Chuck Smith :: Study Guide for Jeremiah

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah was called to oversee the death of the nation Israel. He watched sadly as the people disregarded his warnings and went into captivity.

JEREMIAH 1: JEREMIAH'S CALL AND COMMISSION

v.1-3 Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah, a priest in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. The word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Josiah, who reinstituted spiritual reform and worship in the temple. The reform was only superficial in the hearts of the people, so God sent Jeremiah to tell the people, "Trust not in lying vanities" (Jeremiah 7:4). After King Josiah's death, during the reign of King Jehoiakim and King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was persecuted, accused of treason, and imprisoned.

v.4-5 Jeremiah was set apart by God and ordained to be a prophet before he was born. This is an answer to the claims of the abortionists today. God's purposes for our lives are established from the beginning of time. We must discover and come into harmony with His plan. Our destiny has already been determined (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 1:15).

v.6-7 Jeremiah, somewhere between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five years, thought he was too young to be called of God. He considered himself a child. (The Hebrew word for "child" should be translated "young man.") The Lord commands Jeremiah to speak for Him. Jeremiah is aware of his inabilities, as so often we are when called of God (Exodus 4:10; Judges 6:15; 1 Samuel 9:17-21). God isn't looking for people of ability but of availability. God calls men to work in the power of His Spirit, not in their own strength (Zechariah 4:6).

v.8-10 God commands Jeremiah to "fear not" and then tells him of his calling (ministry).

Corruption must be eliminated before a new work begins.

v.11 "I see a rod of an awakening tree". The Hebrew for "almond tree" is "awakening tree", because it's the first tree to awaken in the spring.

v.12 God will "watch over" His word to perform it.

v.13-15 This is a reference to Babylon and their coming invasion against Israel.

v.16 God pronounces judgment on their wickedness.

Through archaeological findings in the area of the old city of David and dating back to the time of Jeremiah, multitudes of idols have been discovered among the dwellings. This confirms the word of the prophet Jeremiah.

v.17-19 Jeremiah is called to a difficult work. He faced Israel alone, knowing the people would fight against him. God laid out a ministry for Paul the Apostle, telling him what he would "suffer for His name's sake" (Acts 9:3-16). Christians should recognize that they may be called to suffer for Christ (John 15:20; Matthew 16:24). The Lord promises to be our defense.

JEREMIAH 2: FIRST MESSAGE TO BACKSLIDDEN JUDAH

v.1-2 God is calling to His people in much the same way as Jesus did to the church in Ephesus. (Revelation 2:1-5).

v.10 Chittim is called Cypress. She is considered to be the door to that whole part of the world. Kedar was the gateway to the east.

v.11 Nations continue to serve their gods, yet God's people had turned away from the one true God.

v.13 Water is often used as a symbol of the life because it's so essential for existence. The Lord speaks to us spiritually when He says, "I am the water of life". (John 7:37, 4:14, 6:35; Revelation 22:17).

Because of the lack of water in the area, the people depended on cisterns (reservoirs) for their supply. Run-off water was gathered but often stagnated. How often we stagnate spiritually, and broken cisterns leave us empty and thirsty.

v.17 The people brought the plight upon themselves.

v.18 Assyria was soon to fall to the Babylonians. Thus an alliance would be useless.

v.20 The "high hill" and the "green tree" are places of worship.

v.21 The "strange vine" is figuratively described in Isaiah 5.

v.22 "Nitre", a residue found on the bottom of lakes, was often used for making soap.

v.23 "Dromedary" is a camel.

v.24 The figure of the wild donkey is one of a female in heat. She sniffs the wind trying to find a male donkey. She doesn't care what donkey she finds. God uses this illustration as a type of Israel, who had turned away from God to worship almost anything. "In her occasion" means "in the time of her season". "In her month" means "in her heat".

v.27 "Stock" is a piece of wood carved into an idol.

v.28 Each of the cities had their own local pagan deities. It's a sad day when God turns a deaf ear to man. God vows this would happen if man persisted in sin and disobedience. (Matthew 7:22-23; Jeremiah 7:15-16, 11:14)

JEREMIAH 3: THE POLLUTED LAND

v.1-5 This is the end of the first message to backslidden Judah. God shows His great patience and long-suffering towards Judah in a plea for her return to Him.

v.6 This is the beginning of the second message to backslidden Judah.

v.8 Judah didn't learn her lesson. She continued in her sin even as she watched the northern Kingdom being carried away by Assyria.

v.10-15 Judah's responsibility to God is greater than Israel's, because she saw the consequences of Israel's sin. God calls His children to repentance. He promises to give them shepherds to feed them. God is always so willing to give the best to His children.

v.16 This is a reference to the Kingdom Age and the New Covenant. (Hebrews 8:8, 10:16; Matthew 26:28).

v.20-25 Here we see confession of sin.

JEREMIAH 4: THE SECOND MESSAGE TO BACKSLIDDEN JUDAH

v.1-4 God called Israel by His promise (Romans 2:28-29).

v.5 Judah is threatened with judgment.

v.22 Romans 16:19

v.23 Genesis 1:2, Isaiah 24:1; Isaiah 45:18. "The earth was without form and void" can be translated, "The earth became wasted and desolate."

v.31 "Bewailed" means "wailed."

JEREMIAH 5: THE SECOND MESSAGE CONTINUES

v.1-31 The sins of Judah and her perversity are seen throughout the entire chapter.

v.22 "Bound" means "boundary."

v.24 "Fear" means "reverence."

v.30 "Wonderful" means "amazement" in the sense that it causes amazement. It's an appalling thing.

v.31 The people loved corrupt leadership. We're aware of what is happening in our own nation, as we read of the death of Israel.

JEREMIAH 6: JEREMIAH WARNS THE PEOPLE OF THE
DESTRUCTION TO COME

v.1-6 Jeremiah warns the tribe of Benjamin of the impending doom.

v.7 This describes the symptoms of a dying nation. We can compare this Scripture with our own nation today.

v.16 This refers to a full commitment to the Lord. This rest always brings God's peace (Matthew 11:28).

v.20 God doesn't value "religious" substitutes in place of a personal relationship with Him.

v.21 "Sackcloth" was a garment of mourning.

v.27 God is now speaking to Jeremiah.

v.30 "Reprobate silver" means "refuse silver."

JEREMIAH 7: JEREMIAH CALLS FOR REPENTANCE

v.1-3 Temple worship had become popular with the people. God sent Jeremiah to speak to the people during the midst of a great celebration.

v.4 Jeremiah rebuked the people for coming to the temple with wrong motives. God isn't interested in our "religious" activities, but in our personal, living relationship with Him.

v.12 Shiloh was the first location of the temple.

v.16 God is speaking to Jeremiah. (Genesis 6:3; John 12:38).

v.27 Though Jeremiah's ministry wasn't to be successful, God blessed him for his faithfulness and obedience. God's rewards are given according to our response to Him, not according to man's response to us.

v.30-31 Altars to their idols were built in the temple of God. Topheth was known as the "Valley of Slaughter." Gehenna is the Hebrew word for Hinnom. It means "place of fire" (Matthew 25:41).

JEREMIAH 8: JEREMIAH MOURNS THE DESPERATE
STATE OF THE JEWS

v.3 The last of the Jews to hold out against the Roman government were in Masada. This Scripture fulfills that prophecy.

v.4 Suicide is denoted here. Even so, God's grace is shown in that He will return.

v.16 The Babylonian army was moving down from Dan.

v.20 The day of salvation will soon be over. We don't have much time (Romans 13:12).

v.20-22 God laments over His people. He hurts when we are out of fellowship with Him, bringing unnecessary hurts upon ourselves because of our disobedience.

JEREMIAH 9: DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS GOD'S JUDGMENT

v.1 Jeremiah is called "the weeping prophet."

v.11 "Heaps" mean "heaps of destruction."

v.17-22 An appeal for trust in God.

v.23-24 Knowledge of God is man's glory.

v.25-26 Romans 2:28-29.

JEREMIAH 10: GOD AND THE IDOLS

v.3-9 These may be references to the custom of decorating fir trees on December 25 and cutting down of fir trees to be carved into decorated idols. The custom of decorating the fir tree on December 25 antedates Christianity by several thousand years.

v.8 "Stock" means "little idol."

v.17-25 An exhortation to flee the coming judgment.

JEREMIAH 11: THE MESSAGE OF THE BROKEN COVENANT

v.1-2 The basis of the covenant by which the Israelites would inherit the land was based on their obedience to God and His commandments.

v.4 Emphasis is placed on the obedience to the commission (1 Corinthians 7:19; James 1:22, 4:17).

v.10-11 Matthew 7:22-23; Jeremiah 7:15-16; Jeremiah 11:14).

v.18-23 The plot against Jeremiah.

v.22-23 God promises to bring judgment to those who would seek to kill Jeremiah.

JEREMIAH 12: JEREMIAH'S COMPLAINT AND GOD'S ANSWER

v.1 Job 12:6, 21; Psalm 37:1, 3, 5.

v.3 God tries our hearts to reveal to us whether our love for Him is real.

v.5 God trains us for more difficult trials ahead (Ephesians 2:10).

v.7 This is in reference to the House of Israel. The love of God is shown in this verse, even though He must forsake His people (Mark 10:21).

v.14-17 Later Jeremiah makes it known that Israel will be taken out of the land for seventy years (Jeremiah 25).

JEREMIAH 13: THE SIGN OF THE LINEN GIRDLE

v.1-11 God illustrates His message. The nation which was once beautifully

bound to God turns away from Him and is now repulsive to look upon.

v.12 The lesson from the filled bottles is a message of prosperity.

v.17 Again we have an illustration of the weeping prophet.

v.23 We cannot change our own nature. It is only accomplished by the power of the Spirit of God (John 3:3).

JEREMIAH 14: THE MESSAGE ON THE DROUGHT

v.8-9 Jeremiah intercedes for the people.

v.11 Again, God tells Jeremiah not to pray for this people.

v.22 "Can any of these pagan gods cause it to rain?" Another translation for "Are there any among the vanities?"

JEREMIAH 15: THE MESSAGE ON THE DROUGHT (CONTINUED)

v.1 Because of their dedication to intercessory prayer, Moses and Samuel were used as examples. They had an ear turned toward God. We have power with God when we have an ear turned toward the voice of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:4-9; Exodus 3:4).

v.4 Manasseh was the wicked son of Hezekiah, who introduced these pagan gods to the people.

v.9 To have "given up the ghost" is to have died.

v.10-14 A true prophet is often unpopular. A prediction of the Babylonian captivity.

v.15-18 Jeremiah laments (Matthew 5:11-12).

v.19-21 The Lord gives His assurance to Jeremiah.

v.20 "Brasen" means "brass."

v.21 "Terrible" means "awesome."

JEREMIAH 16: THE SIGN OF THE UNMARRIED PROPHET

v.1-2 Jeremiah began his ministry at a very young age. He is commanded by God not to marry and have children. This was a sign to the people that difficult days were coming.

v.6 At the death of a family member, mourning Jewish males wouldn't shave for thirty days. When the hair was finally cut it was sacrificed to the Lord.

v.7 Mourners were hired who would wail and howl for hours and days at a time.

v.8 Feasting was a form of entertainment and celebration for them. They were to stop these customs as a sign of the devastation to come.

v.11-12 The Jews are proud of their heritage. They would speak of "their fathers" from generation to generation. Stephen spoke of the evil "their fathers" had committed, and Jesus spoke of "their fathers" as the Jews sought to kill him for telling the truth (John 8:40, 45, 53, 56).

v.13-15 A dark day in history. They will be carried away to Babylon "in their time". Also spoken of is that glorious day when God shall gather them back after seventy years in captivity.

v.19 Jeremiah cries out to the Lord in what sounds like a psalm. Prophecy of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11, 25; 15:12, 27).

v.21 "The LORD" is Jehovah.

JEREMIAH 17: THE SIN OF JUDAH

v.5 God promises a curse upon those who would trust in an alliance with Egypt. The people thought that Egypt would deliver them from the Babylonian invasion.

v.8 There are blessings on those who "trust in God."

v.9-10 Our hearts are deceitfully wicked. "Trying our reins" could mean "trying our motivations." We have no righteousness in ourselves. Only by abiding in God can we obtain righteousness. (Psalms 139:1, 23, 24; 1 Corinthians 3:12, 13; Matthew 6:5, 7:22-23; John 15:16).

v.12 "The place of our sanctuary" is God's glorious high throne.

v.19-27 This is the message in the gates concerning the sabbath.

JEREMIAH 18: THE SIGN OF THE POTTER'S HOUSE

v.1-6 God's awesome and sovereign power over our lives is shown in this passage (Romans 9:20-21). The vessel, the nation Israel, is marred, yet not discarded. Israel is like clay in God's hands. He'll work a new work in them.

v.7-9 Refer to Jeremiah 1:10.

v.18 There was a plot by the people.

v.21-23 Jeremiah is willing to see the people destroyed. He doesn't want to pray for them anymore.

JEREMIAH 19: THE SIGN OF THE POTTER'S HOUSE (CONTINUED)

v.2 The Greek term "Gehenna" is formed from the Hebrew for "Valley of Hinnom." It means the "place of fire" (Jeremiah 7:31).

v.5 There are idols of Baal made of iron and stone at the museum of natural history in Israel. The hands on the idols are always pointing upward. In the Valley of Hinnom the people placed these idols in the fire until they were red hot. Then they would sacrifice their small children to Baal in the same fire, as they danced and worshipped the idols.

v.14 15 The people refused to listen to the Lord.

JEREMIAH 20: JEREMIAH IS IMPRISONED

v.1 "Pashur" means "prosperity all around."

v.3 "Magor-missabib" means "terror all around."

v.7-8 Jeremiah laments.

v.9 Jeremiah was ready to give up his ministry, but God's word was burning in his heart and he couldn't deny his call.

v.11-13 Jeremiah prays and rejoices.

v.14-18 Jeremiah lapses into discouragement. The enemy will try to rob us of our joy. The circumstances of our lives can bring us from the highest heights of praise and joy to the lowest pits of despair. We must keep our eyes on the Lord and His goodness, love, and grace toward us (Philippians 4:4).

JEREMIAH 21: THE MESSAGE TO KING ZEDEKIAH

v.1 Pashur is sent to Jeremiah by Zedekiah.

v.2 They are inquiring about the outcome of their future.

v.3-10 The destruction of Jerusalem is foretold by Jeremiah.

v.8 Genesis 2:17; Romans 8:13; John 3:36.

v.10 The city will be destroyed.

v.11-14 The third part of the message to the House of the King of Judah.

JEREMIAH 22: THE MESSAGE TO ZEDEKIAH (CONTINUED)

v.1 Jeremiah takes his message to the House of Judah. He prophesies against the kings of Judah.

v.3-4 God gives them another opportunity for deliverance even though they

are so near destruction. Sometimes the evil can be so planted in a person that he cannot turn from his wicked ways.

v.5 Hebrews 6:13, 17

v.6 Gilead and Lebanon are both beautiful, plush, green countries.

v.9 They have forsaken the covenant of the Lord. (Hebrews 8:7-10, 9:11-15, 22; Matthew 26:28).

v.10 The term "goeth away" means "dead."

v.11 Shallum (Jehoiakim) was taken captive in Egypt and died.

v.13 The king didn't pay for his services.

v.21 He trusted in his wealth and wouldn't obey the voice of the Lord (Mark 10:42; Matthew 20:27).

v.28 Coniah reigned for three months.

v.30 The end of Zedekiah's reign and dynasty.

JEREMIAH 23: FUTURE RESTORATION AND CONVERSION OF ISRAEL

v.1-40 The chapter is a warning against faithless shepherds.

v.3 The return of the remnant.

v.5 The righteous "Branch" is Jeshua, another name for Jesus.

v.6 THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS in the Hebrew is Jehovah-tsidkenu. This name refers to God the Father.

v.7-8 Referring to the future restoration of the Jews, God's elect, and their gathering back to Israel, when God's kingdom on earth will be fulfilled.

v.9 Jeremiah- "the weeping prophet."

v.11-40 A reference to false prophets.

v.16-17 Even today we have false teachers lying to the people. They say, "There is no evil. All is good. Be at peace."

v.23-24 God is near us (Acts 17:28; Psalms 139:8).

v.28-29 Don't let experiences (spiritual phenomena) become the basis for doctrinal truth. Sound doctrine is based on the Word of God. Chaff could represent supernatural experiences. They do not promote growth. Wheat could be likened to the Word of God producing deep spiritual growth.

v.33-40 Matthew 11:30.

JEREMIAH 24: THE LESSONS FROM THE FIGS

v.1 During the first captivity, Nebuchadnezzar captured the young princes, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, plus the spoil of many treasures. He had taken King Jeconiah to Babylon and established Zedekiah as king, but Zedekiah rebelled against him. This message came after the first captivity had taken place.

v.5-6 Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego represent the good figs. They are rescued from destruction because they have been taken captive.

JEREMIAH 25: PROPHECY OF THE SEVENTY YEARS OF CAPTIVITY

v.1 The time: before Zedekiah was king, evil King Jehoiakim had reigned eleven years and was now dead for four years. Jeremiah was called to prophesy during Josiah's reign.

v.3 Jeremiah had been prophesying for approximately twenty-three years. He was probably around forty years of age.

v.4 The people continue to close their ears to God's word after those many years.

v.11-14 Jeremiah predicts that the Babylonian captivity will last for seventy years. Jeremiah's prophecies guided the life of Daniel (Daniel 9:2). Disobedience caused the captivity of the people. This should be a real lesson for us on the importance of obedience to God's word.

v.12-14 God uses Babylon as His instrument to bring judgment against Israel. After seventy years. God then brings judgment against Babylon for their sins.

v.15-38 The time of the great tribulation (Revelation 14:9-20).

v.26 Sheshach is another name for Babylon.

v.27 "Spue" means "to vomit."

v.31 God is a just God. He will care for the righteous and rescue them from evil. (Genesis 18:26-33; 19:22, Matthew 5:13; 2 Peter 2:7-9). The church of Jesus Christ will not go through the great tribulation (Revelation 6-18).

JEREMIAH 26: JEREMIAH IN THE COURT OF KING ZEDEKIAH

v.1 It's dangerous for us to diminish the word of God.

v.3 The root word for repent is "sigh," as a sigh of relief. God is not wanting to punish them, not willing that any should perish (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9).

v.3 This "evil" purpose spoken of by God is His allowing the King of Babylon to come and destroy them (1 Samuel 15:29; Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 45:5-7).

v.6 Shiloh was where the tabernacle was placed. It has now become desolate.

JEREMIAH 27: THE LESSONS OF THE YOKES

v.2 "Yoke" is a sign of servitude. The yokes attracted attention and sparked questions from the people. This gave Jeremiah the opportunity to speak the word of God to them.

v.3 Jeremiah made little yokes and sent them to all the kings who were planning a rebellion against Babylon.

v.6 At this time the Babylonian world power had risen to world dominance. God had placed Nebuchadnezzar on the throne of Babylon, but pride entered his heart. He became insane for seven seasons until he acknowledged the God of heaven (Daniel 5:20-22, 3:1, 4-6).

v.7 Belshazzar was Nebuchadnezzar's grandson. During the time of Belshazzar's reign the kingdom of Babylon fell to the Medo-Persians.

v.12 The sign of yokes continues. Habakkuk, prophesying at the same time as Jeremiah, was perplexed at God's methods of punishment. (Habakkuk 1:5, 2:3-4, 14, 20).

The conditions that existed in Israel when Jeremiah was warning of God's judgment to come exist in America today (Luke 12:47-48; James 4:17).

v.12-22 Warnings are given to Zedekiah.

JEREMIAH 28: THE SIGN OF THE YOKES/THE FALSE PROPHECY
OF HANANIAH

v.3-4 Earlier in the Scriptures Jeremiah had made this same prophecy.

v.10 Hananiah breaks Jeremiah's yoke.

v.15-17 Jeremiah predicts Hananiah's death.

JEREMIAH 29: JEREMIAH'S LETTER TO THE JEWS IN CAPTIVITY

v.1 Daniel was a chief prince. Jeremiah's letter came to him while he was in captivity (Daniel 9:1-2).

v.7 "Seek the peace" means "don't rebel." Daniel knew the seventy-year captivity would soon be over. He sought the Lord (Daniel 9:1-3).

v.11 "To give you an expected end" could be translated "to bring you to a good end."

v.12 Daniel 9:3.

v.13 God wants us to be totally committed to Him with "all your heart."

v.21-22 A reference to Jeremiah 24:8-10. An example of punishment in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6).

v.23-32 Shemaiah and all of his seed shall be wiped out. He instigated rebellion against the Lord.

JEREMIAH 30: FUTURE PROPHECY OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION

The writings of Jeremiah are not written in consecutive order. Chapters 30-36 are written on the future events of Israel as a nation, especially in the "last days."

v.1 This is a reference to the regathering of Israel.

v.6 Description of the anguish shown in the men of Israel.

v.7-9 "Breaking the yoke," means breaking the yoke of the Antichrist and his oppression. "Jacob's trouble" represents the great tribulation.

v.10 A reference to when Jesus comes again. Jesus will gather His elect from the four corners of the earth. Israel will acknowledge Him as Lord (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27).

v.11-17 Israel will be restored. A deliverer shall come out of Zion to turn the children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6).

v.18 This prophecy has been fulfilled. The city of Jerusalem has been "built upon her own heaps."

v.19-20 The glorious restoration of Israel. It's important to maintain a pro-Israel position as a nation. The Lord will judge those who afflict Israel (Matthew 25:33-46).

v.23 The tribulation is like a whirlwind. When God's purposes are accomplished, the Kingdom of God shall be established. God has made these promises to the nation Israel, not to the church (Revelation 6:9-17). Since this will mark the unleashing of God's wrath, we, His Bride the Church, will not be on earth (Revelation 4:1). "For God hath not appointed us to wrath..." (1 Thess. 5:9a). Revelation 22:17, 20.

JEREMIAH 31: ISRAEL IN THE LAST DAYS

v.1 God will restore the nation Israel to a place of divine favor and love (Jeremiah 30:24; Daniel 9:20-27).

v.3 God speaks of His everlasting love for Israel.

v.5 This refers to the West Bank of Israel.

v.6 A reference to Christ's coming, establishing His kingdom, and sitting on His throne in Zion.

v.9 This is "firstborn" as in pre-eminence or prominence.

v.10 God's promise to gather Israel.

v.15 Matthew 2:18.

God's mercy shown to Ephraim. Judah is to be restored. Jeremiah 1:10.

The new covenant. The old covenant was established on man's faithfulness to obey the law. The new covenant is established on God's faithfulness (Hebrews 8:8-12).

v.33 God gives us a new nature (John 3:3; Hebrews 10:16-18).

v.34 Matthew 26:28.

JEREMIAH 32: THE FIELD IN HANAMEEL/JEREMIAH'S SECOND PERSECUTION

v.9 Jeremiah buys a field at Anathoth. This was a sign of Jeremiah's faith in God, for the field was occupied by the Babylonian armies.

v.15 A sign of the coming restoration.

v.16 Jeremiah's prayer.

v.17 We, too, should remember "there is nothing too hard for the Lord."

v.24 "Mounts" refer to "machines".

v.26-27 The Lord's answer to Jeremiah.

v.37 "I will gather them out." A future prophecy of the gathering of Israel.

JEREMIAH 33: A GLORIOUS RETURN PROMISED TO THE CAPTIVES

v.3 Jeremiah is admonished to continue to call unto the Lord.

v.10-13 Judah will be revived.

v.15 The "Branch" is Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 27:5).

v.16 "The Lord our righteousness" (Jehovah-tsidkenu) (Jeremiah 23:6).

v.18 "Meat offering" is literally "meal offering." This is an offering of consecration, an offering of fellowship. There will be offerings during the Kingdom Age in Jerusalem, but they will not be sin offerings. Christ has once and for all been offered for our sins (Hebrews 7:27).

v.18-26 The priesthood will continue.

JEREMIAH 34: THE MESSAGE TO ZEDEKIAH

v.1-7 Jeremiah's warning to Zedekiah.

v.8 The broken covenant concerning servants.

v.16 "Subjection" refers to slavery.

JEREMIAH 35: THE OBEDIENCE OF THE RECHABITES

This prophecy dates back to the reign of Jehoiakim, in the time of Josiah, before Zedekiah was king.

v.14-19 The Rechabites were obeying the laws of their ancestors, and yet God was speaking to Judah. They wouldn't listen to Him. Therefore, Judah would be punished while the Rechabites would stand before the Lord all their days.

JEREMIAH 36: JEREMIAH'S WRITINGS IN THE DAYS OF JEHOIAKIM

v.1-2 Jeremiah was commanded by God to write all the prophecies He had given to him in a book.

v.3 The purpose for giving the word of God then and now is to give opportunity for repentance (Ezekiel 33:11). God delights in forgiving our sins (Psalm 32). We shouldn't try to hide our sins from the Lord, but confess them. He will forgive us and cleanse us.

v.6-9 A "fast" is usually a time to seek the Lord.

v.23 King Jehudi destroyed the scroll.

v.27-32 The destroyed scroll was rewritten by Baruch. The law was written to warn the people of the judgments to come and lead them to repentance.

JEREMIAH 37: JEREMIAH'S IMPRISONMENT IN THE DAYS OF ZEDEKIAH

v.1 Zedekiah was king under the order of Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 22, 24).

v.2 Zedekiah and the people refused to hear the word of God.

v.16-21 Jeremiah transferred to the court of the guard.

JEREMIAH 38: JEREMIAH'S IMPRISONMENT CONTINUED

v.1-6 Jeremiah was put in a dungeon for doing the will of God (1 Peter 3:13-17)

v.7-13 Jeremiah rescued from the dungeon.

v.14 Zedekiah seeks advice from Jeremiah, though he doesn't heed his advice.

v.20 Jeremiah pleads with Zedekiah to obey the Lord's word.

JEREMIAH 39: THE FALL OF JERUSALEM

v.1-2 The siege lasted sixteen months.

v.4-5 Zedekiah tried to escape but failed. The Plains of Jericho were approximately eighteen miles from Jerusalem.

v.7 Prophecy fulfilled: "Thou shalt not see Babylon."

v.11-14 Nebuchadnezzar cares for Jeremiah.

v.15-18 God's promise of deliverance to Ebedmelech.

JEREMIAH 40: JEREMIAH'S PROPHECIES TO THE REMNANT

v.1-12 Jeremiah lives with Gedaliah.

v.13-16 Ishmael's conspiracy. (Revelation 2:11, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

JEREMIAH 41: JEREMIAH'S PROPHECY TO THE REMNANT CONTINUES

v.1 In the seventh month the people would gather to worship. They celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of Trumpets, etc.

v.2 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. The military Jews come against him.

v.5 Shaving the beards, rending the clothing, and cutting themselves were pagan customs of worship (1 Kings 18:26-28).

v.8 They had hidden the treasures in the fields as a ransom for their lives.

v.12 2 Samuel 2:13.

v.17 Chimham is near Bethlehem.

v.17-18 They headed south toward Egypt, fearful of the retaliation of Nebuchadnezzar.

JEREMIAH 42: JEREMIAH WARNS THE REMNANT

v.1-6 Jeremiah counsels Johanan.

v.7 Jeremiah waits ten days for the word of the Lord. Many times God's purpose for a delayed answer to prayer is to bring about the harmony of His perfect will into being (1 Samuel 10-28).

v.10 The Lord is merciful.

v.15-16 God warns them of the destruction coming to Egypt.

JEREMIAH 43:

v.1-7 The migration to Egypt. Jeremiah was taken by force to Tahpanhes in Egypt. Egypt represents a type of sin-the sin of trusting in the flesh. It is tragic whenever a man or a nation returns to that place from whence God had delivered them.

v.8-13 Nebuchadnezzar is to conquer Egypt. The very stones that Jeremiah buried have been found. This is a witness to the truth of God's Word. Nebuchadnezzar set his throne above the stones that Jeremiah buried.

JEREMIAH 44: THE MESSAGE TO THE JEWS IN EGYPT

v.1 Jeremiah's final message to the nation.

v.2-5 The desolation took place because they had forsaken God to worship other gods.

v.7-8 God asks them why they continue in their sins.

v.14 A very small group of people shall escape.

v.15 Women are also in corruption.

v.17 The worship of Mary stems from this tradition (Jeremiah 7:18).

v.18 They blamed God for the calamity that had come upon them.

v.19 "Without our men" or "our men knew what we were doing."

v.21-22 Again, Jeremiah sets them straight. It is forsaking God and turning after other gods that brought the judgment against them.

v.26 God can swear by no greater than Himself (Hebrews 6:13).

v.28 In the midst of apostasy, God seems always to have His faithful remnant.

v.30 History tells us that Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt. God's word is faithful!

JEREMIAH 45: MESSAGE TO BARUCH

v.1 Baruch was a friend and scribe of Jeremiah. He wrote the words of Jeremiah in a scroll.

v.2 A personal message to Baruch from the Lord.

v.3 Jehoiakim wanted to destroy Baruch because he had read the scroll (Jeremiah 36:10).

v.5 Do not seek great things (Matthew 16:26).

JEREMIAH 46: PROPHECIES AGAINST THE GENTILE NATIONS

v.1 About the Gentiles: Jeremiah 46:1-26; 46-51. About Egypt: Jeremiah 46:27-28.

v.2 The battle of Carchemish is where Pharaoh defeated Babylon.

v.11 Gilead is known as the place of medicine.

v.13 This is the second part of the prophecy: the coming invasion of Egypt.

v.19 "Out of the north" means from Babylon.

v.27-28 Jeremiah comforts the Jews (Matthew 25:33-46).

JEREMIAH 47: PROPHECIES AGAINST THE PHILISTINES

v.1. "Philistine" comes from the word "Palestine." The Philistines are utterly destroyed.

JEREMIAH 48: PROPHECIES AGAINST MOAB

v.1 Destruction coming on Moab.

v.7 They were trusting in their works and riches.

v.11 The reason for their fall: "Moab hath been at ease from his youth."

v.13 Chemosh was the Moabites' god.

v.21-34 The cities of Moab are named.

v.37 The signs of mourning.

JEREMIAH 49: PROPHECIES AGAINST AMMONITES AND THEIR CITIES

v.1 The cities that belonged to the tribes of God were now inhabited by the Ammonites.

v.2 Rabbah is the modern name for Amon in Jordan.

v.3 Israel will have their land returned to them.

v.7 Edom is an area south of Moab. Teman is a city in Edom.

v.8 Dedan is Saudi Arabia. Dedan will not be an enemy to Israel in the major conflict of the last days (Ezekiel 38:10-23).

v.13 Hebrews 6:13.

v.16 In reference to Petra, The Rock City.

v.23 Damascus was the capitol of Syria. She had already fallen to Nebuchadnezzar at this time.

v.27 Benhadad is a title for the leaders of Syria.

v.28 A prophecy against Kedar and the kingdom of Hazor.

v.39 A prophecy against Elam. Elam today includes the area of Iraq and Iran.

JEREMIAH 50: PROPHECY AGAINST BABYLON AND CHALDEA

v.1 This prophecy was given sixty-five years before the fall of Babylon. There is a twofold fulfillment: the actual destruction of Babylon as prophesied and the future destruction of spiritual Babylon (Revelation 17, 18; Daniel 2:31-35). Israel was the ten tribes of the northern kingdom, and Judah was the two tribes of the southern kingdom.

v.5 They had forsaken the covenant. This was the reason for their exile.

v.6 God still recognizes them as His people. God places the blame on the false shepherds.

v.15 Romans 12:19.

v.19 This refers to the northern kingdom of Israel.

v.20 Romans 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Psalm 32:2.

v.29 Daniel 5:27.

JEREMIAH 51: PROPHECY AGAINST BABYLON

v.6 The destruction of commercial Babylon (Revelation 18).

v.8 The merchants howl and wail over the loss of the commercial system.

v.11 Jeremiah by the word of the Holy Spirit names the Medes as the conquering nation. Cyrus destroyed Babylon.

v.15 Psalms 104:2.

v.17 Who is man to contend with God? 1 Corinthians 1:19-20; Job 40:2.

v.19 God has created all things. God has formed all things.

v.31 A "post" is a man who carried the message.

v.39 Belshazzer was slain in the midst of this drunken party.

v.47 Revelation 18:4.

v.51 The temple, the holy place, is being profaned.

v.58 The walls of Babylon were eighty feet thick.

v.63 Revelation 18:21.

JEREMIAH 52: THE OVERTHROW AND CAPTIVITY OF JUDAH

v.1-3 The reign of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 37; 2 Kings 25).

v.4-11 The fall of Jerusalem. The Babylonian army was cruel in war. They starved the people in the cities, then moved in for the slaughter.

v.12-30 The captivity of Judah.