Jer 20:1

PASSHUR: The first person named in book besides Jeremiah.

Jer 20:2

BEATEN: The traditional 40 stripes less one (based on Deu 25:3)?

AND PUT IN THE STOCKS: A great humiliation. The stocks were intended not only for restraint but also for torture. The stocks, which were used for false prophets (cf 2Ch 16:10), held the feet, hands, and neck so that the body was almost doubled up (cf Jer 29:26). The Hebrew word “mahpeket” means “causing distortion”. Cp, generally, Joseph in Gen 39:20, and Paul in Act 16:24.

AT THE UPPER GATE OF BENJAMIN AT THE LORD’S TEMPLE: The northern gate of the upper temple court. It was one of the most conspicuous places in the city.

Jer 20:3

PASSHUR: Which may sig something like “tranquility”.

MAGOR-MISSABIB: Sig “fear round about”: cp Jer 20:10; Psa 31:13.

Jer 20:7

DECEIVED: Or perhaps “persuaded”. Prob Jeremiah deceived, or persuaded, himself that he would not be allowed to suffer any serious persecution or discomfort because of the message he brought. (Does he have in mind Jer 1:8: “I am with you and will rescue you”?)

Jer 20:14

Vv 14-18: Prob to be read after v 9, and placed here as a sort of postscript. The back-and-forth struggles of Jeremiah. His natural thoughts when placed in the stocks (v 2).

Jer 20:18

Was I born to see trouble and sorrow? YES! That is the very reason why you were born. Trial is not proof that God does not exist; it is proof that He DOES exist! Trial is one means by which God prepares character.

Jer 17:2

ASHERAH: See Lesson, Asherah.

Jer 17:5

Vv 5,6: The same detailed contrast (trees, water, etc) of Psa 1 — now distorted to the negative. See also vv 7,8: restatement of Psa 1.

Jer 17:9

THE HEART IS DECEITFUL: “When we are consciously and deliberately doing God’s will, we are happy. When we are not, we are not. In the nature of things it has to be that way. And in the reality of things, it is that way. Analyze it through, and you will find it so. Any other ‘pleasure’ has to be, and is, self-deception: an ignorant or deliberate self-blinding, a shutting out of reality and consequence, a desperate, warped, juvenile submersion in the present to drown the pain of natural life’s meaninglessness and emptiness, to briefly dim the final, inescapable, staring face of eternal death” (GVG).

“When I fall into a certain sin for the first time, I may stand aghast, horrified at it. When I fall into it the second time, I am not more aghast, but less. if I go on sinning long enough, I cannot see the thing that belongs unto my peace at all, and I cannot see sin as sin. The conscience that once shouted ‘This is wrong!’ now only whispers and in the end may be silent altogether. Sin is unique in all God’s universe in that the more you practice it, the less you know its nature” (Leslie Weatherhead).

Jer 17:11

A PARTRIDGE THAT HATCHES EGGS IT DID NOT LAY: The partridge has a strong maternal or acquisitive instinct, sitting other birds’ eggs and appropriating their chicks.

IS THE MAN WHO GAINS RICHES BY UNJUST MEANS… THEY WILL DESERT HIM: …But the chicks don’t stay with her!

AND IN THE END HE WILL PROVE TO BE A FOOL: “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luk 12:15,20).

Jer 17:27

The LM prohibited kindling a fire on the Sabbath (Exo 35:3). In effect, God says, ‘If you violate Sabbath, so will I!’

Jer 18:4

SO THE POTTER FORMED IT INTO ANOTHER POT, SHAPING IT AS SEEMED BEST TO HIM: “The potter was making a vessel on the wheels, the upper and lower discs made of stone or wood. The lower one was worked by the foot of the potter and was attached by an axle to the upper one, on which the clay was worked. The discs were in a horizontal position. As happened frequently in the daily life of a potter, the clay did not turn out right. Often in throwing the clay, some defect would become evident. The potter then rolled the clay into a lump to begin his task again to make a more suitable product. The chief point here is the power the potter had over the clay. The clay was in his hand and under his control. The defects were in the clay, not the hand of the potter. The potter’s perseverance must not be overlooked at this point in this passage” (EBC). In contrast to the clay pot in Jer 19:1,10, the same clay here could still be changed into a different vessel — not having been hardened yet.

AS IT SEEMED BEST TO HIM: “You created all things, and by your will [or ‘for thy pleasure’: AV] they were created and have their being” (Rev 4:11).

Jer 18:18

“You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (Joh 11:50).

Jer 15:1

EVEN IF MOSES AND SAMUEL…: Cp Eze 14:14, mentioning Moses, Daniel, and Job.

“What greater discouragement could the LORD have spoken to him? If two venerable leaders of God’s people in ancient days were to add their petitions in vain, what hope that Jeremiah might storm the citadels of heaven?

“At the apostasy of the golden calf, Moses, for all his hot anger, made long drawn-out intercession for his people, and saved them from utter dereliction (Deu 9:18-20). Again, when the exhortation of the faithful Caleb and Joshua was spurned, the people being ready to turn their backs on the Land of Promise, the prayer of Moses saved the situation (Exo 32:11,12,30-32; Num 14:13-24).

“In very different circumstances, on two occasions when the people of Israel had only Samuel to lean on in their extremity, the intercession of that prophet brought aid from heaven in thunder and in rain (1Sa 7:8-10; 12:19-25).

“But now, so serious the situation, so intense the anger of the LORD, that Moses, Samuel, and Jeremiah combined (or Noah, Daniel, and Job: Eze 14:14-20) would seek in vain to fend off the impending judgment” (WJer 54,55).

Jer 15:15

AVENGE ME ON MY PERSECUTORS: Parable of importunate widow (Luk 18:1-8).

Jer 16:1

Jer 16: “Jeremiah becomes a man apart, setting an example to display the divine displeasure at the attitude of the nation. He was forbidden to marry (vv 1-4). Fruitfulness was promised as a blessing under the Law (Deu 28:4), but ceased to be so under the difficult times now impending in Jerusalem. Further, he was forbidden to enter the house of mourning (vv 5-7). Times of trouble were about to break over the nation to cause normal mourning to be superfluous. He was forbidden to enter the house of joy (vv 8,9), for it would be a folly in view of the impending judgment. But the people stood opposed to the prophet, and therefore he answers the people (vv 10-13), giving a glimmer of hope to a faithful remnant (vv 14,15). Yet punishment upon Israel must first be experienced (vv 16-18), and would lead ultimately to the conversion of the Gentiles (vv 19-21). It is significant that this remarkable chapter concludes with the Covenant Name. So the Gentiles, by manifestation of divine power in the latter-days, will be brought within the covenant. Jeremiah’s experience is not only typical of the suffering servitude of the Lord Jesus, but an example of faithfulness in today’s apathy. The brotherhood, with the world, is facing the day of judgment, and needs to follow the pattern of Jeremiah in his dedicated service and unstinting sacrifice for the cause of the Truth, notwithstanding the opposition of the ecclesia” (GEM).

Jer 16:2

God controls the lives of the prophets (even their marriages) — cp Ezekiel and Hosea — to His ultimate purposes.

Jer 16:16

FISHERMEN: Herzl, Zionism, Balfour Declaration.

HUNTERS: Russian pogroms, Nazi concentration camps and the Holocaust.

Jer 16:21

In the final scenes, both Jews and Gentiles have reason to know God’s mighty hand.

KNOW THAT MY NAME IS THE LORD: To know the name of Yahweh is to worship rightly.

Jer 13:1

Jer 13: “The taller they are, the harder they fall! Judah prided itself in its great privileges, and ignored the responsibilities that came with such a position in the divine reckoning. Jeremiah was commissioned to declare the prophecy of the marked girdle (vv 1-11). The linen girdle was the symbol of righteousness, based on faith. It was the ordinance of priests, and thus a fit emblem for Judah, which is likened to a kingdom of priests. But the girdle had lost its significance because of the manner of Israel’s contempt for the righteousness of Yahweh. Jeremiah took the girdle to the Euphrates, for Yahweh would take Judah into captivity through the Babylonians. The nation had not honoured its profession. Then came the prophecy of the wine jars (vv 12-14). The earthenware bottles likewise represented Judah, which would be broken, and the contents spilled, as the people would be subjected to the attacks of the Gentile powers. Thus the prophet warned the nation against pride (vv 15-21). By acknowledging their folly and seeking forgiveness, the people could have been redeemed. Jehoiachin and his mother (v 18) would be involved in the captivity, for their external marks of glory were only a facade for their real character. So Judah would be scattered (vv 22-27). Hypocrites are seldom ready to acknowledge their own faults and Yahweh’s righteousness, so the judgment fell heavily upon the nation, and the words of Jeremiah were confirmed” (GEM).

Jer 13:23

“Ethiopian” = of Cush. “Leopard” = Heb “namer”, ref Nimrod. Cush was father of Nimrod — like the leopard, a mighty hunter (Gen 10:8) (Tes 55:24).

Jer 14:1

Jer 14: “Jer 14 records events probably occurring in Jehoahaz’s time, or early in Jehoiakim’s reign. The prophet spoke of drought in the reign of Josiah (Jer 12:4). He here predicts it will reach serious proportions. Deuteronomy predicts drought followed by captivity (Deu 28:23-25). Jeremiah warns of the fulfilment despite the opposition of the false prophets (v 13) for the people had broken the divine covenant (Jer 11).

“Jer 14; 15 concerns the drastic drought being experienced, and outlines: [1] Conditions in the Land: vv 1-6. [2] Jeremiah’s prayer for relief: vv 7-9. [3] Yahweh’s Answer: Pray not for them: vv 10-12. [4] Dire punishment for the false prophets: vv 13-16. [5] A graphic description of coming judgment: vv 17,18. [6] Further pleading with Jeremiah: vv 19-22.

“Shocked by the picture thus presented the prophet attempts to intercede for the people pleading with Yahweh for a way of escape. Sadly, the conditions of drought are evidenced today. Not a drought from water, but from the word of Yahweh. For this reason we are on the eve of the greatest moment in history: the appearance of the Monarch who will restore the glory of Eden” (GEM).

Jer 14:9

How can God be “powerless to save”? Only by His own choice, based upon man’s relation to His laws and commands.

Jer 14:11

DO NOT PRAY FOR… THIS PEOPLE: Did Jer nevertheless continue to pray for them? Yes! Or did he pray for the remnant only (Jer 14:20-22)? Or was it the same thing?

Jer 10:1

Jer 10: The great controversy: Idols versus Yahweh.

“The ‘portion’ of Jacob (Jer 10:12,13,16) is the inheritance of the fathers. The word ‘cheleq’ signifies ‘to apportion; separate’ and comes from a root signifying ‘to be smooth’, which evidently relates to the stones of judgment. Yahweh has judged Jacob faithful, elevated his name to Israel, and has determined his future. The seed of Jacob rest in the divine protection, for Yahweh judges against the enemies of Israel for the fathers’ sakes. The evidence of this is seen in ‘the earth by His power’ (v 12). The solid earth is itself a natural symbol of strength and stability, whilst the glorious heavens presents a panorama of glory, and the mighty deep shows the marvels of God’s handiwork. The constant labour of nature testifies that His activity is never suspended, His presence never withdrawn. The conflict of the elements, the roar of thunder, the flash of lightning, the downpour of waters, the rush of storm-wind, are His work and assist in developing His purpose. All the elements testify to His majesty, greatness, reality, importance, and our utter dependence upon Him (Psa 73:26). Let Israel understand, and let the Ecclesia perceive that the way of man is not in himself, but that Yahweh corrects with judgment (Jer 10:24)” (GEM).

Jer 10:2

SIGNS IN THE SKY: Astrology, idolatry, star-gazing, monthly prognosticators: cp Isa 47; 48.

Jer 10:9

TARSHISH (Psa 48:7) was a son of Javan (Gen 10:4); it is a name which came to ref to the Phoenicians, a sea-faring and trading people (hence such refs as Jon 1:3; Eze 27:12; 1Ki 9:26; 10:22; 2Ch 9:21). That Tarshish represents a latter-day power is evident both here and in Eze 38:13 (where it appears as an ally of Sheba and Dedan). In Isa 23 — a prophecy concerning Tyre, there is plainly a strong link with “the daughter of Tarshish” and “the ships of Tarshish” (vv 1,6,10,14) — this leads to the reasonable conclusion that Tarshish is another name for Tyre. (The proposed identification of Tarshish with England merely on the basis that the latter is — or rather was — a significant sea power is extremely tenuous at best.) See Lesson, Tarshish.

Jer 10:15

WHEN THEIR JUDGMENT COMES: “In the time of their visitation” (AV): Jer 8:12.

Jer 10:16

TRIBE: Heb “shebet” = stick, or rod.

Jer 10:18

HURL: Violently, suddenly.

Jer 10:21

Rulers are condemned.

Jer 11:1

Jer 11: “Jeremiah’s message continues its indictment against a generation of faithless Israelites. The ecclesia was facing its last days, and entered into a conspiracy against the divine covenant in Jer 11. As a representative of the small, faithful remnant within the nation, [1] Jeremiah endorsed the covenant: vv 1-5. He supported king Josiah, and later predicted the advent of the New covenant (Jer 31:31-34). [2] Then the prophet proclaims the Truth throughout Judea: vv 6-8. He is directed to tour the land with the message of the Covenant — a tour that brought him into conflict with his own city, and in so doing, he typed the Christ. [3] The people turned back: vv 9,10. Some time elapsed. The people returned home after the enthusiasm of the proclamation of the covenant, and celebration of Passover, but the tour of Jeremiah received little success. The people heard with impatience his warning words, and like their forefathers, stubborn of heart, they repudiated his strictures. [4] Therefore the People will experience the curse of the Covenant: vv 11-14. [5] Olive branches to be broken off: vv 15-17. [6] The lamb to the slaughter: vv 18,19. [7] Jeremiah’s prayer: Vindicate divine judgment: v 20. [8] Yahweh promises to vindicate the prophet: vv 21-23. Thus the ch is a sad commentary on the way in which flesh reacts to the divine mercy, and reminds us that rejection of the warnings of the Word will bring a sad destiny” (GEM).

Jer 11:14

Jeremiah was told not to pray for this people (Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11), and yet he did (Jer 14:20; 42:2,4).

Jer 11:19

A GENTLE LAMB: “A docile lamb” (NET). “Ox” (as in KJV) is wrong.

Jer 12:1

Vv 1,2: “It was Job’s problem over again, in almost an acute a form, for, like Job, Jeremiah could urge his own blamelessness [v 3]” (WJer 49).

Jer 12:5

“Nevertheless in the LORD’s response there was but cold comfort at present for this solitary sensitive witness for truth…” (WJer 49).

IF YOU HAVE RACED WITH MEN ON FOOT AND THEY HAVE WORN YOU OUT, HOW CAN YOU COMPETE WITH HORSES?: ” ‘Your experiences hitherto are but mild compared with what is to come; this is but an apprenticeship to fit you greater rigour and higher endeavour’… Poor Jeremiah! Is there no crumb of comfort for your soul? Hold fast to your confidence in the righteous judgments of Jehovah, and stay yourself on His promise of a day when ‘a King shall reign in righteousness’; there is nought else in this bitter evil present” (WJer 50).

THICKETS: AV has “swelling”; cp NIV mg: “flooding”. The Heb means pride or arrogance.

Jer 12:9

SPECKLED BIRD: Different from all the others, easily recognized by owner, but hated and ostracized by others.