Message: No matter what, God is in control and He will show people He is in charge. In Egypt, he will clean house of all the idols they have.
Time: The Jews are leaving Judah and going to Egypt.
What the Lord is Saying: After all was said and done and Jeremiah finished speaking, Johanan and his friends accused Jeremiah of lying. They didn't obey the Lord and remain in the land of Judah. Instead, they went to Egypt, arriving at Tahpanhes.
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes. And the Lord shows them what will happen. In front of the people of Judah, place large rocks under the stones at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace.
Problem/Promise: Nebuchadnezzar's throne will be set over these hidden stones. He will come and destroy the land of Egypt. He will set fire to the temple's gods, burn the temples and carry the idols away. He will clean the land of Egypt and then leave unharmed. Egypt's gods will be brought down. God uses men to carry out his judgment.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Jeremiah 42
Message: Fear God, not men. Don't look at your surroundings and what may befall you. Trust God and His Word and what he says.
Time: The remnant left in Judah after Gedeliah died.
What the Lord is Saying: Johanana and the other commanders went to Jeremiah to ask him to pray and ask the Lord where they should go. Jeremiah told them that they he would pray, but they also need to be ready to hear what the Lord has to say. And they responded that they would do whatever. They said, "Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you." The bottom line is that is it is well for them to obey the Lord.
After 10 days, Jeremiah had an answer.
Stay in this land and no harm will come your way. Do not fear Nebuchadnezzar and the Lord will grant you mercy and let you remain in the land. However, they responded by going to Egypt, going their own way. They really did not want to listen to the Lord, they only wanted to listen to what they wanted to hear.
Problem/Promise: If you leave and go to Egypt, bad things will befall you.
God keeps His word. Always. People don't. They are more concerned about what they see in front of their eyes.
Time: The remnant left in Judah after Gedeliah died.
What the Lord is Saying: Johanana and the other commanders went to Jeremiah to ask him to pray and ask the Lord where they should go. Jeremiah told them that they he would pray, but they also need to be ready to hear what the Lord has to say. And they responded that they would do whatever. They said, "Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you." The bottom line is that is it is well for them to obey the Lord.
After 10 days, Jeremiah had an answer.
Stay in this land and no harm will come your way. Do not fear Nebuchadnezzar and the Lord will grant you mercy and let you remain in the land. However, they responded by going to Egypt, going their own way. They really did not want to listen to the Lord, they only wanted to listen to what they wanted to hear.
Problem/Promise: If you leave and go to Egypt, bad things will befall you.
- The sword you fear will overtake you.
- The famine that you are afraid of will follow you.
- And you will die there.
- Disaster will come upon you.
- God's wrath will be poured out on you.
- You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt.
God keeps His word. Always. People don't. They are more concerned about what they see in front of their eyes.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Jeremiah 41
Message: Gedeliah is killed by Ishmael, but Johanan comes to the rescue.
Time: After the burning of Jerusalem, Gedeliah is set up as governor of Judah. But, is then killed.
What the Lord is Saying: Ishmael, son of Nethaniah and grandson of Elishama and part of the of the royal family and one of the king's officials (which king??) killed Gedaliah. He also killed the Judeans. Ishmael tried to act innocent of the crime to men coming to worship at the Temple of the Lord. Ishmael also killed most of these men, sending 10 into a cistern while letting 10 other go. Johanan son of Kareah wanted to stop Ishmael, after hearing of his crime. Ishmael escaped from Johanan and his men to the land of Ammon. Johanan took all those left in Gibeon and fled to Bethelem as they prepared to leave for Egypt.. They were concerned as to what would happen when Nebuchadnezzar found out his appointed man had been killed.
Promise: There is providence for the people left in Judah, but now they must flee the area.
Time: After the burning of Jerusalem, Gedeliah is set up as governor of Judah. But, is then killed.
What the Lord is Saying: Ishmael, son of Nethaniah and grandson of Elishama and part of the of the royal family and one of the king's officials (which king??) killed Gedaliah. He also killed the Judeans. Ishmael tried to act innocent of the crime to men coming to worship at the Temple of the Lord. Ishmael also killed most of these men, sending 10 into a cistern while letting 10 other go. Johanan son of Kareah wanted to stop Ishmael, after hearing of his crime. Ishmael escaped from Johanan and his men to the land of Ammon. Johanan took all those left in Gibeon and fled to Bethelem as they prepared to leave for Egypt.. They were concerned as to what would happen when Nebuchadnezzar found out his appointed man had been killed.
Promise: There is providence for the people left in Judah, but now they must flee the area.
Jeremiah 40
Message: Gedeliah is not going to have vengeance or murder someone. Disaster came to the people of Jerusalem because they sinned against the Lord and disobeyed him.
Time: In the aftermath of the burning of Jerusalem, the poor are left to harvest under the leadership of Gedaliah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.
What the Lord is saying: Jeremiah is released from the chains. And invited to go to Babylon or he can stay put. Gedaliah is the new governor of Judah, over the poor people left. This is where Jeremiah went.
Gedaliah was told that Ishmael was going to kill him secretly. Johanan, son of Kareah volunteered to kill Gedeliah. But, Gedeliah forbade this from happening.
Promise: Jeremiah is kept safe, as a prophet of the Lord. He is safe from harm and allowed to go where he likes.
Time: In the aftermath of the burning of Jerusalem, the poor are left to harvest under the leadership of Gedaliah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.
What the Lord is saying: Jeremiah is released from the chains. And invited to go to Babylon or he can stay put. Gedaliah is the new governor of Judah, over the poor people left. This is where Jeremiah went.
Gedaliah was told that Ishmael was going to kill him secretly. Johanan, son of Kareah volunteered to kill Gedeliah. But, Gedeliah forbade this from happening.
Promise: Jeremiah is kept safe, as a prophet of the Lord. He is safe from harm and allowed to go where he likes.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Jeremiah 39
Message: Zedekiah and the people are caught. Nebuchadnezzar first made Zedekiah watched as he slaughter his people, then gouged his eyes out. Some of the poor people were left and given land and vineyard.
Time: 9th year of Zedekiah, 10th month, King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. This was about 586 B.C. But, it then mentions the 11th year of Zedekiah, 4th month, 9th day, a breach was made in the city.
What the Lord is Saying: In the midst of this, Nebuchadnezzar has mercy on Jeremiah, removing him from the court of the guard.
Promise: While in prison, the Lord tells Jeremiah to speak to Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian, letting him know that he will be safe, despite the Lord's harm against Jerusalem. Ebed will be saved because he put his trust in the Lord and not men.
Time: 9th year of Zedekiah, 10th month, King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. This was about 586 B.C. But, it then mentions the 11th year of Zedekiah, 4th month, 9th day, a breach was made in the city.
What the Lord is Saying: In the midst of this, Nebuchadnezzar has mercy on Jeremiah, removing him from the court of the guard.
Promise: While in prison, the Lord tells Jeremiah to speak to Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian, letting him know that he will be safe, despite the Lord's harm against Jerusalem. Ebed will be saved because he put his trust in the Lord and not men.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Jeremiah 38
Message: Jeremiah, from the Lord, tells Zedekiah the hard truth about his future in Jerusalem. Zedekiah listens and begins to show some concern for Jeremiah.
Time: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) are besieging Jerusalem. Nubuchadnezzar is king of Babylon. Zedekiah is the last king of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.
What the Lord is Saying: The officials to the king hear the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah that, for them to survive, they need to surrender to the Chaldeans. For even making the statement, the officials want to put Jeremiah to death. Zedekiah told the officials that Jeremiah was in their hands. But, they throw him into a cistern (a reservoir for holding liquids) where Jeremiah sunk in the mud.
When Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian heard this, he went to the king to tell him about Jeremiah, petitioning for his release. Zedekiah told Ebed to take 30 men and lift him out. Ebed went and got fabric to assist in the lifting. Jeremiah returned to the court of the guard.
Zedekiah called for him wanting information.
Problem/Promise: Following the Lord doesn't mean it will be easy for you. It may hurt among your peers. Zedekiah is honest at times with Jeremiah, but before men he is a different person. Zedekiah fears men more than he fears God. He has his moments of listening, but overall, his fear of men is what controls him.
Time: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) are besieging Jerusalem. Nubuchadnezzar is king of Babylon. Zedekiah is the last king of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.
What the Lord is Saying: The officials to the king hear the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah that, for them to survive, they need to surrender to the Chaldeans. For even making the statement, the officials want to put Jeremiah to death. Zedekiah told the officials that Jeremiah was in their hands. But, they throw him into a cistern (a reservoir for holding liquids) where Jeremiah sunk in the mud.
When Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian heard this, he went to the king to tell him about Jeremiah, petitioning for his release. Zedekiah told Ebed to take 30 men and lift him out. Ebed went and got fabric to assist in the lifting. Jeremiah returned to the court of the guard.
Zedekiah called for him wanting information.
Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” (Jeremiah 38:15, ESV)Zedekiah promised he would not put him to death. Jeremiah told him that he needed to surrender to survive. This is not what Zedekiah wanted to hear. He was concerned about the Judeans being with the Chaldeans. And he was really concerned about the backlash from his people. But, he assured that Jeremiah would be safe, despite his words to Zedekiah and told Jeremiah to lie if someone asked him, telling them he was just asking about his own release.
Problem/Promise: Following the Lord doesn't mean it will be easy for you. It may hurt among your peers. Zedekiah is honest at times with Jeremiah, but before men he is a different person. Zedekiah fears men more than he fears God. He has his moments of listening, but overall, his fear of men is what controls him.
Jeremiah 37
Message: Zedekiah wants to hear the word of the Lord from Jeremiah. Zedekiah is selfish in his request, not wanting to submit to the Lord, but just wanting to hear warnings and providence from the Lord. Zedekiah isn't interested in obedience, but personal safety.
Time: The army of Pharoah leaves Egypt and goes to Jerusalem. The Chaldeans were in the midst of besieging Jerusalem. They left as the army came in. But, the army returned to Egpyt and the Chaldeans were to come back and burn Jerusalem.
What the Lord is saying: First of all, it didn't really matter who was leading Jerusalem, no one listened to the word of the Lord. The army of Pharoah left Egypt (I guess headed to Jerusalem). The Chaldeans heard this and withdrew from Jerusalem, where they were conquering.
Jeremiah explains that the army of Pharoah will return to Egypt and then the Chaldeans will come back. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that this time the Chaldeans will capture the city, burning it. He tells them to not be deceived and no matter what they see (which may include the Chaldeans being wounded and unable to continue), they are not to think a moment they are free, the Chaldeans will fight and burn the city.
As the Chaldean left Jerusalem upon hearing of the army of Pharoah coming, Jeremiah went to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion (perhaps the fruit of the tithe). But a sentry, Irijah stopped Jeremiah, accusing him of going with the Chaldeans. Jeremiah denied this. But Irijah would not listen to Jeremiah and suddenly Jeremiah found himself seized, beaten and imprisoned.
Zedekiah (son of Jehoiakim the King), brother of Coniah, calls Jeremiah, not to help him first but to ask what is his fate. Jeremiah tells him he would be delivered to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah asks if he could be removed from being imprisoned. Zedekiah sends him to the court of the guard (I'm guessing this is something different). He is given a loaf a day of bread.
Problem: Zedekiah and the people of Judah only want to listen to the Lord when it benefits them. But, they don't want to heed the Lord's instructions that are being communicated through Jeremiah.
Time: The army of Pharoah leaves Egypt and goes to Jerusalem. The Chaldeans were in the midst of besieging Jerusalem. They left as the army came in. But, the army returned to Egpyt and the Chaldeans were to come back and burn Jerusalem.
What the Lord is saying: First of all, it didn't really matter who was leading Jerusalem, no one listened to the word of the Lord. The army of Pharoah left Egypt (I guess headed to Jerusalem). The Chaldeans heard this and withdrew from Jerusalem, where they were conquering.
Jeremiah explains that the army of Pharoah will return to Egypt and then the Chaldeans will come back. Jeremiah tells Zedekiah that this time the Chaldeans will capture the city, burning it. He tells them to not be deceived and no matter what they see (which may include the Chaldeans being wounded and unable to continue), they are not to think a moment they are free, the Chaldeans will fight and burn the city.
As the Chaldean left Jerusalem upon hearing of the army of Pharoah coming, Jeremiah went to the land of Benjamin to receive his portion (perhaps the fruit of the tithe). But a sentry, Irijah stopped Jeremiah, accusing him of going with the Chaldeans. Jeremiah denied this. But Irijah would not listen to Jeremiah and suddenly Jeremiah found himself seized, beaten and imprisoned.
Zedekiah (son of Jehoiakim the King), brother of Coniah, calls Jeremiah, not to help him first but to ask what is his fate. Jeremiah tells him he would be delivered to the king of Babylon. Jeremiah asks if he could be removed from being imprisoned. Zedekiah sends him to the court of the guard (I'm guessing this is something different). He is given a loaf a day of bread.
Problem: Zedekiah and the people of Judah only want to listen to the Lord when it benefits them. But, they don't want to heed the Lord's instructions that are being communicated through Jeremiah.
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