Prophetic book that condemns Judah’s infidelity to God, warns of Babylonian conquest, and promises a new covenant. |
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Jer 1-25 recounts Jeremiah’s prophetic words and actions. Jeremiah prophesied in and around Jerusalem before the city fell in 587 BC. While he is still a young man, God calls Jeremiah to prophesy. Jeremiah condemns those who trust the Temple to deliver them from judgment against their sins (7:1-15). Jeremiah compares God’s dealings with his people to a potter molding the clay. After smashing a jar to portend destruction, he is arrested (18:1–20:6). Poignant laments appear in this section (e.g., 20:7-12).
Jer 26-45 contain memoirs of Jeremiah’s life. The scribe Baruch reads Jeremiah’s prophecies in the Temple, but the king burns the scroll. Later Jeremiah wears a yoke on his neck to show people they should submit to Babylon. Eventually he is arrested. When the Babylonians capture Jerusalem, Jeremiah remains in Judah for a time before being taken to Egypt.
Jer 46-51 concludes with oracles against foreign nations and another account of the fall of Jerusalem.
Jer 1:4-10 – Call of Jeremiah
Jer 7:1-15 – Temple sermon
Jer 20:7-12 – Personal lament
Jer 31:31-34 – New covenant