Category: Jeremiah

This final chapter of the book of Jeremiah serves as an epilogue of sorts to the rest of the book. Jeremiah’s final words of prophecy were uttered in the previous chapter, then we presume he died. Some scholars believe that Baruch, the faithful scribe we encountered throughout a couple of chapters in the book, wrote the final chapter that concluded the book. Almost every verse in Jeremiah 52 is a prophecy fulfilled from Jeremiah’s time on earth, and the story told in this chapter is a retelling of a story that we can also read about in 2 Kings 24-25. 

We read the story of Babylon’s final assault on Jerusalem, where the temple was attacked and torn down and the people were brought into exile by the Babylonians. The temple was looted and destroyed (v. 17-23) and many people were executed there on the spot (v. 24-27). Just as Jeremiah had foretold, complete and utter destruction had come upon the land. Reading this final chapter almost serves as a summary of the whole book of Jeremiah and it shows what Jeremiah knew all along: Jeremiah’s words were true because they came directly from God. 

The final story at the very end of the book is a brief narrative about King Jehoiachin, the heir to the line of David. Jehoiachin is taken out of prison and was treated kindly and with favor. He was treated better than other captives, ate his meals with Evilmerodach (son of Nebuchadnezzar), and was given an allowance every day for the remainder of his life. Jehoiachin serves as the first glimmer of hope that Jeremiah’s prophecies of future restoration would come to fruition. Even in the midst of destruction, we see a message of hope. As followers of Jesus, we can resonate with that message. Even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, we can cling to the hope of Jesus and the trust that He is in the process of reconciling the world to Himself.

The chapter concludes with “The words of Jeremiah end here” (v. 64). The question, then, is where does this story end? The prophecy here continues from Jeremiah 50 with what will become of Babylon and their inhabitants. Babylon has been a golden cup, a rich and glorious empire, a golden city (Isaiah 14:4), a head of gold (Daniel 2:38), filled with all good things, as a cup with wine. Specifically, she had been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand. (Matthew Henry). The Lord had allowed Babylon to force the nations around it to drink from this golden cup. Now Jeremiah’s word from God continues in describing two main ideas, the utter destruction of Babylon and the vindication of the remnant of Israel (v. 10).

The description is replete with not only the details of who will come as the “destroyer” but how utter the destruction will be. There will be nothing left of any worth, including the inability to use any stone in the land as a cornerstone. In this final piece of poetic prophecy, even the elements of the earth, water, wind, and fire, will be summoned to add to the destruction caused by the armies of the north. Babylon falls from being a golden cup in God’s hand that brought correction to Israel for breaking its covenant with the Lord to a mockery, where no man or bull or crop or water will be left behind.

Israel has finally reached the end of its time in captivity and is commanded to return home. They are literally told to “Run for your lives and return home (v. 45).” They are described as sheep who had lost their way (and their shepherd) and are to return to the hills and fields– where they can eat their fill and finally be satisfied.

There is a new covenant coming for this remnant. It will begin with a new shepherd. God’s plan is to restore hope amongst His people by giving them more than a return to the land. He is going to provide them with a living cornerstone, one that is not formed from a stone of the earth and is above the decay and corruption of the world. He is proving, once again, that He is the one true God and the promise keeper who delivered correction and now delivers hope.  

As Jeremiah’s words end, they still remain. His prophecies and actions continue to teach us that we are to serve the only living God and that He is not only the God of creation but also the God of the future. This God of eternity has once again kept good on his promises, delivered forgiveness of sins. More importantly, in this book, He has paved a way for a new covenant, not written on stones, but written on the hearts of man in all nations.

Today’s passage has a serious mood. The complete and utter destruction that Jeremiah prophesied about is immense and unthinkable! God, through Jeremiah, spends a lot of detail specifying the way in which this will take place, even going as far as to compare Babylon’s destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah. Prior to this, Sodom and Gomorrah have been used as the standard for what is considered as complete and utter destruction! 

The devastation would be so great that the city “will not be inhabited but will be completely desolate”, despite being a major thriving city! The fact that this was prophesied so many years ahead of the actual event and the absurdity of the level of destruction, just gives further evidence of God’s handiwork. It would be unimaginable to have that sort of declaration given today over one of our major cities and see it come to fruition. To this day, the area that we suspected used to belong to Babylon is still unoccupied. Each year that passes and Babylon remains unoccupied proclaims God’s sovereignty. 

On another note, this passage should come as a warning that even though God is using us, it does not mean we are following His will. God used  Babylon to enact His will, but ultimately He punished them since they were only a tool and not a follower. The seriousness of sin still requires punishment! God holds to His promises and will not let sin go unpunished! Although the punishment may not be immediate or the way we would expect, it will surely come. 

However, it should bring us great comfort to know the extreme measures that God will go to in order to retrieve His people, and He is a promise keeper. To give even more credence to His worthiness, this chapter showed proof of His ability to see thousands of years into the future! This is the God that deserves our hearts! For this reason, be careful what or who takes your heart captive. As with Judah and the Israelites, what started off as their hearts becoming captive led to them physically becoming captive.

As we near the end of Jeremiah, in this chapter we read of several of Jeremiah’s oracles and prophecies that he spoke over certain nations regarding the judgment by God that was headed their way. Jeremiah addresses (in order) the Ammonites, the Edomites, those living in Damascus, two tribes that had previously been attacked by King Nebuchadnezzar, and Elam. While each of these judgments might seem random or disconnected, there was a purpose behind each of them. 

For example, the Ammonites’ sin was their desire for self sufficiency. They wanted to operate separate from God, as if they needed nothing to do with Him. The Ammonites took pride in their natural resources, so they thought of themselves as invincible. Instead, they would be attacked and brought low. The Edomites’, however, had a different sin struggle. These descendents of Esau could trace their dislike of Israel all the way back to the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau.Charles Feinberg, a twentieth century scholar, said their “cardinal sin was its pride manifested in its unrelenting and violent hatred of Israel and its rejoicing in her misfortune.” Damascus, like the others, had cursed Israel and now God was cursing them, just as he had promised.

Reading this passage, you can see the different ways different sins lead entire groups of people to death. As we read this today, we can try and personalize this text and see which group of people we most identify with. Are we prideful? Do we seek security in our money or earthly wisdom? Do we think we’re able to outrun God and his judgment? Each one of us will see safety or security in someone other than God. Let this passage serve as a reminder to love and pursue God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

In this chapter we read of God’s judgment on the people of Moab for their trust in themselves and their god Chemosh (v. 7). 

The people of Israel have a storied history with the Moabites, their cousins to the east of the Dead Sea. We first see the Moabites mentioned in Genesis 19. Abraham’s cousin Lot escaped God’s judgment on Sodom. Lot’s daughters got their father drunk and conceived two children respectively, Moab and Ben-ammi. These boys would be the descendants of the Moabites and the Ammonites. In Number 21, while in the wilderness, the Israelites camped in the plains of Moab. King Balak summons Balaam to curse the nation of Israel. God doesn’t allow this to happen, but instead speaks a curse over Moab through Balaam (Numbers 24:17). This chapter in Jeremiah shows us that Balaam’s prophecy against Moab will come to fruition. 

The reasons for this judgment are still applicable to us today. We see in verse 7 that they trusted in their “own works and treasures”. It says in verse 29 that the Moabites exhibited great pride and haughtiness. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”. God has gifted us with wisdom to avoid the same pitfalls as those that have gone before us. We are so easily tempted to do the things that lead to death. Some of us tend to take pride in our cars, clothes, or our children. Others of us in our job title, neighborhood, or our abilities. Tim Keller once said, “Idolatry happens when we take good things and make them ultimate.”

These same sins of pride and self reliance can take us out just as it did to Moab and we can become a “horror to all that are around him” (v. 39). The antidote to this is to humbly come before Jesus and ask Him to reveal any sin that is within us, confess those things, and repent. 

Amidst all of the judgment to come to Moab, God’s mercy is still evident. In verse 47, He promises that He will restore the fortunes of Moab. He offers us the same grace and mercy. While we were still sinners Christ died for us and because of that we have newness in life and can live in a right relationship with God. 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.