Prophets, Prophecy and the People of God

Transcription

1 Lesson 9-1 Prophets, Prophecy and the People of God The books of Jeremiah and Lamentations I. Introduction. A. Jeremiah "the weeping prophet": 1. Jeremiah's task as a prophet of God was heartbreaking. a. He saw the destructive path the people of Judah took. b. Although he warned them of the consequences they were about to face, no one listened they actually turned against him. 2. He is called the weeping prophet because he felt deep sorrow and grief over the unrighteousness of the people. a. They had forsaken God and trusted in idols (Jer 2:5, 8-13, 19). b. Jeremiah was heartbroken because he their impending fate (Jer 4:19-20). b. The false prophets, corrupt priests and the people who followed them were all guilty (Jer 5:30-31). c. They no longer felt shame (Jer 6:10-16). d. Jeremiah grieved over God's people and wept for them (Jer 8:21-22; 13:17). e. He was so grieved over his burden that he even lamented the day of his birth (Jer 20:14-18). B. The man Jeremiah: 1. The name "Jeremiah" means "Jehovah exalts". 2. Jeremiah was the son of the priest Hilkiah (Jer 1:1). a. Like Ezekiel (Ezek 1:3) he was from a priestly family as well as being a prophet of God. b. He came from Anathoth ("in the land of Benjamin"), a village two or three miles northwest of Jerusalem (Jer 1:1). c. Jeremiah never married, but dedicated his life to the work for which God called him (Jer 16:2-5). 3. God called Jeremiah as a young man and gave him the difficult task of warning the people of God of impending judgment (Jer 1:4-10).

2 Lesson 9-2 a. The task God had given him was completely contrary to his own personal nature. (1). "We find him sensitive to a most painful degree, timid, shy, hopeless, despondent, constantly complaining and dissatisfied with the course of events, but rather unflinching in execution; as fearless when he had to face the whole world as he was dispirited and prone to murmuring when along with God. Judged by his own estimate of himself, he was feeble, and his mission a failure; really, in the hour of action when duty called him, he was in very truth 'a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land' (1:18). He was a noble example of the triumph of the moral over the physical nature." 1 b. Unfortunately, his message was not only rejected by the people, he was also considered to be a traitor. c. During the forty years of his ministry he never received a positive response. d. No wonder he is often called "the weeping prophet." 4. Jeremiah was also a man of patient perseverance he never quit despite enormous obstacles. a. Men from his own hometown plotted to kill him (Jer 11:18-23). b. His reputation was slandered (Jer 18:18). c. He was scourged (beaten) and put in stocks (Jer 19:14 20:6). d. Urijah, a fellow prophet, was killed (Jer 26:20-24). e. Jeremiah was charged with treason and imprison (Jer 37:11-15). f. He was given only bread (Jer 37:16-21). g. He was put into a pit of filth, only to be rescued later (Jer 38:4-6, 10-13). 5. Anyone who has ever felt discouraged in the work of the Lord should read Jeremiah. a. The prophet could have become cynical by the indifference of the people, vindictive because of the way they persecuted him, or even felt selfrighteous in comparison to their ungodliness. b. But none of those things described Jeremiah. c. He put his faith in God, not in the people. Since people will also disappoint us, we must likewise trust in God only. d. Despite being discouraged, he said God's word was like a "burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jer 20:7-9). He never gave up the fight nor ceased proclaiming God's word. 1 William Smith, Smith Bible Dictionary, p. 289

3 Lesson 9-3 C. The Date: 1. The usual dates given to the work of Jeremiah are from 627 to 586 BC. a. Jeremiah began his work as a prophet in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah (Jer 1:2; 25:3). b. After the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC), Nebuchadnezzar allowed Jeremiah to remain in Jerusalem. c. However when Gedaliah was slain, whom Nebuchadnezzar had appointed governor, those responsible fled to Egypt taking Jeremiah with them (Jer 40-44). d. Tradition says Jeremiah died in Egypt, although there is no evidence to confirm or deny this belief. 2. Literary prophets' contemporary with Jeremiah were: a. Zephaniah ( BC); Nahum ( BC); Habakkuk ( BC) b. Daniel ( BC); Ezekiel ( BC) 12 II. Historical Background. A. The northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians in 721 BC. 1. God had raised up many prophets during the time of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel one of the darkest periods in the history of God's people. a. Many of those prophets were contemporaries of one another even though they may not have associated together. b. Some prophesied to the people and kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, while others appealed to the people and kings of the southern kingdom of Judah. c. During the 209-year history of the kingdom of Israel, 19 kings 3 ruled the ten tribes. Every king of Israel rebelled against God to one degree or another and took the people of Israel deeper and deeper into idolatry and immorality. 2. Eventually God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel and its capital of Samaria to be destroyed by Assyrians (721 BC). Many of the survivors were carried away into Assyrian captivity and scattered throughout the empire. 3. When the Assyrian capital of Nineveh was destroyed (c BC), the Assyrian Empire fell to the Babylonians. 2 Daniel and Ezekiel were both taken to Babylon as captives and would have been younger contemporaries of Jeremiah. There is nothing to confirm that they spent time together or conferred with one another. 3 Counting Tibni (1 Kgs 16:21-22), there were a total number of 20 kings. However, Tibni only ruled over have the people while Omri ruled the other half. Eventually "the people who followed Omri prevailed over the people who followed Tibni" and Omri became the sole monarch.

4 Lesson 9-4 B. The southern kingdom of Judah would soon face the same fate as the ten northern tribes of Israel. 1. The southern kingdom of Judah managed to survive longer only because Judah was ruled by several righteous kings Hezekiah ( BC) was one of the best (Isa 37). He was influenced by the prophets Isaiah and Micah. 2. Unfortunately, soon after the death of Hezekiah, his son Manasseh ( BC) took the throne and reinstituted all the idolatrous worship of the past. a. Judah became so morally corrupt they even began practicing the horrible sins of their northern counterpart by offering their own children in sacrifice to the pagan god Molech (Jer 7:30-31; 32:35). b. Although Manasseh later regretted what he had done and tried to turn the tide, it was too late. c. His son Amon ( ) continued in the evil ways of his father. 3. Josiah ( BC) attempted to reform Judah by tearing down alters and high places of worship to pagan gods, but his reforms had only minimal effect. a. Jeremiah respected Josiah and lamented the death of the king (cf. 2 Chr 35:25). b. But the people forgot Josiah's reforms and returned to their idolatry (Jer 3:10). 4. Jehoahaz (608 BC) reigned only three months before he was taken captive by the Egyptians. He was followed by Jehoiakim ( BC). a. The moral and religious decline continued in Judah and Jerusalem. 5. Therefore, God raised up Nebuchadnezzar "My servant" to bring the Lord's judgment against Jerusalem and to destroy the temple. a. The first siege of Jerusalem began in 605 BC during the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim. Nebuchadnezzar took captive thousands of Judah's finest, including Daniel and other young people (Dan 1:1-2; Jer 25:1-11). b. Eight years later (during the fourth year of Jehoiachin, also called Jeconiah and Coniah) Nebuchadnezzar removed Jehoiachin as king and took captive an additional 10,000 Jews, among whom was Ezekiel (2 Kgs 24:10-17; Ezek 1:1-3). c. Zedekiah was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to rule Jerusalem, although he was never accepted by the people during the eleven years of his reign. d. When Zedekiah revolted against the Babylonians, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem again and eventually destroyed the city and its temple (2 Kgs 25:1-7). 6. Although Jeremiah's message concerning Jerusalem and Judah had been a message of doom, there was also a message of hope for those who would be taken in captivity they would return after seventy years (Jer 25:11; 29:10).

5 Lesson 9-5 a. Jeremiah chapters are often called "The Book of Consolation" because Jeremiah spoke of the return of the Jews to Israel after the captivity, but also prophesied of the Messianic era when the promises made to Abraham would be fulfilled in a spiritual remnant. b. Judah did eventually return. (1). The first remnant returned in 536 BC under the leadership of Zerubbabel (see Ezra and Nehemiah). (2). A second remnant returned under Ezra (457 BC) and a third under Nehemiah (444 BC). (3). Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, would come from this remnant who returned from captivity, and would ultimately be the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham and the patriarchs (Gen 12:3; Gal 3:7-8; 26-29). III. Difficulties studying Jeremiah. A. The book does not seem to follow an orderly sequence of events, chronology, or subject matter. 1. This makes Jeremiah a difficult book to organize logically. a. However, it is possible to arrange the book (at least in part) in the chronological order of the reign of the kings of Judah. 4 (1). Josiah ( BC) chapters (2). Jehoiakim ( BC) chapters 25 26; 35 36; 45. (3). Zedekiah ( BC) chapters 21 24; 27 29; 34; 37 39; (4). Fall of Jerusalem chapter 52. (5). After the fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) chapters b. Undated messages: (1). The Book of Consolation chapters (2). Judgment upon the heathen nations chapters IV. The book of Jeremiah. A. There are five primary sections to the book of Jeremiah. 1. Section one (Jer 1 20) a. Jeremiah was called by God, "to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of 4 L.A. Mott, Jr., Notebook on Jeremiah, Bible Studies Corp., Silver Springs, FL

6 Lesson 9-6 Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month." (1:2-3) b. During the reign of king Josiah, Jeremiah's message depicted the sinful state of Judah and its need for wholesale repentance. (1). People of Judah had forsaken God (2:11-13; 17:13). The people could no longer blush over sin (6:13-15; 8:12). (2). A time of false prophets and wicked priests and idolatrous worship (5:30-31; 6:13-14; 10:2-5). (3). Consequences for breaking God's covenant (11:1-13; 12:7-17; 14:11-12). (4). God's power over the nations symbolized in the potter and the clay (18:1-17). c. This covers a timespan of approximately 19 years ( BC). 2. Section two (Jer 21 39). a. Jeremiah made specific predictions in this section during the reign of kings Jehoiakim ( BC) and Zedekiah ( BC). (1). Kings of Judah were warned (21:11 22:30). (2). Messianic hope God would raise up to David a righteous Branch (Jesus) (23:1-8). (3). Prophecy that people of Judah would spend 70 years in Babylonian captivity (25:8-14; 29:8-14). (4). Israel and Judah promised they would both return to the land (30:1-24). (5). What to expect when the righteous Branch (Jesus) comes (33:1-26). (6). The promise of a new covenant (31:31-34) and spiritual Israel shall never cease and spiritual Jerusalem shall never fall. (7). Judah's "obedience" and "faithfulness" came only in times of fear and peril (34:1-22). (8). Jerusalem fell as Jeremiah had prophesied (39:1-10). b. This covers a timespan of approximately 22 years ( BC). 3. Section three (Jer 40 44) a. After the fall of Jerusalem. b. Within three months of the fall of Jerusalem, resentment grew against Gedaliah whom Nebuchadnezzar had appointed governor of the territory, including Judah.

7 Lesson 9-7 (1). Despite warnings of a plot against him, Gedaliah was murdered by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, "of the seed royal" along with a number of Jews (Jer 40:8 41:10). (2). Following Ishmael's defeat, a remnant fled to Egypt. But Jeremiah prophesied they would not escape Nebuchadnezzar's reach (43:1-13). (3). Jews who fled to Egypt were warned against idolatry, but forsook the Lord and worshiped the "queen of heaven" (44:1-19) (4). The Lord promised they would be punished (44:20-30). c. Unknown period of time. 4. Section four (Jer 45 51). a. Baruch, to whom Jeremiah dictated his prophecies, was given assurance (45:1-5) b. Prophesies of God against the nations. (1). Egypt (46:1-28). (2). Philistines (47:1-7). (3). Moab (48:1-47). (4). Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam (49:1-39) (5). Babylon (50:1-46) c. The Medes would be God's instrument of vengeance against Babylon (51:1-14). d. Unknown period of time. 5. Section five (Jer 52) a. Historical account of the fall of Jerusalem (52:1-34). V. Things to look for in Jeremiah (as in all books of prophecy). A. Consider the present spiritual condition of the people to whom the prophet spoke. 1. The message of God's prophets usually had relevant meaning to the people in the prophet's own day. 2. Therefore, we must learn what prompted God to send a particular message through His prophets to the people. 3. The call to repent or perish was a common theme among the prophets.

8 Lesson 9-8 B. Consider God's judgment against the nations. 1. God was not simply the Lord of Israel, but the God who ruled among all the nations of men whether or not they acknowledged His rule. 2. Therefore, at times God directed the message of the prophets to Israel's enemies, warning them of the fate they faced for persecuting and taking advantage of God's people. C. Consider Messianic prophecies. 1. The prophet's message concerned the current conditions among God's people, rebuking them for the wickedness and warning them of the consequences of their rebellion. 2. But there were also prophecies concerning a hope for future generations through the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. a. Prophecies about Christ and the spiritual blessings associated with His spiritual kingdom are often intermingled with assurances that God would keep His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. b. The Lord did not completely destroy the rebellious nation of Israel, but spared a remnant through which the promises of the Messiah would be fulfilled. VI. Messianic and kingdom prophecies of Jeremiah. A. The history of Christ in Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" 5 (Jer 30 33) 1. Shall serve "David," the "Branch", Jesus Christ (Jer 30:9; 33:14-16; 23:5-8; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:30-36). 2. They will be the people of God ("My people") (Jer 30:22; 31:1, 7, 14, 33; 32:38; 33:24; 2 Cor 6:14-18). 3. Fulfilled in the "latter days" (Jer 30:22-24; Dan 2:28; Isa 2:2-4; Hos 3:5; Joel 2:28-32; Jer 48:47; Acts 2:16-17; Heb 1:1-2). 4. Israel shall return to Zion (Jer 31:6; Isa 2:2-3; Mic 4:6-7; Jer 3:14-18; 32:36-44; Heb 12:22-23). 5. A remnant shall be saved (Jer 31:7; Isa 10:20-22; Rom 9:27-28; 11:5). 6. Bitter weeping at His birth (Jer 31:15; Matt 2:17). 7. Individual judgment (Jer 31:29-30; Gal 6:5-8; Rom 2:5-11; 14:12). 8. A new covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:7-11; 10:16-17; Jer 50:5). 9. Seed of Israel shall continue (Jer 31:35-37; Gal 3:26-29; 6:16; Rom 9:6-8). 10. Spiritual Jerusalem will never fall (Jer 31:38-40; Dan 2:44; Heb 12:22-28). 5 Corresponding prophecies in other books of the Old Testament.

9 Lesson He will be a King and Priest forever (Jer 33:17-18; Zech 6:12-13; Heb 7:25-28; 8:1; 9:11-12; 10:8-14). VII. Complete Outline of Jeremiah: 6 I. Introduction: A. Jeremiah called (Jer 1). 1. The time of Jeremiah's ministry (1:1-3). 2. Jeremiah's call (1:4-10). 3. Signs of God's assurance (1:11-19). a. The almond tree God's concern for His word (1:11-12). b. The boiling pot ominous judgment (1:13-16). c. God promised protection (1:17-19). II. Prophecies concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the time of Josiah. (Jer 2 20). A. The Lord indicted Israel: "My people have forsaken Me" (2:1 3:5). 1. Israel rejected God's lovingkindness (2:1-8). 2. Israel changed the glory of God for that which is unprofitable (2:9-13). 3. Israel brought suffering on itself because of apostasy (2:14-19). 4. Seven illustrations (metaphors) depict Israel's stubborn rejection (2:20-28). a. Like a harlot (v. 20). b. Like a vine (v. 21). c. Like a stain (v. 22). d. Like a roving camel (v. 23). e. Like a wild donkey (v. 24). f. Like an unfaithful lover (v. 25). g. Like a thief caught in the act (vs ). 5. Why did Israel claim innocence? (2:29-37). 6. God's call to repentance: Why not cry, "My Father"? (3:1-5). B. The Lord pleaded for repentance and promised destruction for those who reject (3:6 6:30). 1. Judah didn't learn from the fate of her sister Israel (3:6-11). 2. God called to His people, "Return, O backsliding children" (3:12 4:4). a. The Lord invited Israel to repent (3:12-13). b. Blessings promised to those who return (3:14-25). (1). God will bring them "to Zion" (cf. Heb 12:22, 28). (2). They will have a new covenant (cf. Heb 9:11-15, 24). (3). Jerusalem will be called the throne of God (cf. Heb 12:22-28; Gal 4:22-31; Eph 1:20-23). 6 Outline based on: Robert Harkrider, Isaiah, Trust in the Holy One of Israel; The "Bible Speaks" Series: A Study Book for Teachers and Students, 1986

10 Lesson 9-10 (4). All nations will be gathered to it (cf. Isa 2:2-3; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:5-12). (5). They will not walk with a stubborn heart (cf. Heb 10:16-17). (6). The house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel again (cf. Heb 8:6-13). c. Repentance must be wholehearted (4:1-4). 3. Destruction was coming because Judah rejected God (4:5-18). 4. Jeremiah grieved over the desolation they will suffer (4:19-31). 5. Several reasons justified the impending judgment from God (Isa 5). a. They refused to return to the Lord (5:1-6). b. They committed sexual immorality (5:7-9). c. They lied about the Lord (5:10-19). d. They had no fear of the Lord (5:19-24). e. They refused to care for the fatherless and needy (5:25-29). f. The people loved it this way therefore everyone was guilty (5:30-31). 6. Prepare for war flee from Jerusalem (6:1-9). 7. Judah's only hope was to seek the old paths and walk in them (6:10-30). a. They had been deceived by prosperity, false prophets, and corrupt priests no one desired Jeremiah's message (6:10-16). b. Their refusal made them like worthless silver (6:17-30). C. False religion and its deception (Jer 7 10). 1. Trusting in the temple, offering prayers and sacrifices was all in vain unless accompanied by sincere obedience (7:1-28). a. Do not trust in "lying words" presumptuous worship cannot save (7:1-15). b. Prayers will not benefit because of idolatrous hearts (7:16-20). c. Sacrifices are also worthless unless accompanied by obedience (7:21-28). d. The Lord's rejection of this generation because of hypocrisy (7:29-34). 2. Apostasy from God's way resulted in punishment (8:1-22). a. Death will be desired rather than life (8:1-3). b. Judah's stubbornness led them into perpetual backsliding (8:4-12). c. They may look for peace, but will find only trouble (8:13-17). d. Jeremiah grieved over the fate of Judah (8:18-22). 3. Religion guided by the imagination of man's heart was corrupt (9:1-26). a. Judah proceeded from evil to evil by refusing to know God's ways (9:1-9). b. They will be scattered because they have forsaken God's laws (9:10-16). c. Mourners are called to sing the death song for those who have rejected the wisdom and glory of the Lord (9:17-26). 4. It is not in man that walks to direct his steps (10:1-25). a. Do not learn the way of the heathen with their idols (10:1-5).

11 Lesson 9-11 b. The Lord is the true and living God (10:6-16). c. Serving any other than the Lord will bring grief (10:17-25). D. The consequences of Judah rejecting God's covenant (Jer 11 20). 1. Judah was unfaithful to the covenant made with God (11:1-17). a. They were reminded of the words of the covenant (11:1-8). b. Judah had turned back to the iniquity of their fathers (11:9-17). 2. As they reject God, they reject His prophets (11:18 12:17). a. The plot to take the life of Jeremiah (11:18-23). b. Jeremiah was despondent and asked, "Why does the way of the wicked prosper"? (12:1-6). c. The day was coming when they shall be destroyed (12:7-17). 3. The pride of Judah preceded captivity (13:1-27). a. The linen sash and broken bottle symbolized their pride (13:1-14). b. They were astonished to hear, "do not be proud humble yourselves" (13:15-27). 4. God will not hear their plea when trouble comes (14:1 15:9). a. A severe drought came upon the land bringing sorrow (14:1-6). b. Jeremiah's first petition rejected (14:7-12). c. Jeremiah's second petition rejected (14:13-18). d. Jeremiah's third petition rejected (14:19-15:9). 5. Jeremiah became despondent but the Lord gave him renewal and assurance (15:10-21). a. Rejection caused Jeremiah's agony (15:10-14). b. Jeremiah expressed his joy and pain over God's word (15:15-18). c. The Lord's reply (15:19-21). 6. Impending judgment was coming that will cause them to know God's name "The Lord" (Jer 16) a. In anticipation of Judah's fate Jeremiah was given three commands (16:1-9). b. Jeremiah was told what to say when asked the cause of this fate (16:10-18). c. God's name must be vindicated (16:19-21). 7. Those who do not trust in the Lord shall be cursed (Jer 17). a. The sin of Judah was firmly written (17:1-13). b. Jeremiah prayed for deliverance (17:14-18). c. The way of safety was set before them: "Keep the Law" (17:19-27). 8. The potter and the clay symbolized God's power over the nations (Jer 18). a. The potter does as he pleases with the clay (18:1-10). b. Jeremiah applied this symbol to God's dealing with the Israelites (18:11-17). c. The leaders reacted by devising a plot against Jeremiah (18:18-23). 9. The broken flask illustrated the nations will not be made whole again (Jer 19). a. Jeremiah bought a potter's earthen flask and spoke to the leaders (19:1-9).

12 Lesson 9-12 b. He broke the flask to teach them about Judah's future (19:10-15). 10. Jeremiah expressed his inner pain over Judah's reaction to his ministry (Jer 20). a. Jeremiah was arrested and put in stocks (20:1-6). b. Jeremiah confessed to the Lord his thoughts to stop preaching, but he could not quit (20:7-13). c. However, in deep despondency Jeremiah cursed the day of his birth (20:14-18). III. Prophecies of specific events during the time of Jehoiakim ( BC) and Zedekiah ( BC) (Jer 21 39) A. Woe to Zedekiah (Jer 21 24). 1. The king was assured Jerusalem would be taken captive by the Babylonians (21:1-10). a. Zedekiah requested Jeremiah to plead for the Lord's help (21:1-2). b. The Lord refused to spare Jerusalem the way of life and death was set before them (21:3-10). 2. Prophecies were made against the ungodly kings of Judah (21:11-22:30). a. Zedekiah change your ways or perish (21:11 22:10). b. Jehoahaz (Shallum) shall see this land no more (22:11-17). c. Jehoiakim (Eliakim) shall be buried beyond the gates of Jerusalem (22:18-23). d. Coniah (Jehoiachin, Jeconiah) none of his seed shall rule any longer in Judah (22:24-30). 3. The righteous Branch of David was promised (23:1-8). a. Woe to the shepherds who destroyed and scattered God's sheep (23:1-4). b. The Lord will raise unto David a righteous Branch (23:5-6; cf. 33:15-16). c. In His days Judah shall be saved and dwell safely (23:7-8). 4. Woe to false prophets (23:9-40). a. They strengthen the hands of evildoers (23:9-15). b. They spoke the visions of their own hearts (23:16-22). c. God was against lying prophets (23:23-32). d. They became a "burden" and will be punished (23:33-40). 5. Two baskets of figs illustrated the condition of God's people (Jer 24). a. The basket of good figs (24:1-7). b. The basket of bad figs (24:8-10). B. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim (Jer 25 26). 1. The significance of the fourth year of Jehoiakim. a. Jeremiah referred to this period four times (25:1; 36:1; 45:1; 46:1). b. In 606 BC Babylon defeated Egypt in the battle of Carchemish an event that affected the entire eastern world. (1). After the fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians (612 BC), the Assyrian Empire was permanently destroyed.

13 Lesson 9-13 (2). However, Egypt continued to challenge Babylon's might and power. (3). Nebuchadnezzar soundly defeated Pharaoh at the battle of Carchemish. c. Nebuchadnezzar began his reign as Babylon's king (605 BC) (cf. Jer 25:1). (1). After the defeat of the Egyptians at Carchemish, the Babylonians pursued the Egyptians south toward Egypt. (2). Upon reaching the area of Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar learned of the death of his father, Nabopolassar, and returned to Babylon. (3). When Nebuchadnezzar returned he took a number of Jewish captives back to Babylon. (4). Daniel was taken captive to Babylon (605 BC) (cf. Dan 1:1) during the "third year" (Babylonians did not count the year of ascension to the throne). (a). The Hebrews would consider this the "fourth year" while the Babylonians would consider it the "third year". 2. Three pivotal reasons why Chapter 25 is important. a. Jeremiah's first twenty-three years are summarized (25:1-7). b. The prophecy that God's people will spend 70 years in Babylonian captivity (25:8-14). c. The prophecy that God's fury will fall on the Gentile nations (25:14-38). 3. Jeremiah's faithfulness in time of oppression and danger (26:1-24). a. Jeremiah's sermon in the temple (26:1-7). b. Jeremiah was arrested and accused of being worthy of death (26:8-19). c. The prophet Urijah was put to death by Jehoiakim (26:20-24). C. In the fourth year of Zedekiah (Jer 27 29). 1. Babylon was described as God's yoke on Judah and the surrounding nations (Jer 27). a. A message was sent to the nations (27:1-11). b. A warning was given to Zedekiah (27:12-15). c. The priests and people were warned (27:16-22). 2. Jeremiah vs. Hananiah: Who is God's true prophet? (Jer 28). a. Hananiah predicted a return of the exiles within two years (28:1-4). b. Jeremiah's response to Hananiah (28:5-11). c. Jeremiah charged Hananiah with teaching rebellion against the Lord (28:12-17). 3. Jeremiah's letter to the captives in Babylon (Jer 29). a. He sent a message urging peaceful submission, and to not heed false prophets among them (29:1-9). b. They will remain in Babylon for seventy years (29:10-14). c. Punishment will come upon those left in Jerusalem (29:15-20). d. The false prophets will be delivered to Nebuchadnezzar (29:21-32).

14 Lesson 9-14 D. The Book of Consolation (Jer 30 33). 1. Israel and Judah were promised they shall both return to the land (Jer 30). a. This prophecy of deliverance was to be written in a book (30:1-11). b. The Lord would heal their wound while punishing their enemies (30:12-17). c. Those in captivity will return and be established (30:18-24). 2. Blessings that will occur during the period of the restoration (Jer 31). a. The Lord will save His people (31:1-14). b. Sorrow will be turned into joy when Ephraim returns (31:15-22). c. Judah will also return and be established (31:23-26). d. A new attitude will be found (31:27-30). e. A new covenant will be given (31:31-34). f. The seed of Israel will never cease, and spiritual Jerusalem will never fall (31:35-40). 3. Jeremiah bought property (587 BC) to assure Judah will return (Jer 32). a. Jeremiah was imprisoned in the court of the guard (32:1-5). b. He purchased the field of his cousin, Hanamel (32:6-15). c. Jeremiah prayed for understanding (32:16-25). d. The Lord's answer (32:26-44). 4. A description was given of the future when the Branch of rightlessness comes (Jer 33). a. Joy, praise, and honor to God will come when Judah returns (33:1-13). b. David's throne and the priesthood will be established again (33:14-18). c. These promises are as firm as the covenant of day and night (33:19-26). E. Contrast in attitudes, and obedience vs. disobedience, are illustrated by events during the reigns of Zedekiah and Jehoiakim (Jer 34 36). 1. Under Zedekiah, Judah hypocritically "obeyed" out of fear (Jer 34). a. When Babylon appeared, Jerusalem released their slaves (34:1-10). b. When deliverance seemed probable, they ignored God's law and brought the slaves back (34:11-22). 2. Under Jehoiakim the Rechabites were an example of sincere obedience (Jer 35). a. They faithfully obeyed their father (35:1-11). b. Israel would have been blessed if they obeyed their "Father" (35:12-19). 3. Jehoiakim demonstrated arrogant rebellion (Jer 36). a. Baruch wrote the prophecy in a book (36:1-8). b. The book was read in the temple and to the princes (36:9-19). c. Jehoiakim cut and burned the scroll (36:20-26). d. God's word was written on another scroll (36:27-32).

15 Lesson 9-15 F. The reign of Zedekiah (c BC) (Jer 37 39). 1. Jeremiah was arrested and imprisoned (Jer 37). a. Zedekiah sought Jeremiah's help (37:1-10). Note: The timing of Jeremiah 21, 32, 34, 37 and 38 are closely connected, but not identical. The following seems to be an accurate chronology: (1). Jeremiah prophesied of Jerusalem's fall (21:1-10). (2). Zedekiah proclaimed liberty to Hebrew slaves (34:1-10). (3). Nebuchadnezzar pulled back to fight the Egyptians (37:5-10). (a). The slaves were taken back (34:11-22). (b). Jeremiah was arrested (32:1-15). b. Jeremiah was arrested and imprisoned (37:11-15). c. Zedekiah had a secret interview with Jeremiah (37:16-21). 2. Jeremiah was accused of treason and cast into a dungeon (Jer 38) a. He was rescued from the dungeon by Ebed-Melech (38:1-13). b. He had a final interview with Zedekiah (38:14-28). 3. Jerusalem fell (Jer 39). a. Jerusalem fell just as Jeremiah had prophesied (39:1-10). b. Jeremiah was released by the Babylonians (39:11-14). c. A promise of blessing was given to Ebed-Melech (39:15-18) IV. Jeremiah's ministry to Judah after the fall of Jerusalem (Jer 40 44). A. Jeremiah was set free and chose to remain in Judah (Jer 40). 1. Jeremiah dwelled in Mizpah (40:1-6). 2. The dispersed gathered around Gedaliah (40:7-12). 3. Johana warned Gedaliah (appointed governor) of a plot against him (40:13-16). B. Gedaliah was assassinated (Jer 41). 1. Gedaliah and other Jews were murdered by Ishmael (41:1-10). 2. Ishmael was defeated and the Jews planned to flee to Egypt (41:10-18). C. Jeremiah sought the Lord's advice (Jer 42). 1. The people requested Jeremiah to pray for them (42:1-6). 2. The Lord's reply (42:7-22). D. God's word was rejected and the remnant fled to Egypt (Jer 43). 1. The flight of the people to Egypt (43:1-7). 2. Jeremiah prophesied Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Egypt (43:8-13). E. Jeremiah's final warning to the Jews in Egypt against idolatry (Jer 44). 1. The warning (44:1-14). 2. They renounced the Lord and pledged loyalty to the "queen of heaven" (44:15-19). 3. The Lord renounced His people and promised punishment (44:20-30).

16 Lesson 9-16 V. The word of the Lord against foreign nations (Jer 45 51). A. Baruch was comforted by the Lord (Jer 45). B. The prophecy concerning Egypt (Jer 46). 1. Pharaoh shall be defeated at Carchemish (46:1-12). 2. Nebuchadnezzar will invade and destroy Egypt (46:13-26). 3. A promise of deliverance for Judah (46:27-28). C. The prophecy concerning the Philistines (Jer 47). 1. They shall be invaded from the north (47:1-4). 2. The results of the invasion (47:5-7). D. The prophecy concerning Moab (Jer 48). 1. Great destruction was coming (48:1-6). 2. Moab's pride will bring a curse (48:7-13). 3. Moab's glory will be turned to shame (48:14-25). 4. As Moab exalted himself before God, so shall he be destroyed (48:26-46). 5. A promise of hope in the latter days (48:47). E. A prophecy concerning smaller nations (Jer 49). 1. Ammonites (49:1-6). 2. Edom (49:7-22). 3. Damascus (Syria) (49:23-27). 4. Kedar and Hazor (49:28-33). 5. Elam (49:34-39). VI. The prophecy concerning Babylon (Jer 50 51). A. Babylon and Israel (Jer 50). 1. Prophecy of the fall of Babylon and the deliverance of Israel (50:1-10). 2. The shame of Babylon and the glory of Israel (50:11-20). 3. The pride and power of Babylon will be broken (50:21-40). 4. The Lord will bring enemies against Babylon from the north (the Medes) (50:41-46). B. The Medes (Jer 51). 1. The Medes were named as God's instrument of vengeance (51:1-14). 2. The omnipotence of the Lord was contrasted with the emptiness of idols (51:15-24). 3. The doom of Babylon (51:25-58). 4. Jeremiah's charge to Seraiah (51:59-65). VII. Appendix: The capture and destruction of Jerusalem (Jer 52). A. Historical account (Jer 52; cf. Jer 39; 2 Kgs 25) 1. The fate of Zedekiah (52:1-11). 2. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed (52:12-23). 3. The chief officers were arrested (52:24-30). 4. Jehoiachin was released and restored to royal favor (52:31-34).

17 Lesson 9-17 Lamentations I. Introduction: A. Jeremiah's "Lamentations": 1. The word "lamentations" means "a dirge," "a poem of bereavement which is chanted or sung," or a sign of deep grief such as "beating the breast." 2. God allowed the Babylonians to besiege, plunder, burn, and destroy the city of Jerusalem because of Judah s continued and unrepentant idolatry. a. Solomon s Temple, which had stood for approximately 400 years, was burned to the ground. b. The prophet Jeremiah was an eyewitness to these events and wrote Lamentations weeping for what happened to Judah and Jerusalem. (1). The book of Jeremiah looks at the impending destruction of Jerusalem, while Lamentations looks at the grief and desolation caused by its fall. (2). Great sorrow filled the hearts of God's people. Even though Jeremiah had prophesied of Jerusalem's fall, the people were shocked to see this actually occur. c. The event raised a number of questions in the minds of the Jews, especially "Why?". B. The author: (1). Was God forsaking His people forever? Was there any hope for the future? Would God judge those who persecuted the people of Judah? (2). The book of Lamentations attempts to answer those and many other questions. 1. The book of Lamentations does not identify its author. a. The tradition says Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. b. This view is highly likely considering the author was a witness of the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem. c. Jeremiah was known for writing "Laments" (2 Chr 35:25). 2. Internal and external evidence: a. Internal evidence for attributing the book to Jeremiah is because the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations convey a similar tone and use a similar vocabulary. 7 7 Gleason L. Archer, Jr. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, p. 374.

18 Lesson 9-18 b. External evidence for Jeremiah's authorship includes Jewish tradition that Jeremiah was the writer of Lamentations; the Greek Septuagint (LXX) ascribes the book to Jeremiah; the Latin Vulgate identifies Jeremiah as the author; and early church fathers understood without question that Jeremiah was the author (Origen, Jerome, etc.). 2. A distinctive feature of Lamentations is the style in which it is written. C. The date: a. Known as "acrostic" style, each verse begins with the sequential letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Alef, Bet, Gimel, etc.). b. In chapters 1, 2 and 4 the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet are used in sequential order. c. In chapter 3 the letters of the alphabet are also used in sequential order with the exception that each letter begins verses in groups of three (e.g Alef, Alef, Alel, Bet, Bet, Bet, Gimel, Gimel, Gimel, etc.). 1. The book of Lamentations was most likely written between 586 and 575 BC, soon after Jerusalem s fall. II. Historical Background. A. Events leading to Jerusalem's fall. 1. The prophetic seeds of Jerusalem s destruction were sown 800 years earlier in the days of Joshua (Josh 23:15-16). 2. During a period of approximately 40 years Jeremiah prophesied of the coming judgment and was scorned by the people for his messages of doom. 3. When the day of God's judgment finally came Jeremiah grieved over the fate of God's rebellious people in Jeremiah and Lamentations. a. Judgment had finally come upon the people of Judah because they refused to repent of their sins and return to God. b. Jerusalem's destruction was so critical that the facts were recorded in four separate OT chapters (2 Kgs 25; Jer 39:1-11; 52; 2 Chr 36:11-21). B. The purpose of Lamentations: 1. Lamentations explained why God brought judgment against the people of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. a. Jeremiah prophesied this destruction (as did others) and watched it take place. b. In Lamentations he sadly reflects on the outcome. c. Its purpose was to express despair and teach God s people that disobedience to the Lord results in immense suffering and distress.

19 Lesson 9-19 C. Five "Themes" of Lamentations: 1. The main theme is God s judgment in response to Judah s sin. a. This theme can be traced throughout the book (1:5, 8,18, 20; 3:42; 4:6,13, 22; 5:16). 2. A second theme concerns the hope found in God s compassion (cf. 3:22-24, 31-33; cf. Psa 30:3-5). a. Though the book deals with disgrace, it turns to God s great faithfulness (3:22-25) and closes with grace as Jeremiah moves from lamentation to consolation (5:19-22). 3. The third theme concerns God s sovereign judgment. His holiness and sovereignty was so deeply offended by Judah's sins that He ultimately brought destruction and tragedy against Judah. a. Babylon was chosen to be His instrument of wrath (1:5,12,15; 2:1,17; 3:37-38; cf. Jer 25:8-9; 50:23). b. Jeremiah mentioned Babylon more than 150 times from Jeremiah 20:4 to 52:34, but in Lamentations he never explicitly named Babylon or its king, Nebuchadnezzar. c. Only the Lord is identified as the one who dealt with Judah s sin. 4. A fourth theme focuses on the cries of Jeremiah. Since the judgment of God seemed to be the end of the hope for Israel s salvation and the fulfillment of God s promises (cf. 3:18), much of the book appears in the mode of prayer: a. Lamentations 1:11 a cry of the confession of sin (cf. v 18) b. Lamentations 3:8 anguish when God shuts out my prayer (cf. Jer 7:16; Lam 3:43 44). c. Lamentations 3:55-59 Jeremiah cries to God for relief, or 3:60-66, and he seeks repayment toward the enemies (which Jer guarantees). d. Lamentations 5:1-22 an appeal to heaven for restored mercy (which Jer assures), based on the confidence that God is faithful (3:23). 5. A fifth theme relates to Christ. Jeremiah s tears (3:48-49) are compare with Jesus weeping over the same city of Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-44). a. Although God was the judge and executioner, He was just as grieved to bring this destruction. b. The statement "In all their affliction He [God] was afflicted" (Isa 63:9) was true in principle. God will one day wipe away all tears (Isa 25:8; Rev 7:17; 21:4) when sin shall be no more. 6. The sixth theme is an implied warning to all who read this book. a. If God did not hesitate to judge His beloved people (Deut 32:10), what will He do to the nations of the world who reject His Word?

20 Lesson 9-20 III. Outline of Lamentations: I. The first lament: Jerusalem s devastation (Lam 1) A. Jeremiah s sorrow over a city that has become like a lonely widow (1:1-11). 1. Like a lonely widow, tears flow down her cheeks day and night, yet no one seemed to care all her former friends have deserted her (1:1-2). 2. Judah had gone into captivity and her glory vanished and her enemies "prosper" (1:3-7). 3. The reason for Judah's sorrow and Jerusalem's destruction was the sins from which the people refused to repent (1:8-11). B. Jerusalem s sorrow (1:12-22). 1. The Lord afflicted Jerusalem with many sorrows because of her transgressions, and like a woman with former lovers they refuse to sympathize with her. (1:12-17). 2. However, the Lord placed the blame for Jerusalem's condition upon the people they had rebelled against God (1:18-19). 3. Even though Jerusalem deserved her judgment, so do the enemies who committed grievous sins against her and gloated over her downfall (1:20-22). II. The second lament: The Lord s anger explained (2:1-22) A. The Lord s perspective (2:1-10) 1. In His anger the Lord did what He promised, and covered Jerusalem with a cloud of calamity and divine judgment even His "footstool" (i.e. the temple 1 Chr 28:2) was not spared (2:1). 2. The kings and princes had been captured, and even though the people of Judah thought Nebuchadnezzar had been their enemy, in reality their enemy was the Lord (2:2-5). 3. The Lord had taken away the temple, the places of assembly, the solemn feasts and Sabbaths, the king and priests, the alter, the sanctuary and the walls. The law with its ceremonial regulations could no longer be observed since the temple was destroyed, and the prophets received no visions from the Lord (2:6-9). 4. The elders sat on the ground in silence morning in sackcloth and casting dust on their heads, and the young maidens hung their heads in deep grief (2:10). B. A human perspective (2:11 19) 1. Jeremiah wept as he saw the destruction and what was happening to the people. Starving children and babies perish because there is no food (2:11-12).

21 Lesson There was nothing Jeremiah can do to help. The situation was beyond human aid. False prophets could not help because all they had done was give false prophecies that caused the people of Judah to remain indifferent toward repentance (2:13-14). 3. Outsiders could not help. In fact, those who passed by hissed and shook their heads in mockery of what had been a city of beauty and joy to the whole earth. They gloated over the fall of Jerusalem (2:15-16). 4. Only the Lord could help. He will help those who turn to Him (2:17-19). C. Jeremiah s prayer (2:20 22) 1. Jeremiah reminded the Lord that these were His people, and surely the Lord was concerned about the slaughter of the innocent (2:20-21). 2. Even though the punishment was deserved, Jeremiah appealed to the Lord to consider the extent of His judgment and implied that the Lord now extend grace and mercy (2:22). III. The third lament: Jeremiah s grief expressed (3:1 66) A. His distress (3:1 20) 1. Jeremiah was distressed over what he had seen. Even though the "rod" of God's wrath had been directed toward Judah, the prophet suffered the burden of grief with the nation, and spoke as a representative of his own people (3:1). 2. Jeremiah compared his despair to being led in darkness, having the Lord personally against him, being old and suffering from broken bones, being surrounded by bitterness and agony, being in the dark with those who are forever dead, being unable to escape, crying in anguish but no answer is given to his prayers, walking in a maze of twisted paths that are blocked, being torn in pieces by a lion or bear, being the target of God's arrows, being a laughingstock of his own people, having bitterness to eat and drink mixed with gravel that breaks his teeth, having no happiness, and being alone without hope and strength (3:2-18). 3. The prophet was deeply depressed when he thought about his own afflictions (3:19). B. His hope (3:20 39) 1. However, when the prophet thought about the Lord, he remembered the mercies and compassion of God and was lifted up with hope (3:20-21). 2. "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness!" What better foundation of hope could one have? Those that wait for and seek the Lord will be blessed (3:22-26).

22 Lesson Bearing burdens in one's youth is good. Faith is strengthened and character is developed. But the Lord will not forget those who turn to Him. He will show mercy and compassion because He takes no delight in seeing affliction and grief (3:27-33). 4. The Lord does not bring suffering unjustly, nor does He sanction the cruel treatment of man against man. But the Lord is in control, and all must abide by the principle knowing and doing what the Lord has commanded. Therefore, no one can complain against God when evil comes because of sin (3:34-39; cf. Rom 11:22) C. His counsel/prayer (3:40 66) 1. Therefore the prophet urged his brethren to examine themselves and return to the Lord with genuine repentance. Lift up hearts as well as hands to the Lord. The present distress was the result of rebellion, and the Lord poured out His wrath because they refused to hear Him (3:40-44; cf. Zech 7:11-13; Psa 66:18). 2. Now they had become an "offscouring and refuse" to those who spoke against them. Fear, desolation and destruction had come upon them because of their transgressions (3:45-47). 3. Jeremiah prayed for deliverance and acquittal. He wept for his people, weeping "rivers of water" (cf. Jer 9:1-18). But he recalled a time when the Lord heard his prayer and had given him assurance (cf. Jer 38:6-13). With this in mind, Jeremiah prayed on behalf of the nation (3:48-58). 4. The Lord knew the sins Judah had committed and punished them accordingly. Therefore, Jeremiah prayed that the Lord judge those who wronged Judah and repay them according to the evil they had done (3:59-66; cf. Jer 50:14-15, 29-34). IV. The fourth lament: God s wrath detailed (4:1 22) A. For Jerusalem (4:1 20) 1. A vivid description of the horrible suffering Jerusalem experienced during the Babylonian siege. Famine had caused the inhabitants to do unthinkable things. The wealthy who had been accustomed to fine foods and garments were reduced to begging in the streets and going through garbage dumps to find food (4:1-5). 2. Jerusalem's punishment for sin seemed worse than the judgment against Sodom. Jerusalem languished for months. The "Nazarites" ("consecrated ones") known for their healthy appearance now looked like walking skeletons. Under these conditions it was preferable to die quickly by the sword than to starve to death. Even mothers did unthinkable things to their own children (4:6-10). 3. The destruction was so severe that it was incredible even to the kings and inhabitants of the world. But Jerusalem fell because the sins of false prophets and priests caused the fall they were like murderers defiled by

23 Lesson 9-23 the blood of their innocent victims. At one time, they had been honored, but now they were treated with disrespect and forced to flee. They were even treated as though they were lepers by the heathen (4:11-16). 4. Jerusalem also fell because they rejected the Lord and put their trust in men looking for a nation that could deliver them and even made alliances with Egypt rather than turn to the Lord and depend on Him (4:17-20). B. For Edom (4:21-22) 1. Although Edom and Judah were ancient enemies, when Jerusalem fell, Edom gloated. However, Edom would soon drink of the cup of the Lord's wrath because of their own sins (4:21-22; cf. Jer 49:7-22). V. The fifth lament: The remnant s prayers (5:1 22) A. To be remembered by the Lord (5:1 18) 1. Jeremiah pleaded with the Lord to remember, "O Lord, what has come upon us; look, and behold our reproach!" He pleaded that the Lord would remove their shame. They had become like widows and orphans without an inheritance, and were cruelly oppressed by those to whom they had submitted. They bore the consequences of the sins of their fathers, and were inhumanly treated by their captors (5:1-14). 2. They lost all joy and everything they had because of sin, and Mt. Zion, once hallowed, had become desolate and a dwelling place of foxes (5:15-18). B. To be restored by the Lord (5:19 22). 1. The prophet praised God's eternal throne, but it seemed as if God had completely forgotten them (5:19-20). 2. Jeremiah closed with a request: "Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored; renew our days as of old, unless You have utterly rejected us, and are very angry with us!" (5:21-22).