I. Summary
Jeremiah warns the people about Babylon’s future invasion and urges them to return to Yahweh.
II. Photo
Babylon approaches: “Lo, he ascends like clouds, his chariots are like a whirlwind, his horses are swifter than eagles.” (v. 13)
III. Select Verses
4: Open your hearts to the LORD, Remove the thickening about your hearts — O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem — Lest My wrath break forth like fire, And burn, with none to quench it, Because of your wicked acts.
6-7: Set up a signpost: To Zion. Take refuge, do not delay! For I bring evil from the north, And great disaster. 7 The lion has come up from his thicket: The destroyer of nations has set out, Has departed from his place, To make your land a desolation; Your cities shall be ruined, Without inhabitants.
9: The mind of the king And the mind of the nobles shall fail, The priests shall be appalled, And the prophets shall stand aghast.
14: Wash your heart clean of wickedness, O Jerusalem, that you may be rescued. How long will you harbor within you Your evil designs?
22: For My people are stupid, They give Me no heed; They are foolish children, They are not intelligent. They are clever at doing wrong, But unable to do right.
IV. Outline
1-2. Oracle for Israel
1-2. Returning to Yahweh will bring blessing
3-. Message to Judah
3a. Introduction
3b-9. Oracle: Babylon approaches
3b-4a. Metaphor: make your lives easy and return
4b. If you do not return Yahweh’s wrath will burn
5-8. Announcement of Babylon’s coming
9. The leaders will be shocked
10. Jeremiah accuses Yahweh of deception
11-17. Judah is guilty and brings the enemy upon itself
18-21. War pains Jeremiah
22. Judah acts like a foolish child
23-29. The land will be destroyed
30. Wealth and fashion are meaningless
31. Jeremiah hears the future pain
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo copied from http://judyreeveswriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/wild_horses.jpg
