The book of Jeremiah records the prophetic ministry of a prophet that lived in a critical moment in Israel’s history. The Assyrian Empire had held a grip on Israel for almost 150 years and was now on the verge of collapse. The next major empire, the Babylonian kingdom, now loomed over them. Jeremiah was called by God to speak words of both judgment and hope during the turbulent years that led up to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He was commissioned to “uproot,” “tear down,” “destroy” and “overthrow,” but also "to build and to plant” (1:10).

 

Jeremiah called the people of Judah back to faithful dependence on the Lord, warning of the coming judgment against them. His own dismay at the message he was obligated to bring gave him the title of “the weeping prophet.” The book not only includes his prophecies but also insight into his own struggles as a prophet.

 

Jeremiah was faithful to his call, and went on to also bring an important proclamation of the new covenant that would would become the basis of the covenant initiated by Christ. Because of this, though the book ends with Jerusalem’s destruction, it is not without the coming hope of God’s promise for the future. This also reveals an important theological truth, that God’s discipline of his people is always for their benefit, leading to greater acts of grace.

 

Study along with John as he explains how yet another Old Testament book is still a very important one for us all today.