Jeremiah

Jeremiah

“The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah,

a priest from Anathoth in Benjamin,

to whom the word of YHWH came in the days of Josiah…”

The Calling

“Before I formed you in the womb—I knew you.

Before you were born—I set you apart.

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah replied:

“Ah, Lord YHWH! I am only a youth…”

YHWH answered:

“Do not say, ‘I am a youth’—you will go where I send you.

Do not be afraid—I am with you to deliver you.”

Two Visions

The Almond Branch (shaqed)

“You have seen well—I am watching (shoqed) over My word to perform it.”

The Boiling Pot

“From the north disaster shall be poured out.

For My people have forsaken Me… and burned incense to other gods.”

Commissioned

“I have set you this day over nations and kingdoms—

to pluck up and to plant.”

———

“I remember your devotion of youth…

how you followed Me in the wilderness.”

“What fault did your ancestors find in Me,

that they went far from Me?”

“They did not say, ‘Where is YHWH?’”

Cracked Cisterns

“My people have committed two evils:

they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,

and dug out broken cisterns that hold no water.”

Your Own Wickedness Will Reprove You

“Why do you cry to Egypt?

Why go to Assyria?”

“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled’?

Look at your ways in the valley—you are a swift young camel…”

A Bride Turns Away

“Can a virgin forget her ornaments?

Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.”

———

“If a man divorces his wife…

will he return to her again?

But you have played the whore with many lovers—

and yet you would return?”

“You have polluted the land with your whoredom and wickedness.”

Faithless Israel and Treacherous Judah

“I said, ‘Return, O faithless Israel…

I will not look on you in anger—for I am merciful.’”

“Only acknowledge your guilt…”

A Shepherd for the People

“I will give you shepherds after My heart,

who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

“No more will they say, ‘The Ark of the Covenant’…

Jerusalem shall be called the Throne of YHWH.”

———

“If you return, O Israel, to Me…

if you remove your detestable things…”

“Break up your fallow ground—do not sow among thorns.

Circumcise yourselves to YHWH.”

Judgment from the North

“Disaster is coming from the north,

a lion has gone up from his thicket.”

“Put on sackcloth—wail, O daughter of My people.”

Jeremiah’s Anguish

“My anguish, my anguish!

I writhe in pain…

I cannot keep silent,

for I have heard the sound of the trumpet…”

“I looked—and the earth was formless and void…”

“This is what YHWH has spoken.”

———

“Run through the streets of Jerusalem—see if you can find one who does justice.”

“Though they say, ‘As YHWH lives,’

surely they swear falsely.”

A Hardened People

“They have made their faces harder than rock—

they have refused to return.”

YHWH’s Response

“I will bring a nation from afar—

an enduring nation whose language you do not know.”

“They will eat your harvest, flocks, and cities.”

Yet a Remnant

“But even in those days,” says YHWH,

“I will not make a full end of you.”

A Prophetic Rebuke

“Do not My words burn like fire?

Do they not break rock like a hammer?”

“An appalling and horrible thing has happened:

the prophets prophesy falsely,

the priests rule by their own authority,

and My people love to have it so.”

“But what will you do when the end comes?”

———

“Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin,

from the midst of Jerusalem!”

“Disaster looms from the north—

like a lion coming to tear down what is lovely.”

The Alarm and the Refusal

“Set up a signal toward Zion.

Disaster is coming—great destruction.”

“Their ears are closed—they cannot listen.”

“The word of YHWH has become an object of scorn.”

YHWH’s Wrath Will Be Poured Out

“I am full of the wrath of YHWH.

I am weary of holding it in.”

“From the least to the greatest,

everyone is greedy for gain.”

Peace, Peace—When There Is No Peace

“They have healed the wound of My people lightly,

saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”

“They were not ashamed of their abominations.”

“Stand by the roads and look…

ask for the ancient paths.

But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

“I am bringing disaster…

because they did not listen to My words.”

———

“Stand in the gate of YHWH’s house and proclaim this word:

‘Amend your ways… and I will let you dwell in this place.’”

“Do not trust in deceptive words, saying:

‘This is the temple of YHWH, the temple of YHWH, the temple of YHWH!’”

What YHWH Requires

“If you truly do justice…

do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow…”

“Then I will let you dwell in the land.”

But You Have Done Evil

“Will you steal, murder, commit adultery…

then come and stand before Me in this house?”

“Has this house become a den of robbers?”

Go to Shiloh

“Go to My place in Shiloh, where I first made My name dwell—

and see what I did because of Israel’s wickedness.”

“I spoke again and again—but you did not listen.”

Do Not Pray

“Do not pray for this people… I will not hear.”

“The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire,

the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven.”

Obedience Over Sacrifice

“I did not speak to your fathers about offerings—

I said, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God.’

But they did not incline their ear.”

“Truth has perished—it is cut off from their lips.”

———

“Why then has this people turned away

in perpetual backsliding?”

“They refuse to return.”

They Do Not Know the Ordinance of YHWH

“How can you say, ‘We are wise…

the law of YHWH is with us’—when the scribes have made it into a lie?”

“They speak peace, peace—but there is no peace.”

The Harvest Is Past

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended—

and we are not saved.”

“For the wound of My people I am wounded—

I mourn, dismay has taken hold on Me.”

“Is there no balm in Gilead?

Is there no physician there?”

———

“Oh that My head were a spring of water…

that I might weep day and night

for the slain of the daughter of My people!”

A Land of Lies

“Everyone deceives his neighbor…

they have taught their tongues to lie.”

“They weary themselves committing iniquity.”

“Through deceit they refuse to know Me.”

YHWH Will Refine

“I will refine and test them—

for what else can I do?”

“Their tongue is a deadly arrow—it speaks deceitfully.”

Boast in Knowing YHWH

“Let not the wise boast in wisdom…

let not the mighty boast in might…

let not the rich boast in riches…”

“But let him who boasts boast in this:

that he understands and knows Me—

that I am YHWH who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.”

“In these things I delight,” says YHWH.

———

“Do not learn the way of the nations.”

“A tree is cut from the forest…

it is adorned with silver and gold…

it cannot speak or walk—it must be carried.”

Idols Are Like Scarecrows

“They are worthless, a work of mockery.

They perish when judgment comes.”

There Is None Like YHWH

“Who should not fear You, O King of the nations?”

“YHWH is the true God.

He is the living God and everlasting King.”

“At His wrath the earth trembles.”

The Maker of All

“He made the earth by His power,

established the world by His wisdom.”

“At His voice, the waters in the heavens roar.”

The Portion of Jacob

“The gods did not make the heavens…

but YHWH is the Maker of all.”

“He is the portion of Jacob.”

A Lamentation Begins

“Woe is me because of my hurt!”

“I know that a man's way is not in himself…

correct me, O YHWH, but in justice.”

“Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You…”

———

“Hear the words of this covenant and speak them to the men of Judah…”

“Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant…”

“I warned them, yet they did not listen—

they have followed other gods.”

YHWH’s Judgment

“The cities of Judah will cry to their gods—

but they will not save them in the time of trouble.”

“Do not pray for this people—

I will not hear them.”

“What right has My beloved in My house

when she has done wickedness?”

A Conspiracy in Anathoth

“They seek your life, Jeremiah,

saying, ‘Do not prophesy in the name of YHWH.’”

“Therefore I will punish them—

their young men shall die by sword.”

———

Jeremiah asked:

“Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

“You are near in their mouths—but far from their hearts.”

YHWH answered:

“If you have raced with men on foot and they wearied you,

how will you compete with horses?”

“Even your brothers have dealt treacherously with you—do not trust them.”

YHWH’s Lament Over His Inheritance

“I have forsaken My house…

My beloved has become to Me like a lion in the forest.”

“Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard.”

Hope for the Nations

“If they will learn the ways of My people…

then they shall be built up in the midst of My people.”

“But if they do not listen—I will uproot and destroy.”

———

YHWH told Jeremiah to buy a linen belt and not wash it.

Later, he was told to bury it near the Euphrates.

When he retrieved it:

“It was ruined, good for nothing.”

The Meaning

“So I will ruin the pride of Judah…

This evil people who refuse to hear My words.”

“For as the belt clings to a man’s waist,

so I made Israel cling to Me—to be My people and My praise.”

Wineskins of Wrath

“Every jar shall be filled with wine…

I will fill the inhabitants of the land with drunkenness…

and I will smash them against one another.”

Darkness and Humiliation

“Give glory to YHWH your God before He brings darkness.”

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin

or the leopard his spots?

Then may you do good,

who are accustomed to doing evil.”

———

“Judah mourns… gates languish…

nobles send their servants for water—

they find none.”

“Even the doe in the field abandons her newborn.”

Jeremiah’s Plea

“Though our iniquities testify against us,

act, O YHWH, for Your name’s sake.”

“Are You like a traveler who turns aside?

Yet You, YHWH, are in our midst—we are called by Your name.”

YHWH’s Reply

“Do not pray for this people.

Though they fast—I will not hear.

Though they offer sacrifices—I will not accept.”

False Prophets Condemned

“The prophets say: ‘You shall not see the sword.’

But I have not sent them.”

“By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed.”

Jeremiah’s Intercession

“Have You completely rejected Judah?

Is there no healing for us?”

“We acknowledge our wickedness…

for Your name’s sake, do not spurn us.”

———

“Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me,

My heart would not turn toward this people.”

“I will appoint over them four kinds of destruction:

the sword, dogs, birds, and beasts.”

“Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem?”

YHWH’s Sorrow and Resolve

“I have winnowed them…

I have made their widows more numerous than the sand.”

“Seven sons perish in one breath…

her sun has gone down while it was yet day.”

Jeremiah’s Personal Pain

“Woe is me, my mother…

that you bore me a man of strife.”

YHWH reassures:

“Surely I will deliver you.”

Jeremiah’s Complaint and Restoration

“Why is my pain unceasing…

like a wound that refuses to be healed?”

“Will You be to me like a deceitful brook?”

YHWH replies:

“If you return, I will restore you…

you shall stand before Me.

If you extract the precious from the worthless,

you shall be as My mouth.”

“I will make you a fortified wall of bronze…

they will fight against you,

but they shall not prevail—for I am with you.”

———

“The word of YHWH came to me:

‘You shall not take a wife or have sons or daughters in this place.’”

“They shall die of deadly disease…

they shall not be buried.”

No Mourning or Feasting

“Do not enter the house of mourning…

nor go to lament—for I have withdrawn My peace.”

“Do not enter the house of feasting…

for I will silence the voice of gladness.”

Exile Is Coming

“When they ask, ‘Why has YHWH declared all this?’

You shall say:

‘Because your ancestors walked after other gods…

and you have done worse.’”

But a Greater Exodus Will Come

“The days are coming when it shall no longer be said,

‘As YHWH lives who brought Israel out of Egypt,’

but ‘As YHWH lives who brought them from all the lands of exile.’”

“I will send many fishers and hunters to gather them.”

“I will repay their iniquity double.”

———

“The sin of Judah is engraved with a pen of iron…

on the tablets of their hearts.”

“Their altars are like memorials by the trees on the high hills.”

Cursed and Blessed

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man…

He is like a shrub in the desert.”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in YHWH…

He is like a tree planted by water.”

The Heart and the Hope

“The heart is deceitful above all things—

who can understand it?”

“I, YHWH, search the heart…

to give each according to his deeds.”

Jeremiah’s Prayer and Persecution

“Heal me, O YHWH, and I shall be healed.”

“They say, ‘Where is the word of YHWH? Let it come!’”

“Let them be put to shame…

do not be a terror to me.”

Sabbath Warning

“If you honor the Sabbath, Jerusalem shall remain forever.”

“But if you do not listen…

I will kindle a fire in her gates.”

———

“YHWH told me, ‘Go down to the potter’s house…’”

He saw the potter rework the clay into another vessel.

YHWH said:

“Can I not do with you, O house of Israel,

as this potter has done?”

“At one moment I may build up a nation—

but if it turns to evil, I will relent.”

A Hardened Response

“But they said, ‘That is hopeless!’

Each will follow the stubbornness of his heart.”

Plot Against Jeremiah

“Come, let us strike him with our tongue.”

Jeremiah prayed:

“Shall evil be repaid for good?

Remember how I stood before You to intercede.”

“Deliver their children to famine…

let their wives become childless…”

———

YHWH said:

“Take a clay flask and some elders…

go to the valley of Ben Hinnom.”

“Say, ‘You have filled this place with blood—burning children in fire.’”

“I will bring such disaster that ears will tingle…”

“They shall eat the flesh of their sons and daughters.”

Jeremiah broke the flask and said:

“So will I break this people and this city.”

“Topheth will be called the Valley of Slaughter.”

He returned and stood in the Temple court:

“I am bringing upon this city all the disaster I pronounced—

because they stiffened their neck.”

———

Pashhur the priest struck Jeremiah and put him in the stocks.

Jeremiah said:

“YHWH has called you not Pashhur, but Terror on Every Side.”

“You shall go into captivity—you and all your friends.”

The Prophet’s Fire and Anguish

“O YHWH, You have deceived me—and I was deceived.”

“Your word is like a fire shut up in my bones—

I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot.”

“Cursed be the day I was born!”

“Why did I come from the womb—to see toil and sorrow,

and spend my days in shame?”

———

King Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah:

“Inquire of YHWH—for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us.”

YHWH replied:

“I will turn back your weapons… I Myself will fight against you.”

“I have set My face against this city for harm, not for good.”

The Offer of Life or Death

“Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.”

“He who surrenders shall live.

He who stays shall die by sword, famine, or plague.”

To the House of David

“Execute justice every morning.

Lest My wrath go forth like fire.”

———

“Go down to the house of the king of Judah and speak this word…”

“Do justice and righteousness.

Do not shed innocent blood.”

“If you obey—your throne shall endure.

If not—this palace shall become a ruin.”

Judgment on Shallum (Jehoahaz)

“He shall return no more—he shall die in the place of his captivity.”

Woe to Jehoiakim

“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness…”

“Your father (Josiah) judged the cause of the poor—was this not to know Me?”

“But you have eyes only for dishonest gain.”

“They shall not lament for you,

saying, ‘Alas, my brother!’”

Judgment on Coniah (Jehoiachin)

“Though you were a signet ring on My hand,

I would tear you off.”

“Write this man childless.

No descendant shall sit on the throne of David.”

———

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep!”

“I will gather My flock… and raise up shepherds.”

The Promise of the Branch

“Behold, the days are coming,” says YHWH,

“when I will raise up for David a Righteous Branch…

He will reign as king and deal wisely…”

“And this is the name by which He will be called:

YHWH is our Righteousness.”

“They shall no longer say,

‘As YHWH lives who brought Israel out of Egypt,’

but ‘… who brought them from all the lands of exile.’”

Against the False Prophets

“My heart is broken… because of the prophets.”

“In the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing:

They strengthen the hands of evildoers.”

YHWH’s Word vs. Man’s Dream

“Let the prophet who has a dream tell it,

but let him who has My word speak My word faithfully.”

“Is not My word like fire?” says YHWH,

“and like a hammer that breaks the rock?”

“You have perverted the words of the Living God.”

“Do not say, ‘The burden of YHWH’—for I will cast you off.”

———

YHWH showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs:

One very good

One very bad—so rotten they could not be eaten

The Meaning

“The good figs are the exiles whom I have sent into Babylon—

I will give them a heart to know Me.”

“The bad figs are Zedekiah and those left in Jerusalem—

I will make them a horror to all kingdoms.”

———

“In the fourth year of Jehoiakim…

the word of YHWH came to Jeremiah.”

You Would Not Listen

“For 23 years I have spoken—but you have not listened.”

“Now I will send Nebuchadnezzar…

this whole land shall become a ruin—

and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.”

Then I Will Punish Babylon

“I will bring upon Babylon the same destruction I used them to carry out.”

The Cup of Wrath

YHWH said:

“Take from My hand the cup of the wine of wrath,

and make all the nations drink.”

Jeremiah made:

Jerusalem and Judah drink

Pharaoh of Egypt

All surrounding kingdoms

Babylon last of all

“They shall stagger and fall…”

YHWH Roars from On High

“The Lord has an indictment against the nations…”

“The slain of YHWH shall cover the earth.

They shall not be mourned or buried.”

“Wail, shepherds, and cry—

for the day of your slaughter has come.”

———

“In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim… YHWH said:

‘Stand in the court of YHWH’s house and speak all I command you.’”

“Perhaps they will listen…

and I may relent from the disaster.”

Jeremiah’s Message

“If you will not listen to My words…

then I will make this house like Shiloh.”

The Priests and People Seize Him

“You shall surely die!”

The officials came and sat at the entry of YHWH’s house.

Jeremiah said:

“YHWH sent me… mend your ways and obey.

But know this: if you put me to death,

you bring innocent blood on yourselves.”

The Elders Intervene

“Micah of Moresheth prophesied in Hezekiah’s day…

and the king did not put him to death.”

“We are bringing great evil on ourselves!”

The Case of Uriah

Another prophet, Uriah, fled to Egypt but was brought back and executed.

“But the hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah,

so he was not given into the hands of the people to be put to death.”

———

YHWH told Jeremiah:

“Make bonds and bars—put them on your neck.”

“Send them to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon…

by the hand of the envoys.”

Message to the Nations

“I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

Even the beasts shall serve him.”

“Do not listen to your prophets or diviners—

they speak lies.”

“If any nation will not serve the king of Babylon—

I will punish that nation.”

Message to Zedekiah

“Do not listen to the prophets who say:

‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon.’”

“Why should you die?”

Message to the Priests

“Do not listen to those who say,

‘The vessels of YHWH’s house will be returned soon.’”

“If they are truly prophets—let them intercede.”

———

Hananiah spoke in the Temple:

“Within two years I will break the yoke of Babylon

and bring back the vessels and Jehoiachin.”

He broke the wooden yoke from Jeremiah’s neck.

Jeremiah said:

“Amen! May YHWH do so…”

But later YHWH said:

“You have made this people trust a lie.

You have broken a wooden yoke—

but I will make one of iron.”

Judgment on Hananiah

“This year you shall die—because you have spoken rebellion.”

“And Hananiah died that year, in the seventh month.”

———

Jeremiah sent a letter to the elders and exiles in Babylon:

“Build houses and live in them.

Plant gardens and eat their fruit.

Seek the peace of the city where I have sent you into exile.”

Do Not Be Deceived

“Do not listen to false prophets among you.

I did not send them.”

Promise of Restoration

“For thus says YHWH:

‘When seventy years are completed,

I will visit you…

and bring you back to this place.’”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says YHWH,

“plans for peace and not for evil—to give you a future and a hope.”

Judgment on False Prophets

“Because of Shemaiah and others who prophesy lies—

they shall not see the good I will do.

I did not send them.”

———

“Write all the words I have spoken to you in a scroll.”

A Time of Trouble for Jacob—Yet He Will Be Saved

“Alas! That day is great…

It is a time of trouble for Jacob—yet he shall be saved from it.”

The Yoke Will Be Broken

“I will break his yoke from off your neck…

and strangers shall no more enslave him.”

“Instead, they shall serve YHWH their God

and David their king, whom I will raise up.”

Do Not Fear

“Though I make a full end of all the nations…

I will not make a full end of you—

but will discipline you in just measure.”

Wounds and Healing

“Your wound is incurable…

there is no one to uphold your cause.”

“But I will restore health to you…

I will heal your wounds.”

Zion Will Be Rebuilt

“I will restore the tents of Jacob…

out of them shall come thanksgiving.”

“And their prince shall be one of them…

I will bring him near.”

“You shall be My people,

and I will be your God.”

———

“At that time,” declares YHWH,

“I will be the God of all the clans of Israel…

and they shall be My people.”

Everlasting Love

“YHWH appeared from afar:

‘I have loved you with an everlasting love—

therefore I have drawn you with kindness.’”

“Again you shall be built, O virgin Israel…

again you shall take your tambourines and dance.”

The Watchmen Cry: 'Come, Let Us Go to Zion!'

“There shall be a day when watchmen will call…

‘Arise, let us go up to Zion—to YHWH our God.’”

Rachel Weeps

“A voice is heard in Ramah—

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel weeping for her children…”

“Keep your voice from weeping…

your children shall return.”

Return, O Faithless Children

“How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?

YHWH has created a new thing:

A woman shall encompass a man.”

The New Covenant

“Behold, the days are coming,” says YHWH,

“when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah…”

“Not like the covenant I made with their fathers—

though I was a husband to them.”

“I will put My Torah within them,

and I will write it on their hearts.

I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

“They shall all know Me…

for I will forgive their iniquity

and remember their sin no more.”

YHWH's Covenant with Creation and Israel

“If the fixed order of sun and moon ceases…

then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation.”

“If heaven above can be measured—

only then will I cast off all the offspring of Israel.”

———

“In the tenth year of Zedekiah… Jerusalem was under siege.”

YHWH said:

“Hanamel will come and say, ‘Buy my field at Anathoth.’”

“Then I knew this was the word of YHWH.”

Jeremiah Bought the Field

He weighed out seventeen shekels of silver, signed the deed, and had it sealed.

He gave it to Baruch and said:

“Thus says YHWH:

‘Houses and fields shall again be bought in this land.’”

Jeremiah's Prayer

“Ah, Lord YHWH!

You made the heavens and the earth…

Nothing is too hard for You!”

YHWH’s Response

“I am YHWH… Is anything too hard for Me?”

“The city shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon.”

“But I will bring them back…

I will plant them in this land with all My heart and soul.”

“I will make with them an everlasting covenant…”

———

“Call to Me and I will answer you…

and tell you great and hidden things.”

Healing and Praise

“I will bring healing and reveal abundance of peace and truth.”

“The voice of joy and the voice of gladness…

‘Give thanks to YHWH… for His steadfast love endures forever!’”

Covenant with David and the Levites

“I will fulfill the good word I spoke…

I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David.”

“David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne.”

“The Levitical priests shall never lack a man to offer sacrifices.”

“If you can break My covenant with day and night,

then My covenant with David may also be broken.”

———

“Go to Zedekiah and say:

‘You shall not escape—but you shall not die by the sword.

You shall die in peace…’”

The Broken Covenant of Freedom

“You made a covenant to free your Hebrew slaves—then reversed it.”

“You profaned My name.”

Judgment Declared

“I will make you a horror to the nations…”

“Zedekiah shall be handed to Babylon—he shall speak with him face to face.”

“I will make their dead bodies food for the birds.”

———

“Go to the house of the Rechabites… set wine before them.”

They refused:

“Our father Jonadab commanded us, ‘You shall never drink wine… nor build houses.’”

“We have obeyed.”

YHWH’s Commendation

“Go and say:

‘Will you not receive instruction? The Rechabites have obeyed—

but this people has not.’”

“Therefore… Jonadab son of Rechab shall never lack a man

to stand before Me forever.”

———

“In the fourth year of Jehoiakim… YHWH said:

‘Take a scroll and write all the words I have spoken to you…

perhaps the house of Judah will hear and turn.’”

Baruch Writes the Words

Jeremiah dictated, and Baruch son of Neriah wrote the words on a scroll.

Since Jeremiah was barred from the Temple, Baruch read it aloud during a fast.

The Officials Hear the Scroll

The officials heard and said:

“We must report this to the king.”

They told Baruch:

“Sit down and write what he said—word for word.”

They stored the scroll and brought the word to the king.

Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll

As Jehudi read it, the king cut off each section with a knife and threw it into the fire.

“Yet neither he nor his servants were afraid.”

YHWH Commands a Rewrite

“Take another scroll and write all the former words again.”

Jeremiah did so—and added:

“You burned this scroll, Jehoiakim—

therefore your body shall be cast out to the heat by day and the frost by night.”

———

Zedekiah son of Josiah reigned, but he did not listen.

He sent messengers to Jeremiah:

“Please pray for us to YHWH.”

Egypt and Babylon

Pharaoh’s army came, and Babylon withdrew briefly.

YHWH said:

“Do not deceive yourselves—

Babylon will return and burn this city.”

Jeremiah Accused of Desertion

He went to Benjamin’s land and was seized:

“You are deserting to the Chaldeans!”

Though innocent, he was beaten and imprisoned.

Zedekiah Seeks the Prophet Again

Zedekiah brought him secretly:

“Is there any word from YHWH?”

“Yes,” Jeremiah said.

“You shall be delivered into the hand of Babylon.”

He pleaded not to be returned to the dungeon.

Zedekiah allowed him to stay in the court of the guard

and provided bread as long as supplies lasted.

———

The officials said:

“This man is weakening the hands of the soldiers—let him be put to death!”

They cast Jeremiah into a cistern with no water—only mud.

He sank.

Ebed-melech Intervenes

Ebed-melech, a Cushite official, pleaded with the king:

“He will die there.”

Zedekiah gave permission.

They lowered ropes and lifted Jeremiah out of the pit.

Zedekiah’s Final Secret Meeting

Zedekiah asked:

“Tell me the truth.”

Jeremiah said:

“If I do—you will not listen.”

Zedekiah swore secretly:

“I will not kill you or deliver you.”

Jeremiah said:

“If you surrender—you shall live.

If not, the city will be burned.”

Zedekiah feared betrayal by the Judeans who had defected.

Jeremiah urged him again:

“Obey the voice of YHWH.”

Zedekiah kept their conversation secret.

———

In the ninth year of Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem.

In the eleventh year, the city wall was breached.

Zedekiah Captured

He fled at night but was caught.

“They slaughtered his sons before his eyes…

then put out his eyes.”

He was taken in chains to Babylon.

The City Burned

The Temple and palace were burned

The walls were broken down

The poor were left in the land

Jeremiah Preserved

Nebuchadnezzar ordered:

“Do not harm him—do whatever he asks.”

He was released from the court of the guard.

Ebed-melech Blessed

YHWH said:

“I will deliver you… because you have put your trust in Me.”

———

Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, told Jeremiah:

“YHWH has brought this disaster on the city.”

“I set you free—go where you wish.”

Jeremiah chose to stay with Gedaliah, governor over the remnant.

Gedaliah’s Promise

He said:

“Do not fear to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and gather wine and oil.”

The people returned and lived in Judah.

Ishmael Plots

Johanan warned Gedaliah:

“Ishmael son of Nethaniah is planning to kill you.”

Gedaliah refused to believe him.

———

In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, a descendant of royal blood, came to Gedaliah at Mizpah with ten men.

“As they ate together, Ishmael and his men rose and struck down Gedaliah.”

He also killed the Judeans and Babylonian soldiers with him.

Massacre at the Pit

Eighty men came with offerings. Ishmael met them weeping, then ambushed them.

He threw their bodies into a great cistern dug by Asa.

Ten were spared after offering hidden supplies.

Captives Taken and Rescued

Ishmael took the remaining people captive.

But Johanan pursued him and rescued them at Gibeon.

Ishmael escaped with eight men to Ammon.

———

Johanan and the people came to Jeremiah:

“Pray to YHWH… we will obey whatever He says.”

Ten days later, the word of YHWH came:

“If you remain in this land—I will build you.

Do not fear the king of Babylon—I am with you to save you.”

The Warning

“But if you say, ‘We will go to Egypt’—

then the sword you fear shall overtake you,

and famine shall consume you there.”

“You shall become a curse, a horror, a reproach.”

———

Johanan and the leaders said:

“You are telling a lie! Baruch has set you against us.”

“They did not obey the voice of YHWH.”

They took:

Jeremiah

Baruch

The remnant of Judah

And they went into Egypt.

At Tahpanhes

YHWH said to Jeremiah:

“Take large stones and hide them near Pharaoh’s palace.”

“Nebuchadnezzar shall spread his canopy here.”

“He shall strike the land of Egypt…

burn the temples of their gods.”

———

YHWH sent Jeremiah to the Jews in Egypt:

“Do you not remember what I did in Jerusalem?

Yet you burn incense to other gods—in Egypt!”

“I have sent My servants again and again—

but you would not listen.”

The People Reject the Word

They replied:

“We will do everything we vowed—burn incense to the queen of heaven.”

“When we did so, we had plenty… since we stopped, we have lacked everything.”

Jeremiah’s Rebuke

“Did not YHWH remember these abominations?

This is why your land became a ruin.”

Disaster Is Decreed

“Behold, I will watch over them for harm, not for good.”

“They shall fall by sword and famine.”

“Only a few shall escape and return to Judah.”

———

“In the fourth year of Jehoiakim…

the word came to Baruch son of Neriah.”

Baruch said:

“Woe is me! YHWH has added sorrow to my pain…”

YHWH’s Response

“Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them.”

“Behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh…

but I will give you your life as a prize wherever you go.”

———

“This is the word of YHWH concerning Egypt…”

“Prepare buckler and shield…

Why have your mighty ones fallen?”

At the Euphrates

“That day is the day of YHWH, God of Hosts—

a day of vengeance.”

“Egypt is a beautiful heifer—but a gadfly from the north has come upon her.”

The Army Flees

“Stand fast, O Egypt—but they turn and flee.”

“The daughter of Egypt shall be put to shame…

handed over to the people of the north.”

Yet Hope for Jacob

“Fear not, O Jacob My servant…

I will save you from distant lands.”

———

“Behold, waters rise from the north…

it becomes an overflowing torrent.”

“The fathers do not look back for their children—so feeble are their hands.”

“Alas, O sword of YHWH—how long till you are quiet?”

———

“Woe to Nebo, it is laid waste!

Kiriathaim is put to shame…”

“Moab is destroyed—her little ones cry out.”

The Pride of Moab

“We have heard of the pride of Moab—his loftiness, arrogance, and insolence.”

“Let Moab wail… for her raisin cakes!”

Judgment and Mourning

“Moab has been shattered…

he has broken his arm—let him hang his head in shame.”

“I will bring an end to the offerings on the high places.”

“Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days.”

———

Ammon:

“Why have you taken the inheritance of Gad?”

“I will bring terror—your king shall go into exile.”

Edom:

“Is wisdom no more in Teman?”

“I will strip Esau bare… there shall be no grapes on the vine.”

“Yet I will bring back their fortunes.”

Damascus:

“Hamath and Arpad tremble…

Damascus has become feeble.”

Kedar and Hazor:

“Nebuchadnezzar will strike you—flee far away.”

Elam:

“I will break the bow of Elam…”

“Yet I will restore their fortunes in the latter days.”

———

“Declare among the nations:

Babylon is taken, Bel is put to shame!”

“A nation from the north shall make her desolate…”

Israel Will Return

“In those days, the people of Israel and Judah shall come together,

weeping as they seek YHWH.”

“They shall ask the way to Zion…”

The Lamb and the Lion

“Israel is a hunted sheep driven away by lions—

but I will punish Babylon as I punished Assyria.”

“In those days, in that time—Israel shall seek guilt, but find none.”

Babylon’s Judgment

“Though you rejoice, O plunderer—

your end has come.”

“I will kindle a fire in her cities…”

———

“I will stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon…”

“Flee from the midst of Babylon!”

YHWH's Sovereignty

“He made the earth by His power…

at His voice, the waters roar.”

Babylon’s Fall Is Irrevocable

“Babylon has become a horror among the nations.”

“We would have healed her—but she cannot be healed.”

The Hammer Broken

“You were My hammer and weapon of war—

now I break you in pieces.”

Vengeance for Zion

“I will repay Babylon for what she did to Zion…”

“Let not the archer bend his bow—

for her day has come.”

Jeremiah’s Scroll

“When you reach Babylon, read all these words aloud…”

“Then tie the scroll to a stone and cast it into the Euphrates.”

“So shall Babylon sink—and rise no more.”

———

“Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign.”

“He rebelled against the king of Babylon.”

“In the eleventh year, the city wall was breached…”

“The king was captured, his sons slaughtered before him—then his eyes were put out.”

Destruction of Jerusalem

The Temple was burned

The walls were broken

The people were taken into exile

“The bronze pillars and temple vessels were carried off…”

Jehoiachin Released

“In the thirty-seventh year of the exile…

Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, released Jehoiachin from prison.”

“He spoke kindly to him…

and gave him a seat above the kings in Babylon.”

“And he ate at the king’s table all the days of his life.”