from the book,
12
he went down to the king’s house, into the scribe’s chamber. And behold, all the officials were sitting there—Elishama the scribe, Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, Elnathan the son of Achbor, Gemariah the son of Shaphan, Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the other officials.
13
And Micaiah declared to them all the words that he had heard when Baruch read from the book to the people.
14
Then all the officials sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, who was the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, “Take in your hand the scroll from which you have read to the people and come.” So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and came to them.
15
And they said to him, “Sit down, please, and read it to us.” So Baruch read it to them.
16
When they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one to another. And they said to Baruch, “We will certainly report all these words to the king.”
17
Then they asked Baruch, saying, “Tell us, please, how did you write all these words? Was it at Jeremiah’s dictation?”
18
And Baruch said to them, “He dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them with ink on the book.”
19
Then the officials said to Baruch, “Go, hide yourself, you and Jeremiah, and do not let anyone know where you are.”
The Scroll Is Burned
20
     So they came to the king in the courtyard, but they had deposited the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they reported all the words to the king.
21
Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it to the king as well as to all the officials who were standing beside the king.
22
Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him.
23
And when Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe’s knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all of the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.
Three or four columns would be the equivalent of a page today.
With an intently intimidating maneuver, the king pierces and tears the Word of God.
24
Yet the king and all his servants who heard all these words did not tremble in fear, nor did they tear their garments.
The reaction of Jehoiakim to the reading of the scroll is to be contrasted to that of his father Josiah when the scroll of the Law was found (2Ki 22:10-13).
25
Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.
26
And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son, Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD hid them.
The Scroll Is Replaced
27
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah after the king had burned the scroll and the words which Baruch had written at the dictation of Jeremiah, saying,
28
“Take again another scroll and write on it all the previous words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah burned.
29
And concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, ‘This is what the LORD says: “You have burned this scroll, saying, ‘Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land, and will make mankind and animals disappear from it?’”
30
‘Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: “He shall have no one to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be thrown out to the heat of the day and the frost of the night.
31
I will also punish him, his descendants, and his servants for their wrongdoing, and I will bring on them and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the people of Judah all the disaster that I have declared to them—but they did not listen.”’”
32
     Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch the son of Neriah, and he wrote on it at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire; and many similar words were added to them.
Chapter 37
Jeremiah Warns against Trust in Pharaoh
1
Now Zedekiah the son of Josiah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had made king in the land of Judah, reigned as king in place of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim.
Todo linage Coniah
Lets read 37:1-10 false hope from as the Babylonians retreat
2
But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD which He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet.
3
     Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and the priest Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “Please pray to the LORD our God in our behalf.”
4
Now Jeremiah was still coming and going among the people, for they had not yet put him in prison.
5
Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s army had set out from Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who had been besieging Jerusalem heard the report about them, they withdrew from Jerusalem.
This might have been misunderstood as deliverance coming from the LORD.
6
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
7
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘This is what you are to say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has come out to help you, is going to return to its own land of Egypt.
8
Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city, and they will capture it and burn it with fire.”’
9
This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will certainly go away from us,” for they will not go.
10
‘For even if you had defeated the entire army of Chaldeans who were fighting against you, and there were only wounded men left among them, each man in his tent, they would rise up and burn this city with fire.’”
Jeremiah Imprisoned
11
     Now it happened when the army of the Chaldeans had withdrawn from Jerusalem because of Pharaoh’s army,
The events in this chapter give context to Chapter 34 where the withdrawal is also mentioned (Jer 34:21).
12
that Jeremiah left Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin in order to take possession of some property there among the people.
13
While he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah was there; and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!”
14
But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not deserting to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials.
15
Then the officials were angry at Jeremiah and they beat him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for they had made it into the prison.
16
For Jeremiah had come into the dungeon, that is, the vaulted cell; and Jeremiah stayed there many days.
17
     Now King Zedekiah sent men and took him out; and in his palace the king secretly asked him and said, “Is there a word from the LORD?” And Jeremiah said, “There is!” Then he said, “You will be handed over to the king of Babylon!”
18
Moreover, Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “In what way have I sinned against you, or your servants, or this people, that you have put me in prison?
19
And where are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or against this land’?
20
But now, please listen, my lord the king; please let my plea come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, so that I will not die there.”
21
Then King Zedekiah gave a command, and they placed Jeremiah in custody in the courtyard of the guardhouse, and gave him a loaf of bread daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guardhouse.
Chapter 38
Jeremiah Thrown into the Cistern
1
Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, saying,
Lets read 38:17-28
A bargain with Zedekiah
2
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Anyone who stays in this city will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague; but anyone who surrenders to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as plunder, and stay alive.’
Those who listened to God’s instruction, even if it meant going into exile, got to keep their own life as a reward (Jer 21:9, 29:20, 38:2, 39:18, 45:5).
3
This is what the LORD says: ‘This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon and he will capture it.’”
4
Then the officials said to the king, “Please have this man put to death, since he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking words like these to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but rather their harm.”
5
And King Zedekiah said, “Behold, he is in your hands; for the king can do nothing against you.”
6
So they took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern of Malchijah the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
7
But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, while he was in the king’s palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the cistern. Now the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin;
8
and Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and spoke to the king, saying,
9
“My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have thrown into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city.”
10
Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men from here under your authority and bring Jeremiah the prophet up from the cistern before he dies.”
11
So Ebed-melech took the men under his authority and went into the king’s palace to a place beneath the storeroom, and took from there worn-out clothes and worn-out rags, and let them down by ropes into the cistern to Jeremiah.
12
Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these worn-out clothes and rags under your armpits under the ropes”; and Jeremiah did so.
13
So they pulled Jeremiah out with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern, and Jeremiah stayed in the courtyard of the guardhouse.
Zedekiah Seeks an Answer from God
14
     Then King Zedekiah sent word and had Jeremiah the prophet brought to him at the third entrance that is in the house of the LORD; and the king said to Jeremiah, “I am going to ask you something; do not hide anything from me.”
15
And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.”
16
But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret, saying, “As the LORD lives, who made this life for us, I certainly will not put you to death, nor will I hand you over to these men who are seeking your life.”
17
     So Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘If you will indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned with fire, and you and your household will survive.
Lets read 38:17-28
A bargain with Zedekiah
18
‘But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hands.’”
19
Then King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am in fear of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for they may hand me over to them, and they will abuse me.”
20
But Jeremiah said, “They will not turn you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, so that it may go well for you and you may live.
21
But if you keep refusing to surrender, this is the word which the LORD has shown me:
22
‘Behold, all of the women who have been left in the palace of the king of Judah are going to be brought out to the officers of the king of Babylon; and those women will say,
“Your close friends
Have misled and overpowered you;
While your feet were sunk in the mire,
They turned back.”
23
‘They are also going to bring out all your wives and your sons to the Chaldeans, and you yourself will not escape from their hand, but will be seized by the hand of the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned with fire.’”
24
     Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know about these words, and you will not die.
25
But if the officials hear that I have talked with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us and we will not put you to death,’
26
then you are to say to them, ‘I was presenting my plea before the king, not to make me return to the house of Jonathan to die there.’”
27
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. So he reported to them in accordance with all these words which the king had commanded; and they stopped speaking with him, since the conversation had not been overheard.
28
So Jeremiah stayed in the courtyard of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was captured.
38:14-28 Same story as 37:17-21?
Chapter 39
Jerusalem Captured
1
Now when Jerusalem was captured in the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it;
Todo timeline
Lets read this 39:1-10 Jerusalem captured
2
in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the city wall was breached.
3
Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came in and sat down at the Middle Gate: Nergal-sar-ezer, Samgar-nebu, Sar-sekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon.
4
And when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, they fled and left the city at night by way of the king’s garden through the gate between the two walls; and he went out toward the Arabah.
5
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and they took him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he passed sentence on him.
6
Then the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes at Riblah; the king of Babylon also slaughtered all the nobles of Judah.
7
He then blinded Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him in shackles of bronze to bring him to Babylon.
8
The Chaldeans also burned the king’s palace and the houses of the people with fire, and they tore down the walls of Jerusalem.
9
And as for the rest of the people who were left in the city, the deserters who had deserted to him and the rest of the people who remained, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard took them into exile in Babylon.
10
But some of the poorest people, who had nothing, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard left behind in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at that time.
Jeremiah Spared
11
     Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders regarding Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, saying,
12
“Take him and look after him, and do not do anything harmful to him, but rather deal with him just as he tells you.”
13
So Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard sent word, along with Nebushazban the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the leading officers of the king of Babylon;
14
they even sent word and took Jeremiah out of the courtyard of the guardhouse and entrusted him to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So he stayed among the people.
15
     Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the courtyard of the guardhouse, saying,
16
“Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I am going to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day.
17
But I will save you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you will not be handed over to the men of whom you are afraid.
18
For I will assuredly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as plunder, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”
Those who listened to God’s instruction, even if it meant going into exile, got to keep their own life as a reward (Jer 21:9, 29:20, 38:2, 39:18, 45:5).
Chapter 40
Jeremiah Remains in Judah
1
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan captain of the bodyguard had released him from Ramah, when he had taken him bound in chains among all the exiles of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon.
Lets read 40:1-6 gentiles accepting the word
2
Now the captain of the bodyguard had taken Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God promised this disaster against this place;
3
and the LORD has brought it and done just as He promised. Because you people sinned against the LORD and did not listen to His voice, this thing has happened to you.
Perhaps a picture of the Gentiles acknowledging the word.
4
But now, behold, I am setting you free today from the chains that are on your hands. If you would prefer to come with me to Babylon, come along, and I will look after you; but if you would prefer not to come with me to Babylon, do not come. Look, the whole land is before you; go wherever it seems good and right for you to go.”
5
As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift, and let him go.
6
Then Jeremiah went to Mizpah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land.
7
     Now all the commanders of the forces that were in the field, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam over the land, and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been exiled to Babylon.
8
So they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah, along with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, both they and their men.
9
Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, so that it may go well for you.
10
Now as for me, behold, I am going to stay in Mizpah to stand for you before the Chaldeans who come to us; but as for you, gather wine, summer fruit, and oil, and put them in your storage vessels, and live in your cities that you have taken over.”
11
Likewise, also all the Jews who were in Moab and among the sons of Ammon and in Edom, and who were in all the other countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant for Judah, and that he had appointed over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan.
12
Then all the Jews returned from all the places to which they had been scattered and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruit in great abundance.
Todo a type gathering/return
Todo abundance
13
     Now Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah,
14
and said to him, “Are you well aware that Baalis the king of the sons of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them.
15
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know! Why should he take your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered and the remnant of Judah would perish?”
16
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”
Chapter 41
Gedaliah Is Murdered
1
Now in the seventh month Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family and one of the chief officers of the king, along with ten men, came to Mizpah to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. While they were eating bread together there in Mizpah,
2
Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him rose up, and struck and killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword and put to death the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
3
Ishmael also struck and killed all the Jews who were with him, that is with Gedaliah in Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the men of war.
4
     Now it happened on the next day after the killing of Gedaliah, when no one knew about it,
5
that eighty men came from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria with their beards shaved off, their clothes torn, and their bodies gashed, having grain offerings and incense in their hands to bring to the house of the LORD.
6
Then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah left Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went; and as he met them, he said to them, “Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam!”
7
Yet it turned out that as soon as they came inside the city, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the men who were with him slaughtered them and threw them into the cistern.
8
But ten men who were found among them said to Ishmael, “Do not put us to death, for we have supplies of wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in the field.” So he refrained and did not put them to death along with their companions.
9
     Now as for the cistern where Ishmael had thrown all the bodies of the men whom he had struck and killed because of Gedaliah, it was the one that King Asa had constructed on account of Baasha, king of Israel; Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with the dead.
10
Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people who were in Mizpah, the king’s daughters and all the people who were left in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard had put in the custody of Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. Ishmael the son of Nethaniah took them captive and proceeded to cross over to the sons of Ammon.
Johanan Rescues the People
11
     But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him heard about all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done.
12
So they took all the men and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and they found him by the large pool that is in Gibeon.
13
Now as soon as all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, they were joyful.
14
So all the people whom Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned around and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah.
15
But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the sons of Ammon.
16
Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him took from Mizpah all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had struck and killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, that is, the men who were soldiers, the women, the children, and the high officials, whom he had brought back from Gibeon.
17
And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, which is beside Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt
18
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck and killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.
Chapter 42
Warning against Going to Egypt
1
Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the small to the great approached
Lets read 42:1-21 finding the way
Like the spies going into the land (Dt ). Jesus is the way.
2
and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our pleading come before you, and pray for us to the LORD your God for all this remnant—since we have been left only a few out of many, just as your own eyes now see us—
3
that the LORD your God will tell us the way in which we should walk, and the thing that we should do.”
4
Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard you. Behold, I am going to pray to the LORD your God in accordance with your words; and I will tell you the whole message which the LORD gives you as an answer. I will not withhold a word from you.”
5
Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with the whole message with which the LORD your God will send you to us.
6
Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well for us when we listen to the voice of the LORD our God.”
7
     Now at the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.
The answer took ten days.
8
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, and for all the people from the small to the great,
9
and said to them, “This is what the LORD says, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your plea before Him:
10
‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down, and I will plant you and not uproot you; for I will relent of the disaster that I have inflicted on you.
11
‘Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you are now fearing; do not be afraid of him,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I am with you to save you and rescue you from his hand.
12
‘I will also show you compassion, so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own soil.
13
‘But if you are going to say, “We will not stay in this land,” so as not to listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
14
saying, “No, but we will go to the land of Egypt, where we will not see war, or hear the sound of a trumpet, or hunger for bread, and we will stay there”;
15
then in that case listen to the word of the LORD, you remnant of Judah. This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “If you really set your minds to enter Egypt and go in to reside there,
16
then the sword, of which you are afraid, will overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there in Egypt, and you will die there.
17
So all the people who set their minds to go to Egypt to reside there will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague; and they will have no refugees or survivors from the disaster that I am going to bring on them.”’”
18
     For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “As My anger and wrath have gushed out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so My wrath will gush out on you when you enter Egypt. And you will become a curse, an object of horror, an imprecation, and a disgrace; and you will not see this place again.”
19
The LORD has spoken to you, you remnant of Judah, “Do not go to Egypt!” You know for certain that I have admonished you today.
20
For you have only deceived yourselves; for it is you who sent me to the LORD your God, saying, “Pray for us to the LORD our God; and whatever the LORD our God says, tell us so, and we will do it.”
21
So I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the LORD your God in whatever He has sent me to tell you.
22
And now you shall know for certain that you will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague in the place where you desire to go to reside.
Chapter 43
In Egypt Jeremiah Warns of Judgment
1
But as soon as Jeremiah, whom the LORD their God had sent to them, had finished telling all the people all the words of the LORD their God—that is, all these words—
Lets read 43. Babylon to conquer Egypt.
2
Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You are not to enter Egypt to reside there’;
3
but Baruch the son of Neriah is inciting you against us in order to hand us over to the Chaldeans, so they will put us to death or exile us to Babylon!”
4
So Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces, and all the people, did not obey the voice of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah.
5
Instead, Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the entire remnant of Judah who had returned from all the nations to which they had been scattered, in order to reside in the land of Judah—
6
the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and every person whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, together with Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah—
7
and they entered the land of Egypt (for they did not obey the voice of the LORD) and went in as far as Tahpanhes.
8
     Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
9
“Take some large stones in your hands and hide them in the mortar in the brick terrace which is at the entrance of Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes, in the sight of some of the Jews;
10
and say to them, ‘This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I am going to send men and get My servant Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and I am going to set his throne over these stones that I have hidden; and he will spread his canopy over them.
11
He will also come and strike the land of Egypt; those who are meant for death will be given over to death, and those for captivity to captivity, and those for the sword to the sword.
12
And I shall set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he will burn them and take them captive. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself with his garment, and he will depart from there safely.
13
He will also smash to pieces the obelisks of Heliopolis, which is in the land of Egypt; and the temples of the gods of Egypt he will burn with fire.”’”
Chapter 44
Conquest of Egypt Predicted
1
The word that came to Jeremiah for all the Jews living in the land of Egypt, those who were living in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and the land of Pathros, saying,
Lets read 44:11-19. Rebellion
2
“This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘You yourselves have seen all the disaster that I have brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are in ruins and no one lives in them,
3
because of their wickedness which they committed to provoke Me to anger by continuing to burn sacrifices and to serve other gods whom they had not known, neither they, you, nor your fathers.
4
‘Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again, saying, “Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate.”
5
‘But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to burn sacrifices to other gods.
6
‘Therefore My wrath and My anger gushed out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so they have become ruins and a desolation as it is this day.
7
‘Now then, this is what the LORD God of armies, the God of Israel says: “Why are you doing great harm to yourselves, to eliminate from yourselves man and woman, child and infant from among Judah, leaving yourselves without a remnant,
8
provoking Me to anger with the works of your hands, burning sacrifices to other gods in the land of Egypt where you are entering to reside, so that you may be eliminated and become a curse and a disgrace among all the nations of the earth?
9
Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, the wickedness of the kings of Judah and the wickedness of their wives, your own wickedness and the wickedness of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
10
Yet they have not become contrite even to this day, nor have they feared, nor walked in My Law or My statutes, which I placed before you and before your fathers.”’
11
     “Therefore this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Behold, I am going to set My face against you for a disaster, even to eliminate all Judah.
12
‘And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have set their minds on entering the land of Egypt to reside there, and they will all meet their end in the land of Egypt; they will fall by the sword or meet their end by famine. From the small to the great, they will die by the sword and famine; and they will become a curse, an object of horror, an imprecation, and a disgrace.
13
‘And I will punish those who live in the land of Egypt, just as I have punished Jerusalem, with the sword, with famine, and with plague.
14
‘So there will be no survivor or refugee for the remnant of Judah who have entered the land of Egypt to reside there and then to return to the land of Judah, to which they are longing to return to live; for none will return except a few refugees.’”
15
     Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying,
16
“As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you!
17
But we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings, and our leaders did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune.
18
But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything, and have met our end by the sword and by famine.”
19
“And,” said the women, “when we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image, and poured out drink offerings to her?”
Disaster for the Jews
20
     Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men and women—even to all the people who were giving him such an answer—saying,
21
“As for the smoking sacrifices that you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your forefathers, your kings and your leaders, and the people of the land, did the LORD not remember them, and did all of this not come into His mind?
22
So the LORD was no longer able to endure it, because of the evil of your deeds, because of the abominations which you have committed; so your land has become a place of ruins, an object of horror, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as it is this day.
23
Since you have burned sacrifices and have sinned against the LORD and not obeyed the voice of the LORD nor walked in His Law, His statutes, or His testimonies, therefore this disaster has happened to you, as it has this day.”
24
     Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt!
25
This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled it with your hands, saying, “We will certainly perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her.” By all means fulfill your vows, and be sure to perform your vows!’
Todo consolidate queen of heaven (Jer 7:18, 44:17-19, 44:25)
26
In return, hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are living in the land of Egypt: ‘Behold, I have sworn by My great name,’ says the LORD, ‘that My name shall never be invoked again by the mouth of anyone of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, “As the Lord GOD lives.”
27
‘Behold, I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and all the people of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will meet their end by the sword or by famine until they are completely gone.
28
‘Those who escape the sword will return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah few in number. Then all the remnant of Judah who have gone to the land of Egypt to reside there will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs.
29
‘And this will be the sign to you,’ declares the LORD, ‘that I am going to punish you in this place, so that you may know that My words will assuredly stand against you for harm.’
30
This is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am going to hand Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt over to his enemies, to those who seek his life, just as I handed Zedekiah king of Judah over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy and was seeking his life.’”
There is a consensus that Pharaoh Hophra was Pharaoh Apries who reigned 589 – 570 BC.
Chapter 45
Message to Baruch
1
This is the message which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at Jeremiah’s dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying:
Todo timeline
mention how many years Baruch had been assisting Jeremiah
2
“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says to you, Baruch:
3
‘You said, “Oh, woe to me! For the LORD has added grief to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have found no rest.”’
4
This is what you are to say to him: ‘This is what the LORD says: “Behold, what I have built I am going to tear down, and what I have planted I am going to uproot, that is, all the people of the land.”
5
‘But as for you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,’ declares the LORD, ‘but I will give your life to you as plunder in all the places where you may go.’”
Those who listened to God’s instruction, even if it meant going into exile, got to keep their own life as a reward (Jer 21:9, 29:20, 38:2, 39:18, 45:5).
Chapter 46
Defeat of Pharaoh Foretold
1
That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5, 1:10, 18:7-10).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2).
2
     To Egypt, concerning the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:
Todo timeline
3
“Set up the buckler and shield,
And advance to the battle!
4
-“Harness the horses,
And mount the steeds,
Take your stand with helmets on!
Polish the spears,
Put on the coats of armor!
5
-“Why have I seen it?
They are terrified,
They are retreating,
And their warriors are defeated
And have taken refuge in flight,
Without facing back.
Terror is on every side!”
Declares the LORD.
6
Let not the swift man flee,
Nor the warrior escape.
In the north beside the river Euphrates
They have stumbled and fallen.
7
Who is this that rises like the Nile,
Like the rivers whose waters surge?
8
Egypt rises like the Nile,
And like the rivers whose waters surge;
And He has said, “I will rise and cover that land;
I will destroy the city and its inhabitants.”
9
Go up, you horses, and drive wildly, you chariots,
So that the warriors may march forward:
Cush and Put, who handle the shield,
And the Lydians, who handle and bend the bow.
10
For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of armies,
A day of vengeance, so as to avenge Himself on His foes;
And the sword will devour and be satisfied,
And drink its fill of their blood;
For there will be a slaughter for the Lord GOD of armies,
In the land of the north at the river Euphrates.
Todo vengeance global link
11
Go up to Gilead and obtain balm,
Virgin daughter of Egypt!
You have used many remedies in vain;
There is no healing for you.
The notion of emptiness, vacuity, vain or vanity appears throughout Jeremiah as he admonishes the false prophets for delivering empty promises or as he admonishes the people for pursuing emptiness (Jer 2:5, 2:13, 5:13,10:3, 10:8, 23:16, 46:11).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
The world offers emptiness (Ecc 1:2, 12:8; Rom 8:20-21).
12
The nations have heard of your shame,
And the earth is full of your cry of distress;
For one warrior has stumbled over another,
And both of them have fallen down together.
13
     This is the message which the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt:
14
“Declare in Egypt and proclaim in Migdol,
Proclaim also in Memphis and Tahpanhes;
Say, ‘Take your stand and get yourself ready,
For the sword has devoured those around you.’
15
-“Why have your powerful ones been cut down?
They do not stand because the LORD has thrust them away.
16
-“They have repeatedly stumbled;
Indeed, they have fallen, one against another.
Then they said, ‘Get up, and let’s go back
To our own people and our native land,
Away from the sword of the oppressor!’
17
-“They shouted there, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is nothing but a big noise;
He has let the appointed time pass by!’
18
-“As I live,” declares the King,
Whose name is the LORD of armies,
“One certainly shall come who is like Tabor among the mountains,
Or like Carmel by the sea.
19
-“Make your baggage ready for exile,
Daughter living in Egypt,
For Memphis will become a desolation;
It will be destroyed and deprived of inhabitants.
20
-“Egypt is a pretty heifer,
But a horsefly is coming from the north—it is coming!
21
-“Also her mercenaries in her midst
Are like fattened calves,
For they too have turned away and have fled together;
They did not stand their ground.
For the day of their disaster has come upon them,
The time of their punishment.
22
-“Its sound moves along like a serpent;
For they move on like an army
And come to her as woodcutters with axes.
23
-“They have cut down her forest,” declares the LORD;
“Certainly it will no longer be found,
Even though they are more numerous than locusts
And are without number.
24
-“The daughter of Egypt has been put to shame,
Turned over to the power of the people of the north.”
25
     The LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Behold, I am going to punish Amon of Thebes, and Pharaoh, and Egypt along with her gods and her kings, indeed, Pharaoh and those who trust in him.
26
I shall hand them over to those who are seeking their lives, that is, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to his officers. Afterward, however, it will be inhabited as in the days of old,” declares the LORD.
27
     “But as for you, Jacob My servant, do not fear,
Nor be dismayed, Israel!
For, see, I am going to save you from far away,
And your descendants from the land of their captivity;
And Jacob will return and be undisturbed
And secure, with no one making him afraid.
God disciplines those whom He loves.
28
-“Jacob My servant, do not fear,” declares the LORD,
“For I am with you.
For I will make a complete destruction of all the nations
Where I have driven you,
Yet I will not make a complete destruction of you;
But I will correct you properly
And by no means leave you unpunished.”
Chapter 47
Prophecy against Philistia
1
The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh conquered Gaza.
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5, 1:10, 18:7-10).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1).
2
This is what the LORD says:
“Behold, waters are going to rise from the north
And become an overflowing torrent,
And overflow the land and everything that is in it,
The city and those who live in it;
And the people will cry out,
And every inhabitant of the land will wail.
3
-“Because of the noise of the galloping hoofs of his stallions,
The roar of his chariots, and the rumbling of his wheels,
The fathers have not turned back for their children,
Because of the debility of their hands,
4
Because of the day that is coming
To destroy all the Philistines,
To eliminate from Tyre and Sidon
Every surviving ally;
For the LORD is going to destroy the Philistines,
The remnant of the coastland of Caphtor.
5
-“Baldness has come upon Gaza;
Ashkelon has been destroyed.
Remnant of their valley,
How long will you gash yourself?
6
-“Ah, sword of the LORD,
How long will you not be quiet?
Withdraw into your sheath;
Rest and stay still.
7
-“How can it be quiet,
When the LORD has given it an order?
Against Ashkelon and against the sea shore—
There He has summoned it.”
Chapter 48
Prophecy against Moab
1
Concerning Moab. This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says:
“Woe to Nebo, for it has been destroyed;
Kiriathaim has been put to shame, it has been captured;
The high stronghold has been put to shame and shattered.
The Moabite nation were descendants of Lot and his firstborn daughter (Gen 19:33-37).
Ruth, king David’s great-grandmother, was a Moabite (Rth 1:3-4, 4:13-21).
Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5, 1:10, 18:7-10).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
Though most of Jeremiah’s words were delivered to Judah, the words are universal. Some words were delivered to specific kingdoms or diplomatic envoys (e.g. Jer 27:3, 46:10-2, 47:1, 48:1-2).
2
-“There is no longer praise for Moab;
In Heshbon they have devised disaster against her:
‘Come and let’s cut her off from being a nation!’
You too, Madmen, will be silenced;
The sword will follow you.
3
-“The sound of an outcry from Horonaim,
‘Devastation and great destruction!’
4
-“Moab is broken,
Her little ones have sounded out a cry of distress.
5
-“For they will go up by the ascent of Luhith
With continual weeping;
For at the descent of Horonaim
They have heard the anguished cry of destruction.
6
-“Flee, save yourselves,
So that you may be like a juniper in the wilderness.
7
-“For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures,
You yourself will also be captured;
And Chemosh will go off into exile
Together with his priests and his leaders.
8
-“A destroyer will come to every city,
So that no city will escape;
The valley also will be ruined
And the plateau will be destroyed,
As the LORD has said.
9
-“Give wings to Moab,
For she will flee away;
And her cities will become a desolation,
Without inhabitants in them.
10
-“Cursed is the one who does the LORD’S work negligently,
And cursed is the one who restrains his sword from blood.
11
     “Moab has been at ease since his youth;
He has also been peaceful, like wine on its dregs,
And he has not been poured from vessel to vessel,
Nor has he gone into exile.
Therefore he retains his flavor,
And his aroma has not changed.
12
Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will send to him those who tip vessels, and they will tip him over, and they will pour out his vessels and smash his jars.
13
And Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, just as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.
14
-“How can you say, ‘We are warriors,
And men competent for battle’?
15
-“Moab has been destroyed and men have gone up to his cities;
His choicest young men have also gone down to the slaughter,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of armies.
16
“The disaster of Moab will soon come,
And his catastrophe has hurried quickly.
17
-“Mourn for him, all you who live around him,
And all of you who know his name;
Say, ‘How the mighty scepter has been broken,
A staff of splendor!’
18
-“Come down from your glory
And sit on the parched ground,
O daughter living in Dibon,
For the destroyer of Moab has come up against you,
He has ruined your strongholds.
19
-“Stand by the road and keep watch,
You inhabitant of Aroer;
Ask him who flees and her who escapes
And say, ‘What has happened?’
20
-“Moab has been put to shame, for it has been shattered.
Wail and cry out;
Declare by the Arnon
That Moab has been destroyed.
21
     “Judgment has also come upon the plain, upon Holon, Jahzah, and against Mephaath,
22
against Dibon, Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim,
23
against Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,
24
against Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near.
25
The horn of Moab has been cut off, and his arm broken,” declares the LORD.
26
“Make him drunk, for he has become arrogant toward the LORD; so Moab will vomit, and he also will become a laughingstock.
27
Now was Israel not a laughingstock to you? Or was he caught among thieves? For whenever you speak about him you shake your head in scorn.
28
-“Leave the cities and live among the rocky cliffs,
You inhabitants of Moab,
And be like a dove that nests
Beyond the mouth of the chasm.
29
-“We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud—
Of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance, and his self-exaltation.
30
-“I know his fury,” declares the LORD,
“But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.
31
-“Therefore I will wail for Moab,
For all of Moab I will cry out;
I will moan for the men of Kir-heres.
32
-“More than the weeping for Jazer
I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah!
Your tendrils stretched across the sea,
They reached to the sea of Jazer;
Upon your summer fruits and your grape harvest
The destroyer has fallen.
33
-“So joy and rejoicing are removed
From the fruitful field, and from the land of Moab.
And I have eliminated the wine from the wine presses;
No one will tread them with shouting,
The shouting will not be shouts of joy.
34
From the outcry at Heshbon to Elealeh, to Jahaz they have raised their voice, from Zoar to Horonaim, and to Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim will become desolate.
35
And I will put an end to Moab,” declares the LORD, “the one who offers sacrifice on the high place and the one who burns incense to his gods.
36
     “Therefore My heart makes a sound like flutes for Moab; My heart also makes a sound like flutes for the men of Kir-heres. Therefore they have lost the abundance it produced.
37
For every head is shaved bald, and every beard cut short; there are gashes on all the hands, and sackcloth around the waists.
38
On all the housetops of Moab and in its public squares there is mourning everywhere; for I have broken Moab like an undesirable vessel,” declares the LORD.
In this and the next verse we see a picture of Moab as a clay vessel smashed into pieces. Similarly to Judah in (todo).
Though Moab will be totally destroyed (e.g. Jer 48:3, 8, 20-25, 31-32, 34-35, 38-39, 42), Moab will be restored (Jer 12:14-17, 48:47).
39
“How shattered it is! How they have wailed! How Moab has turned his back—he is ashamed! So Moab will become a laughingstock and an object of terror to all around him.”
40
     For this is what the LORD says:
“Behold, one will fly swiftly like an eagle
And spread out his wings against Moab.
41
-“Kerioth has been captured
And the strongholds have been seized,
So the hearts of the warriors of Moab on that day
Will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
42
-“Moab will be destroyed from being a people
Because he has become arrogant toward the LORD.
Arrogance is a grave sin, a prevalent offense in Moab (Jer 48:2, 7, 13-14, 17-18, 26, 29-30, 42). Todo global link
43
-“Terror, pit, and snare are coming upon you,
Inhabitant of Moab,” declares the LORD.
44
“The one who flees from the terror
Will fall into the pit,
And the one who climbs up out of the pit
Will be caught in the snare;
For I will bring upon her, upon Moab,
The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
45
     “In the shadow of Heshbon
The fugitives stand without strength;
For a fire has spread out from Heshbon
And a flame from the midst of Sihon,
And it has devoured the forehead of Moab
And the scalps of the loud revelers.
46
-“Woe to you, Moab!
The people of Chemosh have perished;
For your sons have been taken away captive,
And your daughters into captivity.
47
-“Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
In the latter days,” declares the LORD.

     This is the extent of the judgment on Moab.
Chapter 49
Prophecy against Ammon
1
Concerning the sons of Ammon. This is what the LORD says:
“Does Israel have no sons?
Or has he no heirs?
Why then has Malcam taken possession of Gad,
And his people settled in its cities?
Four left
2
-“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“When I will cause an alarm of war to be heard
Against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon;
And it will become a desolate heap,
And her towns will be set on fire.
Then Israel will take possession of his possessors,”
Says the LORD.
3
“Wail, Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed!
Cry out, daughters of Rabbah,
Put on sackcloth and mourn,
And move about inside the walls;
For Malcam will go into exile
Together with his priests and his leaders.
4
-“How you boast about the valleys!
Your valley is flowing away,
You backsliding daughter
Who trusts in her treasures, saying,
‘Who can come against me?’
5
-“Behold, I am going to bring terror upon you,”
Declares the Lord GOD of armies,
“From all directions around you;
And you will be driven away one after another,
With no one to gather the fugitives together.
6
-“But afterward I will restore
The fortunes of the sons of Ammon,”
Declares the LORD.
Prophecy against Edom
7
     Concerning Edom.
This is what the LORD of armies says:
“Is there no longer any wisdom in Teman?
Has good advice been lost by the prudent?
Has their wisdom decayed?
8
-“Flee away, turn back, dwell in the depths,
You inhabitants of Dedan,
For I will bring the disaster of Esau upon him
At the time I punish him.
9
-“If grape pickers came to you,
Would they not leave gleanings?
If thieves came by night,
They would destroy only what was sufficient for them.
10
-“But I have stripped Esau bare,
I have uncovered his hiding places
So that he will not be able to conceal himself;
His offspring have been destroyed along with his brothers
And his neighbors, and he no longer exists.
11
-“Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive;
And let your widows trust in Me.”
12
     For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, those who were not sentenced to drink the cup will certainly drink it, so are you the one who will be held completely blameless? You will not be held blameless, but you will certainly drink it.
13
For I have sworn by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror, a disgrace, a wasteland, and a curse; and all its cities will become permanent ruins.”
14
     I have heard a message from the LORD,
And a messenger is being sent among the nations, saying,
“Gather yourselves together and come against her,
And rise up for battle!”
15
“For behold, I have made you small among the nations,
Despised among people.
16
-“As for the terror you cause,
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you,
You who live in the clefts of the rock,
Who occupy the height of the hill.
Though you make your nest as high as an eagle’s,
I will bring you down from there,” declares the LORD.
17
     “Edom will become an object of horror; everyone who passes by it will be appalled and will hiss at all its wounds.
18
Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will anyone of mankind reside in it.
19
Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will chase him away from it, and I will appoint over it whoever is chosen. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”
20
     Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Edom, and His purposes which He has in mind against the inhabitants of Teman: they will certainly drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; He will certainly make their pasture desolate because of them.
21
The earth has quaked at the noise of their downfall. There is an outcry! The noise of it has been heard at the Red Sea.
22
Behold, He will mount up and swoop like an eagle, and spread out His wings against Bozrah; and the hearts of the warriors of Edom on that day will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
Prophecy against Damascus
23
     Concerning Damascus:
“Hamath and Arpad are put to shame,
For they have heard bad news;
They despair.
There is anxiety at the sea,
It cannot be calmed.
24
-“Damascus has become helpless;
She has turned away to flee,
And panic has gripped her;
Distress and labor pains have seized her
Like a woman in childbirth.
25
-“How the city of praise has not been deserted,
The town of My joy!
26
-“Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets,
And all the men of war will perish on that day,” declares the LORD of armies.
27
“I will set fire to the wall of Damascus,
And it will devour the fortified palace of Ben-hadad.”
Prophecy against Kedar and Hazor
28
     Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated. This is what the LORD says:
“Arise, go up to Kedar
And devastate the people of the east.
29
-“They will take away their tents and their flocks;
They will carry off for themselves
Their tent curtains, all their goods and their camels,
And they will call out to one another, ‘Horror on every side!’
30
-“Run away, flee! Dwell in the depths,
You inhabitants of Hazor,” declares the LORD;
“For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has formed a plan against you
And devised a scheme against you.
31
-“Arise, go up against a nation which is at ease,
Which lives securely,” declares the LORD.
“It has no gates or bars;
They dwell alone.
32
-“Their camels will become plunder,
And their many livestock for spoils,
And I will scatter to all the winds those who cut the corners of their hair;
And I will bring their disaster from every side,” declares the LORD.
33
“Hazor will become a haunt of jackals,
A desolation forever;
No one will live there,
Nor will anyone of mankind reside in it.”
Prophecy against Elam
34
     The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying:
35
     “This is what the LORD of armies says:
‘Behold, I am going to break the bow of Elam,
The finest of their might.
36
-‘I will bring upon Elam the four winds
From the four ends of heaven,
And will scatter them to all these winds;
And there will be no nation
To which the outcasts of Elam will not go.
37
-‘So I will shatter Elam before their enemies
And before those who seek their lives;
And I will bring disaster upon them,
Even My fierce anger,’ declares the LORD,
‘And I will send the sword after them
Until I have consumed them.
38
-‘Then I will set My throne in Elam,
And eliminate from there the king and officials,’
Declares the LORD.
39
‘But it will come about in the last days
That I will restore the fortunes of Elam,’”
Declares the LORD.
Chapter 50
Prophecy against Babylon
1
The word which the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet:
2
“Declare and proclaim among the nations.
Proclaim it and lift up a flag,
Do not conceal it. Say,
‘Babylon has been captured,
Bel has been put to shame, Marduk has been shattered;
Her idols have been put to shame, her images have been shattered.’
3
For a nation has come up against her from the north; it will make her land an object of horror, and there will be no inhabitant in it. Whether people or animals, they have wandered off, they have gone!
4
     “In those days and at that time,” declares the LORD, “the sons of Israel will come, they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the LORD their God whom they will seek.
5
They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come so that they may join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.
6
     “My people have become lost sheep;
Their shepherds have led them astray.
They have made them turn aside on the mountains.
They have gone from mountain to hill,
They have forgotten their resting place.
Jeremiah admonishes the leaders for letting the sheep get lost (Jer 50:6). That none would be missing was announced by Isaiah (Is 40:26, speaking of the people as stars) and Jeremiah (Jer 23:4, 33:13), and fulfilled by Jesus (Jn 6:39, 10:27-29, 17:12, 18:9).
In Jeremiah, shepherds can refer to leaders or rulers of the people, and often in a reproving tone as they were responsible for leading and caring for the people (e.g. Jer 3:15, 10:21, 22:22, 23:1-4, 25:34-36, 33:12, 50:6). But it can also refer to leaders of armies that will attack Jerusalem (e.g. Jer 6:3, 12:10).
7
-“All who found them have devoured them;
And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty,
Since they have sinned against the LORD who is the habitation of righteousness,
The LORD, the hope of their fathers.’
8
     “Wander away from the midst of Babylon
And go out from the land of the Chaldeans;
Be like male goats at the head of the flock.
9
-“For behold, I am going to rouse and bring up against Babylon
A contingent of great nations from the land of the north,
And they will draw up their battle lines against her;
From there she will be taken captive.
Their arrows will be like an expert warrior
Who does not return empty-handed.
10
-“Chaldea will become plunder;
All who plunder her will have enough,” declares the LORD.
11
     “Because you are glad, because you are jubilant,
You who pillage My heritage,
Because you skip about like a threshing heifer
And neigh like stallions,
12
Your mother will be greatly ashamed,
She who gave you birth will be humiliated.
Behold, she will be the least of the nations,
A wilderness, a dry land and a desert.
13
-“Because of the wrath of the LORD she will not be inhabited,
But she will be completely desolate;
Everyone who passes by Babylon will be horrified
And will hiss because of all her wounds.
14
-“Draw up your battle lines against Babylon on every side,
All of you who bend the bow;
Shoot at her, do not spare your arrows,
For she has sinned against the LORD.
15
-“Raise your battle cry against her on every side!
She has given herself up, her towers have fallen,
Her walls have been torn down.
For this is the vengeance of the LORD:
Take vengeance on her;
As she has done to others, so do to her.
16
-“Eliminate the sower from Babylon
And the one who wields the sickle at the time of harvest;
From the sword of the oppressor
Each of them will turn back to his own people
And each of them will flee to his own land.
17
     “Israel is a scattered flock, the lions have driven them away. The first one who devoured him was the king of Assyria, and this last one who has gnawed his bones is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
18
Therefore this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Behold, I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land, just as I punished the king of Assyria.
19
‘And I will bring Israel back to his pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead.
20
‘In those days and at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for the wrongdoing of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I will forgive those whom I leave as a remnant.’
21
     “Against the land of Merathaim, go up against it,
And against the inhabitants of Pekod.
Kill and completely destroy them,” declares the LORD,
“And do according to everything that I have commanded you.
22
-“The noise of battle is in the land,
And great destruction.
23
-“How the hammer of the whole earth
Has been cut off and broken!
How Babylon has become
An object of horror among the nations!
24
-“I set a trap for you and you were also caught, Babylon,
While you yourself were not aware;
You have been found and also seized
Because you have engaged in conflict with the LORD.”
25
The LORD has opened His armory
And has brought out the weapons of His indignation,
For it is a work of the Lord GOD of armies
In the land of the Chaldeans.
26
Come to her from the farthest border;
Open up her barns,
Pile her up like heaps of grain
And completely destroy her,
Let nothing be left to her.
27
Put all her bulls to the sword;
Let them go down to the slaughter!
Woe be upon them, for their day has come,
The time of their punishment.
28
     There is a sound of fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon,
To declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God,
Vengeance for His temple.
29
     “Summon many against Babylon,
All those who bend the bow:
Encamp against her on every side,
Let there be no escape.
Repay her according to her work;
According to all that she has done, so do to her;
For she has become arrogant against the LORD,
Against the Holy One of Israel.
30
-“Therefore her young men will fall in her streets,
And all her men of war will perish on that day,” declares the LORD.
31
“Behold, I am against you, arrogant one,”
Declares the Lord GOD of armies,
“For your day has come,
The time when I will punish you.
32
-“The arrogant one will stumble and fall
With no one to raise him up;
And I will set fire to his cities,
And it will devour all his surroundings.”
33
     This is what the LORD of armies says:
“The sons of Israel are oppressed,
And the sons of Judah as well;
And all who took them captive have held them firmly,
They have refused to let them go.
34
-“Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of armies is His name;
He will vigorously plead their case
So that He may bring rest to their land,
But turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.
35
-“A sword against the Chaldeans,” declares the LORD,
“And against the inhabitants of Babylon
And against her leaders and her wise men!
36
-“A sword against the oracle priests, and they will become fools!
A sword against her warriors, and they will be shattered!
37
-“A sword against their horses, against their chariots,
And against all the foreigners who are in the midst of her,
And they will become women!
A sword against her treasures, and they will be plundered!
38
-“A drought on her waters, and they will be dried up!
For it is a land of idols,
And they go insane at frightful images.
39
     “Therefore the desert creatures will live there with the jackals;
The ostriches also will live in it.
It will never again be inhabited
Nor lived in from generation to generation.
40
-“As when God overthrew Sodom
And Gomorrah with its neighbors,” declares the LORD,
“No one will live there,
Nor will anyone of mankind reside in it.
41
     “Behold, a people is coming from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Will be roused from the remote parts of the earth.
42
-“They seize their bow and javelin;
They are cruel and have no mercy.
Their voice roars like the sea;
And they ride on horses,
Drawn up like a man for the battle
Against you, daughter of Babylon.
43
-“The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands hang limp;
Distress has gripped him,
Agony like a woman in childbirth.
44
     “Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will chase them away from it, and I will appoint over it whoever is chosen. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?”
45
Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Babylon, and His purposes which He has in mind against the land of the Chaldeans: they will certainly drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; He will certainly make their pasture desolate because of them.
46
At the shout, “Babylon has been conquered!” the earth quakes, and an outcry is heard among the nations.
Chapter 51
Babylon Judged for Sins against Israel
1
This is what the LORD says:
“Behold, I am going to stir up
The spirit of a destroyer against Babylon
And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai.
2
-“I will send foreigners to Babylon so that they may winnow her
And devastate her land;
For they will be opposed to her on every side
On the day of her disaster.
3
-“Let not him who bends his bow bend it,
Nor let him rise up in his coat of armor.
Do not spare her young men;
Devote all her army to destruction.
4
-“They will fall down dead in the land of the Chaldeans,
And pierced through in their streets.”
5
     For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken
By his God, the LORD of armies,
Although their land is full of guilt
Before the Holy One of Israel.
6
Flee from the midst of Babylon,
And each of you save his life!
Do not perish in her punishment,
For this is the LORD’S time of vengeance;
He is going to repay to her what she deserves.
7
Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the LORD,
Intoxicating all the earth.
The nations have drunk of her wine;
Therefore the nations are going insane.
8
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken;
Wail over her!
Bring balm for her pain;
Perhaps she may be healed.
9
We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed;
Abandon her and let’s each go to his own country,
For her judgment has reached to heaven
And it rises to the clouds.
10
The LORD has brought about our vindication;
Come and let’s recount in Zion
The work of the LORD our God!
11
     Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers!
The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes,
Because His plan is against Babylon to destroy it;
For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple.
12
Lift up a signal flag against the walls of Babylon;
Post a strong guard,
Station sentries,
Set up an ambush!
For the LORD has both planned and performed
What He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
13
You who live by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your end.
14
The LORD of armies has sworn by Himself:
“I will certainly fill you with a population like locusts,
And they will cry out with shouts of victory over you.”
15
     It is He who made the earth by His power,
Who established the world by His wisdom,
And by His understanding He stretched out the heavens.
Verses 51-15-19 were perhaps a hymn as they appeared already in 10:12-16.
16
When He utters His voice, there is a roar of waters in the heavens,
And He makes the clouds ascend from the end of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain
And brings out wind from His storehouses.
17
Every person is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
For his cast metal images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.
18
They are worthless, a work of mockery;
At the time of their punishment they will perish.
19
The portion of Jacob is not like these;
For He is the Maker of everything,
And of the tribe of His inheritance;
The LORD of armies is His name.
20
He says, “You are My war-club, My weapon of war;
And with you I shatter nations,
And with you I destroy kingdoms.
21
-“With you I shatter the horse and his rider,
And with you I shatter the chariot and its rider,
22
And with you I shatter man and woman,
And with you I shatter the old man and youth,
And with you I shatter the young man and virgin,
23
And with you I shatter the shepherd and his flock,
And with you I shatter the farmer and his team,
And with you I shatter governors and officials.
24
     “But I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all their evil that they have done in Zion before your eyes,” declares the LORD.
25
“Behold, I am against you, mountain of destruction
That destroys the whole earth,” declares the LORD,
“And I will stretch out My hand against you,
And roll you down from the rocky cliffs,
And I will make you a burnt out mountain.
26
-“They will not take from you even a stone for a corner
Nor a stone for foundations,
But you will be desolate forever,” declares the LORD.
27
     Lift up a signal flag in the land,
Blow a trumpet among the nations!
Consecrate the nations against her,
Summon against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz;
Appoint an officer against her,
Bring up the horses like bristly locusts.
28
Consecrate the nations against her,
The kings of the Medes,
Their governors and all their officials,
And every land under their control.
29
So the land quakes and writhes,
For the plans of the LORD against Babylon stand,
To make the land of Babylon
A desolation without inhabitants.
30
The warriors of Babylon have ceased fighting,
They stay in the strongholds;
Their strength is exhausted,
They are becoming like women;
Their homes are set on fire,
The bars of her gates are broken.
31
One courier runs to meet another,
And one messenger to meet another,
To tell the king of Babylon
That his city has been captured from end to end;
32
The river crossing places have been seized,
And they have burned the marshes with fire,
And the men of war are terrified.
33
     For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says:
“The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor
At the time that it is tread down;
In just a little while the time of harvest will come for her.”
34
     “Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon has devoured me, he has crushed me,
He has set me down like an empty vessel;
He has swallowed me like a monster,
He has filled his stomach with my delicacies;
He has washed me away.
35
-“May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,”
The inhabitant of Zion will say;
And, “May my blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea,”
Jerusalem will say.
36
Therefore this is what the LORD says:
“Behold, I am going to plead your case
And take vengeance for you;
And I will dry up her sea
And make her fountain dry.
37
-“Babylon will become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals,
An object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants.
38
-“They will roar together like young lions,
They will growl like lions’ cubs.
39
-“When they become heated up, I will serve them their banquet
And make them drunk, so that they may rejoice in triumph,
And may sleep a perpetual sleep
And not wake up,” declares the LORD.
40
“I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter,
Like rams together with male goats.
41
     “How Sheshak has been captured,
And the praise of the whole earth has been seized!
How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations!
42
-“The sea has come up over Babylon;
She has been engulfed by its roaring waves.
43
-“Her cities have become an object of horror,
A dry land and a desert,
A land in which no one lives
And through which no one of mankind passes.
44
-“I will punish Bel in Babylon,
And I will make what he has swallowed come out of his mouth;
And the nations will no longer stream toward him.
Even the wall of Babylon has fallen down!
45
     “Come out from her midst, My people,
And each of you save yourselves
From the fierce anger of the LORD.
46
-“Now, so that your heart does not grow faint,
And you are not afraid at the report that will be heard in the land—
For the report will come in one year,
And after that another report in another year,
And violence will be in the land
With ruler against ruler—
47
Therefore behold, days are coming
When I will punish the idols of Babylon;
And her whole land will be put to shame.
And all her slain will fall in her midst.
48
-“Then heaven and earth and everything that is in them
Will shout for joy over Babylon,
Because the destroyers will come to her from the north,”
Declares the LORD.
49
     Indeed, Babylon is to fall for the slain of Israel,
As the slain of all the earth have also fallen for Babylon.
50
You who have escaped the sword,
Go! Do not stay!
Remember the LORD from far away,
And let Jerusalem come to your mind.
51
We are ashamed because we have heard rebuke;
Disgrace has covered our faces,
Because strangers have entered
The holy places of the LORD’S house.
52
     “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“When I will punish her idols,
And the mortally wounded will groan throughout her land.
53
-“Though Babylon ascends to the heavens,
And though she fortifies her lofty stronghold,
Destroyers will come from Me to her,” declares the LORD.
54
     The sound of an outcry from Babylon,
And of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!
55
For the LORD is going to destroy Babylon,
And He will make her loud noise vanish from her.
And their waves will roar like many waters;
The clamor of their voices sounds forth.
56
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon,
And her warriors will be captured,
Their bows shattered;
For the LORD is a God of retribution,
He will fully repay.
57
“I will make her leaders and her wise men drunk,
Her governors, her officials, and her warriors,
So that they will sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake up,”
Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of armies.
58
This is what the LORD of armies says:
“The broad wall of Babylon will be completely demolished,
And her high gates will be set on fire;
So the peoples will labor for nothing,
And the nations become exhausted only for fire.”
59
     The command that Jeremiah the prophet gave Seraiah the son of Neriah, the grandson of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. (And Seraiah was quartermaster.)
This was likely the year 594 BCE.
60
Jeremiah wrote on a single scroll all the disaster which would come against Babylon, that is, all these words which have been written concerning Babylon.
61
Then Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “As soon as you come to Babylon, see that you read all these words aloud,
62
and say, ‘You, LORD, have promised concerning this place to cut it off, so that there will be nothing living in it, whether man or animal; but it will be a permanent desolation.’
63
And as soon as you finish reading this scroll, you shall tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates,
64
and say, ‘Just so shall Babylon sink down and not rise again, because of the disaster that I am going to bring upon her; and they will become exhausted.’” To this point are the words of Jeremiah.
Chapter 52
The Fall of Jerusalem
1
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned for eleven years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
2
He did evil in the sight of the LORD, in accordance with everything that Jehoiakim had done.
3
For because of the anger of the LORD this came about in Jerusalem and Judah, until He drove them out from His presence. And Zedekiah revolted against the king of Babylon.
4
Now it came about in the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, camped against it, and built a bulwark all around it.
5
So the city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah.
6
On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land.
7
Then the city was breached, and all the warriors fled and left the city at night by way of the gate between the two walls which was by the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. And they went by way of the Arabah.
8
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the desert plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.
9
Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he passed sentence on him.
10
And the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also slaughtered all the commanders of Judah in Riblah.
11
Then he blinded the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him with bronze shackles and brought him to Babylon and put him in prison until the day of his death.
12
     Now on the tenth day of the fifth month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, who was in the service of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem.
13
And he burned the house of the LORD, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem; even every large house he burned with fire.
14
So the entire army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard tore down all the walls around Jerusalem.
15
Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took into exile some of the poorest of the people, the rest of the people who were left in the city, the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the craftsmen.
16
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and farmers.
17
     Now the bronze pillars which belonged to the house of the LORD and the stands and the bronze sea, which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans smashed to pieces and carried all their bronze to Babylon.
18
They also took the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the basins, the pans, and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service.
19
The captain of the guard also took the bowls, the firepans, the basins, the pots, the lampstands, the pans, and the drink offering bowls, whatever was fine gold, and whatever was fine silver.
20
The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the sea, and the stands, which King Solomon had made for the house of the LORD—the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight.
21
As for the pillars, the height of each pillar was eighteen cubits, and it was twelve cubits in circumference and four fingers in thickness, and hollow.
22
Also, a capital of bronze was on top of it; and the height of each capital was five cubits, with latticework and pomegranates on the capital all around, all of bronze. And the second pillar was like these, including pomegranates.
23
There were ninety-six exposed pomegranates; all the pomegranates numbered a hundred on the latticework all around.
24
     Then the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest and Zephaniah the second priest, with the three officers of the temple.
25
He also took from the city one official who was overseer of the warriors, seven of the king’s advisers who were found in the city, the scribe of the commander of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men from the people of the land who were found inside the city.
26
Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguards took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
27
Then the king of Babylon struck them and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was led into exile from its land.
28
     These are the people whom Nebuchadnezzar took into exile: in the seventh year 3,023 Jews;
29
in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar 832 persons from Jerusalem;
30
in the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took into exile 745 Jewish people; there were 4,600 people in all.
31
     Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison.
32
Then he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.
33
So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life.
34
And as his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king of Babylon, a portion for each day, all the days of his life until the day of his death.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.
Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
www.lockman.org