Lecture 15; Jeremiah and Lamentations
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Jeremiah and Lamentations were written by the prophet Jeremiah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC as Babylon gained power in the region and ultimately destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its people. Jeremiah prophesied judgment on Judah for their sins but also promised future restoration. Lamentations expresses grief over the fall of Jerusalem from the destruction prophesied by Jeremiah. Both books share the themes of God's judgment on sin but also his faithfulness and hope for the future.
Lecture 15; Jeremiah and Lamentations
- 1. Jeremiah and Lamentations Change before the end begins
- 2. We Study Jeremiah and Lamentations Together Because: 1. Same author – Jeremiah 2. Same subject – God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem 3. Same historical background – Babylon is boss Message ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 “Jeremiah is a heart-broken prophet with a heart-breaking message. He labors for more than 40 years proclaiming a message of doom to the stiff-necked people of Judah. Despised and persecuted by his countrymen, Jeremiah bathes his harsh prophecies in tears of compassion.” “Talk Thru the Old Testament”
- 3. Jeremiah and Lamentations Are Grouped With the Major Prophets The Petateuch - 5 Wisdom Books - 5 Major Prophets - 5 Gospels - 4 General Epistles - 8 Genesis Job Isaiah Matthew Hebrews Exodus Psalms Jeremiah Mark James Leviticus Proverbs Lamentations Luke I Peter Numbers Song of Songs Ezekiel John II Peter Deuteronomy Ecclesiastes Daniel I John History - 1 II John Historical Books - 12 Acts III John Joshua Minor Prophets - 12 Jude Judges Hosea Paul's Epistles -13 Ruth Joel Romans Apocalypse - 1 I Samuel Amos I Corinthians Revelation II Samuel Obadiah II Corinthians I Kings Jonah Galatians II Kings Michah Ephesians I Chronicles Nahum Colossians II Chronicles Habakkuk Philippians Ezra Zephaniah I Thessalonians Nehemiah Haggai II Thessalonians Esther Zechariah I Timothy Malachi II Timothy Titus Philemon Old Testament - 39 books New Testament - 27 Books Canon ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 4. A Prophet Speaks for the Lord in Two Ways: 1. FORTHTELLS the word of God – Denounce sin – Proclaim judgment – Plead for repentance – Encourage obedience 2. FORETELLS the word of God – Predicts future events 4 Prophet Most prophetic material deals with Forthtelling. A prophet is part of a rare human breed that can expose the corruption of the human society, seeing through its rationalizations and conventions. ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 5. Jeremiah: The Man • Son of Hilkiah, a priest (1:1) • Born in the village of Anathoth: 3 miles from Jerusalem (1:1) • Prophetic call in 13th year of Josiah’s reign - 627 BC (1:2) • Ministry ended during Zedekiah’s reign after the fall of Jerusalem - 586 BC (1:3) • Appointed a prophet to the nations before he was born (1:5) • Prophetic call came when he was still a youth (1:6) • Never married (16:1-4) at God’s direction • Suffered much at the hands of his fellow Jews, priests, prophets and kings who considered him a traitor • Called the “weeping prophet” (9:1) due to concern for people Jeremiah ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 6. Jeremiah’s Message is Threefold 1. Repentance 2. Judgment 3. Restoration Message ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 7. Repentance Message Initially, Jeremiah calls the nation of Judah to genuine repentance. If Judah returns to God judgment will be avoided. ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 8. Judgment Message Eventually, it became apparent that the people had no intention of abandoning their idolatry, sexual immorality and social injustice. Jeremiah warned them of the approaching subjugation to Babylon was a judgment from God. They must submit to Babylon and take their punishment or the judgment will increase to include destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and deportation to Babylon. This message of judgment angered the Jews and caused Jeremiah to be viewed as a traitor. As a result the Jews consistently rebelled against Babylon and persecuted him more intensely than any other Hebrew prophet ever had been. ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 9. Judgment…2 Message Jeremiah also prophesied judgment on nine nations surrounding Judah (chapters 46 – 51). Particular emphasis is given for Babylon (Chapters 50 and 51). ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 10. Restoration Message After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC Jeremiah encourages Judah with promises of a future time of restoration and return of the exiles after 70 years captivity in Babylon. ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 11. Jeremiah Prophesied Just Before the Babylonian Exile Jer. Chronology ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 12. Tips for Understanding Jeremiah’s Prophecies • Historical background – The failure of Judah to repent, their subsequent defeat by Babylon, the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple and the exile of the people • Theological perspective – The people are being judged by the Lord for their sins but there is hope for the remnant Tips “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 13. Understanding Near Eastern History is Critical to Understanding Jeremiah 13 History “Anyone who attempts to read the book without knowing something of the times will be more bewildered that ever. The arrangement of the book is complex and the variety of materials is considerable. If one lacks any sort of historical anchorage as well, the book is a bewildering one.” . J. A. Thompson, “The Book of Jeremiah” ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 14. Four Historical Keys to Unlocking Jeremiah’s Prophecies 1. The Assyrian Empire is in decline 2. The Babylonians are on the rise 3. Egypt is eager to assert her authority 4. Judah is caught in the middle of the struggle for power among these three nations 14 History “The prophet spoke at a time when the ancient Near East was in an almost unparalleled state of ferment.” . . R.K. Harrison, “Jeremiah and Lamentations” ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 15. Major Historical Events Show the Turbulent Times of Jeremiah Date Event 627 Jeremiah called to be a prophet. Ashurbanipal, the last great Assyrian king, dies. 612 Nineveh, capital of Assyria falls to Babylon 609 Egypt marches north to aid Assyria against Babylon. Judah. intercepts Egypt. Josiah killed in battle of Megiddo. Judah becomes Egyptian vassal. Pharaoh deposes Josiah's successor, Jehoahaz; replaces him with Jehoiakim. 605 Egyptian army routed at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. 604 Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon subdues Syria, Judah and Philistia. Judah becomes Babylonian vassal. 598 After not paying tribute for 3 years, Judah allies with Egypt against Babylon. Babylon attacks Judah. 597 Jehoiakim dies. Judah falls to Babylon. Jehoiachin, the successor king is deported to Babylon and Zedekiah is chosen to rule. 588 Zedekiah breaks with Babylon under pressure from pro-Egyptian Jews. Jerusalem under siege for 18 months 587 Babylon breaks into Jerusalem: city plundered and burned; temple destroyed; people deported; Governor Gedaliah assassinated; Jeremiah taken to Egypt. 15 History ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 16. The Saga of Judah’s Kings Further Shows the Turbulence of the Times King Reign Reason for Ascension Reason for Cessation Josiah 640-609 Assassination of predecessor Killed by Egyptians at Megiddo. Jehoahaz (Shallum) 609 (3 months) Death of predecessor by Egyptians at battle of Megiddo. Deported to Egypt as consequence of defeat at Megiddo. Jehoiakim (Eliakim) 609-598 Installed by Egypt as a consequence of battle of Megiddo. Three years behind on tribute to Babylon. Died while Jerusalem under siege by Babylon. Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) 598-597 (3 months) Replaced the deceased Jehoiakim. Deported to Babylon as a result of the failure to pay tribute. Zedekiah (Mattaniah) 597-586 Installed by Babylon after destruction of Jerusalem and temple. Moved to Mizpah. Rebelled against. Babylon. Sons killed and his eyes put out. Deported to Babylon. Gedaliah 586 Appointed by Babylon. Assassinated by pro-Egypt Jews. History ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 17. Summary of the Book of Jeremiah Summary Jeremiah was called by the Lord to preach a message of judgment on the idolatrous and immoral nation of Judah. He prophesied for approximately 40 years during the reigns of five kings of Judah and during the battles for political supremacy of the region among Assyria, Egypt and Babylon. His message of judgment of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Babylon and the deportation of Jews to Babylon for a 70 year exile was violently opposed by every segment of Jewish society: kings, priests, prophets and the people. He was regularly ignored, ridiculed, arrested and imprisoned, beaten and threatened with death. His constant admonition to submit to Babylon as the vessel of God’s judgment was an unpopular and readily dismissed message. But, Jeremiah also prophesied a time of restoration for Judah when God will establish a heart based covenant with them through a “righteous branch” from the line of David. ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 18. The Structure of the Book Reinforces the Appointment of Prophet to the Nations Message ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 I. Jeremiah’s Call (Chapter 1) – “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 II. Prophecies to the Jews (Chapters 2-44) III. Prophecies to the Gentiles (Chapters 45-51) IV. The Fall of Jerusalem (Chapter 52) The book begins with a call to make Jeremiah a prophet to the nations (1:10). It ends with judgments on nations (Chapters 46-51) confirming the promise of the Lord in Chapter 1.
- 19. Jeremiah’s Call Historical Setting of Jeremiah’s Ministry (1:1-3) • Jeremiah, the man v.1 – Son of Hilkiah, One of the priests of Anathoth • The source of his ministry v.2: the Lord (see also vv. 4,7,8,9,11,12,13,14,19) • The time of his ministry v. 3 – Josiah through Zedekiah (627-586 BC) • The climax of his ministry v. 3 – Deportation of Judah to Babylon ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Selected Exposition
- 20. Jeremiah’s Call Jeremiah’s Call to the Nations ( 1:4-10) • Before Jeremiah was born the Lord vv. 4,5 – KNEW him – SET him APART – APPOINTED him prophet to the nations • Jeremiah’s reluctance vv. 6-8 – Only a youth – Poor speaker • The Lord’s message vv. 9,10 ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Selected Exposition
- 21. Six Verbs in Jeremiah 1:10 Anticipate the Entire Message of Jeremiah Six Verbs of Jeremiah 1:10 1. Uproot 2. Tear down 3. Destroy 4. Overthrow 5. Build 6. Plant 21 “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Judgment and restoration are the two topics that dominate the message of Jeremiah. Judgment Restoration Selected Exposition
- 22. Jeremiah’s Call Jeremiah’s Message of Judgment (1:11-16) The Two Visions 1. The almond branch vv. 11, 12 – Signifies the Lord is watching to see that it happens 2. The boiling cauldron vv. 13-16 – Signifies judgment to come on Judah from the north ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Selected Exposition
- 23. Jeremiah’s Call Jeremiah’s Ministry of Difficulty (1:17-19) • Charge to get ready v. 17 • Strength of the Lord v. 18 – Fortified city – Iron pillar – Bronze wall • Opposition v. 19 – Kings – Priests – Officials – People • Rescue v. 19 – Lord’s presence ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Selected Exposition
- 24. Lamentations and Jeremiah View the Destruction of Jerusalem from Different Perspectives “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b Defeat and Desolation of Jerusalem Jeremiah: (Warning) Looking Ahead Lamentations (Mourning) Looking Back “What Jeremiah prophesied, Lamentations experienced…” LaSor, Hubbard and Bush, “Old Testament Survey” Canon
- 25. Summary of the Book of Lamentations Summary In five separate poems, the poet pours out his grief over the fall of the once mighty and proud Jerusalem and the suffering and exile of the Jewish people. This affliction of the Lord was brought about by the sins of her people, prophets and priests. Yet, because of God’s faithfulness there is hope that the punishment will end and the Lord will return to his people. Lamentations grips our emotions, not just our intellect. “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b “The poets learn in sorrow what they teach in song.” . J.S. Baxter, “Explore the Book”
- 26. Lamentation’s Message: Justice and Goodness Message Lamentations affirms faith in the justice and goodness of the Lord in view of the national suffering caused by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b “Lamentations served as an expression of sorrow at the destruction of Jerusalem and as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His word and to His people.” . N.L. Geisler, “A Popular Survey of the Old Testament”
- 27. Events Resulting in National Grief • Defeat and capture of Judean cities • A siege of Jerusalem for 18 months • Destruction of the city and its buildings • Destruction of the temple – The dwelling place of the Lord • The exile of its people History “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b “It is impossible to overestimate the intensity or depth of suffering that resulted from the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C.” W.C. Kaiser, “A Biblical Approach to Personal Suffering” The fall of Jerusalem is mentioned four times in scripture: 2Kgs 25; Jer. 39:1-11; Jer. 52 and 2 Chron 36:11-21
- 28. Five Poems and One Theme “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b • Lamentations consists of five separate poems • Each poem is independent of the others • All share a common theme: sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem • Each poem has its own perspective on this theme Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Theme: Sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem Analysis
- 29. The Book of Lamentations Tears for Jerusalem I. No One to Comfort Her (Chapter 1) II. The Lord is an Enemy (Chapter 2) III. An Afflicted Man Hopes in the Lord (Chapter 3) IV. Punishment Greater than Sodom (Chapter 4) V. Remember Us and Restore Us (Chapter 5) Analysis “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 30. Is Any Suffering Like My Suffering? Exposition “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b No One To Comfort Her Chapter 1 This poem consists of a lamentation by the author (1:1-11) and the personified Jerusalem (1:12-22). The city has been left desolate like a widow with no one to comfort her because of her sins. Jerusalem pleads with God to regard her misery and repay her adversaries . “The words ‘no one’ or ‘none’ appear 8 times and the ‘sins’ of the nation are referenced four times in chapter 1.”
- 31. The Lord Has Done What He Decreed Long Ago Exposition “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b The Lord Is Like An Enemy Chapter 2 In this second poem the author reviews the terrible destruction of the city and the suffering of the people – all of which is attributed to the Lord’s action. The Lord is like an enemy (2:1-12). The sins of the people and the failure of the false prophets are the cause of God’s anger (2:13-19). He cries to the Lord in disbelief over the calamity that has befallen them (2:20-22).
- 32. Great is God’s Faithfulness Exposition “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b Prayer for Mercy Chapter 3 The poet explains his suffering and affliction by the Lord (3:1-18). Amid this affliction he has hope for he remembers the compassion and faithfulness of the Lord (3:19-39). He pleads for the people’s repentance and return to Yahweh (3:40-54). Finally, he cries for vengeance against his enemies (3:55-66). “This poem functions as the literary and theological center of the composition.” . Hill and Walton, “A Survey of the Old Testament”
- 33. Before and after the Siege of Jerusalem Exposition “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b Punishment Greater Than Sodom Chapter 4 This fourth lament contrasts the city’s former glory with the horrors of the siege: the cries of starving children and the shriveled bodies of the inhabitants (4:1-11). Have the sins of the people, the prophets and priests brought this calamity upon the city (4:12-16)? Edom, Jerusalem's’ brother, yet long- established enemy, gloats over her defeat, yet is ignorant of her own impending doom (4:21-22).
- 34. Remember Our Affliction Restore Our Glory Exposition “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b Remember Us And Restore Us Chapter 5 In this last poem (the only non-acrostic) the poet asks the Lord to remember the terrible things that He has brought upon the nation, the city and the people (5:1-18). Then he concludes with a prayer to restore them to their days of former glory – if it is not too late (5:19-22).
- 35. Jeremiah as a Type of Christ • It is easy to understand why the people might think Jesus is John the Baptist or Elijah. • But why would Jeremiah be mentioned above all other prophets? Jeremiah & Jesus “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Matthew 16:13,14 ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 36. Attribute Jeremiah Jesus Called before their birth 1:5 Mt 1:21 Prophet to the nations 1:10; 46:1-51:64 Mt 28:18-20 Considered temple den of robbers 7:11 Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46 Never married 16:1-4 Foresaw destruction of Jerusalem and the temple 7:1-15; 25:1-38; 26:1-15 Mt 24:2; Lk 19:41-44 Lk 21:20-24 Wept over Jerusalem 9:1; 14:17 Lk 19:41-44 Valley of Hinnom as place for dead 7:30-34; 19:1-15 Mt 5:21-30; Mk 9:42-49; Lk 12:5 Message of a new covenant 31:31-34 Mt 26:27,26; Mk 14:24,25 Lk 20:20-22 Enemies felt he deserved death 26:1-19; 38:1-13 Mt 26:65-66 among others ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 “Certainly, no figure that moves before us anywhere in the Bible comes nearer to expressing the sorrowing, patient, gracious love of Christ over those he suffers to save than does Jeremiah.” . J.S. Baxter, “Explore the Book” Jeremiah as a Type of Christ Jeremiah & Jesus
- 37. Application ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Definition of Success • Jeremiah prophesied for over 40 years. – His audience did not repent. – They ignored, ridiculed, arrested and imprisoned, beat and threatened him with death. • Jeremiah was not successful by the standard of producing results. • He was successful by the standard of being faithful to the Lord’s calling.
- 38. Application ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Jeremiah’s Success with God Cost Him • An opportunity for marriage and family • Physical injuries • Emotional turmoil and anguish • Social and political ostracism • Time in prison “The prophet Jeremiah’s life illustrates how costly serving the Lord can be.” . Arnold and Beyer, “Encountering the Old Testament”
- 39. Application Jeremiah Gives Us a Biblical Approach to Suffering • We can't deal with suffering by – Ignoring it – Pretending it doesn't exist – Trying to get out of it – Minimizing its pain • We have to go through suffering, remembering that God is with us in it “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b “Grief is like a heavy weight that never goes away. You will come to peace with it only when you learn how to carry it.” T.A. Norcom
- 40. Application Jeremiah Gives Us a Biblical Approach to National Judgment • The sins of any people will eventually result in the disintegration of that nation • We should never take God’s past blessings as assurance that they will continue when we continue in sin • Our nation and our churches are subject to God’s judgment when they are no longer faithful “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 41. Application ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10 Serving the Lord Can Be Costly for Us, Too • Political correctness • Rise of militant atheism • Aggressive Islamic assaults • Heresies within the evangelical church • “Global war” on Christians
- 42. The first chapter of Jeremiah can be considered as: A. A national call to repentance B. A template for the Lord’s call of a prophet C. A guidebook on the handling of idolatry D. An introduction and summary of the book E. None of the above TEST ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 43. The theme of Lamentations is: A. Grief over the destruction of Jerusalem B. Purification of the temple C. Revenge against the Babylonians D. Corruption of the priesthood E. False prophets TEST “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 44. Lamentations was composed around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem: A. 1406 BC B. 722 BC C. 605 BC D. 597 BC E. 586 BC TEST “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 45. In view of the national suffering caused by the destruction of Jerusalem, Lamentations’ message concerns the: A. Results of having ungodly leaders B. Danger of false prophets C. Failure to maintain a strong military D. Justice and goodness of the Lord E. Tragedy of the failure to keep the covenant TEST “… great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23b
- 46. The theme of Jeremiah is: A. Repentance, Judgment, Restoration B. Repentance, Judgment, Prophecy C. Judgment, Restoration D. Judgment, Covenant, Restoration E. None of the above TEST ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 47. The Lord appointed Jeremiah a prophet to: A. Israel B. Judah C. Nations D. Jerusalem E. None of the above TEST ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
- 48. Jeremiah prophesied for which 40 years: A. 627 to 587 BC B. 645 to 605 BC C. 605 to 565 BC D. 586 to 546 BC E. None of the above TEST ”See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10