Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 14

Jeremiah 14

 

-The true prophet of doom continues to speak to Word of the LORD now concerning a severe drought that is coming upon the land due to God’s wrath over their unrepentant sin. They are put to shame and cover their heads in disgrace because their iniquities testify against them (Jeremiah 14:1-7a). There is a plea for mercy by the prophet and an acknowledgment of the nation’s sins and apostasies. The cry is that He will not forsake them (Jeremiah 14:7b-9). God’s reply indicates that He is totally fed up with their wandering away from Him and their behavior is absolutely unacceptable. Therefore, He will now remember their iniquity and call their sins into account. The LORD tells Jeremiah not to even pray for their welfare. He will listen to their cry in fasting nor accept their burnt or grain offerings. Rather, He is going to make an end of them by the 1. Sword, 2. Famine, and 3. Pestilence (Jeremiah 14:10-12). *Application* The Father will not be mocked. We do not have the license to do anything we want as His children and expect to get away with it unconcerned about His corrective wrath. This was the tragic mistake in Judah and unfortunately it can be for us as well. There are always consequences to our sin, and sometimes, when God has had enough, it can get very ugly. Like the old saying goes, “If you can’t pay the time, don’t commit the crime.” God sees into the depths of our heart and knows the difference between worldly guilt and Godly sorrow. If we really are to turn to Him, everything must change from the heart extending out to our words and actions.

-The false prophets are dealt with in the next phase of this chapter. Jeremiah gives what he is hearing to the LORD as these false prophets are expressing appeasement and comforting words to the people concerning lasting peace and the famine (Jeremiah 14:13).  The LORD’s reply is haunting, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My Name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds (Jeremiah 14:14).” God extends His wrath upon them for their deliberate misinformation and assures the true prophet that His Word is accurate and will be fulfilled (Jeremiah 14:15-18).

-In the last section of Scripture in this chapter, Jeremiah cries out again for God’s mercy as he sees the rejection of the LORD and horror of a people who have forgotten their true King. He appeals to God’s covenant promises and in true prophetic fashion he acknowledges the greatness of the Living God as the only hope (Jeremiah 14:19-22). Although no assurance is given at this point, God will keep His covenant and all will certainly NOT be lost. *Application* Standing up for righteousness can be a heartbreaking occupation in an evil society. When we acknowledge the true essence of the intercessory activity of God’s faithful prophets, it should be a solid reminder to us that Jesus Christ is our great go between as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:14). Meditate on His intercession for us and all its benefits (Hebrews 7:25).

 

Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 14:14

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 13

Jeremiah 13

 

-Jeremiah is instructed by God to by himself a linen waistband (a type of under garment much like our underwear today) and put it around his waist where it would cling to him. He was told not to put it into water. Jeremiah followed through as a faithful servant to the LORD’s command and then the Word of the LORD came to him a second time telling him to take the waistband to the Euphrates to hide it in the crevice of the rocks there. Jeremiah again obeyed and went. After many days God told him to go back and take the hidden waistband back from where it was hidden. Jeremiah did this to find the waistband ruined and totally worthless. Then the Word of the LORD came to him saying, “Just so will I (the LORD) destroy the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have gone after other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this waistband which is totally worthless. For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me…that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen (Jeremiah 13:1-11).” *Application* We too, like Israel and Judah, can trade God’s blessings and glory for renown and turn it into rubbish by going our own way. Listen to His Voice and be ever careful to follow His path in your life walk. It is so easy to get sidetracked and settle for less than God’s best. His ways are the most fruitful even when there may be pain and displeasure in the offering. Cling to God as a waistband of worth. He will richly reward.

-Next the picture of jugs filled with wine represent the drunkenness of the wayward children of God to be intoxicated with their own ways and means rather than reliance on the LORD. God says He will “dash them against each other” and not show any pity nor be sorry nor have compassion so as not to destroy them (Jeremiah 13:12-14). There is then a thirteen verse stanza of the LORD’s vindication pronounced upon the disobedient people. He tells them not to be haughty but to turn in humility and repentance with bitter sorrow for what they had done. Exile was their plight as the army from the north is again reiterated. Their authority will be vanquished because of the magnitude of their iniquity before their King. They have been exposed and will not change their evil ways. Therefore, there will be a scattering, like drifting straw to the desert wind. They had forgotten their God and now He had to remind them of His authority and sovereignty in the matter. God has seen all their abominations and would now hold them accountable for their misdeeds and lack of sincere heart in their uncleanness (Jeremiah 13:15-27). *Application* We cannot hide anything from God. He sees and knows all. So it is wise to remember this fact before you try to live heinously before Him. He is just and will hold you accountable.

 

Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 13:11

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 12

Jeremiah 12

 

-Jeremiah pleads his case with the LORD counting on His righteousness and justice (Jeremiah 12:1). This prophetic ministry was so difficult and grieving to Jeremiah, and we see his despair in this chapter as the weariness of the task breaks him in several ways. It is much like what we see in the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1-4), Job (Job 21:4-21), and King David (Psalms 37). Jeremiah has questions as to why it seems, at least temporally, the way of the wicked prospers, the treacherous are at ease, the evil ones take root, grow and even produce fruit even though the LORD is far from their mind (Jeremiah 12:2). The prophet appeals to his King because he knows that the LORD knows him and his sincerity of heart towards God. He prays an imprecatory prayer for vengeance because of the injustice he sees and has experienced (Jeremiah 12:3-4). *Application* Any of us who have worked in prophetic ministry understand exactly the challenges and frustrations that Jeremiah speaks of in this passage. We must always see the big picture and understand God’s perspective on things. Don’t get bogged down in the temporary. See the end result of your faithfulness and keep trusting in the goodness of God in these times of sadness and desperation when all seems so negative. God eventually turns all things around, vindicates, restores, and makes it all worth it in the end (Revelation 21:1-8).

-God’s reply begins in verse five with an unexpected answer to the beleaguered prophet. He indicates in figurative language that times will go from bad to worse in the near future, so buckle up and get ready for more strenuous and intense hardship (Jeremiah 12:5). God informs him that even his brothers (countrymen, those who should share the same faith) and the household of his father (relatives) have dealt treacherously (done him wrong) with him as they speak favorable to him, and that they should not be believed because of their deceitful hearts (Jeremiah 12:6).  Because of these travesties, God is forsaking His house, abandoning His inheritance, and raging against His people in hatred. His shepherds have ruined His vineyard (God’s productive field in Israel for faith) by trampling it down and making it a pagan wilderness of idolatry (Jeremiah 12:7-10). The land becomes desolate before Him as punishment for their transgression with destroyers due to the anger of the LORD (Jeremiah 12:11-13). They will be uprooted (Jeremiah 12:14), but God does, in the end, give that reoccurring glimmer of hope in verses 15 & 16. “And it will come about after I have uprooted them, I will again have compassion on them; and I will bring them back, each one to his inheritance and each one to his land. Then if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My Name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught my people to swear by Baal (false gods), they will be built up in the midst of My people.” However, there is a caveat if they still refuse to listen they will be again uprooted and destroyed (Jeremiah 12:17). *Application* God’s plan is wrapped strangely up in His foreknowledge and sovereignty. His will is going to be done despite the mess ups of His people. His corrective actions are always for our good and we need to understand this. His compassion never ending and His restoration Divine. Stay true to the King and realize His nature is both jealous and ever-loving.

 

Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 12:15

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 11

Jeremiah 11

 

-Jeremiah’s rebuke of Judah and Israel in general takes a turn to focus on God’s covenant that has been broken by His people in this section beginning in chapter 11 and extending through Jeremiah 13:27. God speaks wanting His people to hear the words of His covenant because He had been clear with them that if and when they broke it, they would be cursed (Deuteronomy 27:26, Jeremiah 11:3; 17:5, Galatians 3:10). There were solemn warnings from the time of Egypt up to their present day, but they refused to turn to their God and repent. They walked according to the stubbornness of their own evil heart and broke covenant continually without regard for the LORD (Jeremiah 11:8, 10). Therefore, the LORD is bringing disaster upon them, which they would not be able to escape. Even their cries before Him would not be heard because of their rebellious hearts and actions in defiance of His commands (Jeremiah 11:11-17). *Application* There comes a time when God has had enough of our placating ways. He genuinely knows when we are sincere in Godly sorrow and when we simply have a worldly guilt that wants to escape punishment because we seek only pleasure. God is just and will not listen when the heart is corrupt to the point of bringing His righteous disaster to show who really is King. Go God’s way and you will never have to fear His deaf ear when you pray. Humble yourself before Him and He will always listen and respond.

-Jeremiah finds himself discerning from the LORD the evil plots against him from the men of his own hometown in the last section of this chapter. He, like the coming Messiah (Isaiah 53), was a gentle lamb being led to the slaughter with devious plots for destruction by the wayward enemy of God. The prophet calls out to the LORD, who judges righteously and tries the feelings and the heart, for His vengeance since his cause is committed to Him (Jeremiah 11:20). God promises annihilating punishment on them (Jeremiah 11:22-23). *Application* God does nothing without revealing it first to His prophets and those with spiritual discernment (Amos 3:7, 2 Peter 1:20-21). Listen to these men, and women sometimes, of God who get His download. Don’t ever refuse the true prophetic Word of God. He is always trying to warn us and bring us into His good way if we will comply.

 

Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 11:20

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 10

Jeremiah 10

 

-Chapter 10 is a satire by the prophet Jeremiah using the Word he is given from the LORD to denounce and refute idolatry as stupidity and foolishness (Jeremiah 10:8, 14, 21). The nation of Israel (God’s chosen people) were warned not to learn and follow the ways of the unbelieving nations who are deluded by false religions and practices that take them from the true knowledge of the Living, True, and Everlasting God (Jeremiah 10:2-5, 10). The LORD is the One who is incomparable and great. He is the only One to be feared out of reverence and glory (Jeremiah 10:6-7). All else is a shame and mockery of the only real way, and they will perish (Jeremiah 10:15). This is the primary point of the chapter.

-God’s creative power is extolled in verses 11-16. His power made the earth, established the world in wisdom, stretched out the heavens, caused the tumults of waters both in sky and on earth, and produce the wind. In other words, He and only He is the breath of life (Jeremiah 10:14). *Application* Our God is alive and all others will be destroyed by His awesome power in the final analysis. It is best for us to gravitate to that fact and follow Him with all our heart. In this world there is a pull towards the temporary satisfactions and pleasures of false gods, but “don’t be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, the he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).” Keep the faith and know that He is true and will endure after all else perishes.

-The siege is discussed some more as the chapter proceeds toward completion beginning in verse 17. God’s purpose in punishment is seen in verse 18. He will cause them distress so that they can be found. In other words, God is attempting to draw them back into proper relationship with Him so that they will know the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The despair is great in verses 19-22 as the prophet understands the severity of God indignation and cries out against wayward shepherds who have become stupid and have not sought the LORD as to lead His people in the righteous way. Therefore, their flock is scattered. *Application* This is a convicting passage for all who are in spiritual leadership. For us, it may apply to our home, our community, or our ministry in the house of God. Let this be a warning that God takes our responsibilities seriously and will hold us all accountable as to whether we gather or scatter our own flock. Seek the LORD and prosper (Jeremiah 10:21)!

-God’s sovereign direction is dealt with as the chapter ends. “…A man’s way in not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23).” The prophet begs for justice with a strong dose of mercy in God’s correction, else he and his people will be brought to nothing. He pleads for God to remember His people by calling for the destruction of those nations who don’t know the LORD at all (Jeremiah 10:24-25). This is God’s prerogative, but the prophet knows the responsiveness of the Sovereign in all cases. *Application* Man’s paths are directed ultimately by the LORD (Proverbs 16:9). Our yieldedness is what He desires and expects more than anything else. We can rebel against His ways, but it will be to our own demise. God knows the end from the beginning, so comply with all your heart. Let Him guide your life willingly (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

Verses to Memorize: Jeremiah 10:6, 10

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 9

Jeremiah 9

 

-God’s disgust continues to reign down on Judah, and in the greater context Israel, in this foreboding chapter of Holy Scripture. God is grieved and the prophet feels it as he writes of the impending doom and why it is all necessary. Jeremiah discusses his wish to leave his people and go from them because of their adulterous spirit and their assembly of treachery (Jeremiah 9:2). Deceit is the first reason the LORD gives, which is delineated in repeated expression throughout Jeremiah 9:3 through 9:9. Lies prevail in the land like a weapon, and they proceed from evil to more evil because they simply do not really know the LORD and His ways. The mistrust makes people on edge and on guard against his neighbor out of necessity because of the craftiness and scheming of the majority. Slander is commonplace and the wicked weary themselves with committing iniquity. They dwell in deceit and refuse to know God. They speak peace with their mouths, but their heart is setting a trap for their fellow man. It is a cunning spirit. Therefore, the LORD will refine them and assay (evaluate, test, try, prove) them because He has no other alternative. They have depleted their options and now God must punish the nation to avenge Himself. *Application* There is one thing about it. God will always receive His glory, one way or another. We cannot continually thumb our nose at God and expect to get away with it forever. He deserves the power, glory, honor, and respect, so give it to Him before He has to take it the hard way. He desires mercy and not judgment, but when necessary, He will evaluate all things justly. We must come before God on His terms, not our own.

-Jerusalem and all the land of Israel and Judah will become desolate from the judgment of God (Jeremiah 9:10-11). The next section answers the question “Why (Jeremiah 9:12)?” God again begins to answer the “Why?” as He continues with His indictment of His people. The Law has been forsaken and they have not obeyed the Voice of the LORD to walk according to His statutes (Jeremiah 9:13). Instead, they have walked after the stubbornness of their own hearts and after the false gods of the Baals as taught by their fathers (Jeremiah 9:14). The result of this will bring the LORD’s feeding of them with wormwood (bitterness) and poison. They will be scattered among the nations at the direction of the Almighty and become annihilated. Lamentations will be commonplace and shame the norm. Death has come up through their windows by their own choosing and there is none to gather them back in their season of judgment (Jeremiah 9:15-22).

-God continues to speak that the wise should never boast in his own wisdom, nor the mighty in his own might, nor the rich in his own riches (Jeremiah 9:23). On the other hand, the one who should boast in confidence is the one who understands and knows the LORD who is kind, just, and righteous as to His delight (Jeremiah 9:24). God will punish those who are outwardly and culturally circumcised, yet uncircumcised of heart (Jeremiah 9:25-26). *Application* It always has been about the heart with the One-True Living God. He knows us inside and out and understands our complete motivation. He wants all of us in heartfelt devotion, not just exterior compliance and ritualistic pageantry. For more insight from the New Testament on true wisdom see 1 Corinthians 1:18-4:21 and James 3:13-18. For more insight on might see Zechariah 4:6. For more insight on riches from the New Testament see James 5:1-5.

 

Verses to Memorize: Jeremiah 9:8, 23-24

Bible Study Notes in Jeremiah- Chapter 8

Jeremiah 8

 

-Judah’s treachery against the LORD God Almighty is displayed in paganistic rituals, which the prophet labels as choosing death over life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Jeremiah 8:1-3). Judah has chosen death by continual apostasy, holding fast to deceit and refusing to return to their true King in a loving relationship (Jeremiah 8:4-7). They lie to themselves and tell themselves they are wise and abiding in the Law of God, but they will be shamed, dismayed, and caught, because in truth they rejected the Word of the LORD (Jeremiah 8:8-9). Therefore, the LORD will give their wives to others and their fields to new owners because these so called “children of God” were greedy for gain practicing dishonesty from the prophet even to the priest (Jeremiah 8:10). They heal superficially the brokenness of the daughter of God’s people (the younger generation) saying, “Peace, peace, but there is no peace (Jeremiah 8:11).” They knew no shame in their debauchery and corruption, and as a result they will be brought down by the Word of the LORD (Jeremiah 8:12).

-God is going to snatch them away like no grapes on a vine, barren and desolate. They will have no figs on the tree and their leaf will wither (Matthew 21:18-20, Mark 11:12-14, 19-22), and what God gave them will pass away. They are doomed for destruction because of their sin and they must now drink the poisoned water of His wrath. Instead of healing, there will be terror and no good news. The army of the north is coming with incredible horses quaking the earth and devouring power. Serpents will rage against them for which there is no charm, and they will bite the people (Jeremiah 8:13-17).

-Because of this, lamentation is given by Jeremiah in deep grief and pain, which is beyond healing. His heart is faint within him as the Spirit of God is taken away from the land. “Harvest is past, summer is ended and we are not saved. For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken; I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored (Jeremiah 8:18-22)?”

-*Application* Again we see from Scripture God’s desire to have all of us in complete faithfulness and dependency. He wants to give generous grace, but our sinfulness will undoubtedly separate us from His blessings and prosperity in the land of His favor. Don’t ever separate yourself from His goodness by seeking your own false way. Take heed to the historical prophecies and follow the LORD in relationship guided by His grace, mercy, and compassion. Choose life!

 

Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 8:20