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| JEREMIAH Jeremiah lived about 100 years after Isaiah had saved Jerusalem from Assyria. He tried to save it from Babylon but failed. The Book of Jeremiah is about God's final effort to Save Jerusalem and is often called the Book of HORROR AND HOPE. Jeremiah himself, was the author, his name means "One whom Jehovah appoints" or launches forth". One source says, it means, "THE LORD EXALTS". He has been called the weeping prophet, the Prophet of Broken Hearts, and the Prophet of the Minor Strains." His sobs and lamentations have been broadcast through the centuries. He was the Job among the prophets yet to his lasting glory he reminded the world of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:14 ~ And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.) Jeremiah wrote this book to Judah, the southern kingdom, and its capital city, Jerusalem. Jeremiah wrote this book during his ministry, approximately 627 - 586 B. C., and ministered under Judah's last 5 kings,....Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. The nation was sliding quickly toward destruction and was eventually conquered by Babylon in 586 B C The prophet Zephaniah preceded Jeremiah, and Habakkuk was Jeremiah's contemporary. The key verse in this book is: "Your own wickedness will punish you. You will see what an evil bitter thing it is to forsake the Lord your God, having no fear of him. I, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, have spoken!" (2:19) Jeremiah was very compassionate but would not be compromised. He could weep, but was not weak. He was sensitive but not without strength. He was a little child before God but a lion hearted champion of righteousness before men. He was the only man in the Bible told not to marry ( 16:2 ~ Thou shalt not take a wife or have sons or daughters in this place.) His work was twofold in its character; both destructive and constructive. Jeremiah came from the village of Anathoth, about 3 miles from Jerusalem. This gave him the advantages of the Holy city. His father was Helkiah, the priest, who found the lost book of the Covenant during the reign of Josiah. His early life was no doubt molded by strong religious influences. God had something different in mind for Jeremiah. Rather than becoming a priest like his father, God appointed him as a young man to become a prophet for him during these most trying times for the history of his people. God often chooses unlikely instruments to do his work. He chose the sensitive and timid Jeremiah to do what seemed like a hopeless mission with the words, "Do not say, I am only a child" You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do NOT be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you" declares the Lord 1: 7,8). Jeremiah was called to be a prophet during the 13th year of King Josiah's reign. No doubt his early ministry and that of the prophet Zephaniah were among the influences that led to the reforms under the young King Josiah. Jeremiah prophesied for more that forty years and he began his ministry sixty years after the death of Isaiah. Jeremiah's message was never a popular one. At one time he barely escaped with his life (26: 7-16) At another time his enemies beat him and put him in prison. We know that all of God's witnesses whether prophets, ministers, teachers or any told pertaining to God's work are subject to persecution and ridicule by the world. The book of Jeremiah cannot be followed chronologically, because some of the first messages are found later in the book and some of the last messages are found first. According to Bible historians, Jeremiah had a faithful scribe named, Barauch. After he had written down a message some other messages from years before would come to mind, so he would write these down also, most times without dating anything.......so in the process over the years, nothing was in any particular order. This is important to remember when you read this book. A true analysis of the book is more moral that structural. Jeremiah was also known for using symbols during his prophecies. In laymens terms we would say he was an object lesson teacher. Somewhat like a Sunday School teacher would do when teaching children. Here is a partial list of objects used found in his book: The almond rod 1: 11-12 Boiling caldron 1: 13-14 marred girdle l3: 1-11 full bottle 13: 12- 14 2 baskets of figs 24: 1-10 The list is about twice this long, he also refers to Christ in many different ways: Fountain of living waters 2:13 Great Physician 8:22 Good Shepherd 31:10, 23:4 The righteous branch 23:5 David the King 30:9 The Redeemer 30:34 Lord Our Righteousness 23:6 Jeremiah was the 9th prophet. He prophesied to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, before the exile and during the trying days of captivity. There were 3 great events in Jeremiah's life: 1. Battle of Megiddo - when King Josiah was killed (609BC) 2. Battle of Carchemish (605BC) 3. Capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (587-6 B C) Jeremiah prophesied the conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar (43: 8-13). The Jews who lived in the Nile Valley were practicing idolatry and Jeremiah warned them against their wickedness. When they refused to listen to this warning and continued to worship these other Gods, Jeremiah told them the judgement of God would fall on them. Jeremiah lived to see the fall of Jerusalem....He also predicted that after it's destruction God would send the Messiah who would lead them to a new Covenant, and a new day of hope. Judah remained hardened in her sin. God told Jeremiah to test the spiritual state of his people. The prophets test, however, would expose the rebellion intrenched in the hearts of the Isrealites. The Lord describes Jeremiah's role as the nations assayer(the one who tests quality or purity.) He also set him for a tower or fortress(strong tower) and gave him the courage to bear the shock of the peoples displeasure. Jeremiah's message acted as a purifying fire to remove the dross and reveal the true faith of the people. God appointed him as a refiner to prove his point. The people hardened their hearts at his preaching, which showed that they were of inferior metal, the kind lacking in true repentance. Finally, Jeremiah gives a good illustration of the potter's skill. In turning the potter's wheel, a vessel might be marred, but a good potter doesn't give up, he works until he makes an excellent vessel. The interpretation of Jeremiah's illustration of the potter concerns God's complete control over the clay--over individuals, nations and especially His own people, Isreal. *~*~* The Potter's Clay Lord take my life and let it be, Molded and shaped for Thee. If I perhaps along the way fall. I pray that you will remold me, all. The way I walk is sometimes rough And sometimes I don't trust enough May the vessel you gave to me Be a reminder of my love for Thee. Help me to take good care And use it for Thy glory everywhere. May I clothe it with your mighty armor Use my sword and shield in ardor. May truth direct my tongue, May grace my heart control And Jesus be my song, While endless ages roll. To please Him well my single aim, And all my trust is in His dear name. Poem by Shirley Barr October 18, 2004 *~*~* Jeremiah References - Sunday School Lesson Written by Shirley Barr 9/28/2002 Free Will Baptist lesson books. |
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