JEREMIAH

JEREMIAH 1

GOD’S CALLING + PURPOSE FOR JEREMIAH

Despite being a descendant of a priestly lineage, God chose and appointed Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations before he was born. Jeremiah denied his calling, assuming he was too young to speak God’s messages. God told Jeremiah not to be afraid and promised to accompany and protect him.

God touched Jeremiah’s mouth, giving him the words to say. Jeremiah was given the message that Jerusalem would be plucked up, broken down, destroyed, and overthrown before it would be rebuilt and planted.

Jeremiah had two visions from God, the first of which was a staff or rod made of an almond branch. God explained that the branch implied that He would watch over Jeremiah and see that His Word was fulfilled.

The next image was of a boiling pot tilting down towards the south, symbolizing how the kingdoms north of Judah would oppose and oppress them. Judah would be overthrown, and the kings of other nations would express God’s judgment on Judah for turning to false gods.

Jeremiah will soon face severe opposition, but God promised to protect him like a fortified city with bronze walls.

Jeremiah 1:10 - See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.

JEREMIAH 2

GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE HAVE TURNED TO FALSE IDOLS 

Jeremiah brings God’s message to the people of Jerusalem and reminds the people of God’s love and faithfulness towards them. God’s chosen people have turned away from Him and worshiped worthless idols. The Israelites are compared to a broken cistern unable to contain liquid. Because of their unfaithfulness, they have severed their closeness with God.

Comparing them to stubborn camels and wild donkeys, Jeremiah speaks of Israel’s rebellion against God and how they have gone astray. God was leading His people in the way they should go, but they did not want to follow.

Instead of honoring and praising God, the Israelites turned to other man-made gods as idols for guidance and protection. God has sent many prophets and signs, warning Israel to repent and turn back towards him, but they have not listened to them or regarded them. God’s people have trusted in things that will prove useless in times of need. God will bring His judgment on the people of Israel, showing His power and authority over false gods.

JEREMIAH 3

GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL TO HIS PEOPLE 

God compares the Israelites to an unfaithful spouse who has left Him and given themselves to other, lesser gods. The people of Judah saw the Northern Kingdom of Israel make the same mistakes and be taken captive by Assyria, but instead of learning from their mistakes and consequences, they followed in the same sin and rebellion.

Despite their unfaithfulness, God calls for them to repent and return to Him. He will not be angry towards them, but instead show them mercy for acknowledging their guilt.

God speaks of a time when he will provide shepherds after His own heart, people who will feed them with knowledge and understanding. There will be a day when Jerusalem will be restored and known as God’s holy dwelling place. Although Israel has abandoned their faith in God, He has not abandoned them.

JEREMIAH 4

GOD DESIRES THE HEART OF HIS PEOPLE

God invites Judah to turn from their detestable ways and live in trust, justice, and righteousness. God does not want their false religiosity but instead wants to rid their hearts of evil. God compares the posture of their hearts to the ancient practice of circumcision, expressing His desire for their devotion.

Jeremiah shares the news of the coming invasion of Babylon, warning the people of Jerusalem to flee or repent. The disaster impeding Judah was brought on by their own sin and rebellion.

God mourned the loss of Jerusalem, distressed over the demise of His chosen people. His creation that was once fruitful and faithful would become desolate and ruined.

JEREMIAH 5

JUDAH’S SIN HAS LED THEM ASTRAY

The city of Jerusalem had become so unrepentant that there was not a single man who sought truth or justice. God was betrayed by His chosen people whom He continually protected and loved.

Because of Judah’s unfaithfulness, a distant nation will come against them and cause complete destruction of the city. The leaders and prophets are just as bad as anyone else, acting on their own accord, sharing false information with Jerusalem, and doubting God’s wrath.

Just as Judah had served other gods, they will now be exiled to serve foreign nations. The people of Jerusalem have no fear of God or respect for His authority. Their own iniquities have turned them away from God and their sin has deprived them of good.

JEREMIAH 6

WARNING THAT JUDAH WILL BE OVERTHROWN 

God told Jerusalem to flee for safety, but the people did not listen. An army is coming from the north and Judah is told to prepare for war, but they do not pay attention. God claims that Jerusalem is a city that must be punished for their faithlessness and plans to allow oppression and destruction.

God does not want the empty sacrifices of Judah, He wants their hearts and affections. God expresses that His Word is meant to bring pleasure and blessing, but the Israelites scorn and ignore it. After years of constant mercy and warning, God plans to use Babylon to bring destruction upon Jerusalem.

JEREMIAH 7

JEREMIAH’S TEMPLE SPEECH

God instructed Jeremiah to stand at the temple gates and proclaim God’s Word, calling the people of Judah to repent and worship God alone. God’s personal dwelling place had become like a den of thieves, filled with people who only cared about themselves and ignored those in need. Jesus later quotes this phrase in Matthew 21:13 after overturning tables at the temple courts.

God warns Jeremiah that his prayers for Jerusalem will not be heard. The people have not returned to God or acknowledged their sins. They have no shame in their rebellion against God or breaking their promise to abide by His Word. Because of this, the once prosperous city will become nothing but a pile of corpses.

JEREMIAH 8

JEREMIAH GRIEVES OVER JUDAH’S FATE

The sin of Judah is so great that they will all be wiped out and death will become preferable to life in Judah. Jeremiah says that those who have rejected God’s Word have no wisdom and that even the wisest of Jerusalem will be put to shame. Judah was like a vine without grapes, fruitless and worthless.

Jeremiah mourns for the state of Judah. He is grieved by their actions and worship of other gods. Jeremiah is desperate for the people to rely on God instead of their strength!

JEREMIAH 9

GOD DESIRES INWARD AFFECTION 

Jeremiah continues to mourn for the people of Judah and says his eyes are like a fountain of tears. Because they have refused to know God, they have become oppressive and deceitful.

In Genesis 11, the people were also prideful and self-reliant. They wanted to make a name for themselves, but God scattered and confused them. Similarly, God’s plan to punish Jerusalem involves scattering and separating them.

God challenges his people not to boast about their wealth, might, or wisdom, but instead only boast in knowing the Lord. Because a relationship with God is more valuable and necessary than anything else, it is the only thing worth finding confidence and value in. Those who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness are a delight to God.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

JEREMIAH 10

MANMADE IDOLS ARE ENTIRELY WORTHLESS

Jeremiah confronts the futility and worthlessness of man-made idols. God is the Creator of everything, including mankind and the trees cut down for idols. Jeremiah claims the idols are as worthless as scarecrows, unable to do anything or any good. Those who create and worship idols will be brought to shame. God is the only one worthy of worship!

Jeremiah continues to warn the people of Judah of the invasion coming from the north, referring to the Babylonians, but they do not listen or respond to messages of God’s wrath. Jeremiah cries out to God on Judah’s behalf, asking God to correct Judah and direct their steps.

JEREMIAH 11

ISRAEL + JUDAH HAVE BROKEN THEIR COVENANT

Because both Israel and Judah have broken their promise to obey God’s Word, disaster will come upon them. Their idolatrous ways have led them astray and caused them to abandon their faith.

God tells Jeremiah not to pray on behalf of Judah, because He will no longer listen or respond. Jeremiah brings his personal requests before God, asking Him to spare him from the people who oppose him and want him killed.

JEREMIAH 12

JEREMIAH QUESTIONS GOD’S PLANS 

Jeremiah questions God, asking why the wicked prosper and the treacherous thrive. Jeremiah wants to know why God is allowing good things to happen to such terrible people. Why would God allow for a foreign pagan nation to overthrow His chosen people, even in their sinfulness?

God graciously replies to Jeremiah’s questions. God plans to abandon His people for a period of time, allowing them to be exiled by their enemies. God’s Promised Land will become desolate and barren, but God plans to eventually rebuild and reestablish them. God will allow His people to suffer the consequences of their idolatry, but will ultimately show them compassion.

The surrounding evil nations of Israel will be plucked up and destroyed if they do not listen to God and turn to Him in worship.

JEREMIAH 13

GOD WILL RUIN THE PRIDE OF JUDAH 

God instructs Jeremiah to take the loincloth tied around his waist and hide it in the crevice of some rocks. Many days later, God tells Jeremiah to return to the loincloth, which was dirty and ruined. Comparing the people of Judah to the cloth, God tells of His plans to ruin their pride.

Instead of clinging to God’s truth in the way a cloth clings around the waist, the people of Judah clung to their own ways. Judah had the potential to be glorious and praiseworthy, but their potential was as wasted as the spoiled cloth.

Jeremiah continues warning the people of Judah that disaster is coming and will result in the entire kingdom’s exile.

JEREMIAH 14

JUDAH WILL FALL BY SWORD, FAMINE, AND PLAGUE 

During a drought, the people of Judah cry out to God for water, but God does not respond to them. Because of their rebellion and wickedness, God plans to destroy the people by sword, famine, or plague.

Jeremiah spoke the truth, but other false prophets were lying to the people of Judah, telling them that nothing bad would happen to them. Jeremiah continues to repent for Judah, acknowledging their sin and wickedness, but there is no use pleading on behalf of the fallen nation.

JEREMIAH 15

GOD WILL DELIVER JEREMIAH FROM HIS OPPOSITION 

God tells Jeremiah that He will not answer the requests of Judah during the drought. Judah is in such a rebellious state, that God would not have responded to Moses or Samuel under the same conditions. Death, destruction, or captivity were inevitable for those who did not repent.

Although the Israelites will oppose and reject Jeremiah, he is called to be God’s spokesperson to the people of Judah. God promises to deliver Jeremiah and lead him to prevail over those who fight against him.

JEREMIAH 16

JEREMIAH INSTRUCTED NOT TO MARRY OR HAVE CHILDREN 

Because there will soon be great suffering and devastation in Judah, God tells Jeremiah not to marry or have children. Although this sounds harsh, God does not want Jeremiah to have loved ones facing the destruction that would occur during his lifetime. Often, God’s prophets will experience loneliness, rejection, and hardship so that they are able to understand what God is feeling towards His people.

When the people of Judah question the reason for their demise, Jeremiah tells them that the source of their misery is from forsaking God and worshiping idols. Although the Israelites will be exiled because of their rebellion, God will redeem their situation and bring them back. Similar to God’s rescue of the Israelites from Egypt, God plans to eventually restore and rebuild Jerusalem for His glory.

JEREMIAH 17

THE HEARTS OF JUDAH ARE ENGRAVED WITH SIN 

Judah’s sin is so ingrained in their lives, that it becomes engraved in their hearts. Instead of turning their hearts towards God, their hearts have become filled with deceit and sinfulness. God will search their hearts and bless those who trust in God instead of man or false idols. God provides peace and abundance to those who put their faith in His provision.

Jeremiah, standing at the temple gates, calls for the people of Judah to honor the Sabbath day and remember God’s holiness. Even in their sinful state, God desires rest for His people.

JEREMIAH 18

JUDAH IS MOLDABLE LIKE CLAY IN GOD’S HAND 

Per God’s instruction, Jeremiah visits the home of a potter, where he witnessed the potter shaping and reshaping clay. God uses this as a symbol of Judah, who is like clay in His hands, able to be broken and reformed. God can shape them however He desires according to their faithfulness. God is grieved over His people and how they have forgotten Him. Unless the people of Judah repent, they will experience disaster

Jeremiah knows that he will continue to face resistance and mockery when delivering God’s message to Judah. Jeremiah is starting to finally understand God’s frustration and hurt regarding Judah. Instead of praying for them as he has previously, Jeremiah rebukes Judah.

JEREMIAH 19

THE NATION OF JUDAH WILL SOON BE SHATTERED 

Jeremiah purchased a clay flask from the potter and brought it back to the priests and leaders of Jerusalem. After delivering a message of warning to the people, Jeremiah smashed the pottery as a visualization of God smashing the nation into pieces.

Because Judah has refused to listen to God’s messages, an enemy from the north would attack and destroy them. Judah’s plans will be thwarted, and God’s plans will prevail.

JEREMIAH 20

JEREMIAH LAMENTS THE STRUGGLE OF HIS CALLING 

Because of his prophecy against the nation Judah, Jeremiah was beaten and put in the stocks by the chief priest, Pashur. Once he is released, Jeremiah tells Pashur that his fate consists of captivity and death.

Jeremiah laments the opposition and oppression he faces. He curses the day that he was born and anguishes over his calling as a prophet. Despite facing rejection and persecution, Jeremiah still has “fire in his bones” (v.9) and does not stop sharing God’s message.

JEREMIAH 21

ONLY THOSE WHO REPENT WILL BE SAVED 

Judah’s final king, Zedekiah, sends Jeremiah messages regarding Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Jeremiah knows that those who remain in Jerusalem will die during the Babylonian takeover, either by the sword, famine, or plague, as God has spoken in Jeremiah 14.

Only those who turn to God will be saved. Jeremiah warns the leaders of Judah to act with justice and righteousness before the coming judgment. The account of Judah being overthrown by Babylon is recorded in 2 Kings 24.

JEREMIAH 22

GOD WARNS THE UNRIGHTEOUS KINGS + LEADERS 

Jeremiah spoke of God’s judgment towards the kings and the leaders of Judah, warning them to enact justice and righteousness. God promises that the palace, the place where they resided, will be destroyed. People of other nations will see the palace in Judah and wonder what happened for God to express that much wrath and anger. Ultimately, it was Judah’s faithlessness and worship of false gods that caused the destruction.

God gave specific messages to previous kings of Judah, warning that their deaths will not be mourned and that they will be turned over to the Babylonians.

JEREMIAH 23

A RIGHTEOUS KING WILL COME FROM THE LINE OF DAVID

Because Israel’s leaders have failed, the people have been driven away and scattered about like sheep. God will raise a righteous king from the line of David who will gather the remnant like a shepherd. Jeremiah is telling about God’s plans to send Jesus as both a gentle shepherd and mighty king.

God opposes the false prophets who tell lies about His character and His plans, saying their path leads only to darkness and disaster. The prophets of the northern kingdom of Israel were prophets of other gods, but Judah had false prophets leading people astray as well, despite their closeness to the temple.

God fills the heavens and the earth with His presence, there is nothing outside of His vision or knowledge. Shame was coming upon the false prophets who spread lies about God.

JEREMIAH 24

JEREMIAH’S VISION OF THE FIGS 

Jeremiah saw a vision of two baskets of figs, one with fruitful, ripe figs and one with bad, rotten figs. The good basket of figs represents the remnant, or the remaining faithful Israelites, who were the first to be taken into Babylonian captivity under King Jehoiachin. God plans to bring back and restore those who have been steadfast.

The bad figs represent those who were exiled under Judah’s final king, Zedekiah, who led them into further sin and faithlessness. Death by sword, famine, and plagues await those who have been unfaithful to God.

JEREMIAH 25

GOD’S WRATH WILL BE POURED OUT ON JUDAH 

By the first year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Jeremiah had been warning the people of Judah for twenty-three years that disaster was coming. The people of Judah did not listen to Jeremiah and turn from their idolatry.

God’s plan for Judah was to allow Babylon to take them into captivity for seventy years, leaving the land desolate and destroyed. God’s wrath is described as a cup of wine, from which Judah and surrounding nations would soon drink.

JEREMIAH 26

THE PEOPLE WANT TO KILL JEREMIAH 

God led Jeremiah to stand at the temple and bring a message calling the people of Judah to worship God alone. This event is either a similar speech to Jeremiah’s earlier temple speech in Jeremiah 7 or a retelling of that event.

Jeremiah tells of Judah’s coming destruction and announces that the temple will be destroyed. Although it was not always used in a way that honored God, the people of Judah were proud of the temple as their landmark, and news of it being destroyed was upsetting and offensive.

The leaders of Israel wanted to kill Jeremiah for slander, but the court officials stopped them. Jeremiah was compared to the prophet Micah, who also shared God’s message of warning and call to repentance.

JEREMIAH 27

JEREMIAH TELLS OF THE YOKE OF BABYLON

When confronting the kings of nearby nations, Jeremiah wears a yoke as a symbol of the oppression and lack of autonomy that will happen when they are captured by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.

The false prophets lie to Judah, giving them dishonest ideas of what their future holds. They tell the people that the stolen temple artifacts will be returned to Judah and that the Babylonian exile will be short-lived. But God says otherwise, that the items will never be returned and that the exile will last seventy years.

JEREMIAH 28

JEREMIAH CONFRONTS FALSE PROPHETS 

In direct contrast with the prophecies of Jeremiah, the false prophet, Hananiah, tells the people of Judah that the exiles will soon return and there will not be great burdens placed upon them.

Jeremiah trusted God’s plans and responded to Hananiah’s lies with confidence. Jeremiah was comfortable to wait and see what God would do, knowing that God would keep His word.

In anger at this response, Hananiah broke Jeremiah’s wooden yoke. God gave Jeremiah a message for Hananiah, telling him that the wooden yoke would instead be replaced with an iron yoke. With this message, Jeremiah predicted that Hananiah would soon die, which occurred within the year.

JEREMIAH 29

GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 

Jeremiah sends a letter to the Israelites who have already been taken captive by Babylon, telling them not to listen to false prophets. God has told Jeremiah that they will be in exile for seventy years and Jeremiah encourages them to start establishing themselves in Babylon. The people are instructed to build homes and gardens, marry and have children, and attempt to live fruitfully instead of wasting away.

Although they are in exile, God has plans for the future that can build hope and encouragement in the Israelites. Although God’s words in Jeremiah 29:11 are directed toward the people of Israel in a time of exile, they point to God’s redemptive and loving character.

The false prophets offer false hope built on lies and empty promises. But Jeremiah offers true hope, rooted in God’s overarching plan for reconciliation and restoration.

JEREMIAH 30

GOD WILL BRING HEALING + RESTORATION TO JUDAH 

God instructs Jeremiah to write down his prophecy related to the restoration of Israel. God promised that the Israelites would one day be brought back into the land of their ancestors. Because the people of Israel are the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, God refers to the Israelites as Jacob in this passage, showing how they will be unified and restored.

Instead of serving under a ruthless foreign king, God is planning to raise a new king from the line of David. Under the rule of this king, God’s people will be faithful and steadfast.

The Israelites would be scattered throughout surrounding nations, but those nations would also be destroyed. Although the Israelites will face trouble, they will ultimately be restored to peace and prosperity. God is reminding the Israelites of His promise to them in Deuteronomy 30:3.

JEREMIAH 31

GOD TURNS MOURNING INTO DANCING 

Jeremiah continues his prophecy for the future of Israel and Judah. God calls for singing and rejoicing, knowing that His plans for Israel will bring them great joy. God has loved His people with an everlasting love and remained faithful to them.

God promises that the descendants of Israel will always remain a nation. Although they were scattered, God will bring them back together for His glory.

God will create a new covenant with the Israelites. Instead of writing the covenant on stone, like the commandments, God will write the covenant on their hearts. This imagery shows God’s desire for our hearts and affections more than our sacrifices or rule-following.

With the new covenant, God’s people will know and acknowledge Him. God will forgive the people of their sins and idolatry.

Jeremiah 31:33 - For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

JEREMIAH 32

JEREMIAH IMPRISONED FOR HIS PROPHECY 

During the reign of Judah’s King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was imprisoned for his prophecy against Judah. While in prison, God tells Jeremiah that his cousin will come to visit, and he is to buy property from him. Shortly after, this occurs, and Jeremiah purchases the land.

This land, now owned by Jeremiah, was surrounded by Babylon and about to be destroyed. This purchase was symbolic of Jeremiah’s faith in God and His promise to restore the Israelites to their land. Jeremiah believes that nothing is too difficult for God to accomplish.

Disaster was still approaching Jerusalem because of the sins of Judah, but God had plans to bring the Israelites back to the land He originally brought them into. God delights in bringing goodness and joy to His people!

JEREMIAH 33

GOD WILL RESTORE THE PROSPERITY OF JERUSALEM  

God declares that destruction and devastation are coming upon Jerusalem through the force of the Babylonians. God speaks to Jeremiah again while he is imprisoned, letting him know that although many would die soon, God plans to bring health and healing eventually.

God allows Jerusalem to be overthrown and destroyed because of their sin and rebellion. Although God allows consequences and punishment, He also shows compassion and plans to restore and rebuild a new Jerusalem.

Reaffirming God’s promises to David, Jeremiah tells of a future righteous leader who will be raised from David’s lineage. This future leader, referring to Jesus, will serve as both a king and a priest.

JEREMIAH 34

ZEDEKIAH ENSLAVES OTHER ISRAELITES 

Jeremiah records a prophecy explaining that the Babylonians would defeat Jerusalem and take the people of Judah into captivity during the time of King Zedekiah.

God rebukes Zedekiah for enslaving the Israelites, His own people, acting explicitly against God's law. Zedekiah is initially obedient and agrees to free the slaves and God tells him that he will die peacefully. Once Zedekiah and the other slave masters see the freed slaves, they revoke their freedom and enslave them once again. In doing this, Zedekiah breaks the covenant with God and will suffer under the Babylonian exile.

JEREMIAH 35

THE RECHABITES EXHIBIT FAITHFULNESS + OBEDIENCE

While Jehoiakim is king, he invites the Rechabites, a nomadic clan that lived alongside the Israelites, into the temple and offers them wine. As a part of their tradition, the Rechabites do not traditionally drink alcohol, so they refuse. This story shows the contrast between the self-control and faithfulness of this obscure group in comparison to the rebellion of God’s chosen people.

Through the many prophets, God warns Judah that Jerusalem would be overthrown if they do not repent, but the people ignore God’s advice. God tells Jeremiah that disaster is coming upon Judah for their disobedience and lack of faith, but God promises to protect the Rechabite family for their obedience.

JEREMIAH 36

JEREMIAH’S SCROLL IS DESTROYED BY JEHOIAKIM 

Jeremiah commissions Baruch as a scribe to compile his teachings and stories of Jeremiah’s life. Jeremiah tells Baruch to share his message of prophecy at the temple. Upon reading Jeremiah’s dictations, the officials are fearful and take the scroll, warning Baruch to go into hiding.

The scroll is read to King Jehoiakim, who is in disbelief that Babylon will invade Judah. After hearing the scroll, Jehoiakim destroys it by cutting and burning it piece by piece.

Jeremiah retells his prophecy to Baruch, who continues to record his messages.

JEREMIAH 37

JEREMIAH REMAINS FAITHFUL TO GOD’S MESSAGE OF WARNING

Nebuchadnezzar appoints Zedekiah as king over Judah. During this time, Babylon begins to siege Jerusalem but withdraws momentarily to turn their attention towards Egypt.

Jeremiah knows the Babylonians are only temporarily distracted and that they will still invade Judah under Zedekiah’s leadership. Jeremiah is beaten and arrested for his message of prophecy and warning against Judah.

While Jeremiah is imprisoned, Zedekiah comes to ask what he has heard from God. Jeremiah remains steadfast in his message regarding Judah, knowing they will soon be overthrown by Babylon.

JEREMIAH 38

ZEDEKIAH REFUSES TO SURRENDER 

Jeremiah continues sharing his message of warning with Judah, but the people do not respond positively. Despite their obvious rebellion and the beginning of the siege, the people do not want to hear about Babylon’s impending attack.

Because of his message, Jeremiah is thrown into a deep, muddy cistern. A non-Israelite man named Ebed-Melek sees what happened and pleads with the king to release Jeremiah. Ebed-Melek, using rags and cloth tied together, retrieves Jeremiah from the cistern.

After Jeremiah was saved, Zedekiah meets with him. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that his family will be spared if he surrenders to Babylon, but Zedekiah is conflicted and fearful of how the people of Judah will react to his surrender.

JEREMIAH 39

THE FALL OF JERUSALEM 

Babylon fully sieges Jerusalem, taking Zedekiah and the people of Judah into exile. Buildings are burned down and the city walls are destroyed. This chapter highlights the culmination of Jeremiah’s warnings, describing his prophecies becoming reality.

Zedekiah attempts to flee, but Nebuchadnezzar brutally murders his sons before his eyes. This was Zedekiah’s last sight, as his eyes were gouged out immediately afterward.

Because Jeremiah previously urged Judah to surrender to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar tells the officials not to harm Jeremiah. Ebed-Melek will also be protected for saving Jeremiah from the cistern.

JEREMIAH 40

JEREMIAH REMAINS IN JUDAH TO ADVISE GEDALIAH 

Nebuchadnezzar appoints Nebuzaradan, his captain, to oversee Judah. Jeremiah is given the choice to go to Babylon or remain in Judah. Jeremiah remains in Judah to advise Gedaliah, the appointed governor of the Judah’s remnant under Babylonian control. Jeremiah encourages Gedaliah to plant vineyards and peacefully dwell in the land.

Ishmael, a ruler in Judah, wants Gedaliah killed. Johanan, one of the leaders of Judah, hears of this news and offers to kill Ishmael. Gedaliah is not concerned by the threat and does not have Ishmael killed.

JEREMIAH 41

ISHMAEL BRINGS CHAOS UPON JUDAH

Fulfilling his plan, Ishmael assassinates Gedaliah along with murdering multiple other Judeans and Babylonian soldiers. Shortly after, Ishmael kills seventy more men and throws their bodies into a cistern.

Ishmael continues to wreak havoc by taking a group of Gedaliah’s men captive and forcing them to travel towards the Ammonites. On the way there, they come across Johanan, who initially warned Gedaliah about Ishmael. Johanan defeats Ishmael’s men and frees the captives, but Ishmael himself gets away.

JEREMIAH 42

GOD WARNS THE PEOPLE NOT TO FLEE TO EGYPT 

Johanan and the freed captives ask Jeremiah to pray for discernment. Before telling them what to do next, Jeremiah spends ten days in prayer. The people agree to do whatever God instructs, regardless if it is good or bad news.

After hearing from God, Jeremiah warns the people that they will not receive God’s mercy if they flee to Egypt. As counterintuitive as it seems, the people are called to stay in Judah during the exile.

JEREMIAH 43

GOD WILL USE BABYLON TO DEFEAT EGYPT 

Despite the warning from Jeremiah, Johanan and the remaining exiles disobey God and flee to Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them.

While in Egypt, God tells Jeremiah that Egypt will be struck down and those who look to Egypt for protection will be doomed. In the same way God used Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar to invade Judah, God will bring Babylon against Egypt. Using large stones, God shows Jeremiah the exact site where Nebuchadnezzar’s throne will be placed in Egypt!

JEREMIAH 44

GOD WARNS AGAINST FALSE IDOLS IN EGYPT 

God sends warning to the remaining exiles in Egypt to turn away from false idols. Despite Jeremiah's efforts, the people refuse to turn from their false gods, illustrating their continual rebellion against God's warnings. Few fugitives will turn towards God and avoid disaster, while the rest refuse to humble themselves and fear God.

JEREMIAH 45

GOD’S MESSAGE FOR BARUCH 

God gives Jeremiah a short message of prophecy addressing Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe who has been taken to Egypt with Jeremiah. God hears Baruch’s cries and laments, acknowledging his sorrow and pain. Although disaster is coming upon the Israelites, God will protect Baruch and allow him to survive.

JEREMIAH 46

GOD WARNS THE EGYPTIANS OF THEIR FATE 

God shifts from warning the people of Judah to warning foreign nations, beginning with Egypt. Just like Judah was defeated by the Babylonians, Egypt would be taken down next and brought into captivity.

God addresses the Israelites who were scattered in Egypt, showing them mercy and compassion. Despite the circumstances, God is with them and encourages them not to fear.

JEREMIAH 47

GOD WARNS THE PHILISTINES

Next, God warns the Philistines that they too will be invaded by Babylon and taken into captivity. Their two major cities, Gaza and Ashkelon, will be overthrown and defeated.

JEREMIAH 48

GOD WARNS THE MOABITES

In continuation of God’s warning towards the surrounding nations of Israel, God warns the Moabites that they will soon face defeat. Because Moab is arrogant and boastful over their previous defeat of Judah, God plans to humble them.

In contrast with the rest of the chapter, God shows compassion on Moab in verse 47 by referencing a future time when their fortune will be restored. This hope may be given to Moab because of Israel’s connection to Moab through Ruth, an ancestor of both David and Jesus.

JEREMIAH 49

GOD WARNS SURROUNDING NATIONS 

God pronounces judgment on multiple bordering nations and cities of Judah, including Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. These nations have rebelled against God and will be absorbed into the Babylonian empire, serving as Israel’s enemies.

Similar to Moab, God also promises to restore the fortunes of the Ammonites and of Elam, but the reason is undisclosed.

JEREMIAH 50

GOD WARNS THE BABYLONIANS

After warning many other nations, Jeremiah shares God’s word of prophecy for Babylon. Although God uses the Babylonians to uproot Judah, God plans to bring His judgment upon their nation as well. Jeremiah warns that Babylon will be defeated by a nation from the north, later revealed as Persia. Because Babylon has opposed God, they can anticipate destruction and doom.

The Israelites are like sheep who have gone astray, and God plans to shepherd them back to their pasture. The Lord will redeem the Israelites and bring unrest to their enemies. God uses imagery of a lion on the prowl to describe His pursuit of Babylon’s demise.

JEREMIAH 51

BABYLON WILL BECOME A NATION OF HORRORS 

The future of Babylon appears desolate. God promises that Babylon will become a horror of a land, left as a heap of ruins. Because of their cruelty and arrogance, Babylon will be completely destroyed by fire and disaster.

The idols worshiped by the Babylonians will prove to be useless; nothing can withstand God’s wrath. Their false gods will put them to shame and leave them rendered powerless.

Although God allowed Babylon’s siege of Judah, God will not leave their evil unpunished. God will plead the case for the Israelites, rescuing them from their captors and restoring them to their land.

JEREMIAH 52

GOD’S PEOPLE INVITED TO HIS ROYAL TABLE 

This final chapter of Jeremiah recalls Zedekiah’s reign as the final king over Judah before being taken into captivity. Reminiscing on the destruction and burning of the temple, this narrative highlights the turmoil caused by Babylon’s invasion of Jerusalem. In total 4,600 people are taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and his army.

Also told in 2 Kings 25, the book ends with a short story that offers a glimmer of hope. Jehoichin, one of the previous kings of Judah, is released from prison by Evil-Merodach, the king of Babylon that succeeded Nebuchadnezzar. Evil-Merodach frees Jehoichin, replaces his prison garments, provides all of his daily needs, and invites him to dine at the royal table every day of his life. Jeremiah ends on a hopeful note that serves as an image of God’s invitation to His people—to be freed from bondage and invited into His presence.