Jeremiah 25–29 – Foretelling The Babylonian Exile
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Chapter 25 starts in the 4th year of Jehoiakim — the 1st year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Jeremiah is trying to get his attention. Even though the Lord sent prophets “again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention” (Jeremiah 25:4). Simple rule: don’t follow other gods, but it seems that Jehoiakim is ensnared, deceived by Satan and leads the people astray. God uses Nebuchadnezzar to punish Jehoiakim. “This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (25:11). Those leaders who were living at the beginning of the exile, would die in captivity. But there is a promise, this won’t last forever, for the faithful few, the remnant.
God delivers his “cup of wrath” to all the leaders: Jerusalem, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the kings of Uz, Philistines, Edom, Moab and Ammon, Tyre, Sidon…all of these drink from the cup–“because of the sword I will send among them” (25:16). Jeremiah was not a popular guy at this point.
Chapter 26 — Jeremiah Threatened with Death. The Lord tells Jeremiah to prophesy, so he obeys and stands in the courtyard of the temple to tell them about God’s impending wrath. Not surprising, this doesn’t go well.
They seized Jeremiah and brought him before the officials and Jeremiah tells them he simply did what the Lord told him to do.
There was wisdom among the elders. They remembered the story of Uriah, another prophet who spoke like Jeremiah. When he prophesied such things and was threatened, he fled to Egypt, but was tracked down and killed by Jehoiakim, “his body thrown into the burial place of the common people” (26:24).
Jeremiah is a man of conviction, completely comfortable with his calling, absolutely unafraid of what mere mortals can do to him. He is following the Lord’s call. This is truly an amazing witness and testimony for all who listen for God’s call (as we all must). Jeremiah delivers his prophesy with pure integrity. Lord, call us to whatever purpose you have for our lives. Give us a clear calling, one that is unmistakeable. Quiet the voices that distract us and move us in directions that are not useful to your kingdom.
Chapter 27 lets them know that Judah will serve Nebuchadnezzar or be subject to “the sword, famine and plague with which the Lord has threatened” (27:13). Jeremiah tells them the other prophets have lied, they have not spoken the word of the Lord.
Chapter 28 — The False Prophet Hananiah. Hananiah misleads Zedekiah by prophesying Israel will “break the yoke of the king of Babylon” (28:2-3) and all the treasures will be restored. Jeremiah calls him out, but Hananiah is adamant about his vision, he breaks the wooden yoke that was on Jeremiah’s neck as a symbol of what God will do. Jeremiah confronts him and lets him know that God will replace the wooden yoke with one of iron. Furthermore, Jeremiah lets him know his days are numbered and within a few months, Hananiah the prophet died.
Chapter 29 — A Letter to the Exiles. The amazing letter to the exiles is sent to encourage them.
Understanding the context of this verse makes it come alive! I’ve seen this quoted many times, but really understanding when it was written adds such richness to the quote. Thank you Lord for guiding me through these histories! God’s chosen people have been brutely taken into exile, there seems to be no hope. The brazen prophet Jeremiah told them this would happen…this same prophet writes them such an encouraging letter at one of the worst times in the history of Israel! Amazing!!
Contextual Reminder: