Now Watch for What Comes Next

Week 16 – Book of Jeremiah

Read: Jeremiah Chapter 16; 2 Chronicles 36:15-23

Background

Prophet to the Southern Kingdom, Jeremiah’s ministry of 40 years in Judah suffers many disappointing outcomes. Despite the Hebrew people not returning to Yahweh with truly repentant hears, he gives great energy and effort to fulfill his calling as a prophet. In a time of disillusionment and despair, only one king, Josiah, is know as a God-trusting king. The other four kings who reign during Jeremiah’s ministry only advocate increased idolatry and false truths to Judah. Jeremiah, severely persecuted and frequently rejected, witnesses Judah’s defeat. “Jeremiah responded to all this with God’s message and human tears… God had called him to endure.”[1]

This week let’s focus on the many accomplishments of Jeremiah. Frequently his heartfelt emotions for the coming destruction and the people’s losses speak loudly. Known as the ‘weeping prophet’, Jeremiah’s sincere sorrow is repeatedly evident in the verses. Despite God telling Jeremiah not to pray for the people, he did plead for mercy of several occasions. Jeremiah shows compassion on a stubborn people.

Jeremiah, his life often in danger, risks everything to be God’s faithful messenger. God anoints him for this time and place, and Jeremiah willingly complies. He learns that security does not necessarily come with service. His perseverance for so many years is to be applauded.

During Josiah’s reign, Jeremiah walks alongside to help with the king’s spiritual reformation. These times are probably the best and easiest period for Jeremiah to speak God’s message of repentance. A servant of God and faithful messenger, Jeremiah remains obedient to God’s calling.

Scholars credit Jeremiah as author of two Old Testament books, the book of Jeremiah and Lamentations. The book of Jeremiah compiles the great struggle of the Hebrew people and the last two tribes of Israel. This provides historical recordings of political and military happenings as Judah falls to Babylon. Providing the moral and religious weaknesses that lead to God’s judgment on Judah, the lessons become clear for future generations that God expects a true, repentant heart.

Jeremiah, son of a Hebrew priest, a prophet for God, a fellow countryman of Judah, accomplishes much in 40 years. Broken in spirit for the people, Jeremiah faithfully and repeatedly brings God’s message. Often rejected, isolated and alone, God tells him not to marry; yet, Jeremiah endures the hardships, grows his relationship with God, demonstrates endurance and strength, and authors two books. Because of Jeremiah, today some 2,500 years later, we can read God’s message, still relevant for us.

Study 

Immediately chapter 16 begins with a significant command for Jeremiah, “You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place.” “All Jewish men were expected to be married by age twenty.”[2] Jewish customs require marriage and children, and rabbis would pronounce “a curse in any who refused to marry and begat children.”[3] In Walking the Ancient Paths we read, “Jeremiah is not forbidden to marry because of the present crisis… but because his life is a symbol of his message.”[4] As this chapter continues, we will discover God forbids Jeremiah to participate in “three normal and acceptable activities: getting married, mourning for the dead, attending feasts. God often guides prophets toward unexpected, attention-getting behaviors.

Continuing to verse 5, the second restriction is given, “Do not enter the house of mourning, nor got to lament or bemoan them.” God desires Jeremiah’s life to “be a living warning that Yahweh no longer has sympathy for the people of Israel in that generation.”[5] There is too much despair to celebrate. In verse 9 there is no peace or joy, no gladness, no marriage celebrations. “Weddings will cease as society disintegrates.”[6] “The prophet’s ministry itself was an object lesson—a real-life parable about God’s judgment against Judah’s sin”.[7]

Again, the people question this message. In fact, the people ask three questions: 1) why are we threatened with terrible misfortune, 2) what is our crime, 3) what is our sin against God. “Their unbiblical theology gave them false assurance that God would never abandon His people or allow the Gentiles to desecrate the hoy city or temple.[8] Simply restated, the answer remains that their ancestors follow other gods. “And you have done worse than your fathers”. (v 12) Assyria takes the Northern Kingdom of Israel captive because of idolatry, and still at least 100 years later, the same behavior is strong in the Southern Kingdom. Same lesson is repeatedly taught and is never learned. 

While the judgement is coming, the prophet uses imagery and metaphors to describe the coming captivity. Reminding them of their deliverance from Egypt, God reminds them of His mercy. Fishermen, hunters, and bankers suggest complete destruction but then comes a message of hope that one day they will return, a message of restoration. This return will be like “a second exodus and far outside the glory of Israel’s exodus from Egypt.”[9]

The last three verses (19-21) express an affirmation as Jeremiah proclaims “not only the gathering of the Jewish remnant but also the coming of the Gentile nations from the ends of the earth to worship the true and living God of Israel.”[10] “O LORD, my strength and my fortress, My refuge in the day of affliction” can be our battle cry, our whisper in the darkness, our hope in difficulty. The chapter concludes with a powerful proclamation from God: And they shall know that My name is the LORD. This is the One, True Living God, this is I AM. “God wants us to know Him. When He chooses to reveal who He is and what He is like, there can be no doubt about His sovereignty.”[11]

Reflection

O LORD, my strength, and my stronghold,

And my refuge in the day of distress Jeremiah 16:19 

The times of Jeremiah are full of discontent and despair. In all this chaos, Jeremiah draws his courage and perseverance from God. Each week something speaks to me, and these words capture my heart.

Let me break the verse down, beginning with “O LORD”. This is the Hebrew YHWY that speaks of Yahweh, the One True God. It also implies Jehovah, with whom we have a personal or covenant relationship. This is the I AM who never changes, who always keeps His promises. This is Who I must pray to and plead with, call on and choose first.

In these words, there are three attributes of God that will help me. First, strength is the Hebrew word “oz” which means power or might, and this strength comes from Him, not me. This effort or force is provided for me. God is fierce in His boldness. Elohim is all-powerful. Second, there is the Hebrew word “maoz” for stronghold which means fortress, a place of shelter, a place of protection. God is my shelter. Jehovah-Jireh is the One who provides. Third, the metaphor of God as a refuge is given. The Hebrew word “manos” means safety, a place to escape, a place to flee. I think of a safe harbor or port in a storm. Immanuel reminds us that God is with us. These are ways God teaches us to know His name is LORD!

The last phrase to explore is the day of distress, the when God becomes these things for us. Of course, God is present in good times, although how easy to forget God when everything is good. Not only does every good thing come from God, but He loves to celebrate with us. Truthfully, we find the dark places the hardest, the times that disrupt our plans, our dreams, our lives. These days of distress can be anytime that we find ourselves in trouble. Times of anguish or anxiety, times that can break our hearts, times that can literally bring us to our knees require an extraordinary strength, a strength beyond us. El Shaddai is all-sufficient, the God of the mountains who says nothing is too hard. 

Holy Father, we call you many names for many reasons. In the silence of waiting, in the chaos of need, You come to me. You feed my soul with everlasting manna. I cannot prove You, but I can testify that God provides for me in mysterious and majestic ways. I do not understand the when or how or why of Your provision, but I trust that Your Goodness will always cover me in Christ. 

Application

Derek Kidner’s writes this about Judah in his commentary about the Book of Jeremiah: “[We] get some insight into Judah’s insensitivity to God, and her inverted scale of values, whereby the first commandment was the last to be considered. But to be amazed at her tolerance of other gods is to be no less amazed at a generation – our own – which prides itself on religious pluralism and is embarrassed at the exclusive claims of Christianity.”

·       *      What do you hear when you read the above statement?

·        *     Compare Judah and our world today. How is our “scale of values” inverted?

·         *    What is religious pluralism? (You may have to look that up…)

·         *    What is the difference between “religious pluralism” and “religious tolerance”

·         *        Relativism is a belief system that accepts all religions as equal while no one religion gives access to absolute truth. This is inclusivism. Where do you stand?

·           *      What absolute truth about God speaks loudest in your life?

 

Donna Oswalt

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[1] Chronological Life Application Study Bible Notes on Jeremiah, Introduction

[2] Be Decisive, Wiersbe, Warren W.; p76

[3] Ibid

[4] Walking the Ancient Paths, A Commentary on Jeremiah, Kaiser, Walter C.; p 211

[5] Ibid; p 212

[6] ESV Study Bible, notes on Jeremiah 16:9

[7] Ibid; notes on Jeremiah

[8] Be Decisive Wiersbe, Warren W; p 77

[9] Wiersbe Study Bible, notes Jeremiah 16:14,15

[10] Ibid; Jeremiah 16:19-21

[11] Blackaby Study Bible notes Jeremiah 16:21

Remember Me

Week 15 – Book of Jeremiah

Read: Jeremiah Chapter 15; God’s Shekinah Glory: Exodus 13:21-22, Exodus 24:16-18, Exodus 40:34-38, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, Ezekiel chapters 8-11

Background

Shekinah, a Hebrew word meaning dwelling, describes God’s visible presence in the world. Reference to God’s Glory, or His dwelling place, merge with such physical manifestations as a burning bush, a pillar of cloud, a pillar of fire, the Ark of the Covenant, the Tent of Meeting, the Tabernacle, the Mercy Seat, the Most Holy Place. To fulfill His plan to dwell with the people becomes the primary purpose of the Temple in the Old Testament. Despite God’s protection and blessings for Israel, their repeated disobedience creates destruction, and only emptiness remains when the glory of God departs the Temple. Shekinah Glory emphasizes God’s plan to dwell among His people and defines the intimate relationship God desires with us.

In the above readings, you can see some examples of God’s glory. There is a belief among the Jewish people that God will never leave the Temple. From the Presence of God with Israel in the desert, from Egypt through the next 400 years until Solomon dedicates the Temple, and for the next almost 400 years, God’s presence is with the people.

After King Solomon dies in 931 BC, the United Kingdom of Israel is divided into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Prophets warn of destruction without obedience to the one true God. The Assyrians conquer Israel, and Babylon will take the people of Judah into captivity, destroying Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC.

In Jeremiah Chapter 12 God declares, “I have forsaken My house…” which can mean the temple or the people. One of Jeremiah’s slightly younger contemporaries, the prophet Ezekiel, reveals in his “visions that the Glory of God [abandons] the Temple”.[1] Scripturally, Ezekiel writes in 10:18, “Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple.” According to various scholars, Yahweh’s glory leaves the Temple around 592 BC, with final destruction of Jerusalem occurring 586 BC. The Temple is destroyed, and the location of the Ark of the Covenant from the Holy of Holies remains a mystery still.

After 70 years, the Jews begin their return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. Prophets encourage the people to focus on God. Working through His people, God says, “Take courage … and work, for I am with you,”(Haggai 4:2-9), but this time He offers a future glory that will be greater. The Messiah will become Shekinah glory, God’s visible presence on the earth.

God does not desire to turn from His people or any community or nation, but He makes it clear that disobedience to His truths will have consequences. The “Abiding Presence of God” or shekinah glory represents God’s protection and guidance and never is to be kept inside a building. Jesus, the Messiah, comes to earth as a living presence of God, and after His resurrection, the Holy Spirit becomes the presence of God in the lives of Christians. “So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB) And the “greater future glory” will come when Jesus returns and establishes the New Jerusalem.

Study

Chapter 15 continues in the series (14-17) of Jeremiah’s messages and heartfelt prayers. Right away we see familiar Biblical heroes, prophets and leaders named Moses and Samuel. God says even these respected men of God could not intercede a rescue for Judah. The destiny of doom and death by sword and famine and captivity play out (vs 2-3). King Manasseh’s name comes up again, the worst, most wicked and longest ruling King of Judah. This is the reason God gives for His coming “horror”.

The people have forsaken Yahweh, and they “keep going backward”. God is “tired of relenting”. The Message says, “I’m tired of letting you off the hook.” The outcome is to scatter them. Their lack of repentance creates great loss. An image in verse 9 of a mother who bears “seven sons” refers to ‘7’ being a perfect number, and in “losing all she has represents Judah’s reversal of fortune.”[2]

Jeremiah begins his pity party by saying perhaps he should never have been born. After all, “everyone curses me.” Jeremiah states his case, “I’ve never hurt or harmed a soul… God knows I have done everything I could to help them… God knows how hard I’ve tried.” (V10-11 MSG) We see images of “iron” which indicates great strength and the destruction from the north is Babylon. God says, “For a fire has been kindled in My anger; it will burn on you.” (v 14)

Jeremiah begins his prayer or petition to God by saying, “You know, O LORD, remember me.” Going further Jeremiah asks God’s retribution or vengeance on his persecutors, pleading for safety. A great verse follows, “Your words become for me a joy and a delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name.” Recognizing the joy of God, of God’s holy word, of being called by God, Jeremiah acknowledges a great truth.

Then, he is back to justifying his behavior of standing alone outside the crowds, not joining the company of those against God. We see his loneliness and lack of friends, and what he calls “enduring pain”. Jeremiah makes his case, and his emotions are myriad – anger, hurt, fear. Jeremiah is not looking at God’s purposes but his own emotions. God is not upset that Jeremiah is sharing his heart. God desires us to bring our raw emotions to Him, to share our deepest wounds with Him. While God hears and knows his heart, Jeremiah is struggling with the stress and what he knows to be true.

R.E. Clements says this is “one of the great turning points… Jeremiah’s success as a prophet has not to be measured by the extent to which he had been able to persuade his hearers to listen to the word of God… but rather in the firmness and consistency with which he bore testimony to the righteous purpose and grand design of God.”[3] God replies to the prophet, “If you return, then I will restore you… You will become my spokesman.” (V19) The Message says, “Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for Me. Let your words change them.” God never tells Jeremiah it will be easy. He offers encouragement in the middle of truth, and sometimes this is hard to hear. God calls him for a righteous purpose – of speaking God’s message. So, stop whining and be about the task.

In return for Jeremiah’s faithfulness, God will make him strong like a “fortified wall of bronze.” God will deliver him from those who try to harm him, from “the hand of the wicked”. He reminds Jeremiah, “For I am with you to save you.” God uses strong action verbs like save and deliver and redeem. These are words in which we, too, can find assurance.

Reflection

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 ESV 

In Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, he writes that joy is a mark of the “authentic Christian . . . [one who is] on the way of salvation. Joy is characteristic of Christian pilgrimage.” Peterson continues, “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship, it is a consequence… it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.”[4] Jeremiah’s words reflect the decision to live in God’s abundance. Despite circumstances, God is constant and certain. His word speaks to us today, just as it did to Jeremiah.

Consuming God’s words helps us to consider God’s nature, God’s purpose, God’s design. Taking time to read and study and reflect on the Holy Scriptures, brings refreshment to the soul, restoration to the spirit. I have been making a playlist of songs that remind me of God’s goodness and promises, His power and presence. I believe Jeremiah could have used some of this encouragement. One of songs on my new play list is Evidence by Josh Baldwin. Consider the lyrics. If you have time, look it up the song and listen.

All throughout my history
Your faithfulness has walked beside me
The winter storms made way for spring
In every season, from where I'm standing
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life
Help me remember when I'm weak
Fear may come but fear will leave
You lead my heart to victory
You are my strength and You always will be
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life
See the cross, the empty grave
The evidence is endless
All my sin rolled away
Because of You, oh Jesus
See the cross, the empty grave
The evidence is endless
All my sin rolled away
Because of You, oh Jesus
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life
Why should I fear
The evidence is here
Why should I fear
The evidence is here [5] 

Application 

"The inevitable result of genuine salvation is joy! The joy found in Christ is like an inexhaustible well, satisfying the most desperate thirst."[6] 

·    *     As you journey through your current season, are you finding Real JOY? If not, perhaps you are looking in the wrong places. You do not have to wander alone in the dry, dark places. The Holy One is here! Christ is Real JOY! Let the promises of God mark you with joy!

·  *       Make your own encouraging playlist or Scripture-list or promise-list!

Donna Oswalt

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[1] Apologetics Study Bible Notes

[2] ESV Global Study Bible Notes on Jeremiah 15:9

[3] Jeremiah, Interpretation; Clements, RE, pg 123-24

[4] A Long Obedience in the Same Direction; Peterson, Eugene

[5] Evidence song lyrics; Baldwin, Josh

[6] Blackaby Study Bible Notes

The Cry of Jerusalem

Week 14 – Book of Jeremiah

Read: Jeremiah Chapter 14

Background

“The purpose of life is the building of character through truth, and you don’t build character by being a spectator.” – Phillip Brooks

What is character? The dictionary defines character as “features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.”[1] We understand character to be the qualities that might explain or express the habits, personality, reputation, or disposition of a person. Jeremiah’s character is tested and revealed and proven throughout the book of Jeremiah.

“Jeremiah’s life reminds us that God sometimes call us to take a difficult stand.”[2]  Jeremiah, a deep thinker with keen perspective, demonstrates some strong character components that serve him well in his appointed ministry. A strong spiritual relationship with God replenishes his faithfulness and obedience to God’s calling. Inner strength sustains Jeremiah in difficult times. Jeremiah exhibits, “qualities of courage, compassion, and sensitivity. He also [reveals] a darker side of moodiness, introspection, loneliness, doubt, and retribution toward his personal enemies.”[3]

Another character trait is compassion. Jeremiah, the author of Lamentations and called the weeping prophet, feels the suffering of his people, understands their grief. His empathy flows as he weeps for the people demonstrating love for the people. With passionate intercession to God, Jeremiah prays for a stubborn people. Laments evidences his love for the Hebrew people.

“Jeremiah depends on God’s love as he develops endurance.”[4] To make it through difficult times, endurance is required. Jeremiah reveals his courage by standing before the people, other prophets, priests, and kings as he delivers a divine but unfavorable message. Repeatedly, he brings the message which brings great risk to him. From responding to God to delivering the messages to seeing the prophesies fulfilled, Jeremiah endures. “The Lord who formed us, knows what particular services and purposes He intended us.”[5] Jeremiah is anointed by God for a specific purpose.

Study

Jeremiah delivers four messages in chapters 14-17. As we study Chapter 14, the time “reflects the panic and dismay of the people… to preserve life and home in the face of overwhelming military threats.”[6] Historical preservation of this era comes through a collection of broken pieces of pottery with written texts, that “grant glimpses into the last decades of the Kingdom of Judah.”[7] Most are military communications. Certainly, we see that these are stressful and uncertain times. These chapters are “dominated by laments: some from the people, some from the prophet, and some from God.”[8] The lesson is repeated and “nothing can be done now to stop the destruction.”[9]

Chapter 14 begins with the drought and the laments that follow. While Egypt benefits from the Nile River, Canaan depends on rain, the blessings God sends. In Deuteronomy 28:1-24 read about the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Drought is a consequence of turning from God. The people mourn, both rich and poor, both city dwellers and farmers. They “covered their heads” suggests mourning like a funeral procession. There is no water, the vessels are empty. The city of Jerusalem mourns, and the land mourns.

The confessions and pleadings in vs. 7-9 speak to their iniquities, acknowledge their sinfulness against God, and beg God not to leave them. God always knows the heart and recognizes these as insincere. “To weep because of the sufferings that sin causes is to show remorse but not repentance.”[10] God responds, “They have loved to wander.” He will not respond to their pleadings, and, for a third time (v 11) tells Jeremiah not to pray for these people. God says the people will be consumed by sword, famine, and pestilence.

Jeremiah tries to say the people have been influenced by false prophets giving a false vision and offering false hope and peace. God replies that “lies in My name” and “deceit in their heart” are no excuses. The prophesy of doom will happen. The idols of Canaan have no power to bring rain. God has two tests for false prophets: “True prophets or prophetesses in Israel: (1) their predictions must be 100 percent accurate (Dt. 18:20-22), and (2) their messages must agree with the law of God (Dt. 13:1-18).”[11] Any and all idol worship that is promoted or permitted comes from false prophets. God would never send a false message.

We see weeping for the difficulties coming, the pleading for mercy. In the last verses, the imagery helps to paint a picture for us. There is weeping for the “virgin daughter” that is Judah. No healing, rejection is found along with battles and famines. Religious leaders fail the people and God. Wickedness and iniquity prevail. After repeatedly breaking the covenant, the people are pleading for God, “Remember, do not break Your covenant with us.” They must be remiss in the parameters of this promise: rain as blessings for obedience and drought as consequence for disobedience. (Dt. 11:10,12; Lev. 26:3-5) “Therefore, we hope in You”. In the last verse, a great truth is spoken. God is our only hope!

Reflection

The lesson offers more visuals of destruction and disobedience, of disappointment and despair; yet, in the last thought we find hope. God is the only true hope. As Christians, we frequently seek our affirmations in the New Testament, but clearly the message of God’s hope resonates throughout the whole Bible. In Hebrews 6:19 NLT, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”  

This anchor for our souls symbolizes confidence, expectation, and assurance which encourages in uncertainty, endures through storms, promises beyond fear. Hope, like faith, believes what cannot be seen. God’s faithfulness secures our hope with Grace.

Throughout Holy Week and Easter, Christians all over the world remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the day of the crucifixion, at the moment when Jesus dies the curtain in the Temple that separates the Most Holy Place tears completely from top to bottom. Anchored and immovable, hope fills the inner sanctuary. Grace invites each believer to spiritually enter the presence of God. Jesus Christ is our Living Hope.

Holy One, I need hope in the darkness and courage in my doubt; I hold tight to this anchor when the storms of life make me weary. As I enter Your inner sanctuary, peace fills my soul. Great is Your faithfulness.

Application

Considering some of Jeremiah’s character traits, what are there some you desire but struggle to exhibit? Which one(s) do you think benefit(s) Jeremiah most frequently?

What parallels do you see in Jeremiah’s Judah and the world today? We understand that for them, they have reached the point of no turning around, that destruction is certain. What about us? Where is the hope for us?

Donna Oswalt

*Just an update, Chapter 13 was ¼ of the way through… This study guide includes 17,993 words so far and with a small font (11), fills 37 pages, with 53 references in addition to Scripture.

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[1] Dictionary.com/character

[2] Blackaby Study Bible notes, Blackaby, Intro to Jeremiah

[3] Walking the Ancient Paths, A Commentary on Jeremiah; Kaiser, Walter C, p 2

[4] Life Application Study Bible, Jeremiah, p 1123

[5] Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, Jeremiah

[6] Archaeological Study Bible; Jeremiah Chapter 14 commentary

[7] Ibid

[8] Walking the Ancient Paths; Kaiser, Walter C., p 189

[9] Ibid

[10] Wiersbe Study Bible; Wiersbe, Warren; commentary Jeremiah 14

[11] Ibid

This Is Your Portion

Week 13 – Book of Jeremiah

 

Read: Jeremiah Chapter 13

 

 

Background

“Jeremiah is an anthology or collection of writings drawn from an entire lifetime of prophetic ministry. The narrative sections scattered throughout the book are loosely structured around the main events of Jeremiah's life in ministry, which themselves were shaped by Judah's decline, fall, and exile in Babylon.”[1] The chronological order of Jeremiah varies, often depending on the Biblical historians. Most all agree, however, that the order of the Book of Jeremiah in the Holy Scriptures does not necessarily follow the historical sequence of events. 

Some divide Jeremiah into thematic categories such as “Judah’s Sin and Judgement” (Ch. 1-45), “Prophecies Against the Nations” (Ch. 46-51), and “A Sobering Ending” (Ch. 52).[2] Some commentaries like to order Jeremiah by topics to include judgement, preaching, hope, prophecy. Generally, most agree the timeline of events is between 627 and 585 BC, accounting for roughly 40 years of Jeremiah’s ministry. At another time, we will take an in-depth look at Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe who also figures prominently in Jeremiah. While some scholars question if Jeremiah is the author of fifty-two chapters, overall, they credit Jeremiah with authorship. 

Another way to look at Jeremiah is the varied structure of the book: “visions and prophesies of judgement as well as personal laments” (Ch. 1-24), “speeches of Jeremiah and stories about him” (Ch.25-45), “prophecies of restoration and comfort” (Ch. 30-33), “prophecies against the nations” (Ch. 46-51), and “historical appendix” (Ch. 52).[3] While the Book of Jeremiah follows one order in the original Hebrew writings, it follows “a different order in the Septuagint”[4] The messages are the same. 

The timeline of 627-586 or 585 BC follows the book’s progression although some events are re-told or referenced in later chapters. It can be unclear at times who is the ruling King of Judah, we know Josiah (640-609 BC) rules for thirty-one years and during Chapters 1-12, while in the latter chapters, his successors reign. In total, five kings rule Judah during the writings of Jeremiah, Josiah being the only one to truly worship Yahweh.

Scholars generally agree with the accuracy of the writings within the context of events. Chapter 1 and Chapter 52 serve as bookends to this collection. Chapter 1 is somewhat of an overview and gives some historical perspective. Chapter 52 describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple , but conclude with a message of hope. So, while not historically sequential and perhaps repetitive in its message, the Book of Jeremiah reveals the heart of God’s prophet and life of an obedient servant of God while bringing a most difficult message to Judah. 

Study

This is what commentaries call one of Jeremiah’s “object lessons” as he uses visual ideas like allegory and metaphor to make his point. This begins the chapter with the “linen sash”. Translations call this linen object various things such as sash, loincloth, waistband, girdle, and belt. Some suggest this is a undergarment that represents intimacy or an intimate relationship. Another suggestion is the sash represents part of the garments a priest wears (Exodus 28:4) and denotes holiness, dignity, and position. Whatever it is called, Jeremiah is told to go and bury the item. Then he is to return after some time and dig up the item, knowing it would be ruined.

Another debate arising among scholars, did Jeremiah go all the way to the “Euphrates” which is several hundred miles from Jerusalem and would take around 3-4 months travel time? Some suggest the ”Euphrates” may refer to “Perath [being] the same as Parah (Jos 18:23), near the modern Wadi Farah. Alternatively, it may refer to the Euphrates River.”[5] This would be only a short distance from Jerusalem. Perhaps the idea of such a long trip is indicated to make a point of significance. The meaning of a long journey and the ruined sash depicts Judah’s relationship with God as “profitable for nothing”. (v 7) God says, “I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.” (v 8)

God’s words close this section (v 11) with His hopeful promise and disappointed reality of the Hebrew people, “That they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.” Again, we see the unrepentant hearts of the people.

Another image lesson is the wine bottles. In verse 13, all the inhabitants will be filled with “drunkenness” and there will clash with each other. God affirms, “I will not pity or spare nor have mercy, but will destroy them.” This symbolizes a defeat, full of shame and pain. The next visual we are given is “darkness” in verse 16. There is stumbling on the “dark mountains”while “looking for light”.  Images of God leading the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years comes to mind, leading them as cloud by day and fire by night. Now prophesy says, “the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.” God will not protect them from invasion and captivity.

Verse 18 mentions “the king and to the queen mother” and may suggest king Jehoiachin. The leaders are filled with pride. “During Jehoiachin’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar’s armies besieged Jerusalem, and both Jehoiachin and Nehushta [his mother] surrendered. Jehoiachin was sent to Babylon and imprisoned (2 Kgs 24:1-15). Jeremiah’s prophecy came true”.[6]

We see Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, lament (v 17-20) for Judah, for “the LORD’s flock”. The leaders’ selfishness would lead to captivity, exploitation of the people and disobedience of all involved will bring doom. Verse 22 asks, “Why have these things come upon me?” It is like choosing one’s own way and then wondering about the consequences. God says He will “scatter” them like chaff, exactly what an agricultural culture could understand, the discarded part of the wheat from the threshing floor blows away just as wicked Judah – unnecessary and worthless. God reminds that their choices, their idol worship, and unrepentant hearts, “This is your lot, the portion of your measures from Me.” Trusting in falsehoods and participating in wickedness determines their outcome.

Reflection

One thought that keeps coming to my mind as I read and study the lesson this week is the part where God says, “This is your lot, the portions of your measures from Me… because you have forgotten Me and trusted in falsehood.” There is similar language that I remember in Psalms. David writes, “LORD, You alone are my portion and my cup; You make my lot secure.” (Psalm 16:5) These use the same words and phrasing but have opposite truths. Both are promises from God, but not both are good.

In Psalms, the verse is saying that the author, King David, chooses Yahweh as his portion or inheritance and our share of secure. Choosing God as our inheritance is about eternal life. God’s promise of redemption brings the security we need. Through Jesus, the Messiah, we find our inheritance which is grace unmeasured. When we place our faith in Christ, or use David’s words to claim that Jesus is “my portion”, everlasting life becomes our inheritance.

In this week’s lesson in Jeremiah, God is saying to Judah that they are His people, and as people of His covenant, this gives them an inheritance. Israel’s allotment first comes in the form of the Promised Land, a portion or inheritance from God to His people. The land is given, and God is their God, but disobedience and turning from God prompts His reply. NOW, God is saying maybe you do not want this land, you do not want me as the One True God. IF this is true, then, “This is your lot, the portions of your measures from Me.” God takes the land away allowing an army from the north to invade and capture them, to destroy and tear down their cities and the Temple.

As David concludes his psalm of praise, his faith in God recognizes His great blessings. “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) We, too, find our hearts full, and God alone is enough. While our paths may wind and roll through difficult times, our true inheritance is secure in Christ. The ‘path of life’ is to follow Jesus, to know the ‘fullness of joy’ in His presence, and to know at the end of this life, we have eternal life with Him. This is soul-security!

 

Application

As long as I can remember, my dad frequently used this phrase, “a leopard never changes his spots” when it was unlikely something (or someone) would actually change. For many years, I never knew where the phrase came from. In the lesson today, the question is rhetorically asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?” This example suggests that God knows the hearts of Judah and  their struggles with wickedness, and it is not likely they will change.

·         Do you have any bad habits that may have been with you a long time that are interfering with necessary changes for better?

·         Am I so accustomed to certain patterns of behavior that I cannot see better choices?

·         Am I stuck in a rut that is preventing me from spiritual growth? What will I do to change the outcome?

Donna Oswalt

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[1] ESV Study Bible Notes, Introduction to Jeremiah

[2] Swindoll, Charles R.

[3] Harper’s Bible Dictionary, Jeremiah, p. 456

[4] Ibid

[5] Archaeological Study Bible Notes, Jeremiah13:4

[6] Chronological Life Application Study Bible - Study Notes on Jeremiah

Questions and Answers

Week 12 – Book of Jeremiah

 Read: Jeremiah Chapter 12 

Background

In our Scripture today, Jeremiah asks some hard questions and learns some important lessons. These early years as a prophet bring stress and uncertainty. Of course, there are many examples of God’s servants getting weary. Moses finds himself discouraged, and Joshua wants to leave the Promised Land. Elijah wanders from his assigned place, so hopeless he wants to die. There are more whose human nature feels defeat or discouragement. “God doesn’t want us to ignore our feelings… but He does want us to trust Him to change our feelings and start walking in faith.”[1]

Jeremiah, having been faithful to speak God’s messages, now finds himself somewhat confused. In his prayer, he tries to make sense of all the pieces. Jeremiah is learning much about a life of service to God. One lesson Jeremiah learns is that “the life of godly service isn’t easy.”[2] Coming from a priestly family, surely, he understands the devotion and obedience necessary for serving, but his prophet role is different, harder, and brings dangers than the priesthood.

Another lesson Jeremiah discovers is that “the life of service becomes harder, not easier”[3] We will see examples of this in the lesson this week. The trials that seemed difficult are getting harder, more risky. The land is becoming more dangerous, the threat of invasion nearer, the potential for harm grows as peace diminishes. Even his own family and community question him, plot against him. 

“The life of service gets better as we grow more mature.”[4] While this lesson may seem just the opposite, Jeremiah is learning to depend on God as he faces increasing challenges. His faith grows during the chaos. Jeremiah improves his ministry skills. For all of us, our faith grows in the soils of uncertainty, of need, of dependency. “You don’t build character by being a spectator.”[5] Jeremiah discovers spiritual growth in the challenges. Challenges bring changes. Jeremiah’s lessons are lessons for us.

Study 

Our lesson opens with a section some Bibles title “Jeremiah’s Question” and others, “Jeremiah’s Prayer.” Clearly Jeremiah is calling out to God. “When I plead with You” suggests a desire to get a resolution or strive to discover an understanding or come to a resolution. We see Jeremiah in a “theological crisis” as he tries to make sense of how a holy God could allow evil to prosper. “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” God obviously allows this to happen.

Heart-felt words follow in verse 3 as Jeremiah verbalizes that God sees his heart, God tests his faithfulness. The second question Jeremiah asks, just like us, is “how long” will this trial last. In verse 4 Jeremiah sees the drought and recognizes this as one known consequence of sinful hearts. (see Leviticus 26 for the Blessings and Curses) While the evil leaders prosper, the people suffer. We, too, ask ‘why’ and ‘how long’ when struggles challenge us.

As Jeremiah’s questions end, God’s answers begin. In verse 5-6, instead of responding to the wicked, God gives Jeremiah somethings to think about. Telling Jeremiah that if he thinks it is hard now, just wait! Another teaching moment reveals that even Jeremiah’s “brothers” and family are plotting against him. God warns him to be careful. These lessons likely are not what Jeremiah expects, but God teaches him lessons to build him up, increase his character.

In the second part of God’s reply to Jeremiah (vs 7-17), words like ‘forsaken’ and ‘inheritance’ catch our attention, but these striking words stop us where we are, “I have given the beloved of My soul into the hands of her enemies.” This falls in the category of curses for not trusting the One True God. This land of Canaan, the Promised Land, is on loan to the people, is their inheritance. God is saying that He is taking it back. The land is being defiled by the people. Disobedience and false worship tarnish their inheritance. “Hate” in verse 8 represents rejection of the people who have become like enemies or adversaries of God. Persistent rebellion seals their fate.

God looks upon the land given with such hope and promise, but He sees a land that “mourns before Me”. The discipline will come from Babylon. Despite the harsh punishment, God’s hope reaches into the coming doom. Because God does not break His covenants, He will always love His people. In verse 15, we see God’s compassion, and His promise to bring them back to the land. The redemption picture Jeremiah paints includes punishment of their wicked neighbors, return of Judah from exile, compassion on the evil nations, and the restoration of each nation pending their response to God. Remember that God’s plan of redemption is always for all people.

Reflection 

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, they day we celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Children waving palm branches frequent our churches. Smiles fill the pews as we watch the sweet, innocent children. When Jesus enters Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, we read “He wept over” the city. Knowing that Jerusalem would fall and its people who turn from Him will perish, Jesus mourns this coming loss. (Luke 19:37-44)  In a short 40 years, Romans will conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple completely. The rejection of God’s plan brings consequences, but God’s plan for redemption remains for all people.

Today’s lesson speaks of Judah’s land in mourning. In the NLT God says, “I hear its mournful cry.” God hears the grief of the Promised Land waiting for its invasion. God understands grief (see vs 7-8) as He experiences losses too! We all experience various kinds of loss. There is the emotional pain of ingratitude or indifference. Disappointments bring situational changes and often loss. Failed marriages and family or friends struggling with addictions hurt the heart. Job loss and illnesses add stress to our lives. We mourn for the losses, for the endings, for the dreams that die with the relationships.

Wounding circumstances cause our hearts to be sad, and sometimes we question, like Jeremiah, ‘why’ and ‘how long’. Twenty-five centuries later, we still ask the same unanswerable questions. Truthfully, we live in a world that is fractured. Anything can happen! We must be careful not to impose our frustration or anger over circumstances on God. God’s unchanging goodness prevails in all times, as does His love for each of us. I recommend a relatively new song to me by Tasha Layton called “Into the Sea”. It has a chorus that we must claim in times of uncertainty: Though the mountains may be moved into the sea, though the ground beneath might crumble and give way, I can hear my Father singing over me, “It’s gonna be okay, it’s gonna be okay.” Take a listen to it! Trust in God’s forever-goodness.

Application

The commentaries bring up a word that may be new to some of us – theodicy (thee-OD-ud-see). While it may be a new word, the concept is as old as time. Theodicy is a “divine attribute, particularly holiness or justice, in allowing the existence of physical or moral evil.”[6] Like Rabbi Kushner’s book title, we often ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Two weeks ago, we looked at God’s Sovereignty. Ultimately, the simple answer to the question is that God is in charge, and He allows circumstances to occur. The New Testament in Romans (8:28) reminds us that God can use all things for His good. It is really a mystery for my frail mind to even consider how the mind of God works.

·         Sit with that question about ‘why do bad things happening to good people’. What questions/thoughts does it raise?

·         What about “good things that happen to undeserving people”? What thoughts come to your mind?

·         We believe God to be a good and righteous, all-mighty, all-knowing, all-powerful God. When difficult things happen to people we care about, we ask questions like Jeremiah, “Why” and “How Long”. Sometimes we question God’s intentions or His goodness. How do you defend God in situations like these?

Donna Oswalt

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[1] Be Decisive, Warren Wiersbe, p 76

[2] Wiersbe Study Bible, Warren Wiersbe, commentary on Jeremiah

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Dictionary.com

Broken Covenant

Week 11 – Book of Jeremiah

Read: Jeremiah Chapter 11; additional reading Deuteronomy 27, 28

Background

“Covenants are one of the most important themes in the Bible because they act as the skeletons upon which the entire redemptive story is built. They’re like the backbone of the Bible.”[1] Covenants fall into the category of a promise or an agreement or a contract and can be either unconditional or conditional. In the Old Testament, we find the term many, many times, and covenant is used in the New Testament multiple times. A covenant identifies a relationship, whether between God and humankind or person-to-person. The one great truth is that the LORD will never break His covenants. 

A conditional covenant usually is between two equal parties with each party bearing certain responsibilities. Some examples are treaties, business partnerships, contracts, friendship, and marriage to name a few. The covenant or agreement formalizes the relationship. Of course, if the respective parties do not keep the terms of the promises, these covenants can be broken. Business partnerships can be dissolved, financial agreements can be terminated, and divorce breaks the legal, civil marriage contract.

Some covenants bring together two unequal powers, a greater power with a lesser power. We see these types in the Bible in various forms. An example of this type of conditional covenant would be the Sinai Covenant (Exodus 19-24). God gives the law to the Hebrew people after rescuing them from Egyptian captivity, providing them with guidelines for living in what we call the Ten Commandments. This Covenant is between God and Israel, both making promises, and helps define their relationship. God expects obedience, and the people pledge such, but many times the people’s disobedience threatens to destroy this conditional covenant bringing repercussions. In our lesson today, we see repeated examples of how the people break the covenant. 

An unconditional covenant, however, is found between Abraham and God. God promises Abraham a great land, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great. You shall be a blessing. I will bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12) He goes on to make a formal covenant with Abraham giving the land of Canaan to his descendants (Genesis 15). Yahweh makes this promise unconditional. This means that regardless of the people’s response, God considers the covenant binding. 

In covenants, sometimes stipulations are given, such as obedience to the Law. Also a sign of a covenant is sometimes seen. The annual sacrament of Passover for the Jews is a sign to remember that God delivers them out of Egyptian bondage, rescues them, and provides the Law for them. For Abraham’s descendants, circumcision is a sign of the covenant. These signs and symbols are not the covenant rather an outward demonstration of recognizing the covenant.

In our lesson today, we see Jeremiah talking about the “broken covenant” which is the Sinai Covenant. Their repeated disobedience and apostasy revoke their previous agreements. The unconditional covenant God makes with Israel, that they are His people, and He is their God, is not broken. Why? God does not break His covenant promises. God still chooses the Hebrew people as His chosen people and does not break the relationship.

God chooses us, too. We will see in a few weeks where Jeremiah will prophesy about a New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the new, irrevocable, binding, unconditional covenant. He comes for all people. His grace cannot be purchased or earned. The Old Testament covenants lead the Hebrew people and the Gentiles toward a Messiah, toward righteous living. While the Law could never redeem mankind, it simply points out the need for redemption, for a repentant heart.

Study 

As Chapter 11 opens, God tells Jeremiah to say “Hear the words of this covenant”referring to the Sinai Covenant. In Exodus 19:5-6 read, “Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” This covenant begins some 500 years before this, with continued and repeated breaking of the agreement, repeated disobedience of the Hebrew people. Written into the covenant, the blessings and the curses continue to be revealed. You can read these in length in Deuteronomy 27 and 28. 

God desires obedience, to recognize and worship Him as the One True God, yet the people assume the standards of their culture worshiping Baal and many other false gods. In verse 6 God tells Jeremiah to proclaim the message in the “cities of Judah” and the “streets of Jerusalem”. God says, “Obey My voice,” but the people continue to follow their evil hearts. This is likely not long after Josiah renews the Covenant with the people and “All the people” pledge their re-commitment.

Reading in 2 Kings 23(NASB) we see, “Then [King Josiah] gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. The king went up to the house of the LORD and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.”

We find the word “conspiracy” in verse 9 revealing the people’s turning from God and refusing to hear God’s word. Both the House of Israel and House of Judah are accused of breaking the covenant. “The conspiring against the king was actually a hidden rebellion against God’s covenant and reforms that Josiah was busy to lead.”[2] Calamity is coming and there will be no escape. Still the people continue to burn incense and cry out to their empty gods. Again, God tells Jeremiah that praying for the people is not beneficial. The people’s empty rituals  and compromised worship guarantees the impending destruction. “The redeemed people were instructed in the covenant at Sinai concerning how they should live. Obedience to this law could not save them. But continual and hard-hearted disregard of it brought the consequent curses of the covenant upon them.”[3]

The Olive Tree represents fruitfulness, a symbol of economic prosperity. A storm is on the horizon that will bring “fire” and result in “broken” branches. Their own wickedness is the catalyst for the storm. In verses 18-20 we discover a plot to take out Jeremiah. This conspiracy against Jeremiah comes from the “rejection of God’s word.” In closing, we find God states His intention of protection, to protect His word and His prophet. “Throughout the book of Jeremiah and the books of the other canonical prophets we are startled by repeated reminders that the faithlessness of Israel and Judah cannot frustrate God’s sovereign grace. He has determined to have a remnant of faithful people among whom he will dwell in glory.”[4] 

Reflection

Warren Wiersbe writes that what and how we worship are essential in determining “the character of life itself.” Reflecting a lifestyle pleasing to God, the the Ten Commandments provide standards of righteous living, offer examples of visible, outward behavior. Ethical living defines integrity and exceeds head knowledge by calling for a heart response. Our inner character writes the story our living tells others.

In chapters 11-20 of Jeremiah, we find what some scholars call the confessions of Jeremiah. These reveal more of Jeremiah’s inner emotions, personal conflict, and spiritual wrestling. In today’s lesson in verse 19a we read Jeremiah’s heart, “But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter.” We also read in that the “men of Anathoth” are seeking to take Jeremiah’s life. Even his own hometown is turning against him with plots to murder him. Jeremiah, despite his anxiety about this, did not stop sharing the message God gives him.

The Holy Scriptures reveal the character and holiness of God, record the history of God's prophecies and their fulfillment, teach the way of repentance and redemption through Christ, establish the guidelines for righteous and holy living, and define hope as God's promise of eternal life. With precepts and promises, prophets and parables, God's story of redemption and restoration enfolds us. Within the pages of this ancient text, we discover God's ultimate plan for humanity. Jesus Christ, His Word in the flesh (John 1:14), proclaims God's truth and love and hope for the world. Reading this holy and living book gives us a taste of eternity and the goodness of God. In reply, our lives tell the Jesus-story we hold most dearly.

Application

·         What are some of the things that interfere with or sabotage our prayers? Some of the problems of Judah are our problems, too! Examples: wrong motives, insecurity, hypocrisy, sinful habits, disobedience…

·         God desires to hear our prayers. Read Psalm 139. Explore God’s profound interest in our thoughts and lives.

Donna Oswalt

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[1] BibleProject.com/blog/covenants -the-backbone-bible/

[2] Wiersbe Study Bible, Warren Wiersbe, Jeremiah 11 commentary

[3] Gospel Transformation Study Bible Notes, Jeremiah 11 commentary

[4] Ibid