Jeremiah
INTRODUCTION
Jeremiah ministered in the four turbulent decades preceding the fall of Jerusalem on March 15–16, 597 B.C. These decades were marked by the sudden collapse of Assyria, and a subsequent power struggle between the emerging Babylonian Empire and a resurgent Egypt. Caught in the middle, tiny Judah vacillated, alternately rebelling and submitting to one, then another of the great powers. Near the beginning of Jeremiah’s ministry, Josiah instituted a number of religious reforms. Despite the reformation, Jeremiah warned the nation that soon they would suffer invasion and exile. Boldly Jeremiah confronted Judah with the sins that cried out for divine judgment. But a hardened Judah refused to heed the prophet’s warnings. Jeremiah himself suffered persecution, and was rejected by his fellow countrymen. Yet he lived to see his predictions of disaster fulfilled, and his tormentors silenced. Despite his ministry of condemnation, Jeremiah also conveyed a message of hope. Judah would fall. But God would make a New Covenant with His faithless people. In a coming, though distant, day, Judah’s sins would be forgiven and her people given a new heart. Jeremiah’s powerful presentation of God’s New Covenant promise makes this book bright with hope, despite its repeated theme of judgment.
OUTLINE OF CONTENTS
| I. | Jeremiah’s Mission | Jer. 1–10 |
| II. | The Broken Covenant | Jer. 11–20 |
| III. | Judgment at Hand | Jer. 21–29 |
| IV. | New Covenant Promises | Jer. 30–38 |
| V. | Jerusalem Fallen | Jer. 39–51 |
| VI. | Historical Appendix | Jer. 52 |
