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Author |
Jeremiah, as dictated to his secretary, Baruch. |
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Date |
Between 627 and 580 BC |
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Time Span |
40-47 years. (Jeremiah's ministry begins under Judah's last good king, Josiah, and continues under the remaining 4 evil kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.) |
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Title |
This book is named after its author: the prophet Jeremiah |
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Background |
Although 70 years earlier Assyria was powerful enough to destroy the Northern Kingdom of Israel, her power has since declined, and Babylon eventually defeats both Assyria and Egypt to attain world supremacy. Jeremiah's life covers the 40 years that lead to the destruction of Jerusalem, also at the hands of Babylon. Other prophets of the time include Zephaniah, Habakkok, Daniel and Ezekiel. Jeremiah, “the weeping prophet,” begins his ministry from Jerusalem when he is about 20 years old. Apostasy, idolatry, and perverted worship are the rule of the day in Judah. |
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Where |
Probably Jerusalem |
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To Whom |
Primarily to the nation of Judah, but also to all the surrounding nations. |
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Content |
Jeremiah boldly undertakes the unenviable task of proclaiming God's judgment upon an unrepentant nation. Persecution becomes his lot when false prophets of the land, such as Hananiah, tell the people what they desire to hear rather than the truth of God. Jeremiah's unpopular message brings him sorrows of opposition, imprisonment, excommunication from the Temple, and beatings. But nothing can stop Jeremiah; he even remains celibate as a further sign that judgment will come during his lifetime, which it surely does. Yet even as he prophesies destruction, Jeremiah promises a coming time of blessing, restoration, and a new Covenant. After Judah's exile to Babylon, he remains with the remnant in Jerusalem. But when Gedaliah, the governor placed over Jerusalem, is murdered, Jeremiah is taken as a hostage to Egypt, where he continues his prophetic ministry. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Sin”; “Weeping.” It is the responsibility of Jeremiah to proclaim Judah's coming judgment for her continuance in “sin,” for the people's wickedness is too great. Jeremiah is “weeping,” not only for his own persecutions, but also for his nation's bitter affliction. |
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Outline |
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