The Basics: A Brief Overview of the Book of Jeremiah

The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide. 

The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works. 

Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man. 

These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison. 

1.) Introduction

2.) Who wrote it

3.) When did they write it

4.) Key topics

5.) Key sections

6.) Books that interact with each other

7.) Analysis of the Book

As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book. 

BASICS COURSE: 

Jeremiah

INTRODUCTION: 

Imagine sitting in Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah. The sun is starting to set, and the market is bursting with those selling foreign trinkets and other goods. The air is filled with the smell of incense from the homes surrounding the market. When suddenly you see a crowed is starting to gather, and people seem eager to see what is causing the stir. As you walk closer you hear a guard saying, “He is that priest from Anathoth Benjamin region.” The crowd is starting to get thicker, yet you keep pushing forward. Sliding by two merchants you hear one of them say, “He delivered his message to the King himself this morning, now he tells all of us?” Finally pushing through the crowd, you see a young man dressed in traveler’s robes. He looks like any typical Hebrew with nothing that would cause you to think he was special. However, as he turns to look in your direction, you see his face. While still in his youth, his eyes portray a heavy burden of years of knowledge and underneath are deep dark bags. You can tell he has been weeping. He keeps looking into the crowd staying silent until the market was so filled that no one else could come in. Abruptly you hear someone say, “Well Jeremiah, what do you have to say now?” While he looks distressed, you see a determination in his stance; straightening his back you hear his voice gently echo out for all to hear, “Listen here oh people of Judah.” There is something strange about how he talks, each word comes out with an unnatural authority as if the source of his voice is not even his own, “The word of the LORD came to me.”

WHO WROTE IT: 

The book of Jeremiah is named after its author, Jeremiah.  

WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT: 

According to Biblical scholars, archaeologists, theologians, and historians, Jeremiah is written 627 B.C. through to 597 B.C.[1]

KEY TOPICS:

Like the book of Isaiah, the book of Jeremiah is a declaration of God’s planned work in the lives of a rebellious people and earth. Jeremiah’s desire to follow the Lord transcends the politics of his day as he declares the word of the Lord to those who will listen. Jeremiah is a book directed at setting the stage for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ as prophesied and announced in Isaiah and other books of the Old Testament.   

KEY SECTIONS: 

There are 52 chapters to the book of Isaiah. I would be foolish to attempt to write them out in a sequence or in a timeline but will rather point out a certain understanding one should take when reading Jeremiah. Some will say we should read Jeremiah as symbolic; others will say we need to read the chapters in an allegorical way only. However, this is not the case. Jeremiah is foremost a book of God declaring something. As a reader, it is our job to know what the topic is so we can better understand the context. Even if it sounds strange, this does not mean we are to ignore it. Many people today would have allegorized away prophecies in Jeremiah regarding Jesus Christ’s first coming, and yet from history we know they happened literally. Take Jeremiah seriously when you read through the book.

BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER: 

Jeremiah is one of the most influential books inside the Bible. Both the Old and New Testament influence the book and draw from it. Do not be surprised to see quotes of Jeremiah in other books as well as characters from other books included in Jeremiah.

ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK: 

Jeremiah is a book that which many believe is not relevant until they find themselves in the same situation that Jeremiah was in. This is unfortunate since Jeremiah has promises of hope and restoration for those who seek God. However, it should be stated that the book of Jeremiah is without a doubt the forgotten book for Christians today. Jeremiah lived in a nation that claimed to be Godly but was wicked. He was the minority, seen by others as a fundamentalist. Instead of heeding his words, he was mocked, beaten, and politically persecuted. Yet, the book shows a resilience in Jeremiah that could only be compared to what Paul felt in Philippians Chapter 1:11-13, “having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel. so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else,” Jeremiah is distressed with what is happening around him, however his foundation is firmly in the Lord. His joy and peace come from knowing that the Lord is in control. Jeremiah shines as a prophetic book declaring the sovereignty and authority that rests solely with the Lord. But it is also a practical book for you and I today to see how we need to continue to shine for Christ, declaring His word to the lost and reflecting Christ to all.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/macarthur_john/bible-introductions/jeremiah-intro.cfm