August 30, 2009 Jeremiah 34-38

There were 5 people for Wordlisteners tonight, and they for the most
part listened to the reading. There were some wonderful insights
though. We read and discussed 5 chapters, my notes are below. It was so
wonderful to be in God's word, and we read the section where God
authorizes Jeremiah to record His words- giving us the book of Jeremiah
these many years later.

Our next meeting will be September 27, 2009. Praise and worship is next
week and lay speaker training will be the following two weeks after
that.

Chapter 34
God's message to Jeremiah when Nebuchadnezzar was mounting an all out attack against Jerusalem. God tells the Israelites- His chosen, the outcome of the current activities and events. Jerusalem will fall, it will be burned and the king won't escape. Its easy to let our fears and "experience" tell us the outcomes of current activities and events in our lives, but shouldn't we be asking God?

The king (Zedekiah) is re-assured he won't be killed, but rather cared for until death. This message came when only two fortified cities and Jerusalem remained. Would a skeptic not claim that the outcome was obvious at that point? Why then did God give this message? Why did they need the message? I can only figure that it ties in with the Assyrian invasion years earlier. The people thought the end had come but God intervened- slaying that army. They had seen it and had memory of it. Seeing God act (miraculously and repeatedly) is not enough to turn people from their sin in repentance and toward God. Example Red sea. Our selfishness and our wants are put first, and we are so ready to ignore and deny God. We may acknowledge God acted in the past, but we want Him to do something for us today.

Another message is mentioned, a special one for Zedekiah. Zedekiah freed the slaves in Jerusalem that were Hebrews. The covenant said that one Jew couldn't own another as a slave. In Leviticus God stated that owning a fellow Jew as a slave was not permitted. He freed them from being slaves when He delivered them from Egypt. They were to be treated as hired men and freed at the year of Jubilee. This covenant to free the slaves by Zedekiah was reneged on. God's message reminded them of His intentions , and stated that they had totally ignored God's desire. He then states Zedekiah had done well to obey, but then broke it which made a mockery of God.

God's message is pretty plain and He is consistent in informing as to what He wants, and when we act like "we know better" we are mocking God. Here comes the consequences- God is going to set the people of the city free -to be killed. To become a horror. There was a covenant ceremony- gone back on. One has got to be careful of making covenants, and making promises, it is so very important to consider the cost- God wants us to honor our word, even if it costs us. Or not even make a vow if we aren't going to fulfill it. Deut 23:21-23, Psalm 15:5.

Chapter 35
Now we go back in time chronologically to see an example of what it looks like to keep a vow or covenant. The Recabite community are invited, and Jeremiah is told to offer them wine- God tells Jeremiah to offer them wine. The Recabites entire community comes, but they don't drink wine, so they refused to take it.

Then we find out that their ancestor commanded them not to drink wine, nor settle down in houses. So these people live in tents, don't own property, don't garden, and don't drink. They furthermore have followed this ancestral command.

When Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar came along they went to Jerusalem to live seeking safety. God wants to show His people in Jerusalem their ways. The Recabites followed their ancestor's command, but God's people wouldn't even pay Him any attention. He tried over and over to get their attention, sending prophets, wanting them to follow His ways so He could bless them but they wouldn't listen.

So destruction is coming to His people in Jerusalem because of their stubbornness. Meanwhile the faithfulness of the Recabites will be rewarded in that one of them will always be in God's service.

I think sometimes we are inclined to do something we shouldn't because "everyone else is". We then get caught up in "if they can get away with it I should be able to also". When honestly looked at, it is probably never the case that "all are doing it", There is an example somewhere, if we just honestly open our eyes to look for it.

Chapter 36
Jeremiah gets a message from God telling him to write down all that he had told him. Here is the divine authorization recorded for us by God to write this book. If God told him to write it, doesn't it make sense that God would bring the things back to Jeremiah's mind as he wrote that were important? In recording the message, it can be taken in all at once, and maybe the people of Judah will turn from their bad lives. Up until it was written there was only a message from Jeremiah on occasion, but never a comprehensive record. The concepts of God need to be heard repeatedly (or read) to be learned, hearing them once - considering all the opposing views we get bombarded with may not be enough.

This also gets Baruch involved, he is a scribe. Jeremiah dictated, Baruch recorded, God led. Or better yet God led, Jeremiah dictated, and Baruch wrote.

We get another hint as to why the written word was authorized, Jeremiah was banned from the temple, so he could not go in. Baruch however could go in and read the words he had written. A man of God, Jeremiah, not allowed in the house of God. Its a pretty good indicator when people have rejected God to the point His own messenger isn't even allowed to speak in His house. I don't know the details of the "hate crimes bill", but it seems we may be on the verge of something similar in our time. Jeremiah instructed Baruch as to when to go (day of fasting) so that the most people would hear the message. The hope was that the message would bring about prayer. Baruch did as he was asked.

A government leader was there and heard the message and was alarmed (as pointed out to me). Evidently they hadn't paid much if any attention to Jeremiah's verbal messages up to this point, but could read hear the message read to them now and see the truth of it- as it happened. This prompted a government meeting of the kings advisors. Baruch was sent for and asked to read the scroll to them, and he was asked about the source and said that Jeremiah had dictated it. He was told to hide, but they kept the scroll. It was then taken to the king (Jehoiakim) and read to him. As the scroll was read the king would cut it off and burn it in the fire. The entire scroll was read, and consequently burned without the slightest twinge of conscience. Scripture can be the very vehicle that God uses to speak to us. Others can read/hear the scripture and it have absolutely no effect them. In modern times the Bible has never been more accessible, and the need for God's truth has never been so great, it just doesn't seem to affect some folks. Some of the kings advisors evidently had conscience, they advised him not to burn the scroll, but he ignored them. The king wanted Jeremiah and Baruch arrested but God had hidden them away.

Jeremiah was told by God that the scroll was burned and needed to be replaced. God sees to it His word is protected and He has done that for us- praise God we can read his word today. So it is re-written. A message also goes to Jehoiakim- no descendant will be on the throne of David (and Jehoiakim is not in the lineage of Jesus recorded in Matthew). Jehoiachin his son is, but he was the king taken into exile (when the throne of David was lost) and replaced. This exile happened when the temple treasures were taken. Zedekiah was appointed king. The scroll was re-written- we have it today.

Chapter 37
The puppet king Zedekiah- placed by Nebuchadnezzar, his officials, or the people left in Jerusalem paid no attention to the message of God given by Jeremiah- officially. King Zedekiah did seem to realize Jeremiah's position, and did send to him a request for prayer. We're back to a time when Jeremiah was not imprisoned.

Zedekiah had rebelled against Babylon, and the Babylonians (Chaldeans) had come back to fight against him. This would explain his prayer request. Egypt's army was marching to "help" him in the fight, he hoped. The same thing happened in Isaiah's time when the Assyrians threatened, the king hoped for Egyptian help. God's message back- the Egyptians will turn around and the Babylonians will come back, and the city will be destroyed (burned to the ground). It was God's will Jerusalem would be destroyed- so it would happen.

During the time the Chaldeans pulled back from Jerusalem (because they heard the Egyptians were coming), Jeremiah left Jerusalem to take care of some personal business in Benjamin (seems like this fits his field purchase). He was called a deserter. All those years of preaching to a people who didn't listen to him, and yet he was loyal to them.

Jeremiah was beaten for his alleged desertion, and placed in a cistern turned into an underground prison cell. There he stayed until called by king Zedekiah.

The king wanted to know if Jeremiah had a message from God, which he repeated the one he had stated earlier- it had not changed. The king would be turned over to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah then asked the king what crime he had committed, and reminded the king through questioning that the "friends" or prophets the king had been listening to were in error. Babylon had attacked even though they said they would not. He then requested not to be sent back to the dungeon, and the king relented by sending him to the courtyard of the palace guards where he got a loaf of bread a day until the bread in the city ran out.

Chapter 38
The siege of Jerusalem is occurring, the last one before it fell. Jeremiah's message (from God) -surrender to the Babylonians and live, or stay in the town and die. Jerusalem is going to fall.

This message obviously hurt the morale of those defending Jerusalem, and Jeremiah was accused of not putting the interests of the people first. God's sure word wasn't what they wanted to hear even in desperate times, and they proclaimed that word as not being in their best interest. This is an opposition to God. His sure Word is always in our best interest, but there are circumstances (like this one) that may cause us to question.

Since he wasn't saying what they wanted to hear, some of the kings officials decided Jeremiah should be killed, and the king went along with their desire (was he weak?). They took him and threw him in the well (cistern) in the courtyard. There was only mud at the bottom. Somebody stood up for Jeremiah again before the king. He was prevented from being killed earlier because someone stood up for him, and now it happens again- God is protecting Jeremiah, but not in the method we would necessarily want. An Ethiopian goes to the king and says it isn't right. He doesn't have the Jewish perspective on the situation but rather is looking at it in terms of right and wrong. The king agrees to allow Jeremiah to be rescued, and he is returned to the courtyard. We hear there is no bread in the city, so it is very close to the end.

Later the king calls for Jeremiah and tells him to "hold nothing back". Jeremiah is skeptical of the king, that he means it, and gets the king to swear he won't kill Jeremiah. Up to this point Jeremiah had been saying Jerusalem would be destroyed, but he tells the king that if he will surrender to the Babylonians - the king will be spared, his family will be spared, and the city will be spared. If the king had realized who God is (had any idea) then these reasons are a very compelling reason to surrender. Instead Zedekiah is worried about men- those that already surrendered. Jeremiah tells him God would even protect him from them. Again Zedekiah's vision of God, who He is and what He can do is limited - obviously. Jeremiah informs Zedekiah that non-surrender will result in the city being burned, him not escaping, and his family having to go through hardship. His wives will be given to the officers of Babylon. Jeremiah also reminds him that his so called "friends" had given him bad advice. They told him what he wanted to hear, and not the truth. People in power often get surrounded by such people. Leaders want people around them to say things are going well, and the people around him feared repercussions for bad reports, so they held their tongue. Even after Jeremiah had said the city would be destroyed , God offered to spare it if Zedekiah surrendered. God holds out hope to the very last.

Sadly Zedekiah feared his own officials more than he feared God. He knew they would check up on him, so he coached Jeremiah what to say when they asked, and sure enough they did. Zedekiah sounds like a puppet king, or maybe he didn't really hold the authority, or maybe he felt he owed somebody something and therefore would not act on God's choice. It seems this is a very sad choice, and not very prevalent. However if we have any beliefs, or hold anything in a higher regard than God, then we too are just as likely not follow God's leadings. Thats why we are to put nothing before the Lord. Maybe his idol was his position, and surrender would mean giving it up. So rather than pin his hopes on God's sure (and proven message) he held out hope that the advisors around him (who had been wrong so far) would be right.

Zedekiah made a bad decision, and we can only speculate as to why. We must be careful we don't become as blind to the truth as he did and make bad decisions ourselves.
Maybe as was suggested by a group member he was jealous that God spoke to Jeremiah, but not to him the king. Pride is not good.

Sunday August 23, 2009 Jeremiah 32-33

We had 6 tonight for Wordlisteners, and lively discussions to go with
scripture reading. The Lord blessed. I personally wanted to catch up
on the guest leader last week, who was very well received. We agreed
there was a cyclical pattern to historical events, and that some of the
prophets messages for that time were not fulfilled completely - yet.

Also for the sake of continuity I was asked to post the notes I had made
for Ch 30 and 31.

Chapter 30
God told Jeremiah to write everything He told him in a book. God made sure His message for us is correct, and then He guarded it as needed until it came to us. Something only God could do, and something He has done.

Dark days are ahead for Israel but the Lord will bring them back, and set up a David-King for them. This has not been fully fulfilled - yes they were brought back, but had no king. Yes Jesus came but not as King. It also says those that come back will serve God (some did, others ... well). It also says the godless nations that the Jews were scattered to will be finished off. Has this even happened?

Israel was burned out (destroyed), others had decided based on God's judgments that He had given up on them, the "fair weather" friends left, but God was only punishing Israel for their sin in a way they would never forget. God is still protecting them, Everyone that hurts Israel God will hurt. The enemies of Israel will become slaves to them, those that plundered punished Israel will themselves be plundered. God will come with healing, and cure the incurable. God will rebuild the homes (Jesus went to prepare a place), God will save them- He will take pride in their community, their leader will have access to God, we'll be His people, and He will be our God.

Chapter 31
When God saves Israel it will be as plain as the sun at high noon. It won't have to be interpreted, it won't be 50% +1. God will be the God of everyone. Israel looked for rest and found God looking for them. Need rest? Seek God more.

Israel will start over God-centered - what a joy.

God saves the core of Israel then there is verse 8 - His people come back. Gathering of the Jews from all the nations will happen after the nation is established and revival has broken out. We see a glimpse of this, but not the real intent and action. Blind, lame, limping, pregnant, - all gathered (this is part of the fallen world or in our time). All gathered also means those that need help getting there, and not necessarily the affluent. This is more than a decision by people who have means. In Isaiah 60 it is said the nations will bring them back to Israel.

God will care for them- He will take their hands and lead them.
God will bless them.

Rachel weeping- God's message (a continuation?, before?, after?). Israel sent to exile. I'm guessing its before, maybe its a repeating cycle. Israel to exile to collect the wages of their grief work (note- not exiled for doing God's work but rather following their own desires). God will bring them home eventually.

People are like wild horses- sometimes God has to break us, or allow us to break ourselves, in order for us to get to the point He can use us. Once we are obedient to Him we are then useful for His work.

We run loose do our own thing - hit hardship decide to repent (and mean it- very important that it isn't lip service).
God then trains us, some taking longer than others.
He brings us to a point of usefulness for His purposes.

While all the above is happening, God waits for us and longs for relationship with us.

More rest - coming to God brings about "rest". I often say that "I'm tired" (without thought and from habit) - I should be seeking the one who can refresh.

Rest- a pleasant and satisfying sleep.

People and animals planted again in Israel- He will stick with them this time. He will make a new covenant - write His laws on their hearts. They will be His people, He will be their God (church? saved Israel?)- Not happened yet.

No schools about God (seminaries), they will know Him 1st hand. Clean slates no sin (forgiven, and forgotten). Israel will be a nation before Him as long as there is a cosmos. God's city will be rebuilt - never to be torn down again.

Chapter 32
Babylon had Jerusalem under siege. Jeremiah was locked up for proclaiming God's message. The same would happen to the apostles and to Paul, why shouldn't it happen to us? Jeremiah's message was that the city would fall (which was God's message) the king didn't like the message so he had Jeremiah imprisoned. When you can't refute God's message (and who can) the only recourse is to persecute the messenger and try to prevent it from getting out. Jeremiah said resistance to Babylon was futile.

Right in the middle of this situation Jeremiah's Uncle is coming to see him. The Lord instructs Jeremiah to purchase a field. Even in the midst of impending doom, God is on the other side. We often become too focused on the immediate rather than the beyond. All the details of the transaction is included. A normal life will eventually return to Jerusalem, and affirmation of the fact that God is in control- something else we often "forget".

Judah is being punished for sins started by the parents (32:16-19). Now God also reached out to their children, but they made the choice to continue in their parent's sin. Its easiest for children to repeat the behavior of their parents, its so ingrained, so exposed, it seems so right. This makes it very difficult to break the negative behaviors passed on from one generation to another. All things are possible however for those in Christ.

God had established Israel miraculously and they turned their backs to Him (God). As a result bad times are at hand, but God is merciful, and a future exists beyond the bad times.

Babylon will take Jerusalem, every roof that was used for an alter to another God will be torn down. Its interesting that God's nature is that he is so ready to forgive and then forget the sins we repent of. Those we don't repent of He has meticulous records. After years of giving them the opportunity to repent while His message was proclaimed through Jeremiah (Isaiah really first), He has had enough. He is destroying the city to destroy the wicked lives. He is sovereign - He can. They turned away from God rather than sin- there are consequences.

The whole country became an act of sin. The destruction of the city would take place after the "best" had been taken away to Babylon. Example of rapture? Losing the best to Babylon didn't cause repentance, but rather a hardening. The country in crisis did not turn to God but rather to other gods and more fervently sought their answers from these idols.

A break to present times, if our financial crisis is so "bad" why isn't our Government calling on people to "pray" for the USA? Are we not repeating the very actions of Judah from so long ago?

After the crisis He will gather them, He will make them one mind, He will fill their hearts with such deep respect such that they won't turn away- in fact not even think it. I don't believe this has happened yet in History. He'll delight in doing good things for them.

After a glimpse of distant future - the now (or then) catastrophe is coming.

Prosperity and restoration long term.

Chapter 33
Jerusalem is about to be over run by Babylon, Jeremiah is still in jail- another example that following God can bring about difficulty or hardship from a wordly standpoint. God sends him a message saying call to me and I will answer you. A servant of God in jail for serving God, and God is going to tell him things. Often we are too short sighted, and currently in Jerusalem there was destruction and killing and the ravages of war. God is telling Jeremiah of His plans for later, the present situation is based on the evil actions of the people that God had tried to warn (for generations).

The future is that God has plans for renovation, along with the restoration of every lost thing. God will restore, He will build, He will cleanse the people, He'll forgive, and the world will be in awe. This hasn't happened yet. Parts of it are available and in place, but it isn't complete. The world is not in awe of what God has done, Jesus did go to prepare a place.

What we see as unlivable, empty and desolate, God sees differently. We often give up on things and people long before God does, He is truly long suffering. The desolation will become pasture for shepherds.

The time is coming when God will keep His promise to the families of Israel and Judah. The David King (Jesus) will come and He will run the country honestly and fairly (in a leadership position). He will set things right. When that happens Jerusalem and Judah will be secure, they have always been threatened, and remain so to this day. Yet God will set things right. He allowed man's decision (Adam and Eve) to make His perfect creation a fallen world, He is the only one who can restore it. Only by living in a fallen world could we see (and everybody have that opportunity) of our need for Him.

God's covenant with David is the same as the covenant creating night and day in terms of importance. One can't fail unless the other does. His covenant with the "Levitical Priests" may mean us, because we Christians serve Him and our priests- I've seen the scripture, Exodus 19:6 originally for those who kept the covenant, but Christians are later grafted in (wild vine into the tame one).

Why hasn't it happened yet? This completeness, is it ever going to happen? Is it a real occurrence in this world, or is it for the one after? The covenants are referred to again, God has not forgotten, even when things look bleak, He will restore. Just like it took him six days to create the earth, He may take 6 days to work with man bringing him back to the point where what He had originally envisioned for the earth and a relationship with man will happen. But it will.

I like the last word - He will have mercy (as opposed I'm guessing to judgment).

August 16, Jeremiah 30 and 31

Word Listeners met on Sunday, August 16 to study Jeremiah 30 and 31. There was a guest leader Mark Conforti, who is also our pastor. Many thanks to him for filling in.

Here are his notes.


Mark Conforti began the session talking about biblical prophetic writings. The prophets spoke a particular word to a particular people at a particular time. Rarely did they attempt to predict a future event. Rather, their words served as warnings, similarly to a parent warning a child of his/her actions. We live with the consequences of our actions (although, God occasionally delivers us from our mistakes). And so the prophets' way of speaking was: "If you do ____, then ____ will happen to you." There was always a future implication in the prophets' words; this is subtly different than the prophets predicting future events (eg the invasion of Poland or world wars thousands of years later).


Jeremiah and Ezekiel were two prophets serving during the time of Jerusalem's demise (587 BC) at the hands of the Babylonians. While the events around Israel's fleeing of Egypt remain the centerpiece of the Old Testament, there's no denying that much of the Old Testament is written in light of Jerusalem's downfall.


Chapter 30 deals with the promised restoration of Israel and Judah, the two kingdoms once united together. In verse 7, the name "Jacob" is used interchangeably with "Israel." This is commonplace in the Old Testament. (Later, the term "Ephraim" is used affectionately for the people of Israel as a whole.) Eric suggested that verse 7 was a reference to a millenial reign.
Throughout chapter 30, the Lord asks the people why they mourn in light of the Lord's promise of redemption.


Chapter 31 celebrates the return of the exiles. This is likely a reference to King Cyrus of Persia and his edict that allowed for Jews to return to Jerusalem. Verses 31-34 famously point to Jesus Christ, the one in whom God established a new covenant. These verses are frequently read during Advent the season of preparation for Christ's coming into the world.

Aug. 9, 2009 - Jeremiah 25-29

We had 7 for Wordlisteners and some new faces. We covered Chapter 25-29 and had a lively discussion. Chapter 29 is one of those that shows an example of how much God loves us.

Chapter 25
This chapter starts out with a very specific date reference message during reign of Jehoiakim. Jeremiah is asked by God to speak to the people (again). He reminds them that he has been speaking to them for 23 years and they haven't listened yet, seemingly not to one word.

Its not been just a refusal to listen to Jeremiah, but God has sent a steady stream of prophets that have been ignored by the people. They said turn back (repent) and live in the land God promised them, but they would not. They chose to follow the god fads of the day, which made God angry.

He is sending for Nebuchadnezzar His servant and he will destroy everything. A horror to top all the horrors in history. Judah will serve Babylon 70 years, and then God will punish Babylon- making it a wasteland.

The nations will drink the wine of God's wrath, becoming drunk and staggering. All the kingdoms on earth are included with Babylon being last. The invasion of Judah by Babylon seems to be a glimpse of end times. Israel is slated for massacre, the catastrophe will start in Jerusalem- its the sword and nothing but.

God roars from heaven and everyone everywhere hears it, God makes His case against godless nations and is going to put the human race on trial, with death to the guilty.

Prepare for doomsday, disaster is spreading from nation to nation, a huge storm is about to rage all across planet earth. Those killed by God's judgment will stretch from one end of the earth to the other (22.8 million 5'8” people laid end to end to go around the earth- following land masses and shortest distances across oceans would mean more). They will not be buried.

Shepherds and leaders will wail- there will be no escape. God will come out in the open.

Chapter 26
This chapter starts out with God telling Jeremiah to preach yet again to the people. Jehoiakim- same king as Chapter 25 and maybe earlier. Say everything God tells him, hold nothing back. “just maybe they will listen and turn back (repent) from their bad lives. What a heart God has for us. He wants us to turn to Him, He calls us. He wants to reconsider the disasters that our evil behavior brings about. He wanted Moses to talk Him out of destroying Israel. He does want what is best for us, and sometimes that is to let us flounder in our own way.

Even though up to this point they have never listened and there is no rational belief that they will begin now- the offer is still there. Otherwise a promise of destruction is given. What happened – they wanted to kill the messenger, they had made the Temple their idol and God's promise to destroy it if they did not listen was not well accepted.

A trial was held, Jeremiah was accused of preaching against the city. Actually they were putting God on trial because He wasn't willing to give up His sovereignty to them. Jeremiah responded that his message of temple destruction was based on their actions, and therefore they were in control of their own destiny. God had called them- what was their response? He then said he was at their mercy, but it was God that spoke through him. They acquitted Jeremiah, they recognized that he spoke with the authority of God.

Then they reviewed the history, a similar thing had taken place under king Hezekiah. Micah of Moresheth preached and Hezekiah heeded it. They listened to Micah's message, heeded it, and the Lord changed His mind about the disaster He was planning. Seems God gives new leaders a chance to heed His message,

Another prophet Uriah had preached the way Jeremiah did, was threatened and fled to Egypt. The king in Jerusalem had him captured and returned where he was killed and his body dumped. Nobody stood up for him.

In Jeremiah's case one man Ahikam stood up with Jeremiah. What a difference when one man stands up. When nobody is willing to agree with the prophet of God, the prophet is killed (murdered may be a better term). When one man agrees murder is prevented. It does not mean they heeded the message. Jeremiah had asked for protection, God had promised it to him, and He only needed one man to prevent a lynching. Later all Jesus disciples would abandon Him too during and after trial.

Chapter 27
Another visual, make a yoke. Then send messages to surrounding kingdoms. Isn't it neat that God gets His message spread. The one who made earth, man and woman, all the animals, and did it on His own without asking, and He gives it whichever created being He chooses. In this case it is Nebudchadnezzar's turn, for a while anyway. Either submit to Babylon or take on a yoke that will bring about war starvation and disease until they do submit. Interesting – not submitting to authority is a result of pride, and God allows war, starvation and disease to make us submit to His will. How does this fit in with follow leaders as they follow God? Only in submitting to Babylon will nations keep their sovereignty. Now the advisors in these nations are foretelling the “future” and saying to resist Babylon. All their advice is lies, only God's is trustworthy.

His message is also for Judah – serve Babylon or suffer. His advisors are telling him wrong. Then he goes to the priests and the people at large with the same message. Some temple treasures had been taken to Babylon already. Since the king is Zedekiah – the best of Jerusalem along with some of the temple treasures had already been taken to Babylon (this would include Daniel). The audience of this message is the “bad figs” of chapter 24. God is giving them a chance to repent, to obey His voice after saying in Ch 24 they would be destroyed- what a mercy offer. Zedekiah is promised a long life if he submits to Babylonian authority. He wants to change His plans, He wants relationship. The treasures left in the Temple will stay- if they submit- even though He had previously said the rest would go and the city would be destroyed. He will eventually see that the treasures come back when God makes it happen.

Chapter 28
Hannaniah a prophet from Gibeon confronted Jeremiah in the Temple and stated his message was from God. The Temple furnishings will come back, the exiles will return within 2 years. Right prophecy wrong time frame. Jeremiah said it would be wonderful if it were true, he said prophets from old spoke of war, judgments, plagues and disasters in general so a prophecy of good news – everything is well should be suspected. Time will tell- if it happens we'll know its from God, if not then it isn't.

Jeremiah was calm, Hannaniah was emotional and passionate. He smashed Jeremiah's yoke and repeated his prophecy. Jeremiah quietly left. We have to be careful with passion, just because we want something very strongly or very badly as Hannaniah did doesn't mean it will happen, it has to agree with God's will.

Later AFTER Jeremiah got a message from God concerning Hannaniah's actions he went to him and told him what God had said. The wooden yoke was broken, and the iron yoke replaced it. The nations would be at the whim and will of Nebuchadnezzar. Hannaniah's “prophecy” since it was more desirable than what Jeremiah had given them (submit), maybe led them to choose badly. Hannaniah talked the country into believing a pack of lies- so God sent him to his death. Not suddenly- he gave him time to say goodbye.

Chapter 29
This chapter shares the letter sent to the exiles- the first group. This was the bulk of the exiles taken to Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar's first trip). The letter said live life, build houses, marry and have kids, work for the country's welfare, Pray for the country's well being. We're in exile from God's kingdom of sorts so it is an outline of how we're supposed to live. It is also confirmation of what God said- in this case that Jerusalem would fall to Babylon. God will tarry a while before bringing the exiles back, like He tarries prior to bringing us home.

This is somewhat in contrast to the message earlier in Jeremiah where He tells Jeremiah not to marry or have kids- Jeremiah is in Jerusalem, these exiles are in Babylon. Furthermore he tells Jeremiah not to pray for this people. God's judgment is imminent in this case. Another indicator that when God acts, people know about it.

God says 70 years in Babylon - then He will take them home. God has plans for His people, plans for a future. Wait through 70 years of exile and then plans to give them the future they hope for. Some will die in exile, the future they hoped for was not realized fully after the exile- how do we understand God in that? Obviously the reward He is promising isn't necessarily in this life.

When we seek Him we WILL find Him- He does want us to be serious about it. He'll turn things around - after we're serious with Him and only then. It will not be as a result of any of our own efforts acting without Him .

Those that were missing home (Jerusalem in this case) - hard times are coming for Jerusalem. They will hear news that God is sending catastrophe - evidence His word is true. Hard times will come to Jerusalem because they didn't listen to God.

Now the story of Shemaiah - he said "God set him up as priest" - didn't we discuss a few chapters back the dangers of saying God told me this? Well here is an example. God can make His desires known without using people. In other words if Shemaiah was in fact God's chosen for priest, someone other than Shemaiah would know. "God said" does still apply to the reading of the scripture- however even a scripture passage can mean different things to different people as God shows Himself through them.

Shemaiah tried to take authority that God did not grant to him, and he was called on it. He claimed he had locked up prophets, but he hadn't done anything about Jeremiah - still proclaiming God's message. This lie Shemaiah told exposed him as not being sent by God. Shemaiah and his family were punished over his actions. It is important to note that families are definitely affected by the actions of a family member. It was true then and is today. It seems God picks those He chooses for positions, rather or not they ever get any recognition.