Some thoughts on Jeremiah

Kathleen Norris, in her book Cloister Walk, remarks that reading Jeremiah is not for the faint of heart. Some of you, I believe have discovered this as you have been reading through the prophets words.

So, here is a little prospective, background and thoughts on this prophet.

Jeremiah’s prophetic career occurred between the first deportation of the Israelites to Babylon in and about 597 B.C.E and the 2nd deportation in 587 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was destroyed.

Jeremiah’s call is found early, Jeremiah 1:4-10, and in verse 10 you find the summary of his message/call:

Pluck up.... \
Pull down... \ each of these first four
Destroy....... / have to do with judgment
Overthrow. /
Build up.... \
Plant......... / these last two have to do with salvation

As you read through the keep these words in mind, you will find them in one form or another throughout the entire book – these words are the crux of prophet’s message.

It can be said that Jeremiah is a prophet of repentance. That is, the people must acknowledge their guilt, that is those places and the ways that they have not been faithful to God before they can return.

Here’s a brief synopsis of some of the important points that you may find in Jeremiah.

God: God is a god of action, God does not forget
Humans: Humans are not loyal to God, they continue in ways of idolatry and injustice to others, in many ways, humans are hypocrites.

Theology: theology is rooted in the mystery of the Exodus. You will find, as you read, a relationship espoused that is similar to Deuteronomic theology… “if you do good, you will get good, if you do bad, you will get bad.” The people had done evil and this overturns (breaks) the covenant…but the people have a choice, they can acknowledge their guilt and return.

New covenant: the new covenant, written on the hearts of the people will be so clear that the people will know what they need to do.

Issues surrounding Exile and Restoration:
Repentance must happen before they can return
The initiative is with the people. “search and you will find me”
Purpose of the exile is to get the people’s attention.

Lamentations is next, and then Ezekiel...hope you are old enough to read Ezekiel!! :)

InJoy,
Suzy