Jeremiah

Overview – February 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Jeremiah

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” —Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV

Jeremiah, meaning “Jehovah will cast forth,” has been called “the weeping prophet.” Called of God, evidently at a young age, he prophesied during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah, and following the capture of Judah and Jerusalem. This appears to cover about forty years. He was of the priestly family, but, like John the Baptist, he was more a prophet than a priest. The deep sorrow of his soul over the condition of the kingdom of Judah is evident, but he faithfully delivered the stern message of God, effectively saying that the Chaldeans would take Judah captive.

Though he was grieved to the point of anguish, the fact that he penned the above verse is precious. The Word of God had penetrated into the depths of his being, and in this he found joy and rejoicing of heart for he knew the reality of the name of Jehovah his God upon him. Here is joy and strength amid sorrow and weakness. He had the heart of a priest and the faithfulness of a prophet.

When Zedekiah was taken captive and Judah made tributary, Jeremiah was allowed to remain in the land, as were others, under the authority of Gedaliah. But further disobedience of the remaining people led to more trouble. Jeremiah continued to prophesy, but his words were refused even by the preserved remnant. His last chapter is strictly history, but such as proves the truth of his prophecies.

Jeremiah is an excellent book to encourage us to continue in the face of grief and opposition.

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA.