Here we go...ready for the "weeping prophet"...
Ryrie Study Bible Book Intro
From the Ryrie book introduction:
- Began his ministry around 20 years old
- Began under the reign of good king Josiah
- He was cordial with king Josiah; but after Josiah passed, opposition mounted
- barely escaped arrest
- forbidden to go to the Temple
- had to have others deliver his prophesies
- had his writing destroyed
- imprisoned
- Called by God in 627 BC
- Archeological Discoveries that support the text
- Babylonian Chronicle: Babylonian armies campaign from 626 BC and on, including the capture of Jerusalem in 597.
- The Lachish letters
- Tablets excavated from Ishtar Gate
The prophesies (chapters) are not in chronological order. Very intermixed by king.
Final leaders in Judah:
- Josiah
- Jehoahaz (Shallum)
- Jehoiakim
- Jehoiachin (Coniah)
- Zedekiah (final Hebrew king)
- Gedaliah (Babylonian governor)
Themes are dire warnings against sin and judgement; but always with hope and restoration.
MacArthur Bible Commentary
- Jeremiah means "Jehovah throws" or Jehovah establishes, appoints, or sends.
- Shared more of his personal life and feelings than most prophets.
- There are other "Jeremiahs" in the bible; this Jeremiah is referred to nine time outside of his book; and quoted at least seven times.
- Jeremiah was priest and prophet.
- Son of a priest, Hilkiah (not Josiah's Hilkiah).
- He is from a small village just north of Jerusalem, in the Benjamin inheritance.
- Remained unmarried
- Had a scribe named Baruch
- Prophesies largely aimed at his own people
- Ministry lasted five decades
- His contemporary prophets during Josiah Habakkuk and Zephaniah
- Contemporary prophets later include Ezekiel and Daniel
- The theme is judgement on Judah with future restoration in the messianic kingdom
Wiersbe, Be Decisive
- God disciplines those He loves.
- God sent Jeremiah to His people with the final warnings.