Date Written: During Jeremiah’s ministry, approximately 627-586 B.C.

Author: Jeremiah

Setting: Jeremiah ministered under Judah’s last five kings – Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin & Zedekiah. The nation was headed toward destruction & was eventually conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C. This was a chaotic time politically, morally & spiritually. As Babylon, Egypt & Assyria battled for world power, Judah found itself caught in the middle of the triangle.

Key People: Judah’s kings (listed above), Baruch, Ebed-Melech, King Nebuchadnezzar, the Recabites

Purpose: To urge God’s people to turn from their sins & back to God.

Key Verses: “Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then & realize how evil & bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God & have no awe of Me,” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. 2:19

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to proser you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.” 29:11

Chapter Outline:

1-10 Jeremiah

11-28 Prophetic Warnings

29-39 New Covenant

40-52 The Fall of Jerusalem

Importance of reading Jeremiah:

What we read: For 40 yrs., Jeremiah served as God’s spokesman to Judah. But when Jeremiah spoke, nobody listened. He passionately urged them to act, but nobody did. He didn’t have material success either. He was poor & deprived much of the time as he gave his prophecies. He was thrown into prison, thrown into a cistern, taken to Egypt against his will, rejected by his neighbors, rejected by his family & the kings, rejected by everyone. Throughout his life, he stood alone speaking God’s messages of doom, announcing the new covenant & weeping over the fate of his country. In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah wasn’t a success. He was a failure. What we can learn: God doesn’t measure success the way the world does. God measures success by obedience & faithfulness. We are to be obedient & faithful to do what God has called us to do. It is better to be successful in God’s eyes than in the world’s eyes.

What we read: Jeremiah confronts many people with their sins. When they didn’t respond, it made him wonder if he was doing any good at all. He often felt discouraged. To bring such a gloomy, hard message to these people was a hard thing to do. What we can learn: God has called each of us to spread the gospel & to tell others of the good news of salvation. It isn’t always easy & many times we wonder if we are even doing any good. We get discouraged at them not responding. They may laugh at us & mock us, but we must be obedient to do what God has called us to do. It takes courage to tell people the truth.

What we read: Refusing to accept, believe & obey God’s word led to an entire nation being destroyed, its cities made rubble & survivors sent into exile. What we can learn: Disobeying God or making light of His Word is a dangerous thing. He doesn’t wink at our sins & disobedience. He is righteous & holy & sin won’t be tolerated.

What we read: Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. What we can learn: Do you weep over the condition of this world? Do you see sinners & weep?

What we read: Chapter 23, Jeremiah points us toward a Savior who comes from the line of David, a righteous Branch who will reign as a wise & righteous king, executing justice. What we can learn: The OT is full of prophecies foretelling of Jesus Christ coming as our Savior.    

Things to think about as you read Jeremiah:

• Do you relate to any of Judah’s sins? In James 4:4, God calls those who are friends with the world adulteresses. Would you be called an adulteress or a bride of Christ?
• How faithful are you to proclaim God’s Word to others? What can you learn from Jeremiah’s life in this respect? Do you hesitate to share God’s Word with others because of fear or because you think they wouldn’t listen? What should you do?
• God uses nations as His rod of judgment & yet He holds them accountable for their actions. What does this tell you about God & about your accountability before Him?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/MV1Xs2rYKG4?si=gzwZqsn49wNU7-Ek

Blessings,

Nichole Henson, Fullness of Joy Ministry

Facebook Ministry Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351690279198647

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nicholehenson9579/videos

Email: Fullnessofjoyministry@gmail.com