Jer 8:1

Jer 8: “The people stood in the outer court facing the court of the priests in which stood the temple in Jerusalem itself. Jeremiah stands facing them as a visible mediator with the temple — the throne of Yahweh behind him. He does not congratulate them upon their manifest devotions, the generosity of their contributions, the enthusiasm of their service. His message is a shock to their self-esteem, an alarm to their slumbering conscience and confidence, a menace of wrath and destruction upon them and their holy place which they had converted into ‘a den of robbers’ (Jer 7:11). Thus this incident Jeremiah records anticipated the dramatic entry of the Master into the temple, recorded in Mar 11:17. Jeremiah’s austere message continued in Jer 8. [1] Judah has prepared for its own destruction: vv 1-3. [2] The foolishness of Judah’s apostasy: vv 4-12. [3] The prophet’s despairing lament over the fate of Jerusalem: vv 13-22.

“The people were confident in their own righteousness, declaring ‘we are wise and the law of Yahweh is with us’ (v 8). It was an empty boast. Their study classes were opportunities for their own aggrandizement; their services elevated their own righteousness; their associations boasted their own works. There was little left for the true worship of Yahweh. Instead the people were like the proud Pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, and they elevated themselves beyond God: ‘I thank Thee that I am better than other men.’ But it was sheer hypocrisy by the leaders of the ecclesia in Jeremiah’s times. In fact, there was ‘no balm in Gilled’ (v 22). The balm is a very expensive medicinal ointment obtained from the trees and held to be worth twice the weight in silver. But the people rejected the spiritual medicine; ignored the physician — just as it is possible today to ignore the privilege of our heritage, and the wisdom of the Word. It is an exhortation to faithfulness; a warning against apathy” (GEM).

THE BONES OF THE KINGS AND OFFICIALS… THE PRIESTS AND PROPHETS…: (1) Josiah burned men’s bones upon the false altar at Bethel (2Ki 23:15,16), to desecrate it. (2) All classes of Israel had worshiped the host of heaven — so their enemies left their bones in Tophet (Jer 7:32), to desecrate their idols and themselves — this, the greatest dishonor to the dead (ie Isa 14:19).

Jer 8:2

WHICH THEY HAVE FOLLOWED AND CONSULTED…: Cp Rev 9:20.

Jer 8:3

WILL PREFER DEATH TO LIFE: “During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them” (Rev 9:6).

Jer 8:4

WHEN MEN FALL DOWN, DO THEY NOT GET UP?: Man’s natural inclination to return to the path… but not so with Israel here.

Jer 8:5

THEY CLING TO DECEIT; THEY REFUSE TO RETURN: “The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood — idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Rev 9:20,21).

Jer 8:6

LIKE A HORSE CHARGING INTO BATTLE: Thoughtlessly, eagerly.

Jer 8:7

The migration of the birds, returning each year to the same destination, suggests the men of Israel coming back, year by year, for the feasts at Jerusalem — three times each year (Exo 23:17). The sadness is… the migratory birds return regularly in the spring — but Judah never returns — God’s people never return to their senses or to their God.

Jer 8:8

THE LYING PEN OF THE SCRIBES HAS HANDLED IT FALSELY: “Has made it into a lie” (RSV). The scribes use their knowledge to deceive and advise evildoing.

Jer 8:10

GREEDY FOR GAIN: “Greed, which is idolatry” (Col 3:5,6). Covetous Pharisees derided Christ: Luk 16:14.

Jer 8:11

Vv 11-13: The casting off of Israel, as applied by Christ: v 11 = Luk 19:42; v 12 = Luk 19:44; and v 13 = Luk 20:10; Mat 21:19. Cp with Rev 9 — 5th and 6th trumpets (WRev 125,126).

PEACE, PEACE…: Cp Jer 6:14; Eze 13:10; Jer 28 (prophecy of Hananiah).

Jer 8:12

WHEN THEY ARE PUNISHED: Lit, “in the time of their visitation” (AV). “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (Luk 19:42-44). Cp also Jer 6:6 — the city is “visited”. Also Jer 10:15; 11:23.

The temple was a hypocritical symbol, and the people were robbers and idolaters. As in Christ’s day, the temple was incurably infected with the “leprosy” of sin and uncleanness. And, after priestly “visitations” showed no improvement, the LM required that the leprous house be taken down and its stones carried forth (Lev 14:45; cp Joh 2:17n).

Jer 8:13

NO GRAPES ON THE VINE: Israel as a vine (Isa 5; Psa 80), but no fruit of Spirit (Gal 5). Same sym in fig tree also.

THEIR LEAVE WILL WITHER: Leaves for the healing of the nations (Rev 22:2) = the priests, who should have “healed” the people, are cursed by Christ (Mat 21:19).

WHAT I HAVE GIVEN THEM WILL BE TAKEN FROM THEM: Or, poss, “I have appointed to them those who will pass over them” (RV mg), ie Assyria and Babylon and Rome.

Jer 8:14

POISONED WATER: “Wormwood” (Rev 8:11).

Jer 8:15

WE HOPED FOR PEACE: As the false prophets prophesied: Jer 28:3,4.

Jer 8:16

THE SNORTING OF THE ENEMY’S HORSES IS HEARD FROM DAN: The Babylonian invaders coming from the north. “The sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle” (Rev 9:9).

Jer 8:17

AND THEY WILL BITE YOU: Cp the venomous serpents in the wilderness (Num 21). But afterward, there was a sacrifice (Num 21:9; Joh 3:14), and then forgiveness. But here, however, there is no prayer (Jer 7:16; 11:14) and thus no escape.

Jer 8:19

MY PEOPLE FROM A LAND FAR AWAY: Prophetic: Babylon = the far country (Isa 39:3). The cry of the exiled Jews, which Jeremiah foresaw.

WHY HAVE THEY PROVOKED ME TO ANGER?: Their sins had separated them from God: Isa 59:1,2.

Jer 8:20

The time of gathering has passed, and still there is no sign of fruit. It is now too late! (Will we say the same at the judgment?)

Jer 8:22

IS THERE NO BALM IN GILLED? IS THERE NO PHYSICIAN THERE?: There was much balm there, and many physicians: Jer 46:11; 51:8; Eze 27:17; Gen 37:25. But we must first realize our own sickness. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mar 2:17; cp Mat 9:13). Christ was the physician: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luk 8:48). But here there is little faith; thus, there can be little healing.

BALM: “Some resinous extract from the forest-trees of Gilled” (LB 467). “A resin or gum of the storax tree, used medicinally” (EBC).

The saints, at Pella (in Gilled), pray for healing for Jerusalem in 70 AD, but cannot save it!

Jer 9:1

Where the prophets of Israel witnessed against the spiritual abuses among their contemporaries, they did so while still continuing full fellowship with those whom they denounced. More than this, the examples of Moses (Exo 32:30-33), Daniel (Dan 9:5-14), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6,7), Jeremiah (Jer 3:25; 9:1), and Ezra (Ezr 9:6,7,13) show these men intimately associated with the people whom they reprimanded, even so far as confessing the sins of the nation as though they were their own. Here is the spirit of true fellowship, or sharing, by which those most exercised against error bear the burdens of their brethren, and strive with them as partners — not outsiders — to defeat the enervating effects of sin.

Here also is Christ weeping over the city of Jerusalem: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’ ” (Mat 23:37-39).

Jer 9:3

THEY MAKE READY THEIR TONGUE LIKE A BOW, TO SHOOT LIES: Cp Psa 11:2; 64:2; 1Jo 3:12,15.

Jer 9:4

BEWARE OF YOUR FRIENDS; DO NOT TRUST YOUR BROTHERS: Jacob (Hos 12:3).

Jer 9:5

THEY WEARY THEMSELVES WITH SINNING: They grow tired in evildoing, yet still struggle to continue.

Jer 9:7

I WILL REFINE AND TEST THEM: Trials of fire — to purify from dross (Mal 3:3).

Jer 9:8

WITH HIS MOUTH EACH SPEAKS CORDIALLY… BUT IN HIS HEART HE SETS A TRAP: Two-faced, hypocritical: Psa 55:21.

Jer 9:9

Vv 9,11: God speaks. V 10: Jeremiah breaks in.

Jer 9:14

AS THEIR FATHERS TAUGHT THEM: But ct Jer 16:19: “Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.”

Jer 9:16

I WILL SCATTER THEM: But God will also gather them again (Jer 31:10-12).

Jer 9:17

CALL FOR THE WAILING WOMEN TO COME: Professional mourners, common in ANE. They were employed to arouse relatives and others at funerals to outward display of their grief. They used plaintive cries, baring their breasts, flailing their arms, throwing dust on their heads, and disheveling their hair (2Ch 35:25; Ecc 12:5; Amo 5:16; Mat 9:23). This practice was not peculiar to the Jews; it prevailed among the Greeks and Romans and still exists among certain peoples today.

Jer 9:19

OUR HOUSES ARE IN RUINS: “Our dwellings have cast us out” (AV). Cp Lev 18:28.

Jer 9:23

Three main strengths: “wisdom” = political strength; “strength” = military might; and “riches” = economic power.

“Whilst the heavenly hosts of stars and the earthly beauties of nature may stir our emotions, they are silent about our deepest needs and are heedless of our cries for help. When the Lord passed before Moses He proclaimed not the great wonders of His power but: ‘The Lord, the Lord… full of compassion and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and truth.’ From thenceforward the purpose of the law and the prophets was to show this knowledge of God so that His people might trust in Him with all their hearts and not lean upon their own understanding. With the warning of Israel’s decline before them Judah was told, through Jeremiah: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.’ This is the transcendent glory of the Father, who created the angels through immeasurable time; clothed Adam and Eve with skins; cared for His people Israel; prepared for the coming of His Son, and called a people for His greater glory, as many as the stars of heaven” (NL 53).

Jer 9:24

“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1Co 1:29,31; cp 2Co 10:17).

THAT HE UNDERSTANDS AND KNOWS: First theoretical, and then practical.

Jer 9:26

WHO LIVE IN THE DESERT IN DISTANT PLACES: Or (as NIV mg) “who clip the hair by their foreheads”. Cp Lev 19:27. Thus did the men of Kedar as well: Jer 49:28-32.

UNCIRCUMCISED IN HEART: Cp Rom 2:28-32; Col 2:11; Deu 10:16; 30:6. If Judah has the rite of circumcision only in the flesh, she is no different from the pagans who have only an external sign (ie style of cutting hair, etc) and no inward faith. (But no doubt their guilt is greater because their privilege was greater.)

Jer 6:2

SO BEAUTIFUL AND DELICATE: But not necessarily a “woman” (as in KJV, where ‘woman’ is italicized). Could ref a pasture (see continuing figurative language).

Jer 6:4

BUT, ALAS, THE DAYLIGHT IS FADING: The attackers are distressed that the day is not long enough for them to carry out all their plans.

Jer 6:16

THE ANCIENT PATHS: “The old paths” (AV). The clear, well-marked, well-trodden paths, devoid of pitfalls or precipices — in which the careful shepherd might lead his flock.

REST FOR YOUR SOULS: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mat 11:28-30).

“Never was appeal more powerfully made, more superbly translated into words of one syllable, than in the warm humanity of Jeremiah’s words, which were one day to become a model for the Son of God when he in his turn laid siege to the wilful hearts of Israel… Stand! see! ask! and ye shall find! Even their walking in the old paths was itself to prove a refreshing rest from their present jading life of vanity” (WJer 42).

Jer 7:1

Jer 7-10: All one section (cp intro here and Jer 11:1). Time: reign of Jehoiakim (ie Jer 25:1; cp Jer 25:6 with Jer 7:12,14). Jehoiakim reigned 609-597 BC. He was placed on throne by Necho of Egypt, and then was made servant to Babylon, against whom he rebelled. He was defeated and killed, and then given the burial of an ass (Jer 22:19; 36:30; cp Jer 8:2).

Jer 7: “This chapter reveals the hypocrisy and false confidence of Judah in their religious formalism. It is typical of the reign of the flesh within the community of the faithful. It was probably proclaimed before the second reform of Josiah, when the people were enthusiastically contributing to the restoration of the temple, and when an apparent willingness to honour Yahweh was presented. But it was an empty facade. The spiritual perception of the people was soon to manifest itself in the feasting and debauchery of the gods of the land. The people were involved in a religion of deceit, with false prophets contradicting Jeremiah’s warnings, and turning from his appeal for righteousness in the land. Instead the false leaders preached peace and unity, where there was none. Jeremiah stood in the very court of the temple and courageously declared the divine will. He told them that the temple will not save (vv 1-7); that it would experience a similar fate to Shiloh (vv 8-16); that the city and people were full of adultery against God (vv 17-20); that ritualism cannot save (vv 21-28); that the ecclesia had forgotten her vows (vv 29-31); that it has prepared for its own destruction (vv 32-34). What a sad end to a monarchy that commenced with the courage and faithfulness of David, and now saw the abandonment of the royal sons of David when ultimately Zedekiah assumed the throne. When the pioneers of the ecclesia are ignored; the people become wilful in their folly (cp 2Pe 3:3-4)” (GEM).

Jer 7:4

‘God will never allow His temple to be cast down,’ they said. But God had ceased to care for His temple (Jer 5:10) — typ of Christ’s prophecy in Mar 13:2. Also, the people themselves claimed to BE God’s “temple” (ie Joh 2:21; 1Co 3:16; Isa 57:15; 66:1,2), but they were not!

Jer 7:10

“I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2:9).

SAFE TO DO ALL THESE DETESTABLE THINGS: By a discharge of the merest formalities, they are now free to return to their wickednesses.

Jer 7:11

A DEN OF ROBBERS: Not where the robbers commit their crimes, but where they hide to escape the consequences of their crimes committed elsewhere (vv 9,10). THIS was the temple!

Jer 7:12

SHILOH: Ref to the incidents of 1Sa 1-4: Eli and his sons; God’s judgments; loss of ark (1Sa 4:7,11,21). Cp Psa 78:58-68.

Jer 7:13

I SPOKE TO YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN: Unwearied earnestness.

Jer 7:16

Cp with Joh 17:9; 1Jo 5:16; Heb 10:26,27.

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 7:18

THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN: “This goddess was probably the Assyro-Babylonian Ishtar (cf also Jer 44:17) — the goddess of love and fertility; she was the planet Venus. It appears she was worshiped mainly by women (cf Jer 44, esp vv 15-19). Such worship was probably initiated by Manasseh (2Ki 21:1-9) and reintroduced into Judah by Jehoiakim. This obscene idolatry was practiced not only privately but also by whole families, including the children. The ‘cakes’ have been described as round and flat, resembling the moon” (EBC).

Jer 7:19

God’s attitude toward these sins: Rom 1:28; 2Th 2:11.

Jer 7:21

That is, ‘all this will avail you nothing!’

Jer 7:22

I DID NOT JUST…: “Not only… but also”.

Jer 7:23

That is, the important laws concerned individual conduct and love and mercy (Hos 6:6; Psa 51:16,17; Mat 9:13; 12:7).

Jer 7:25

The parable of the tenants of the vineyard: Luk 20:9-16.

Jer 7:29

CUT OFF YOUR HAIR AND THROW IT AWAY: Because they had profaned their vow of Nazariteship, or holiness (Num 6:9). This may also be a sign (as in Eze 5), of the smiting and scattering of Judah by God.

Jer 7:31

TOPHET: “Gehenna” (Mat 5:22).

Jer 7:33

Rev 19:17,18,21; Eze 39:17.

Jer 7:34

Conclusion: Jeremiah is called to trial because of this speech (Jer 29:1-17).

Jer 5:6

Notice all the “wild beasts” which would “tear” and “devour” Israel:

A LION: Babylon, which destroyed Judah.

A WOLF: Assyria, which destroyed Israel (cp v 11).

A WOLF FROM THE DESERT: Literally, in Hebrew, a “zeeb” of the “ereb” (Arabs?): referring to the marauders whom Gideon routed (Jdg 7:25).

A LEOPARD: Medo-Persia (cp Dan 7:6), watching over the desolate cities of the land (made so by Babylon and Assyria).

The wolf, the leopard, and the lion all appear also in Isa 11:6 — a beautiful picture of the coming glories of God’s eternal Kingdom: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

Jer 5:22

Yahweh’s control of the waters at creation — a commentary on the Canaanite “sea chaos” myth: see Lesson, Leviathan — esp the “Creation”.

Jer 2:1

Jer 2: “The voice of the prophet Jeremiah commences a forty year ministry leading to the dissolution of the Kingdom of Judah. He gives a review of Israel’s sins, showing that Yahweh still loves His people, but expects that the filial love be reflected to Him. Through the prophet, Yahweh expostulates on their ungrateful return for past goodness, and shows that their wickedness has resulted in calamity. The voice concludes with an appeal to them to return.

“This chapter may be outlined: [1] Israel’s early promise: vv 1-4. [2] Yahweh kept His contract despite provocation: vv 5-8. [3] The enormity of Israel’s conduct once more stressed: vv 9-13. [4] Israel suffers because it turned from Yahweh: vv 14-19. [5] The true character of the nation despite Josiah’s reformation: vv 20-30. [6] Israel will suffer: vv 31-35. [7] Israel in heart turned to Egypt: vv 36,37.

“It must have been a sad experience for the young prophet, brought to witness for the righteousness of his God, and seeing about him the failure of the ecclesia. The nation rejoiced in its high and holy privilege, and boasted in its attendance at the temple in Jerusalem, but did little to manifest divine qualities in daily life. They were barren, thankless soil, returning nothing for Yahweh’s glory. Instead they looked to their southern neighbour [Egypt] for support and help, putting confidence in the power of the flesh. Yet, in spite of the darkness of their spiritual condition, the voice of Jeremiah brought a measure of encouragement to the faithful remnant that were looking for a redeemer. So he continues to witness at the end of the age — as must those of the Brotherhood today as we wait the advent of the Great Judge” (GEM).

Jer 2:2

I REMEMBER: But My people have forgotten Me: v 32.

Jer 2:5

WORTHLESS: Heb “hebel” = lit, a breath; vanity, nothing. Because they followed nothing, they became nothing!

Jer 2:13

THE SPRING OF LIVING WATER: “All my fountains are in you (ie Jerusalem)”: Psa 87:7.

CISTERNS: Very poor sources of water… liable to crack, full of dirt, vermin (LB 287).

Jer 2:18

WHY GO TO EGYPT TO DRINK WATER FROM THE SHIHOR?: “By sundry miracles, by divers mercies, by strange deliverances Jehovah had proved Himself to be worthy of Israel’s trust. Yet they broke down the hedges with which God had enclosed them as a sacred garden; they forsook their own true and living God, and followed after false gods. Constantly did the Lord reprove them for this infatuation, and our text contains one instance of God’s expostulating with them, ‘What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of the muddy river?’ — for so it may be translated. ‘Why dost thou wander afar and leave thine own cool stream from Lebanon? Why dost thou forsake Jerusalem to turn aside to Noph and to Tahapanes? Why art thou so strangely set on mischief, that thou canst not be content with the good and healthful, but wouldst follow after that which is evil and deceitful?’ Is there not here a word of expostulation and warning to the Christian? O true believer, called by grace and washed in the precious blood of Jesus, thou hast tasted of better drink than the muddy river of this world’s pleasure can give thee; thou hast had fellowship with Christ; thou hast obtained the joy of seeing Jesus, and leaning thine head upon His bosom. Do the trifles, the songs, the honours, the merriment of this earth content thee after that? Hast thou eaten the bread of angels, and canst thou live on husks?… If thou art wandering after the waters of Egypt, O return quickly to the one living fountain: the waters of Sihor may be sweet to the Egyptians, but they will prove only bitterness to thee. What hast thou to do with them?” (CHS).

Jer 2:32

Ct v 2.

We must not forget those spiritual garments which will insure the approval of the Bridegroom: (1) Gown of wrought gold, sig faith by works (1Pe 1:7): Psa 45:13,14. (2) Gown of needlework, sig painstaking labor: Psa 45:13,14. (3) Girdle, or sash — sig constant readiness and careful walk (Luke 12:35,36; 1Pe 1:13): Isa 61:10. (4) Ornaments and jewels, sig wisdom (Job 28:18,19; Pro 3:13,15) and modesty (1Pe 3:3,4): Isa 61:10. (5) Sandals, sig preparation (Exo 12:11; Eph 6:15), as for a march or military operation: Isa 5:27. (6) Headdress and veil — sig humility, modesty and deference — in the woman (1Co 11).

Jer 3:25

Where the prophets of Israel witnessed against the spiritual abuses among their contemporaries they did so while still continuing full fellowship with those whom they denounced. More than this, the examples of Moses (Exo 32:30-33), Daniel (Dan 9:5-14), Nehemiah (Neh 1:6,7), Jeremiah (Jer 3:25; 9:1), and Ezra (Ezr 9:6,7,13) show these men intimately associated with the people whom they reprimanded, even so far as confessing the sins of the nation as though they were their own. Here is the spirit of true fellowship, or sharing, by which those most exercised against error bear the burdens of their brethren, and strive with them as partners — not outsiders — to defeat the enervating effects of sin.

Jer 4:1

Jer 4: “Jeremiah saw the beginnings of the deterioration of the monarchy. It had reached the fulness of its iniquity, although a remnant of faith remained. The prophet issues an appeal to return to their former spiritual heights and to uphold the divine righteousness. There were three principles they must observe to reveal that Yahweh lives: His Truth, Judgment and Righteousness. These three elements are revealed in the work of Messiah. Christ was first the Truth when he appeared on earth; he became the Judgment in his priestly mediatorial role in heaven; he will finally be seen as the Righteousness when he returns to justify his faithful ones. But because Judah largely ignored these principles, judgment upon them was inevitable. Jeremiah explained that impending troubles stem from Yahweh’s anger (vv 3-8), that the extent of coming destruction would be grievous (vv 9-13); that true inward repentance was the only hope for individuals (vv 14-18); and an example was seen in the prophet’s deep, personal concern (vv 19-22); apart from such a return, Judah would be completely destroyed (vv 23-31). Notice the repetition of ‘I beheld’ in vv 23,24,25,26. Judah was in danger of returning to the very condition of the world before creation, because of a refusal to conform to the divine image. The sad story of Jeremiah would witness the sinfulness of mankind” (GEM).

Jer 4:3

Cp parable of sower: esp Mat 13:7.

Jer 4:7

In some cases, poetic overstatement. This was fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 44:2,6; 52:5-8), but even so some Jews were left (Jer 52:15,16).

Jer 4:11

A SCORCHING WIND: The “scirroco” (HistGeo 52).

Jer 4:15

FROM DAN: In the far north, the direction of Babylon’s invasion (Eze 1:4).

Jer 4:23

Vv 23-26: This is powerful, shattering language. The prophet sees the LORD reversing the effect of the days of the original Creation. In Genesis, the Divine work was designed to develop order out of chaos; here, it is designed to develop chaos out of order!

Jer 4:24

Earthquakes accompany awesome manifestations of God: Exo 19:18; Jdg 5:4; Psa 77:18; 114:4; Isa 2:10-22; Jer 4:24; Eze 38:20; Joe 3:16; Amo 9:1,5; Zec 14:4; Rev 6:12; 11:19; 16:18.

Jer 4:30

Allusions to Jezebel, and her fate: “When Jezebel heard about it, she painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of a window” (2Ki 9:30,31). But it was all “in vain” — the servants threw her down to her death.

Author: Jeremiah and Baruch

Time: 630 – 575 BC

Summary: Jeremiah warns of the impending military force of Babylon that would destroy Jerusalem and enslave the Jews. He urges Jerusalem to turn from its wicked ways, but there is no response. He further warns of the false prophets who are leading the people astray with deceptive doctrines and falsehoods. He urges the Israelites to submit to the Babylonian authority as the instrument of God’s judgment. They do not heed his warnings and the people are carried away to Babylon. He predicts that the captives will return after 70 years to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

Outline

1. The prophet’s call: Jer 1

2. Prophetic oracles against Jerusalem and Judah: Jer 2-35

a) Early discourses: Jer 2-6 b) Temple message: Jer 7-10 c) Covenant and conspiracy: Jer 11-13 d) Messages concerning the drought: Jer 14-15 e) Disaster and comfort: Jer 16:1-17:18 f) Command to keep the Sabbath holy: Jer 17:19-27 g) Lessons from the potter: Jer 18-20 h) Condemnation of kings, prophets and people: Jer 21-24 i) Foretelling the Babylonian exile: Jer 25-29 j) Promises of restoration: Jer 30-33 k) Historical appendix: Jer 34-35

3. Sufferings and persecutions of Jeremiah: Jer 36-38

a) Burning Jeremiah’s scroll: Jer 36 b) Imprisoning Jeremiah: Jer 37; 38

4. The fall of Jerusalem and its aftermath: Jer 39-45

a) The fall itself: Jer 39 b) Accession and assassination of Gedaliah: Jer 40:1-41:15 c) Migration to Egypt: Jer 41:16-43:13 d) Prophecy against those in Egypt: Jer 44 e) Historical appendix: promise to Baruch: Jer 45

5. Prophecies against the nations: Jer 46-51

a) Against Egypt: Jer 46:1-28 b) Against Philistia: Jer 47:1-7 c) Against Moab: Jer 48:1-47 d) Against Ammon: Jer 49:1-6 e) Against Edom: Jer 49:7-22 f) Against Damascus: Jer 49:23-27 g) Against Arabia: Jer 49:28-33 h) Against Elam: Jer 49:34-39 i) Against Babylon: Jer 50; 51

6. Historical appendix: Jer 52

a) Judah’s fall and captivity: Jer 52:1-30 b) Jehoiachin’s liberation: Jer 52:31-34

Jeremiah’s chapters in chronological order

1-6; 11; 12; 26; 7-10; 14-20; 35; 36; 45; 25; 46-49; 13; 22-24; 27-29; 50; 51; 30-33; 21; 34; 37-39; 52; 40-44.

See Lesson, Jeremiah type of Christ

See Lesson, Jeremiah’s family tree

See Lesson, Jeremiah/his life and times

Jer 1:1

See Lesson, Prophet, the.

JEREMIAH: Sig “Yahweh is exalted”, or “Yahweh establishes”. Not the man of 2Ki 23:31.

HILKIAH: Sig “Yahweh is my portion (or inheritance)”: cp Psa 16:5. This Hilkiah is poss the High Priest in the days of Josiah (2Ki 22:4). This may explain how Jeremiah is represented as a man of importance, with ready access to kings and priests.

ANATHOTH: A small Levitical village three miles northeast of Jerusalem. It was the home of Abiathar the priest and of Jeremiah, his descendant (1Ki 2:26; Jer 1:1; 11:21-23). Located in the land of Benjamin (Jos 21:18), it was assigned to the sons of Aaron. Two of David’s men of valor, Abiezer and Jehu, came from Anathoth (2Sa 23:27; 1Ch 12:3). Here, by revelation, Jeremiah purchased a field which had belonged to his ancestors (Jer 32:7-25). Upon their return from exile, the Benjamites again occupied it (Neh 11:32).

Jer 1:2

THE THIRTEENTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF JOSIAH: Approx 41 1/2 years before the fall of Jerusalem (cp prophecy of John Bapt and Jesus, approx 40 years before fall of Jerusalem again).

Jer 1:4

Did the call come through his grandmother Huldah the prophetess?

Jer 1:5

BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU: The foreknowledge of God, who knows end from beginning. (But does not, of course, prove that Jeremiah actually existed before his birth!) See 1Pe 1:20,21; Rev 13:8; Joh 1:6; Rom 8:29; Eph 1:4.

Jer 1:6

ONLY A CHILD: Prob 20-25 years old. “In person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing” (2Co 10:10).

Examples of prophetic reluctance: Exo 4:10; Jer 1:6; Eze 3:14; Jon 1:3; 1Ki 19:10; Luk 5:8,10; 9:59; 18:23; Act 13:13; 18:9. Ct Isa 6:8.

Jer 1:8

“DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM, FOR I AM WITH YOU AND WILL RESCUE YOU,” DECLARES THE LORD: “Whenever fear comes in and makes us falter, we are in danger of falling into sin. Conceit is to be dreaded, but so is cowardice. ‘Dare to be a Daniel.’ Our great Captain should be served by brave soldiers. What a reason for bravery is here! God is with those who are with Him. God will never be away when the hour of struggle comes. Do they threaten you? Who are you that you should be afraid of a man that shall die? Will you lose your situation? Your God whom you serve will find bread and water for His servants. Can you not trust Him? Do they pour ridicule upon you? Will this break your bones or your heart? Bear it for Christ’s sake, and even rejoice because of it.

“God is with the true, the just, the holy, to deliver them; and He will deliver you. Remember how Daniel came out of the lions’ den and the three holy children out of the furnace. Yours is not so desperate a case as theirs; but if it were, the LORD would bear you through and make you more than a conqueror. Fear to fear. Be afraid to be afraid. Your worst enemy is within your own bosom. Get to your knees and cry for help, and then rise up saying, ‘I will trust, and not be afraid’ ” (CHS).

Jer 1:10

Jeremiah’s declarations would be so sure (Jer 23:29) that it would appear he had done the things!

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building”: 1Co 3:9.

Jer 1:11

ALMOND TREE: Heb “shaked”. From rt “to hasten” — ie, the “awakener”. Almond is the first to bloom in Palestine. The symbol of divine selection — Aaron’s rod (Num 17:8; Heb 9:4), related to land of Israel (Isa 27:6) and worship in Tabernacle (Exo 25:34). Like the almond tree, God has quickly and suddenly awakened to His nation.

Jer 1:13

NORTH: See Eze 1:4n. The direction of Babylon, Gog; sig “dark”, “hidden”. But Jerusalem = cauldron in Eze 1:3,7; 24:1-14. Into it was to be poured the fury of the Babylonian invasion.

Jer 1:17

Vv 17-19: God reassures Jeremiah. (To proclaim the coming invasion would seem to be unpatriotic, and would bring serious persecution upon Jeremiah.)

GET YOURSELF READY: Lit, “gird up thy loins”: as for a grueling race (1Ki 18:46) or a desperate fight (Job 38:3). Prophets often “run” with their messages (Jer 23:21; Hab 2:2; Amo 8:12; Psa 147:15; Eze 1:14,20; etc).

DO NOT BE TERRIFIED BY THEM: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mat 10:28).

Jer 1:18

PILLAR: A pillar to mark separation of the faithful remnant from the faithless majority: cp Gen 31:45-52; Exo 14:19,20.

Jer 1:19

FOR I AM WITH YOU: “Immanuel” — ct Jer 20:7.