THE WAYS OF WAR TO THE WICKED – chapter 21:
Perhaps Zedekiah had in mind the miraculous deliverance God did through the angel against Assyria during the reign of King Hezekiah (Isaiah 37-39). I don’t know. But there would be no miraculous deliverance for Judah, at least not until they sincerely repented.
Of course, God said, “No.” God, in fact, promises through Jeremiah that He is going to weaken the nation of Israel – take their weapons of war out of their hands! If Judah would repent, God would change plans. But Judah – including King Zedekiah – has absolutely no plans, no intentions to repent!
War Against the People – 21:8-10:
God warns Israel that if they fight against Babylon (21:8-10), they will die. If they submit to Babylon, they will live. It was this message to surrender to Babylon that got Jeremiah branded as a traitor (38:17-21).
War Against the Household of Judah’s King – 21:11-14:
God calls on the king to obey the Law (21:11-14), relative to treating each other, the poorer people in the land, the widows and orphans, with respect. Otherwise, they should not think that just because their city is located on a mountain that they are invincible to invasion. God can cause the invasion if He chooses! And He will!
THE KINGS OF JUDAH IN REVIEW – chapter 22:
This chapter is going to summarize the reigns of the last five kings of Judah. Notice in verse 2 that Jeremiah says that they sit on the “throne of David,” but they will not rule like David did nor will they love and serve God like David did.
Once again (ver 3), God tells Zedekiah that he needs to respect those over whom he reigns. Obviously the king and his people have been abusing the poor, the widows, and the orphans (cf. Exo. 22:21-26; 23:9; Lev. 19:33-34; Deut. 10:18-19; 24:17).
Fate and Future for Jehoahaz – 22:10-12:
Folly and Failure of Jehoiakim – 22:13-23:
Fall and Finale for Jehoiachin – 22:24-30:
SHEPHERDS AND PROPHETS: BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – chapter 23:
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“Shepherds” (23:1-2) is a generic term for leaders. It is not an official office like elders are in the church today. But these did not care for the people as God’s flock. “Neglect had replaced nurturing, corruption had replaced caring, and greed had replaced godliness” (Keese, 463).
Jeremiah has not spoken much about the Messiah but he certainly alludes to the Messiah here: 1.) Remnant (22x); 2.) Return; 3.) They will be fruitful and multiply; 4.) Shepherds will lead them. Messianic prophecies in Jeremiah are: 23:5-6 (Isaiah 9:1-7; 11:1-9; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12); 30:8-9, 21; 33:15-16.
The Misery Produced by False Prophets – 23:9-15:
Both the prophets and the priests were leading Israel astray. Notice in verse 15 that pollution was going out of the mouths of the prophets.
The Message of False Prophets – 23:16-24:
False prophets are leading Israel into futility – the word translated “vanity” in Ecclesiastes. Notice in verse 17 that the false prophets were acting like they were quoting Jehovah God. They would not be able to provide “book chapter and verse” for what they were teaching.
The Methods of False Prophets – 23:25-32:
False prophets prophesy out of their own hearts, their own deceptive hearts. God is against prophets who prophesy false dreams; who “steal” God’s words. Notice ver. 31 that these people are talking as if they are preaching the truth.
The Misery to be Faced by False Prophets – 23:33-40:
There is a play on the word “oracle” in this long paragraph. The word literally means “burden” and it is used metaphorically for a message from God, a burden to carry to God’s people. When the people come to Jeremiah to ask for an “oracle” (burden), Jeremiah will respond, “You are the oracle (burden)!”
THE PARABLE OF THE FIGS: BOTH GOOD AND BAD – chapter 24:
Here is another object lesson for Jeremiah and the nation of Israel. A basket of good figs and bad figs. The good figs symbolize the good God is going to bring on Israel – the return from exile. The bad figs are the bad things Israel is going to experience – the exile, humiliation, famine, sword, pestilence.
It does not pay to speak on God’s behalf without God’s word behind you and it does not pay to listen to others who pretend to be speaking on God’s behalf!
Paul Holland
