Bible Reading Plan

Author: Jon Green

  • Jeremiah 47

    Jeremiah 47

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    A Message About the Philistines

    47 This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza:

    2 This is what the Lord says:

    “See how the waters are rising in the north;
        they will become an overflowing torrent.
    They will overflow the land and everything in it,
        the towns and those who live in them.
    The people will cry out;
        all who dwell in the land will wail
    3 at the sound of the hooves of galloping steeds,
        at the noise of enemy chariots
        and the rumble of their wheels.
    Parents will not turn to help their children;
        their hands will hang limp.
    4 For the day has come
        to destroy all the Philistines
    and to remove all survivors
        who could help Tyre and Sidon.
    The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines,
        the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.
    5 Gaza will shave her head in mourning;
        Ashkelon will be silenced.
    You remnant on the plain,
        how long will you cut yourselves?

    6 “‘Alas, sword of the Lord,
        how long till you rest?
    Return to your sheath;
        cease and be still.’
    7 But how can it rest
        when the Lord has commanded it,
    when he has ordered it
        to attack Ashkelon and the coast?”

    Go Deeper

    Today’s short chapter reveals the second foreign nation surrounding Judah to receive God’s judgment: the Philistines, who notoriously were a thorn in the side of God’s chosen people. Remember Goliath, the giant warrior who taunted Israel and was killed with David’s slingshot? He hailed from Philistia, a nation that  gloated and celebrated Israel’s demise thinking they were immune to God’s wrath. Numerous prophets along with Jeremiah pronounced God’s judgment on the Philistines, including Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos and Zephaniah. Here are some examples:

    • Isaiah: “Wail, you gate! Howl, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines! A cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there is not a straggler in its ranks” (14:31).
    • Amos: “I will destroy the king of Ashdod and the one who holds the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn my head against Ekron, till the last of the Philistines are dead,” says the Sovereign Lord (1:8).
    • Zephaniah: “No one will be left in the city of Gaza, and the city of Ashkelon will be destroyed. Ashdod will be empty by noon, and the people of Ekron will be chased away” (2:4).

    The prophet Amos once announced that God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants, the prophets. God forewarned and gave opportunity for people to repent. It’s Jeremiah’s prophecy, however, that gives the reader a sensory overload of unforgettable images: “The people will cry out; all who dwell in the land will wail at the sound of the hooves of galloping steeds, at the noise of enemy chariots and the rumble of their wheels. Parents will not turn to help their children; their hands will hang limp” (v. 2-3). Crying, wailing, galloping and rumbling resound as God’s judgment falls, so much so that crippling fear debilitates the natural protective instincts of parents for their offspring.

    Fear immobilized them, as they experienced what the Hebrew writer proclaimed “what a dreadful thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Although God used foreign nations to discipline his chosen people, He ultimately did not overlook the evil ways of these pagan nations, as numerous prophets foretold. Regardless of who commits it, sin is an affront to holy God and a day of reckoning is sure to come.

    Many times it seems we are swimming upstream against evil in our present culture. Let’s be challenged to remain alert to what Jeremiah declares as the sword of the Lord. The Enduring Word commentary says, “The sword of the Lord has a work to do among God’s people today, and will not be stopped until it finishes that work.” Scripture reminds us “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). Herein lies the proof that we belong to God. Be encouraged that nothing can usurp, supplant, or overthrow God’s sovereign authority. What He declares He will accomplish.

    Questions

    1. What is your first response as you encounter evil in our culture? Are you able to trust God’s omnipotence over all things, or does fear creep in and overtake you? Take a moment and read Isaiah 43:1-2.
    2. When life is challenging, how have you used the word of God as a powerful weapon to fight the enemy? How are you investing in building a solid foundation of trust and obedience in the daily rhythms of life?
    3. Are you devoted to praying for our nation to repent and turn from wickedness so God may hear and heal our land?

    A Quote

    “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human experience over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”–Abraham Kuyper

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  • Jeremiah 46

    Jeremiah 46

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    A Message About Egypt

    46 This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations:

    2 Concerning Egypt:

    This is the message against the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:

    3 “Prepare your shields, both large and small,
        and march out for battle!
    4 Harness the horses,
        mount the steeds!
    Take your positions
        with helmets on!
    Polish your spears,
        put on your armor!
    5 What do I see?
        They are terrified,
    they are retreating,
        their warriors are defeated.
    They flee in haste
        without looking back,
        and there is terror on every side,”
    declares the Lord.
    6 “The swift cannot flee
        nor the strong escape.
    In the north by the River Euphrates
        they stumble and fall.

    7 “Who is this that rises like the Nile,
        like rivers of surging waters?
    8 Egypt rises like the Nile,
        like rivers of surging waters.
    She says, ‘I will rise and cover the earth;
        I will destroy cities and their people.’
    9 Charge, you horses!
        Drive furiously, you charioteers!
    March on, you warriors—men of Cush and Put who carry shields,
        men of Lydia who draw the bow.
    10 But that day belongs to the Lord, the Lord Almighty—
        a day of vengeance, for vengeance on his foes.
    The sword will devour till it is satisfied,
        till it has quenched its thirst with blood.
    For the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will offer sacrifice
        in the land of the north by the River Euphrates.

    11 “Go up to Gilead and get balm,
        Virgin Daughter Egypt.
    But you try many medicines in vain;
        there is no healing for you.
    12 The nations will hear of your shame;
        your cries will fill the earth.
    One warrior will stumble over another;
        both will fall down together.”

    13 This is the message the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to attack Egypt:

    14 “Announce this in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol;
        proclaim it also in Memphis and Tahpanhes:
    ‘Take your positions and get ready,
        for the sword devours those around you.’
    15 Why will your warriors be laid low?
        They cannot stand, for the Lord will push them down.
    16 They will stumble repeatedly;
        they will fall over each other.
    They will say, ‘Get up, let us go back
        to our own people and our native lands,
        away from the sword of the oppressor.’
    17 There they will exclaim,
        ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise;
        he has missed his opportunity.’

    18 “As surely as I live,” declares the King,
        whose name is the Lord Almighty,
    “one will come who is like Tabor among the mountains,
        like Carmel by the sea.
    19 Pack your belongings for exile,
        you who live in Egypt,
    for Memphis will be laid waste
        and lie in ruins without inhabitant.

    20 “Egypt is a beautiful heifer,
        but a gadfly is coming
        against her from the north.
    21 The mercenaries in her ranks
        are like fattened calves.
    They too will turn and flee together,
        they will not stand their ground,
    for the day of disaster is coming upon them,
        the time for them to be punished.
    22 Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent
        as the enemy advances in force;
    they will come against her with axes,
        like men who cut down trees.
    23 They will chop down her forest,”
    declares the Lord,
        “dense though it be.
    They are more numerous than locusts,
        they cannot be counted.
    24 Daughter Egypt will be put to shame,
        given into the hands of the people of the north.”

    25 The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “I am about to bring punishment on Amon god of Thebes, on Pharaoh, on Egypt and her godsand her kings, and on those who rely on Pharaoh. 26 I will give them into the hands of those who want to kill them—Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. Later, however, Egypt will be inhabited as in times past,” declares the Lord.

    27 “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant;
        do not be dismayed, Israel.
    I will surely save you out of a distant place,
        your descendants from the land of their exile.
    Jacob will again have peace and security,
        and no one will make him afraid.
    28 Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant,
        for I am with you,” declares the Lord.
    “Though I completely destroy all the nations
        among which I scatter you,
        I will not completely destroy you.
    I will discipline you but only in due measure;
        I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”

    Go Deeper

    In this chapter, we see that the battle is raging and judgment is coming for many nations here in Jeremiah 46. From now through Jeremiah 51, we will see many nations judged that surround Judah. In verses 1-8 we are taken straight into the battle via Jeremiah’s vision. The battle described is the battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, where the Egyptians were completely overtaken by the Babylonians. In verses 3-5 we see that the Egyptian army is described as being incredibly well put together and strong. However, what follows is not triumph, but an embarrassing retreat leading to the deaths of Egypt’s most powerful leaders at the hands of the Babylonians. So, if they are described in this way and then defeated immediately, what could have happened?

    Verse 10 tells us, “That day is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge Himself on His foes.” Egypt was an enemy of God and was judged for it. Even though Egypt had immense earthly power, they were immediately destroyed because of God’s judgment. What should this tell us? No matter what influence, power, control, wealth, prosperity, or security you think you have, if it is not founded in the personhood of Jesus, it can be (and will be in eternity) taken away. It means nothing, even though the world makes it seem like something.

    Later on, in verses 18 and 19, we see that God declares the inhabitants of Egypt cannot simply flee His judgment. They will become a “ruin without inhabitant” and be exiled. Like Jonah fleeing Nineveh, no one can escape God’s plan and judgment. The first 26 verses depict judgment, pain, exile, and death. However, we must remember that God is good and loves us more than we can possibly imagine. In verse 27 we see three of the most beautiful words, “But fear not.”

    No matter what may come, God’s people “shall return and have quiet and ease.” This is reminiscent of 1 Thessalonians 4:11 which says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.” In the chaos of verses 1-26, God’s people are told not to fear because He has called them into a quiet life of following Him and being saved into His presence now and forever. In the world today, verses 1-26 may seem like more of a glimpse into our modern reality than we would like to admit. However, we must trust verses 27-28 which says “Fear not, for I am with you.” God declares He will be with us even if we must be “disciplined in just measure and by no means be left unpunished.” Sin requires payment and consequences, but He will never leave us or forsake us!

    Questions

    1. Are you currently fighting any battles in which it feels like you are being exiled? If so, do you know that you are God’s? If yes, then you are not an exile; you are a Son or Daughter of Him. How can this reality help you face these battles?
    2. Are you spending more time focusing on the negative “battles” around the world today, or more time focusing on the One who already defeated all of our battles and won?
    3. How are you actively pursuing a quiet and content life in Christ?

    A Quote

    Pastor David Guzik says this about the end of Jeremiah 46:

    “Even God’s judgment upon His people was evidence of His great love and care for them. Like a faithful Father, He would correct them and not leave them wholly unpunished.”

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  • Jeremiah 45

    Jeremiah 45

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    A Message to Baruch

    45 When Baruch son of Neriah wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah the prophet dictated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, Jeremiah said this to Baruch: 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ 4 But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. 5 Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”

    Go Deeper

    Before we distance ourselves from Baruch and critique his attitude in this chapter, let’s remember, none of us would willingly sign up for his assignment. We first learned about him in Jeremiah 36. Baruch was a scribe. He was educated, competent, and most likely had access to the King’s counselors. His grandfather was governor of Jerusalem under King Josiah (Jer. 32:12) and his brother held an important position under King Zedekiah of Judah (Jer. 51:59). And, at some point in his life, he was called to record the messages that Jeremiah received, even reading them aloud in the temple since Jeremiah was restricted from entering. 

    Jeremiah was not popular nor politically powerful. He was scorned, rejected, and persecuted by his own people because of his prophetic messages. Baruch was guilty by association. His proximity to Jeremiah made him unpopular and unwelcome by his own people, too. It may be speculation, but it’s not hard to imagine Baruch’s life may not have turned out the way he thought. Don’t forget, this assignment was not a short term mission. Baruch and Jeremiah persevered through 18 years of service together. 

    It’s understandable, then, that we get a glimpse of Baruch’s humanity and honesty when he says, “I am weary.” Who wouldn’t be? Imagine telling your friends and neighbors to repent before impending judgment and destruction…for 18 years. It’s not exactly a fun message. 

    Before we label God’s response to Baruch as harsh, let’s remember that God spoke directly and personally to Baruch in the middle of his crisis of faith. God doesn’t sympathize with Baruch, but he does admonish and encourage Baruch. At first glance, it may not appear like encouragement, but God is reminding Baruch that rest is found in the Sovereign control of God. God is the one who builds. God is the one who tears down. God is in control. Rest is not found in seeking great things for oneself. Greatness-on this side of heaven-is short-sighted and fleeting. 

    What’s so remarkable about these verses is that they are preserved in Scripture. Think about it. God pens 6 verses to a minor character in history. A man who accompanied and assisted a prophet of God. A man who we would consider a background character, not to mention a B-list character who feels sorry for himself. Yet, God speaks to him. The fact that God would take time to even address Baruch personally reveals God’s character—He cares. We matter to God. One person mattered. So did the thousands in Judah. He is both personal and powerful. 

    This is the last mention of Baruch in all of Scripture. The final time his name is mentioned; however, it’s important to remember: one sentence of frustration does not cancel out Baruch’s obedience and faithfulness. Said another way, a moment of despair is simply a snapshot of Baruch’s life, not the entire picture. His one sentence of frustration exposes his humanity, not the whole of his character. His obedience was greater than his selfish ambition. 

    How do we know that? The fact that we are reading Jeremiah’s messages from God is due to Baruch’s faithfulness and obedience to finish the work God asked of him. It’s one thing to want to quit, it’s another to quit. Remember: God is in control. There is a bigger story unfolding. Keep showing up. God cares more than we know. He will be faithful to his people. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

    Questions

    1. How do you relate to Baruch? 
    2. Would people around you say you are seeking great things for yourself or for God? 
    3. What does it mean to you that these six verses are preserved in Scripture?

    Keep Digging

    Check out this interesting article about Baruch from BibleTools.org: 

    “Traditional Irish history indicates that God indeed preserved Baruch through not just the harrowing years of Judah’s fall to Babylon but also through a long journey with Jeremiah to the British Isles, accompanying the king’s daughters to safety with another branch of the House of Judah, healing the breach (Genesis 38:27-30). Just as He promised, God did not forsake him, bringing him safely to a kind of Promised Land. If our priorities are right, He will do the same for us.”

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  • Jeremiah 44

    Jeremiah 44

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    Disaster Because of Idolatry

    44 This word came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in Lower Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes and Memphis—and in Upper Egypt: 2 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: You saw the great disaster I brought on Jerusalem and on all the towns of Judah. Today they lie deserted and in ruins 3 because of the evil they have done. They aroused my anger by burning incense to and worshiping other gods that neither they nor you nor your ancestors ever knew. 4 Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!’ 5 But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods. 6 Therefore, my fierce anger was poured out; it raged against the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem and made them the desolate ruins they are today.

    7 “Now this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Why bring such great disaster on yourselves by cutting off from Judah the men and women, the children and infants, and so leave yourselves without a remnant? 8 Why arouse my anger with what your hands have made, burning incense to other gods in Egypt, where you have come to live? You will destroy yourselves and make yourselves a curse[a] and an object of reproachamong all the nations on earth. 9 Have you forgotten the wickedness committed by your ancestors and by the kings and queens of Judah and the wickedness committed by you and your wives in the land of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem? 10 To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed my law and the decrees I set before you and your ancestors.

    11 “Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to bring disaster on you and to destroy all Judah. 12 I will take away the remnant of Judah who were determined to go to Egypt to settle there. They will all perish in Egypt; they will fall by the sword or die from famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine. They will become a curse and an object of horror, a curse and an object of reproach. 13 I will punish those who live in Egypt with the sword, famine and plague, as I punished Jerusalem. 14 None of the remnant of Judah who have gone to live in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, to which they long to return and live; none will return except a few fugitives.”

    15 Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present—a large assembly—and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, 16 “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! 17 We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm. 18 But ever since we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have had nothing and have been perishing by sword and famine.”

    19 The women added, “When we burned incense to the Queen of Heavenand poured out drink offerings to her, did not our husbands know that we were making cakes impressed with her image and pouring out drink offerings to her?”

    20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women, who were answering him, 21 “Did not the Lord remember and call to mind the incenseburned in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem by you and your ancestors, your kings and your officials and the people of the land? 22 When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today. 23 Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed him or followed his law or his decrees or his stipulations, this disaster has come upon you, as you now see.”

    24 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including the women, “Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah in Egypt. 25 This is what the LordAlmighty, the God of Israel, says: You and your wives have done what you said you would do when you promised, ‘We will certainly carry out the vows we made to burn incense and pour out drink offerings to the Queen of Heaven.’

    “Go ahead then, do what you promised! Keep your vows! 26 But hear the word of the Lord, all you Jews living in Egypt: ‘I swear by my great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear, “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.”27 For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. 28 Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand—mine or theirs.

    29 “‘This will be the sign to you that I will punish you in this place,’ declares the Lord, ‘so that you will know that my threats of harm against you will surely stand.’ 30 This is what the Lord says: ‘I am going to deliver PharaohHophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who want to kill him, just as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who wanted to kill him.’”

    Go Deeper

    In chapter 44, Jeremiah is speaking to the Judeans who have fled to Egypt. Just a few chapters ago, Jeremiah warned the Jews to remain in the land and not flee to Egypt (Jeremiah 42), but they were disobedient and went to Egypt forcing Jeremiah to go with them (Jeremiah 43:1-7). The Lord had promised them mercy and safety and they refused to listen to Jeremiah and his words which ultimately was a rejection of God.

    Unfortunately, Jeremiah does not have good news to share with them. Verse 11 states “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for harm, to cut off all Judah.” As a result of their disobedience and idolatry, those who had chosen to exile to Egypt would be met with judgment and ultimately death. 

    After Jeremiah details out the consequences that are to come if the people do not correct their ways and return to Judah, the people respond with “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you” (v. 16). Commentator David Guzik observes about this passage “Their sin (especially idolatry) was bad enough; their refusal to be corrected was fatal.”

    God’s words, through Jeremiah, give us some insight into how these people got so wayward. As the Lord is addressing his people, he states in verse 10, “They have not humbled themselves even to this day, nor have they feared, nor walked in my law and my statutes that I set before your fathers.” Choosing God always requires humility, reverence, and obedience. This is a good checklist that we as believers can use as we attempt to choose to trust in God’s provision and protection as opposed to following our own foolish ways like these Judeans did.

    Step one would be to examine our hearts and search to see if our motives are humble. Proverbs 11:2 says “…but with humility comes wisdom.” That wisdom will give us an adequate view of ourselves in relation to God because as Proverbs 9:10 tells us “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” And finally, once we have humble hearts and a fear of the Lord, we can seek to walk in obedience. 

    The Judeans followed their false Gods and chose to dwell in the land of Egypt where they would ultimately meet their fate by either sword or famine. Unlike the Judeans, may we seek to be people who are marked by humility, fear of the Lord, and obedience and may we always choose to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1) as we trust in his provision and protection!

    Questions

    1. Jeremiah 44:5 says “they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods.” Are there areas of your life that you are not inclined to turn your ear to the Lord for guidance?
    2. Near the end of this chapter (v. 25) God finally turned the Judeans over to their idolatry. Spend some time asking God to reveal the idols in your life so that you can confess and not follow this same pattern of sinfulness.
    3. Is humility, reverence, or obedience difficult for you? Ask God to help you mold and sharpen those characteristic qualities in your life.

    Keep Digging

    When the people boldly proclaim that they refuse to listen to Jeremiah, they state that instead they will “do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her…” (v. 17). This title refers to an Assyrian and Babylonian goddess and worship of this false goddess was rampant amongst pagan civilizations. For more information about the queen of heaven, read this article from GotQuestions.org.

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  • Jeremiah 43

    Jeremiah 43

    Read Jeremiah 43

    43 When Jeremiah had finished telling the people all the words of the Lord their God—everything the Lord had sent him to tell them— 2 Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’ 3 But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.”

    4 So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the peopledisobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah. 5 Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers led away all the remnant of Judah who had come back to live in the land of Judah from all the nations where they had been scattered. 6 They also led away all those whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan—the men, the women, the children and the king’s daughters. And they took Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah along with them. 7 So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lordand went as far as Tahpanhes.

    8 In Tahpanhes the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 9 “While the Jews are watching, take some large stones with you and bury them in clay in the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes. 10 Then say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will send for my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones I have buried here; he will spread his royal canopyabove them. 11 He will come and attack Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword. 12 He will set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt; he will burn their temples and take their gods captive. As a shepherd picks his garment clean of lice, so he will pick Egypt clean and depart.13 There in the temple of the sun in Egypt he will demolish the sacred pillarsand will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’”

    Go Deeper

    This section of Jeremiah are the final days for Jerusalem and Judah. In Jeremiah 42, the people seek Jeremiah’s counsel. They tell him regardless of if his counsel is favorable or unfavorable, they will obey the Lord. Jeremiah spends ten days in prayer and then tells the people, “Don’t go to Egypt” (42:19). Jeremiah knows that the people are going to disobey, and they do. This chapter is a picture of deliberate disobedience. All the people “disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah” (v. 4). 

    The people not only disobey Jeremiah, but they accuse him of being a false prophet, kidnap him, take him to Egypt, and force him to disobey God’s commands. They refused to listen to God, and this eventually resulted in destruction. The people who hundreds of years prior had been delivered from the hands of the Egyptians are now back in bondage again. They confused God’s will with their own.

    The people promised to do whatever God told them to do but that promise was empty. They did what they thought was right in their own eyes. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” If they believed and obeyed God, they would have prospered. However, because they disobeyed God, they had to face the consequences of that. 

    The rest of this chapter predicts the consequences of the people not obeying the voice of God. Jeremiah illustrates another prophetic word using large stones. God commanded Jeremiah to pick up these large stones and bury them at the entrance of Pharaoh’s house. God promised that he would send King Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Egypt, just like they did Judah. The Lord says, “I will send for my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones I have buried here; he will spread his royal canopy above them” (v. 10). What the people were trying to escape in Judah, they now would find in Egypt.

    God’s commands to us are not meant to be burdensome, but for our benefit. Psalm 19 tells us that, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” We can obey God’s voice and His instruction, and walk in righteousness, or we can disobey and face the earthly consequences of that disobedience. May we take note and avoid the mistakes the Israelites made. Their disobedience communicated a lack of trust in God and who He had revealed Himself to be. May we be people who are submitted to God’s Word, regardless of if it is convenient to us. May we trust that God loves us, He is good, and He is in control. He is worthy of our full obedience. 

    Questions

    1. When is a time in your life where God answered a prayer differently than what you expected? How did you respond to that?
    2. Is there an area of your life today where you are in disobedience to God’s Word?  
    3. What does this chapter teach you about the character of man? How can you avoid making the same mistake as the people in this chapter? 

    A Quote

    In his book Run With the Horses (based on the story of Jeremiah), author and pastor Eugene Peterson says this about the late stage of Jeremiah’s life and his faithfulness in spite of his circumstances: 

    “In Egypt, the place he doesn’t want to be, with people who treat him badly, he continues determinedly faithful, magnificently courageous, heartlessly rejected—a towering life terrifically lived.”

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  • Jeremiah 42

    Jeremiah 42

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    42 Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatestapproached 2 Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. 3 Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

    4 “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the Lordsays and will keep nothing back from you.”

    5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witnessagainst us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”

    7 Ten days later the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. 8 So he called together Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him and all the people from the least to the greatest. 9 He said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: 10 ‘If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon,whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. 12 I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.’

    13 “However, if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and so disobey the Lord your God, 14 and if you say, ‘No, we will go and live in Egypt, where we will not see war or hear the trumpet or be hungry for bread,’ 15 then hear the word of the Lord, you remnant of Judah. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, 16 then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die. 17 Indeed, all who are determined to go to Egypt to settle there will die by the sword, famine and plague; not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring on them.’ 18 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘As my anger and wrath have been poured out on those who lived in Jerusalem,so will my wrath be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You will be a curse and an object of horror, a curse and an object of reproach; you will never see this place again.’

    19 “Remnant of Judah, the Lord has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today 20 that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, ‘Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ 21 I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you. 22 So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.”

    Go Deeper

    In this chapter, we read the story of an interaction between a remnant of people who were left as they asked Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord for them. They needed wisdom, unsure of what they should do next and where they should go. Jeremiah heard their request and ensured he would take it before the Lord…and that he would tell them anything and everything God told him in response. He would keep nothing back from them (v. 4). The people then said, regardless of what God said, they would do as He said. But how sincere was that? 

    Verse 7 tells us that after ten days of waiting, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. Think about how long those ten days must have felt! This is a great reminder to us that prophets weren’t like genies who could just spout off prophetic words whenever they felt like it–they had to wait on God to reveal a message to them. In his commentary on the book of Jeremiah Adam Clarke, an 18th and 19th century British scholar, said this: 

    “It is evident the prophets could not prophesy when they pleased, any more than the disciples of our Lord could work miracles when they wished. The gift of prophecy and the gift of miracles were both dependent on the will of the Most High, and each of them was given only for the moment; and when the necessity was over, the influence ceased.”

    The message that God gave to Jeremiah was another example of Jeremiah having to deliver tough news to the people asking to hear from God. If they remained in the land (like He had instructed them to do), they would be shown great mercy. However, if they moved on towards Egypt seeking a false sense of safety and security, they would most certainly die as a result of that. It ultimately came down to a matter of their hearts. 

    Jeremiah reminded them that they were the ones coming to him asking for next steps, so if they were to go on to Egypt they would be living hypocritically. He knew, based on their track record, that they would be tempted to go their own way and follow their own fleshly desire for comfort. God saw their hearts and He knew their motives. The same is true for us today.

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you on your first read through this chapter? Why? 
    2. Why were Jeremiah’s own words at the end of this chapter so harsh?
    3. Do you ever find yourself going before God with your own plan in mind? How can you live today with open hands, asking God to accomplish His will through you? 

    A Quote

    David Guzik in his Enduring Word commentary had this to say about the end of this chapter:

    “They acted as if they sought the LORD in sincerity and submission, but it was not true. Many still seek God with pretended sincerity, already determined to do what they want to do, and only hoping that God will affirm them in so doing. This teaches the importance of seeking God with a truly submitted heart that will do whatever He tells us to do.”

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  • Jeremiah 41

    Jeremiah 41

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    41 In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was of royal blood and had been one of the king’s officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah. While they were eating together there, 2 Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land. 3 Ishmael also killed all the men of Judah who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Babylonian soldiers who were there.

    4 The day after Gedaliah’s assassination, before anyone knew about it,5 eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes and cutthemselves came from Shechem, Shiloh and Samaria, bringing grain offerings and incense with them to the house of the Lord. 6 Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When he met them, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” 7 When they went into the city, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the men who were with him slaughtered them and threw them into a cistern. 8 But ten of them said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have wheat and barley, olive oil and honey, hidden in a field.” So he let them alone and did not kill them with the others. 9 Now the cistern where he threw all the bodies of the men he had killed along with Gedaliah was the one King Asa had made as part of his defense against Baasha king of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the dead.

    10 Ishmael made captives of all the rest of the people who were in Mizpah—the king’s daughters along with all the others who were left there, over whom Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set out to cross over to the Ammonites.

    11 When Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him heard about all the crimes Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed, 12 they took all their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah. They caught up with him near the great pool in Gibeon. 13 When all the people Ishmael had with him saw Johanan son of Kareah and the army officers who were with him, they were glad. 14 All the people Ishmael had taken captive at Mizpah turned and went over to Johanan son of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and fled to the Ammonites.

    Flight to Egypt

    16 Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him led away all the people of Mizpah who had survived, whom Johanan had recovered from Ishmael son of Nethaniah after Ishmael had assassinated Gedaliah son of Ahikam—the soldiers, women, children and court officials he had recovered from Gibeon. 17 And they went on, stopping at Geruth Kimham near Bethlehem on their way to Egypt 18 to escape the Babylonians.They were afraid of them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.

    Go Deeper

    Yesterday, we read that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah, one of the Jewish leaders, as governor over the provinces of Judah. People were returning to their homeland even though it was controlled by the Chaldeans. Theologians believe Ishmael was jealous and angry being overlooked for this governorship given to Gedaliah. We read in the previous chapter that Gedaliah was warned by Johanan and other officers, but he refused to believe the evil intended for him. As we read through verses 1-10 today, Ishmael murdered Gedaliah and all his officers and others, and then lied publicly to lead others to believe that the event occurred without his knowledge. 

    In all the cruel and deceitful activity in this chapter, we can still see the hand of God then and His words for us now. First, He protected Jeremiah from death. Although the prophet suffered greatly at the hands of his own people and their enemies, he never stopped speaking God’s word to both. Jeremiah was unwavering in his call and commitment to God, His word, and His people, and we can find this same strength and resolve in our own walk with Christ.

    Second, it was hard to read that even those who humbly returned to mourn, seek the Lord, and worship were not spared. Like Jeremiah, and these humble worshippers, we must never stop our pursuit of God, His will, and His ways no matter our circumstances. This story asks us if we are willing to do the same no matter what we are facing. Jesus, facing the crucifixion, fell on his knees in the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 

    There is no possible way to dismiss the power in this prayer, and it is a prayer for us as well. Jesus overcame death. As we bend the knee to God’s will in our own lives, we are promised His power and strength to overcome in this life along with the promise of eternity in heaven. In Luke 23:42-43, the man hanging on his cross next to Jesus said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you today you will be with me in paradise.”  

    Today, let these words comfort and capture your heart no matter what you may be facing. His promises are true and surrendering to His will unleashes the supernatural power you desire and need to overcome anything. To Him be the glory now and forever!

    Questions

    1. What do you think prompted Ishmael to choose to destroy Gedalia?
    2. Why did Gedalia disregard the warning from his officers? Was that wise? Why or why not?
    3. When faced with such extreme circumstances, how can we overcome them? Discuss this with your Life Group.

    A Quote

    Matthew Henry, a 17th century theologian wrote, “The success of villainy is short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. This melancholy history warns us, never to be secure in this world. We never can be sure of peace on this side of heaven. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”

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  • Jeremiah 40

    Jeremiah 40

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    Jeremiah Freed

    40 The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah who were being carried into exile to Babylon. 2 When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, “The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. 3 And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinnedagainst the Lord and did not obey him. 4 But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists. Come with me to Babylon, if you like, and I will look after you; but if you do not want to, then don’t come. Look, the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please.” 5 However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.”

    Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go. 6 So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left behind in the land.

    Gedaliah Assassinated

    7 When all the army officers and their men who were still in the open country heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the land and had put him in charge of the men, women and children who were the poorest in the land and who had not been carried into exile to Babylon, 8 they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maakathite, and their men. 9 Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, took an oath to reassure them and their men. “Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. 10 I myself will stay at Mizpah to represent you before the Babylonians who come to us, but you are to harvest the wine, summer fruit and olive oil, and put them in your storage jars, and live in the towns you have taken over.”

    11 When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom and all the other countriesheard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as governor over them, 12 they all came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah, from all the countries where they had been scattered. And they harvested an abundance of wine and summer fruit.

    13 Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers still in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14 and said to him, “Don’t you know that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.

    15 Then Johanan son of Kareah said privately to Gedaliah in Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life and cause all the Jews who are gathered around you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to perish?”

    16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.”

    Go Deeper

    Many times in the midst of chaos, we look to everything except the Lord. Many times in chaos we follow anything except God’s plan. Jeremiah 40 shows us how following and trusting God’s plan allows us to receive the peace and blessings of God during moments of chaos. This chapter opens with an interesting encounter between Jeremiah and Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard for the Babylonian army. Nebuzaradan is releasing Jeremiah from his chains, Jeremiah was captured with the others following the fall of Jerusalem, and tells Jeremiah “The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. And now the Lord has brought it about; he has done just as he said he would (v. 2-3).” Nebuzaradan was not a follower of God, but he still recognized that judgment comes if you continually turn your back on God.

    Following Jeremiah’s release from the chains of captivity, Nebuzaradan gives him a choice. Jeremiah can go to Babylon and live a life under the care of Nebuzaradan, or stay with the people that rejected Jeremiah’s message from God. Nebuzaradan is offering Jeremiah the chance of a lifetime. You can come with me and have everything you can imagine, or stay with the people that rejected you. Jeremiah chooses to live among the poor and those left in the land of Judah. This shows us a lot about the character of Jeremiah. He is not a vindictive person instead he is a person that has chosen to continue to deliver God’s message to the people of Judah.

    Jeremiah chooses to continue to trust in God’s plan. He chooses to stay in the land of his people under the provision of God. Jeremiah 40:5 tells us that Nebuzaradan gives Jeremiah provisions and a present and that Jeremiah goes to Mizpah to live under the leadership of the new governor, Gedaliah.

    While in Mizpah the remnants of the people left in the land of Judah came together. Many of these people were the ones that fled Jerusalem during the siege from the Babylonians. Now they have gathered together and Gedaliah reassures them that they need to serve the Babylonians and everything will be good again. Another amazing scene unfolds as the people are told to harvest wine, summer fruit and olive oil. This not only shows God is once again blessing the people, but also shows us a time of rejuvenation following very hard times for the people.

    Jeremiah 40 goes on to show us how following God’s plan always works out as a blessing for us. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Jeremiah is an example of this. His message is rejected by the people, God’s judgment comes to the people, and in the end Jeremiah is back in his homeland and enjoying the blessings of God.

    Questions

    1. What does this chapter teach us about following God’s plan?
    2. How can we apply Jeremiah’s trust in God to our lives?
    3. If you had to make the same choice as Jeremiah, what would you have done?

    Pray This

    Father, help us to follow your plan without hesitation or doubt. In Proverbs you tell us to trust with all our hearts and you will direct our paths, please help us to do that daily.

    Amen.

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  • Jeremiah 39

    Jeremiah 39

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    1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it. 2 And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city wall was broken through. 3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and took seats in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-Sarsekim a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officials of the king of Babylon. 4 When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled; they left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and headed toward the Arabah.

    5 But the Babylonian army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him. 6 There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes and also killed all the nobles of Judah. 7 Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.

    8 The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard carried into exile to Babylon the people who remained in the city, along with those who had gone over to him, and the rest of the people.10 But Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing; and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.

    11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: 12 “Take him and look after him; don’t harm him but do for him whatever he asks.”13 So Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard, Nebushazban a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officers of the king of Babylon 14 sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard.They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his home. So he remained among his own people.

    15 While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him: 16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city—words concerning disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.’”

    Go Deeper

    In Jeremiah 39, we read the story of the fall of Jerusalem. As had been foretold, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his entire army marched towards Jerusalem and besieged the city (v. 1). They surrounded it, essentially cutting it off from the outside world and preventing the importing and exporting of goods all while taking aim at the walls around the city. After an 18 month siege, the city fell. All of the false prophets who had claimed Judah would come out victorious had been proven false. Jeremiah, on the other hand, was proven to be a prophet speaking on God’s behalf.

    As King Zedekiah tried to escape, eventually Nebuchadnezzar’s army caught up to him. Zedekiah tried to slip away, abandoning his people in the process, only to be captured on the run. Earlier in the book of Jeremiah it had been prophesied that Zedekiah would ultimately meet Nebuchadnezzar face-to-face, and now it was happening. The prophecies of what would happen to Zedekiah’s family if he didn’t listen and repent were also ultimately fulfilled here (v. 6-10). Ultimately, the city of Jerusalem was torched and destroyed. All because of hardened hearts that didn’t want to repent. 

    As for Jeremiah, he was vindicated and his status as a true prophet of God was cemented. The Babylonians cared for and protected Jeremiah, releasing him from prison and allowing him to live among the people once again. And for added measure, Ebed-Melek the Cushite (who we read about in the previous chapter) was preserved and protected for putting his trust in the Lord as well. The story of Ebed-Melek is a powerful one, reminding us that anyone with ears to hear and a willingness to put their faith in God can be in a relationship with Him. 

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you on your first read through this chapter? Why?
    2. Why is the fall of Jerusalem such a significant event? 
    3. Why is the story of Ebed-Melek so important?

    By the Way

    King Zedekiah having his eyes taken out fulfilled a promise God made through Ezekiel before the fall of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 12:13: 

    “I will spread my net for him, and he will be caught in my snare; I will bring him to Babylonia, the land of the Chaldeans, but he will not see it, and there he will die.”

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  • Jeremiah 38

    Jeremiah 38

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    Jeremiah Thrown Into a Cistern

    38 Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehukal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said, 2 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives; they will live.’ 3 And this is what the Lord says: ‘This city will certainly be given into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.’”

    4 Then the officials said to the king, “This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.”

    5 “He is in your hands,” King Zedekiah answered. “The king can do nothingto oppose you.”

    6 So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.

    7 But Ebed-Melek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. While the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate, 8 Ebed-Melek went out of the palace and said to him, 9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown him into a cistern, where he will starve to death when there is no longer any bread in the city.”

    10 Then the king commanded Ebed-Melek the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”

    11 So Ebed-Melek took the men with him and went to a room under the treasury in the palace. He took some old rags and worn-out clothes from there and let them down with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. 12 Ebed-Melek the Cushite said to Jeremiah, “Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, 13 and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.

    Zedekiah Questions Jeremiah Again

    14 Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and had him brought to the third entrance to the temple of the Lord. “I am going to ask you something,” the king said to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.”

    15 Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me.”

    16 But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.”

    17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life will be spared and this city will not be burned down; you and your family will live. 18 But if you will not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians and they will burn it down; you yourself will not escape from them.’”

    19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will mistreat me.”

    20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is what the Lord has revealed to me:22 All the women left in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon. Those women will say to you:

    “‘They misled you and overcame you—
        those trusted friends of yours.
    Your feet are sunk in the mud;
        your friends have deserted you.’

    23 “All your wives and children will be brought out to the Babylonians. You yourself will not escape from their hands but will be captured by the king of Babylon; and this city will be burned down.”

    24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you may die. 25 If the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we will kill you,’ 26 then tellthem, ‘I was pleading with the king not to send me back to Jonathan’s houseto die there.’”

    27 All the officials did come to Jeremiah and question him, and he told them everything the king had ordered him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had heard his conversation with the king.

    28 And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.

    The Fall of Jerusalem

    This is how Jerusalem was taken:

    Go Deeper

    Jeremiah 38 occurs in the midst of a complex time for the prophet Jeremiah and the nation of Judah. The nation of Judah is being sieged by the nation of Babylon. This method of attack involved the invading armies surrounding a city and cutting off supplies until there was no food and/or water left in a city and its inhabitants were forced to surrender. The process of surrender often took time and involved the people of the city trickling out slowly until it was weak enough (in numbers or physical strength) to be easily overtaken by the attacking army.  

    This is an important factor in understanding this chapter as we see the atmosphere in the city playing a key role in the events that take place. For example, a motivating factor in Jeremiah being thrown into the cistern was because his message that “whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live” (v. 2) was “discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all of the people” (v. 4).  

    This context is helpful to understand the drastic response to Jeremiah’s teaching, but also makes clear the courage and faith that Jeremiah has to continue speaking the Word of the Lord. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, we have seen the pressure grow hotter in response to the Word of the Lord spoken through the prophet Jeremiah. As the judgment of God becomes closer for the rebellious people of Judah, they become more hostile to Jeremiah’s prophecies.  However, the prophet remains steadfast in his service to the Lord.  

    In the same way, we can see the teachers of the law and the Pharisees grow more and more obstinate against the teaching of Jesus and ultimately determine that He is worthy of death.  For Jeremiah, the leaders of the city attempted to murder him by cowardly throwing him into a cistern to die a slow death and avoid shedding his blood themselves.  

    For Christ, the leaders handed Him over the Romans in hopes that he would be killed for proclaiming Himself as the Son of God and the King of the Jews. After Jeremiah was lowered into the cistern, he was raised up by Ebed-melech (whose name means servant of the king).  Jeremiah was raised to continue proclaiming the Word of the Lord against the people of Judah that were enslaved to their sin. After Jesus was crucified, He was raised up by the power of the Spirit to defeat death and the power of sin once and for all. 

    Questions

    1. What stuck out to you most about this chapter?
    2. Do you see anywhere else in this chapter where the setting of war impacts the actions and decisions of the people?
    3. Do you have a faith that could stand up against persecution like Jeremiah?

    By the Way

    This is not the only time a prophet’s life was in danger during a siege. Check out this passage from 2 Kings 6:24-33:

    24 Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria. 25 There was a great famine in the city; the siege lasted so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels.

    26 As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, “Help me, my lord the king!”

    27 The king replied, “If the Lord does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?” 28 Then he asked her, “What’s the matter?”

    She answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we’ll eat my son.’ 29 So we cooked my son and atehim. The next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son so we may eat him,’ but she had hidden him.”

    30 When the king heard the woman’s words, he tore his robes. As he went along the wall, the people looked, and they saw that, under his robes, he had sackcloth on his body. 31 He said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!”

    32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Don’t you see how this murderer is sending someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold it shut against him. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” 33 While he was still talking to them, the messenger came down to him.

    The king said, “This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?”

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