Books 24 And 25 The Book of Jeremiah And Lamentations
Who wrote the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations: Jeremiah
When was it written: The book of Jeremiah was written sometime between 626 and 586 B.C. and Lamentations was written around 587 B.C. or shortly after that. Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of the following kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—right up to the time of Judah’s captivity by the Babylonians.
The book of Jeremiah consists of prophecy or messages from God to Jeremiah (which he to share with the people) as well as Jeremiah’s own thoughts. Jeremiah writes to remind us of God’s holiness, the need for God to be number one in our lives, and the necessity of sincere repentance.
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Jeremiah’s message is also one of accountability—our accountability to God for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Jeremiah did not preach and prophecy without risking his own life. At one point he was thrown into a cistern where he sank in the mud, but was rescued before he died.
The book of Lamentations is Jeremiah’s expression of his grief over his fellow Israelites (Judah). It was written in the first year or so after Judah was taken captive by Babylon. The book focuses on the results of Judah turning away from God and reminds us of the importance of clinging to God and of being sincerely repentant when we sin.
Jeremiah’s Prophecies And Preaching
Jeremiah’s Prophecies And The Theme Of His Preaching Focus Primarily On The Following:
- Warning the people of the consequences of their disobedience and faithlessness
- Prophecy of God’s rejection of his children
- The message of salvation and the coming of a Messiah—the ultimate King of Israel
- Prophecy of Babylon’s dominance over Judah
- Messages that encourage obedience to Babylon
- Prophecy of Babylon’s demise to the Persian Empire
- Deliverance of God’s people
- Judgment and deliverance for all who believe and obey God
Jeremiah—A Man Who Uses Object Lessons
Jeremiah ‘spoke my language’; meaning he liked to use ordinary situations and objects to teach spiritual truths. Among the things Jeremiah uses to teach the people the truth of God’s holiness, love, and expectations for us include:
Lamentations
The Message Of Lamentations
Jeremiah’s songs and poems he shares in the book of Lamentations are what garnered him the nickname “the weeping prophet”. In this book, he pours out his heart over the plight of the Judah because of their faithless acts of evil and disobedience. He is heartbroken over the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple.
In the book of Lamentations, we also see the severity of God’s punishment.
In chapter four Jeremiah describes the misery and suffering of the people of Jerusalem during Babylon’s siege of the city. Starvation was so severe that they resorted to cannibalism!
Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children who faint from hunger at the head of every street.” Jeremiah knows that all that is necessary to put an end to their suffering is true repentance.
Jeremiah was a great preacher and evangelist. His words go straight to the heart of the matter but are also encouraging and hopeful. He doesn’t let us forget about our responsibility to be faithful and obedient to God, but he also doesn’t let us forget the bounty of blessings that come when we are.
Key Verses In Jeremiah And Lamentations
Every book of the Bible provides us with words of wisdom, instruction, comfort, encouragement, admonishment, warning, promise, and hope. Let’s look at some of what the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations have to offer.
“Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.” Jeremiah 2:19
“Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure— not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10:24
“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” Lamentations 3:32-33
“You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:19