JEREMIAH

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:5    "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

    I am not a lost cause! God formed me for a purpose just as He formed Jeremiah for a purpose. 
    While I don't currently think that God wants me to be a prophet, I DO feel that He has special plans for me and I want to be ready.
    I hope that I will be a fruitful servant to a GREAT Master! (DRM 10/28/87)

    While several Christians I know would disagree with this verse, I take the Bible to be literally true - especially here. Jesus Christ knew in advance that I would be a Christian and how I would react and try to serve Him. (DRM 3/30/03)

1:6    Then I said, "Alas, Lord God!
        Behold I do not know how to speak, 
        Because I am a youth."

    In this verse Jeremiah sounds a bit like Moses - and me. We don't know how to speak the Word of God to people. But God provides at all of our times of need. I must trust more in Him! (DRM 4/24/2000)

    I feel that I am still a "child" of God, having little, if any, mentoring in the Lord's ways. In earthly terms I am a 17 year old spiritual Christian. How can God use me? It's still hard to hear spiritual direction as my life is always busy. (DRM 3/31/03)

1:7    But the LORD said to me,
         "Do not say, 'I am a youth,'
         Because everywhere I send you, you shall go,
         And all that I command you, you shall speak.

    Jeremiah was afraid to speak for the Lord when he was called. His excuse was he was a youth (v. 6). Moses was similar when he was called, even though he wasn't young at the time.
    No matter how old we are, if Jesus=God clearly tells us to do something or speak on His behalf, we are to do it. This doesn't necessarily mean it will be our full-time occupation - but just in the ordinary course of what we are doing today.
    Listen for Jesus=God's voice and let the Holy Spirit direct you as you serve the Lord today. He will be with you in all that you do. (DRM 10/26/16)

    Whatever struggles we face in our attempt to live for the Lord, we can trust in the Lord's presence. (From Our Daily Bread, LAWRENCE DARMANI 10/23/16)

1:8    "Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you." declares the LORD

    I ought to memorize this verse! My fear of speaking is a sin against the Lord because He directs us to tell others - and He will give us the words. Lord, make me more bold to tell others of Your love for them. (DRM 4/1/03)

    This is a great verse for the new year - and a new beginning! I allow others to intimidate me by their physical stature or title in society. I must constantly remember that they are just as human - and sin, just like me. I shouldn't be afraid to speak to them, just like anyone else. (DRM 1/2/06)

1:9    Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me,
         "Behold I have put My words in your mouth. . . "

    Jeremiah was consecrated by the Lord before he was born (v. 5). He was to become a prophet and was greatly used by God.
    God intended for Jeremiah to speak as a prophet, thus gave him the words to say when opportunities came. Looking ahead, an example of how He did this is at Jeremiah 2:1-3.
    When God has a specific job for us to do, He gives us the ability to do that task - and not others necessarily. Some are called to be speakers and others writers or singers or one of many other ways to serve the Lord. (DRM 4/5/16)

1:14    Then the Lord said to me, "Out of the north the evil will break forth on all the inhabitants of the land . . .

    While I'm not a Bible scholar, this makes me think of the prophecy that the Russians (known as the north) will gather and invade Israel in the last days. (DRM 4/25/2000)

1:19    "And they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD.

    Who are "they?" People who worship other gods in this passage, but couldn't "they" also refer to spiritual demons and distractions? The point is to trust in the Lord, and He will deliver us. (DRM 4/2/03)

    This verse could be taken literally, as the kings of Judah etc. [v. 18] intended to invade Jerusalem [v. 15], or, since I'm not in Jerusalem for this battle, could be taken as our spiritual battles.
    My enemy puts destructive thoughts and lots of diversions in my path, but I must trust in Him to deliver me as I go through the battles. (DRM 1/2/06)

2:2 b,c    "I [God] remember concerning you the devotion of your youth. The love of your betrothals, Your following after Me in the wilderness, Through a land not sown. 

    In this case "remember" means you aren't doing that now. In my case it would be my spiritual youth. Most Christians get excited right after conversion, then become complaisive. Lord, renew the devotion of my spiritual youth! (DRM 4/3/03)

2:4    Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. 

    God was speaking to Israel in these verses and trying to remind them that He brought them through the desert to the good land - and still they would not pay attention to Him. (DRM 4/26/2000)

2:7    "And I brought you into the fruitful land, To eat its fruit and its good things. But you came and defiled My land, And My inheritance you made an abomination."

    This is a quote from God to Israel from a longer statement [v. 5-7]. It made me think of how some factories in the USA have defiled God's land, then how we can ignore God, then receive His judgment later - and say, "Why?" Lord, let me hear Your voice and do Your will. (DRM 1/3/06)

2:11    Has a nation changed gods, 
            when they were not gods? 
            But my people have changed their glory 
            For that which does not profit. 

    This seems to be another illustration of the failed ways of Israel. The nation Israel changed gods when they were aware of a need, then fell back. We should remember their history - not to repeat it. (DRM 4/27/2000)

2:19    "Your own wickedness will correct you, 
            And your apostasies will reprove you;
            Know therefore and see that it is evil and bitter
            For you to forsake the Lord your God,
            And the dread of Me is not in you," declares the Lord God of hosts.

    Pay attention to Me is what God seems to be saying to Israel here. It seems that too often I also pay attention to my own feelings and don't listen to God. May my ears be open! (DRM 4/28/2000)

    [Re: 2:19c,d,e]    'Don't forsake Me' seems to be the message here. We should have no dread of Him, for He was the One who saved us! Circumstances may cause us to question the Lord, but, with the knowledge that He knows best, we [I] must trust in Him. (DRM 4/4/03)

2:27    They (the Israelites) say to wood, 'You are my father', and to stone, 'You gave me birth'. They have turned their backs to me and not their faces; yet when they are in trouble, they say, 'Come and save us!'

    In this chapter the Lord rebukes the people of Israel. Sometimes they honor Him, then they turn the opposite way. Only by His grace can I lead a more fruitful life. (DRM 3/3/89)

    The beginning of this verse made me think of a testimony we published. {Not on this web site} The verse is about Israel, but I can think also of non-Jews who deny God until trouble comes. Lord, keep my eyes on You at all times! (DRM 4/29/2000)

2:33    How well you prepare your way
            To seek love!
            Therefore even the wicked women
            You have taught your ways. 

    The emphasis here, I think, is "you" and "your." God doesn't want us to depend on ourselves, but on Him. Jeremiah was telling Israel that they weren't following the Lord. God wants out trust in Him. (DRM 4/29/2000)

3:5    Will He be angry forever?
            Will He be indignant to the end?
            Behold, you have spoken
            And have done evil things,
            And you have had your way."

    Israel's questions here should have a NO answer in my opinion. God is a forgiving God, if only people will ask Him to. I constantly need His forgiveness for the sins in my life. (DRM 4/30/2000)

3:8    And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also. 

    God clearly wrote commandments and laws for Israel to follow if they wanted to serve Him. After time, the laws were forgotten and they worshipped other gods. As Israel went, so followed Judah. They needed to turn and follow Him - as do we. (DRM 4/5/03)

3:11    And the Lord said to me, "Faithless Israel has proved herself more righteous than treacherous Judah."

    Both Judah and Israel displeased the Lord. When Judah saw that Israel was bad, Judah became worse, then came verse 11.
    Lord, let me learn to honor You and not be deceived. (DRM 5/1/2000)

    In the long history of Israel, both Judah and Israel denied the Lord and came back over and over. Neither country truly followed Him - but He offered reconciliation to Israel [v.12], if she, as a nation, repented of her sins. [v.13]
    This is an example of how He is also willing to forgive me [us] of my sins. PTL! (DRM 1/4/06)

3:13    'Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD you God And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree, And have not obeyed My voice,' declares the LORD. 

    While this is specifically written to Israel, it applies to me also. I must acknowledge and confess my sins to receive forgiveness. Perhaps I should not tell strangers my problems? (DRM 4/6/03)

3:17    At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. 

    Has this day come? I don't think so, personally. Hopefully this day will be when Christ returns. (DRM 3/4/89)

3:18    "In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance."

    This seems like a very specific prophecy - that modern Israel would be a combination of old Judah and Israel, in the exact same land. There is no doubt that this was written before 1948 - thus proving that God is still fulfilling prophecy today. It's amazing to watch God fulfill other prophecies also! (DRM 1/5/06)

3:25    "Let us lie down in our shame, and let our humiliation cover us; for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, since our youth even to this day. And we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God."

    Apparently Israel realized that they had sinned against God and asked for forgiveness here. These seem to be cycles for everyone: We sin, ask forgiveness, and sin again and ask forgiveness again. (DRM 5/2/2000)

4:5    I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away.

    Verses 23-27 seem to describe the end of the world. Nothing is left. This could be a description of a war or the event that ends our present world. Only God knows. (DRM 3/5/89)

5:9    "Shall I not punish these people," declares the Lord, "And on a nation such as this shall I not avenge Myself?"

    God looked at the poor and the rich of Israel and found none righteous. It made me think of Sodom. Today it seems that the same thing is happening. Lord, find me and let me be fruitful! (DRM 5/3/2000)

5:11    "The house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me," declares the Lord.

    This verse is a good summary of this chapter. Again God is pointing out how the Israelites have been ignoring Him and what He will do for their disobedience. Lord, keep me obedient to Your will! (DRM 3/6/89)

5:15    "Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. "It is an enduring nation, it is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know, Nor can you understand what they say."

    Considering when this was written, this could refer to different nations. Babylon took over Israel in Daniel's time, Rome took over Israel in Jesus' time and Russia [Gog] is also prophesized to try in the future. Israel has been warned - but still they don't follow. I pray that when I hear God's instruction, that I WILL follow. (DRM 1/6/06)

5:18    "Yet even in those days" declares the Lord, "I will not make you a complete destruction."

    God had just said that He would bring all types of destruction on Israel and Judah for their ignoring Him. As in all the other times, He kept a seed to continue the line of His chosen people. (DRM 5/4/2000)

5:23    But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed. 

    This theme continues. The people of Israel would not listen or pay any attention to the Lord. That is/has been the reason for their troubles/blindness. (DRM 5/5/2000)

5:26    'For wicked men are found among My people, They watch like fowlers lying in wait; They set a trap, They catch men.'

    I take this spiritually-literally. I think the wicked men here are the false preachers of the Word of God. It is either their motive or Satan's motive to avoid telling people the absolute Truth in the Word of God. The ones they catch won't reach Heaven. They seem to abound in my area! (DRM 4/7/03)

5:28    They are fat, they are sleek, They also excel in deeds of wickedness; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the orphan, that they may prosper; And they do not defend the rights of the poor.

    The title for this chapter is "Jerusalem's Godlessness," thus this verse would be Jeremiah's quote from God concerning their attitude at that time. Has the nation changed since then? Have the Jewish people changed? I don't think the Jews are all as bad as this today - but, they still need Jesus in their hearts - the One they are looking for - but for them the FIRST time. (DRM 1/7/06)

5:31    The prophets prophesy falsely,
            And the priests rule on their own authority;
            And My people love it so!
            But what will you do at the end of it?

    This is a little different. . . There are plenty of prophets in the land. They are telling you what they think and NOT what the Lord tells them. If the message is good, people want to hear, but not all that the Lord says is what people want to hear. (DRM 5/6/2000)

6:10    To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. 

    This verse describes me quite well. Sometimes I want to talk, but no one will listen to me. All of my people at work and other neighbors ears are closed and don't care about the Lord. 
    There must be someone "out there" who will talk to me about our Savior - where? (DRM 9/16/87)

6:14    "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially,
            Saying, 'Peace, peace',
            But there is no peace."

    It seems that Jeremiah is prophesying about recent events in Israel.
    The leaders of other countries have tried to negotiate time and time again between Israel and her neighbors and announce "Peace" . . . but there is no peace in Israel. "We" go through peace talks and keep getting the same results.
    The only time Israel will get peace is when the Messiah returns - not even at the rapture - then they will willingly follow Jesus - the Lord, Master, King and God they (and we) are waiting for. (DRM 7/6/14)

6:17    "And I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen. ' "

    This still refers to the people of Jerusalem. The trumpet could represent the prophets, like Jeremiah, who tried to tell them to go another way. Trumpets can be loud, demanding attention, which can be heard, but they chose not to listen. All unbelievers are like this; they have to choose what to listen to, but we [trumpeters] must continue to try to call. (DRM 1/8/06)

6:22, 23    Thus says the LORD, "Behold, a people is coming from the north land,
                 And a great nation will be aroused from the remote parts of the earth.
             23"They seize bow and spear;
                 They are cruel and have no mercy;
                 Their voice roars like the sea,
                 And they ride on horses,
                 Arrayed as a man for the battle
                 Against you, O daughter of Zion!"

    While I haven't studied Biblical history, even if this prophecy was fulfilled since it was written by Jeremiah, this seems like what is happening today.
    Many of Israel's enemies are grouping at the northern border of Israel. Some of these soldiers could be considered to be from the "remote parts of the earth."
    We know from other parts of the Bible that these things will happen in the last days. Israel is the key to Biblical prophecy. We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and know that God will protect and defend Israel. (DRM 11/10/17)

7:3    Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, "Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place."

    Even in the Old Testament, for a person to enter Heaven, a clear decision had to be made. Today, many people think that Heaven is automatic and don't make a decision to accept Jesus as Lord. (DRM 5/7/2000)

    We are born sinners. No one is perfect. While going to Heaven is not dependent on our "deeds" or works, constant improvement should be my desire in appreciation of the gift of Jesus Christ in my heart. (DRM 4/8/03)

7:6, 7    if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, 7then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.

    This seems like a reasonable request to me. It seems that God narrowed down the rules to the Israelites here. What could be the problem? Habit! I think they were stuck on worshipping foreign gods; which caused God to allow their country to be taken over several times, etc. I pray that I will serve the only God all of my life. (DRM 1/9/06)

7:8    "Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.

    I have been to different churches where the preaching is deceptive. The pastor may start out with a Bible verse or passage then talk about non-Biblical stories or even try to explain the passage incorrectly. Perhaps they don't have the Holy Spirit to direct their thoughts? It can be intentional or non-intentional.
    Still, we need discernment to be sure that what we hear is direct teaching from the Lord and His servants.
    Study the Bible on your own, ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, and avoid false teachers. (DRM 12/18/16)

7:11    Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the Lord. 

    This was not written as a prophecy, but when Jesus lived on earth, He said these same words. It seems to me that this could help prove that Jesus Christ and God are one. (DRM 3/7/89)

7:15    And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, all the offspring of Ephraim.

    Again, the Lord is not pleased with the ways that Israel worshipped other gods and not Him. He not only threatened, but He did what He said. We (I) should learn to trust only in Him . . . (DRM 5/8/2000)

7:23    "But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all they way which I command you, that it may be well with you. ' "

    Sometimes it's hard to hear God's voice and direction in my life. The Israelites of that time had the prophets that were literally speaking for the Lord - but they probably didn't believe them. We all need clear direction to follow Him! (DRM 1/10/06)

7:27    And you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you.

    It's like a stubborn, spoiled child that won't listen to their parents call. The parent seems to try everything and the child still can't "see." Israel still can't or doesn't want to "see" their salvation. (DRM 5/9/2000)

7:34    Then I will make to cease from the cities of Judah and from the streets of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; for the land will become a ruin.

    I'm not sure if this is past tense or future. God certainly doesn't want His people to worship other gods like they did in the preceding verses. Lord, let me learn not to follow any one else but You. (DRM 5/10/2000)

8:8    "Their tongue is a deadly arrow, It speaks deceit;
        With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor,
          But inwardly he sets an ambush for him."

    These words from the LORD of hosts [v.7] are about the Israelites of that day; but how different is it today? It seems that many people who don't know the Lord Jesus as Savior will say or do anything to "get ahead" in the world. We [I] have to set an example to be honest and truthful to others. (DRM 1/11/06)

8:9    The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?

    People who have a long and difficult educational background are not necessarily "wise" in the word of God. Lord help these people to "wake up" and know You! (DRM 11/2/88)

    The attacks on how Israel ignores the Lord God continue here. It would seem that if the Jews (who read the Old Testament?) read this, they would want to correct themselves. . . but they are too "wise."
    Lord, keep me in Your heart. (DRM 5/11/2000)

9:6    "Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me," declares the LORD.

    It's a cruel world out there. I have the "bad" habit of trusting people and thinking they will do as they say. As this verse reminds me, others are not all they appear to be. I should watch non-believers more carefully. (DRM 4/9/03)

9:16    "And I will scatter them among the nations, Whom neither they nor their fathers have known; and I will send the sword after them until I have annihilated them."

    I know there are similar verses in the Bible. This verse shows how clearly Jeremiah prophesized for the Lord God. Still, the Israelites didn't listen - and their fate was exactly as this prophecy stated. I pray that I may be used of the Lord in a special way - and not have a fate similar to the Israelites in this verse. (DRM 1/12/06)

9:23    This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches."

    . . . but let them boast that they know Me. . . (v.24)
    Lord, keep me humble and know exactly how to talk about You and less of myself — as You are King of my life. . . (DRM 3/8/89)

9:24    but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord.

    The more I read the Bible, the more passages seem to "appear" that indicate our job is to tell others about the Lord. This is another example. My "problem" with this is lack of confidence that I know enough to tell. Lord, teach me Your ways! (DRM 5/12/2000)

9:25, 26    "Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised - 26Egypt and Judah, and Edom and the sons of Ammon, and Moab and all those inhabiting the desert who clip the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart."

    Circumcision was the external sign that the Israelites were God's covenantal people (Gen. 17:10-14), But circumcision was not exclusive to them, for it was widely practiced in the ancient world, including among the Egyptian and Canaanite peoples (Jer. 9:26). Although the Jews knew it was a symbol of their covenant with God, few, if any, understood the need for a spiritual operation on the heart (Deut. 10:16; Jer. 4:4; Acts 7:51). A humble and obedient heart was what God wanted from His people (Lev. 26:41; Deut. 30:6; Jer. 9:24; Rom. 2:29). God warned that He would punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit (Jer. 9:25). INSIGHT Our Daily Bread, 5/5/14

10:11    Thus you shall say to them, "The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens."

    Take another religion, ANY other religion, and the god they worship DIDN'T make the earth or the stars in heaven, however people worship these gods. Why?
    The God of the Bible was the Creator of the earth, stars, and every cell in our bodies. He defines what a God should do. The other gods - from my limited knowledge of them - never made a human from the dust in the ground or extended the length of a day like God has. When this age is over, these false gods will not exist. (DRM 5/5/14)

10:13    When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
            And He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth;
            He makes lightning for the rain, And brings out the wind from His storehouses.

    Last year, 2005, saw two great natural disasters in a tsunami and hurricane. To my amazement, few people think God had anything to do with them! This verse shows that God can do anything He pleases. He alone deserves to be worshipped, as I believe that He still controls nature and every individual life. (DRM 1/13/06)

10:19    Woe to me because of my injury! My wound is incurable! Yet I said to myself, "This is my sickness, and I must endure it."

    This verse is a reminder to me of how it is to feel when I am ill. When illness comes upon me, I must endure the pain, but I also will depend on Christ to carry me through. (DRM 3/9/89)

10:23    I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

    Yes, we can make plans to go somewhere or do something in advance - thus making our own way - but God knows who we will meet on the journey. My life is totally dependent on what the Lord Jesus allows - and He can change anything at any time He desires. (DRM 1/14/06)

11:7    From the time I brought your forefathers up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, "Obey me."

    The Israelites didn't listen. It seems so easy to go with our own desires and ignore God's desires. Lord, let me always be aware of Your desires for my life! (DRM 3/10/89)

12:5    If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, 
            Then how can you compete with horses?
            If you fall down in a land of peace,
            How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

    If you can't do the "easy" things, how will you do the hard things? I won't say running with footmen or walking through a peaceful valley is simple, but it should be easier than running against horses or going through the thicket. I need the Lord's strength to do whatever comes my way! (DRM 5/13/2000)

12:7    "I will forsake my house, abandon my inheritance; I will give the one I love into the hands of her enemies. 

    In v.1 Jeremiah asked why the wicked prosper among other things. In this verse God replies stating  He will give the one He loves. This is another prophecy of Jesus. The Old Testament IS helpful! (DRM 3/11/89)

12:11    "It has been made a desolation,
            Desolate, it mourns before Me;
            The whole land has been made desolate,
            Because no man lays it to heart."

    This verse about the land of Israel, was in God's response to Jeremiah's prayer. While this could refer to the literal empty land, I think it refers also to the spiritual need of the Israelites - and modern man in general. We all need to take God's direct word [Bible] more to heart to worship Him better. (DRM 1/15/06)

13:10    'This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have gone after other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this waistband, which is totally worthless. '

    This quote by the Lord [v.9] was at the end of an illustration about a waistband that He asked Jeremiah to hide in a rock crevice. While the wicked people here are the Israelites, it could apply to any non-believer  who would be worthless to God. My goal is to always try to bring Him more glory. (DRM 1/16/06)

13:18    Say to the king and the queen mother,
                "Take a lowly seat,
                For your beautiful crown
                Has come down from your head."

    Most of the verses in today's passage are difficult for me to comprehend . . . this verse seems to say that the rulers of today (kings) will be as the rest of us when they arrive in heaven. We will all be equal with one Lord of all, Jesus. (DRM 5/14/2000)

13:27    . . . your adulteries and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution! I have seen your detestable acts on the hills and in the fields. Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will you be unclean?

    God knows everything we do. We can't hide from Him. If we think we are hiding in the fields or even in a closet, He is there! When we do something that God tells us is wrong, we must confess our sins to Him. You can't hide anything from God! (DRM 3/12/89)

14:7    Although our sins testify against us, O Lord, do something for the sake of your name. For our backsliding is great; we have sinned against you.

    I am a born sinner, saved by the grace of God. I still sin. Jesus Christ is willing to forgive me of my sins, so long as I accept Him as my Savior and ask His forgiveness. But I still fail Him in the form of backsliding among others. (DRM 3/13/89)

14:21    Do not despise us, for Thine own name's sake; Do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory; Remember and do not annul Thy covenant with us.

    It seemed that in this chapter God was threatening to ignore or eliminate the Israelite people in one way or another.
    Jeremiah's answer for the people apparently is in the final four verses [v. 19-22]. Certainly the nation exists now, so God listened to Jeremiah - indicating that God truly does hear our prayers. (DRM 1/17/06)

15:14    I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you."

    While this verse was probably referring to something else, I could immediately think of how the Jewish people were killed by the Nazi's in Germany. Certainly this prophecy has come to pass, O Israel! (DRM 3/14/89)

    Time after time, the Lord God clearly stated that the people of Israel would be forced to leave their land - until the end times.
    God spoke, and in this case, Jeremiah wrote what he heard. When God speaks to me, I am to listen, and do His will! (DRM 1/18/06)

15:19    Therefore, thus says the LORD,
             If you return, then I will restore you —
             Before Me you will stand;
             And if you extract the precious from the worthless,
             You will become My spokesman.
             They for their part may turn to you,
             But as for you, you must not turn to them..

    These are the words of the Lord God, thus I hope I'm understanding them correctly!
    Clearly, God wants us to return to Him when we drift away. He is always waiting for our return.
    The worthless would seem to be non-believers - but everyone God makes is precious, thus He wants us to bring them into His family - to change their heart from worthless to precious. (Holy Spirit needed)
    Show them the way to the Lord by example, but let them come to you and don't go to them OR follow in their ways. (DRM 5/5/13)

15:20    "Then I will make you to this people
            A fortified wall of bronze;
            And though they fight against you,
            They will not prevail over you;
            For I am with you to save you
            And deliver you." declares the LORD.

    At the beginning of verse 19 above, the word IF is used. At the beginning of this verse THEN is used. So, if we do the things in verse 19, then we should expect the Lord to do the things in verse 20.
    God promises here to deliver/protect us from our enemies - but we also have to stand and be His spokesman on occasion, and not be following their ways (v. 19 - must not turn to them).
    While others may not see it, God clearly has instructions in His Word=Bible for us to follow today. (DRM 3/16/14)

16:17    My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes. 

    God is watching over us. Everywhere we are, He is with us. A constant reminder of this fact can not be overdone! (DRM 3/15/89)

17:4    And you will, even of yourself, let go of your inheritance
           That I gave you;
           And I will make you serve your enemies
           In the land which you do not know;
           For you have kindled a fire in My anger
           Which will burn forever.

    God told Jeremiah to write these words to Judah. He was prophesying that they would go into exile in Babylonia - but not when.
    According to this verse, Judah had the opportunity to serve/follow the Lord and they 'let go' of the inheritance.
    Judah was following other gods (v. 2) instead of the true God, which caused their downfall at the time.
    It's easy to get distracted in both physical and spiritual terms. Clearly, God wants our full attention and for us to serve Him in whatever way He directs us personally. (DRM 2/12/15)

17:5    This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the on e who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. . . "

    Sometimes it seems easy to turn away from God and to follow the "easy path" as so many others are doing. Whenever that thought comes to me, I try to think of Heaven and how great it will be there. (DRM 3/16/89)

    When a person spends a LOT of time doing something, he thinks of nothing else. Like a bodybuilder who makes flesh his strength, he has no time to study God or do all of His will. For me, just going to work and keeping up the house takes time. How can I do HIS will? (DRM 5/15/2000)

17:7    Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
           And whose trust is the LORD.

    This verse is the first part of a couplet, or pair of verses, with verse 8.
    We (men and women) are to trust in the Lord God and not other humans (v. 5).
    When we (I) depend on Him, I know that He will provide like the stream in verse 8. If a drought comes (losing a job or health, etc.), we can have confidence that the Lord is still with us, and should be trusted. (DRM 10/27/12)

17:8    "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit."

    This man who trusts in the Lord [v.7] knows where his life comes from. I this this clear illustration of dependence on the Lord Jesus. The stream of His love will never dry up. I pray that the rest of my life will be like this tree - and that it will yield spiritual fruit for my Master. (DRM 1/19/06)

17:10    "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind,
             Even to give to each man according to his ways,
             According to the results of his deeds.

    God knows everything about us. He made us and gave us certain interests and abilities. He knows our thoughts before we do, which is like searching our heart, and testing the mind. He knows how we will react to things that will occur in our lives.
    As a result, He will give/reward us things that will direct us in the path He has chosen (e.g. friends, health, ideas to serve Him) based on our individual path - and what is best for us.
    Our job is to pay attention and go His way. (DRM 7/18/14)

    God knows everything and yet He is a mystery to us. We have limited understanding compared to Him.
    In this verse He said He would give to each man according to his ways - certainly referring to the spiritual deeds he/she did on earth.
    My mystery is why some great evangelists and missionaries died young? The answer seems to be that we don't know! When God decides our work on earth is complete, it's over.
    Do what you can (works) as a result of His grace and He will decide if it has brought results for His Kingdom. (DRM 2/22/17)

    Although we might try to hide our innermost thoughts and motives from others, God sees. He alone knows the true character of every person. God searches and knows us, but loves us despite our inherent sinfulness. (from INSIGHT, Our Daily Bread, 7/18/14)

    But verse 10 offers hope. It is not what we claim that determines whether we are a tree by the streams of a bush in the desert; it is the Lord who examines and rewards us. Are there any areas of your life you need to ask the Lord to examine? (from INSIGHT, Our Daily Bread 2/20/17)

17:13    O LORD, the hope of Israel,
             All who forsake You will be put to shame.
             Those who turn away on earth will be written down,
             Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD.

    The LORD is God. This verse is really about those who don't or won't trust in Him while they are on earth. These people will be put to shame, their names will be written down and they will be judged at the Great White Throne of Judgment. (Rev. 20:12-15)
    The opportunity to trust in the LORD God=Jesus only exists during this life and can't be changed later. This is one thing that has to be decided "now," as no one knows if we will still be here tomorrow. Anything can happen. Trust in Jesus. He's waiting for your call. (DRM 11/27/15)

17:14    Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;
             Save me and I will be saved,
             For You are my praise.

    Jeremiah had faith that the Lord God would heal any disease if He so desired. God can also save us from impending disaster - as He has complete control over everything. So long as we worship Him with praise, He will show His love to us - then we think, "why do bad things happen to His children?"
    So many times we don't know why - then - sometimes years later - we understand His purpose - it could even be a "chance meeting" with someone that we would never meet any other way.
    We all need more faith like Jeremiah. God will work all things out for those who trust in Him. (DRM 10/28/17)

18:3, 4    Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.

    Jeremiah listened to the Lord God and did what he was told. God was using this for an illustration about Judah and Jerusalem (v. 11) and how they could be broken like unfinished pottery if they didn't obey His direction.
    While this particular illustration refers to Israel (v. 6) and the nearby kingdoms, God can also stop our plans individually at any time, if He doesn't want them to happen.
    I know it's hard to hear His voice today, but it's important to learn - so as to obey His direction for a better life. (DRM 8/6/14)

18:6    O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

    I can make lots of plans and pray that they work out, but God is the creator of my life and will mold my destiny. If anything I do is not in His will, He will stop me from doing it. I must learn to be more submissive to listen and obey God's will. (DRM 11/7/86)

18:7, 8    "At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; 8if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it.

    Many nations are referred to in the Bible. While we may think of the Book as being about the Jewish people, the words of the Lord refer to all nations on earth. A quick example related to this verse would be the story of Jonah.
    How I wish that the leaders of my country (USA) would read the words of this chapter, as we seem to be going towards a Godly calamity for the path they are following.
    God still loves His people - those who trust in Him - and will protect us from His judgment, or could just take us home to Heaven. (DRM 10/29/15)

18:12    "But they will say, 'It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.' "

    This section [18:1-12] started with the potters wheel and the clay. Israel [the clay] did not want to obey. I feel my current thoughts of re-opening business could also be my own plan - and not His. I pray that I will truly know His will. (DRM 4/10/03)

    God gave us free choice; we can follow Him and His leading - or go in our own direction. In this verse God describes those who won't listen to His direction. I wonder what His desires are. Lord, may the desires of Your heart be also be the desires of my heart. (DRM 1/20/06)

20:7    O LORD, Thou hast deceived me and I was deceived;
            Thou hast overcome me and prevailed.
            I have become a laughingstock all day long;
            Everyone mocks me.

    Jeremiah's complaint seemed to be that he heard too much from the Lord. He felt that it was his duty to tell the people God's directives, then got laughed at for doing what was told. In this section, he regretted his position. I would like to hear MORE from the Lord - to make my path straight. . . (DRM 1/21/06)

20:8    For each time I speak, I cry aloud;
           I proclaim violence and destruction.
           Because for me the word of the LORD has resulted
           In reproach and derision all day long.

    Jeremiah was a prophet, and the people of Judah didn't want to hear His message - that Jeremiah proclaimed.
    While I'm not a prophet, and my critics are not as vocal, I can understand Jeremiah's plight, and know he would be killed in certain countries for proclaiming the Lord like he did in this book.
    What can we do about Jeremiah's plight - expressed here? It depends on the country that we live in. God wants His message proclaimed - even if it means "death." But, to believers, death on earth is really the beginning of a new life with the Lord God=Jesus. (DRM 10/6/14)

20:9    But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. 

    I NEED this verse! When I tell someone about the Lord or my trust in Him, I'm nervous at first, but afterwards I feel much better - especially when I know that they are thinking of Him. (DRM 3/17/89)

20:11    But the LORD is with me like a dread champion;
             Therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
             They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed,
             With an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten.

    Jeremiah had the Holy Spirit or similar within him. I don't think he dreaded the Holy Spirit as much as his enemies/oppressors/persecutors would.
    Since he had the truth, he was sure that his enemies would fail in their criticism of him.
    This shows Jeremiah's dependence on the Lord and his confidence that His word was true over the words of the people in the world.
    I know I need to be reminded of this constantly. (DRM 10/24/11)

20:12    Yet, O LORD of hosts, Thou who dost test the righteous, Who seest the mind and the heart; Let me see Thy vengeance on them; For to Thee I have set forth my cause. 

    The critics are out there. Jeremiah was proclaiming God's Word and they didn't want to hear him. Jeremiah needed direction [as do I], he knew he was being tested and prayed that the Lord would show His power to the critics. How will it work out for me? (DRM 4/11/03)

21:6    I will strike down those who live in this city - both men and animals - and they will die of a terrible plague. 

    This verse shows that the Lord can indeed have wrath against people who do not observe His commandments. Let me always have the fear of God, and do His will - not mine! (DRM 3/18/89)

21:9    "He who dwells in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence; but he who goes out and falls away to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live, and he will have his own life as booty."

    God was telling Zedekiah, King of Judah, that he was going to allow the fall of Jerusalem. This verse makes it clear that the residents shouldn't stay, but to go to the Chaldeans. God was providing a way out for the faithful - if they would listen to His voice, just like He wants us to do. (DRM 1/22/06)

22:21    I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, "I will not listen!" This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me.

    It was so easy to ignore God when I felt secure. I wanted to listen, but never heard. It's great to know God personally now! (DRM 3/19/89)

22:25    and I shall give you over into the hand of those who are seeking your life, yes, into the hand of those whom you dread, even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. 

    This seems to be a prophecy given to the King of Judah at the time. The people would be taken out of the land. They had not honored the Lord and He wanted them to depend on Him. I need reminding to depend on Him every day! (DRM 5/16/2000)

23:6    "In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.' "

    There are numerous verses that refer to Israel's return to the land, like in verse three. This verse refers to their future Ruler. If we can't guess by the words, we can tell by the capitalization of "His" and "LORD." Jesus is coming to rule Israel, and we all must be ready for that great day! (DRM 1/23/06)

23:16    This is what the Lord Almighty says: Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. 

    This verse made me think of a "positive preacher" on TV. Certainly he is giving people false hopes and not the hope of salvation. If I hadn't been alerted to this by Word of Life, I hope that the Lord would have told me this by reading this verse. (DRM 3/20/89)

23:38    "For if you say, 'The oracle of the LORD!' surely thus says the LORD, 'Because you said this word, "The oracle of the LORD!" I have also sent to you, saying, "You shall not say, "The oracle of the LORD!" " '

    Who are the false prophets, and what should we believe? How do we discern between a person who relates a dream and a person who hears from the Lord in a dream? What did the Lord really say? The only answer to who is really a prophet is to see if his prophecy comes true, then listen to him for future direction. (DRM 1/24/06)

24:5-6a    "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans.' " 6'For I will set My eye on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land;

    Does God play favorites? According to this passage [24:1-10] about good figs and rotten figs [v.2], some captives of the land would eventually return; but others, the rotten figs, would never return. Yes, God has complete control of our lives, our hearts desires, and our external destiny. My job is to worship Him, who is my provider in ALL ways. (DRM 1/25/06)

24:7    I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

    This verse referred to the "exiles from Judah" in verse 5, but I personally feel that this verse could also be used about true Christians. I pray that I will be with Him with all my heart. (DRM 3/21/89)

25:4    And the LORD has sent to you all His servants the prophets again and again, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear,

    Jeremiah was one of many prophets that the Lord God sent, but the people didn't hear. I believe that we have a similar thing today. God has sent spiritual leaders and evangelists like Billy Graham to proclaim His good news of salvation, but people don't "hear." When these leaders fail, I wonder what God an have me do? (DRM 1/26/06)

25:12    Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the King of Babylon and that nation, declares the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. 

    In the "Old" days, God had Jeremiah write down exactly when an event would happen in the future. If someone like Daniel were to read the book, and believe the content, they would know what to expect. NOW God doesn't give us exact dates because He wants us to be ready. (DRM 5/17/2000)

26:13    "Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will change His mind about the misfortune which He has proclaimed against you."

    Jeremiah had just proclaimed the Lord's words that Jerusalem would be "a curse to all the nations of the earth," [v. 6] if they did not listen to him, and walk in His law [v. 4]. Sometimes I am defiant also, and want to go my own way. Lord, let me hear Your voice and follow Your direction for the rest of my life. (DRM 1/27/06)

26:14    As for me (Jeremiah), I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. 

    Jeremiah was not afraid of his enemies, because the Lord was with him. Jeremiah was willing to be a martyr for the Lord. I hope I may have that ability someday.  (DRM 3/22/89)

27:8    " ' "If, however, any nation or kingdom will not serve Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon or bow its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation with the sword, famine and plague, declares the Lord, until I destroy it by his hand. 

    God is the ultimate ruler and can decide who will rule over whom. It's still amazing to me that God, who can do all these things, can care about me and what I do. Thank you God, for caring! (DRM 3/23/89)

27:11    "But the nation which will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let remain on its land." declares the LORD, "and they will till it and dwell in it." ' "

    Jeremiah sent a message with this paragraph to five kings - as instructed by the Lord (v.3). Depending on their feelings about Jeremiah, they could have different reactions. How would I react? Probably with skepticism - but at least I was warned - and should plan accordingly. (DRM 1/28/06)

28:2    "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'I have broken the yoke of the King of Babylon.' "

    This quote was from Hananiah, another prophet, however it was wishful thinking, and not truly from God. This false prophecy cost him his life soon afterward. Fortunately my gift is not prophecy - but still I have to be careful to tell others only about the true living God - or I won't be here much longer to tell them. (DRM 1/29/06)

28:9    But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true. 

    It would seem to me that a prophet would be hard to distinguish except by listening to all his predictions and seeing if they come true. The Lord does not encourage war for no reason. (DRM 3/24/89)

29:10    "For thus says the LORD, 'When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. . . .

    God sent the Israelites into exile (v. 4) in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar.
    Clearly God gave this prophecy to Jeremiah and it was for a specific number of years. At the end of the time mentioned, we would see that the prophecy came true and Jeremiah was a true prophet of God.
    No matter how many people search for the answer, God has not given us a specific number of years to wait for His Son's (Jesus) return. He said it would happen - so it will. (DRM 12/27/13)

29:11    "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

    It's exciting to know that God has plans for me and that He has given me most of my desires.
    Lord, give me the patience to wait for the direction to which You desire for me to turn. (DRM 5/1/87)

29:13    'And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.'

    This short verse is part of a statement by the Lord God given through Jeremiah before the exiles went to Babylon. With verse 12, I think that God's heart hasn't changed. He also wants me to seek Him and His advice continuously. With a "one-track mind," I will hear His desires for my life - and then can act on His will. (DRM 1/30/06)

29:14    'I will be found by you', declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you.' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'

    The people of Judah (Jerusalem) had been taken to Babylon and were in exile there. This was from a letter Jeremiah sent to them while they were there (v. 1).
    Jeremiah clearly prophesized that the Lord would bring the people back to Jerusalem after 70 years (v. 1). And so He did (Ezra 1:1-2).
    Unlike Jeremiah's prophecy, we don't have a specific date for the Lord Jesus' soon return. We are to always be ready and expectant. As I write this, it has been 69 years+ since Israel became a nation. Jesus could come at any moment. (DRM 5/8/17)

30:9    'But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.'

    This quote from the Lord is about the future of Israel (v.3). As in many other prophecies, we are told that Israel will return to their land. This verse is different in that it refers to David in the future. I believe that this refers to David's descendent Jesus - who will rule over all; and we all shall serve Him. (DRM 1/31/06)

30:18b    . . . the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place. 

    This has to be referring to Jerusalem. Israel has now received the former land from the Lord, next will come the new palace, then the Lord will return!!! (DRM 3/25/89)

31:6    "For there shall be a day when watchmen on the hills of Ephraim shall call out, 'Arise, and let us go up to Zion, To the LORD our God.' "

    This whole section refers to Israel returning to the land and living in peace. This verse seemed to emphasize peace to me. The watchmen apparently won't have to "watch" anymore - as they are in peace and don't have to stay at their posts. I pray that this will occur soon - as it will only happen when Jesus is Lord of all. (DRM 2/1/06)

31:31, 32    "Behold, days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them." declares the LORD.

    God changed His mind. He had an old covenant with the people of Israel and they refused to follow Him. They wanted to do things their own way and not His way.
    The new covenant, explained more in vv. 33-34, is still future, as the people of Israel are still not following Him=Jesus.
    The Israelis are not the only ones not following Jesus today, and all people need to do that before it's too late. The "days" are still coming! (DRM 7/23/13)

    The first recorded covenant was made by God to Noah after the flood (Gen. 9:8-17). When God called Abraham to come out of Ur in Mesopotamia, He made a covenant with him promising to make him a great nation, giving him the land of Canaan, and promising that through him all nations will be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:5-16; 17:7-9). In line with the Abrahamic covenant, God promised David that every king who sat on the throne of Israel would be his descendant (2 Sam. 7:10-16). Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke of a new covenant (31:31-34) of which, according to the writer of Hebrews, Christ is the mediator: "He [Jesus] is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (Heb. 8:6; see also 9:15; 12:24). (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT, 7/23/13)

31:33    "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the Lord, "I will put my law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 

    It seems that all of the Jews know they are God's chosen people, but they don't seem to know what they have been chosen for! While there are some "converts" [completed Jews] now, in the "end" we will all be the same. (DRM 5/18/2000)

31:34a    No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest." declares the Lord. 

    This sounds like Heaven to me. Where else would I go to have this come true? Even Christian organizations have people who do not know the Lord visit them. I know, I've been there! Heaven will be great! (DRM 3/26/89)

31:37    Thus says the Lord,
                "If the heavens above can be measured,
                And the foundations of the earth searched out below,
                Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel
                For all that they have done," declares the Lord.

    The sun is 93,000,000 miles away. Scientists - astronomers  are always mapping the stars. I've even heard that they have discovered the veil of Heaven. With all of these calculations, it seems they are close to the FINAL answer. God's FINAL response is almost ready. Come, Lord Jesus! (DRM 5/19/2000)

31:38    "Behold, days are coming," declares the LORD, "when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the corner Gate."

    This prophecy seems to indicate that the city of Jerusalem will expand. Verse 39 extends the line to "the hill Gareb. . . " Certainly this hasn't been done in the past 2,000 years, so it will be an exciting time. God willing, I will see these changes. (DRM 2/2/06)

32:14    'Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Take these deeds, this sealed deed of purchase, and this open deed and put them in an earthenware jar, that they may last a long time."

    Jeremiah purchased some land from relatives as Jerusalem was being taken over by the Babylonians.
    While this verse doesn't refer to Scripture, the idea is the same and was probably the idea behind the Dead Sea Scrolls. Jeremiah knew his people would return to the land. I need communication and faith like Jeremiah had. (DRM 2/3/06)

32:23    And they [Israelite people] came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey Thy voice or walk in Thy law; they have done nothing of all Thou commandedst them to do; therefore Thou hast made all this calamity come upon them. 

    Sometimes, like today, I wonder what the Jewish people of today think of these verses about their people thousands of years ago? I believe this Old Testament verse would be in their "Bibles" also. How do they interpret this? I want to hear His voice and want to obey His words. Why wouldn't everybody else want to do the same? (DRM 2/4/06)

32:32    because of all the evil of the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah, which they have done to provoke Me to anger — they, their kings, their leaders, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

    The world today does not believe that God can get angry, because "God is Love." When a disaster comes upon a city, in the USA or elsewhere, most people think God had nothing to do with it. This verse is a reminder that God has allowed changes like this to correct His people. It could be the same case today when cities have major disasters. God truly is in control! (DRM 2/5/06)

33:3    Call to me [the Lord] and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 

    What encouragement! If I just ask the Lord, and be patient, He WILL answer! (DRM 3/27/89)

    This quote by the Lord God was for the people of Israel, but I think it applies to me also. It's a great motivation to prayer - and listening for responses. Certainly I pray - but the responses are more difficult to hear. I must LISTEN for a still small voice. . . ( DRM 2/6/06)

33:16    'In those days Judah shall be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she shall be called: the LORD is our righteousness.'

    This must refer to the 1,000 year reign of the Lord Jesus. Neither Judah or Israel the country, or Jerusalem the city has been saved as yet. From what I have been taught, the rapture will come first. There could be a typo error here - I believe the Lord will be a "He." {Commentary says this refers to Jerusalem, = she.} (DRM 2/7/06)

34:9    Everyone was to free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female; no one was to hold a fellow Jew in bondage. 

    In this chapter, we are reminded that the slaves were to be held in bondage only 6 years, then set free. It seems to me that the history of this country had a similar problem in 1860! (DRM 3/28/89)

35:10    We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us. 

    This chapter was where God was setting an example to Judah's people by showing them the family of the Recabites. These people did everything commanded of them. Will I? (DRM 3/29/89)

35:16    'Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.' " '

    In verse 2, the Lord asked Jeremiah to give this family wine to drink, and they refused, as they were told not to drink wine by their father. God is not pleased with disobedience, but I don't see that Jeremiah told them who directed this event. When I know God is speaking or telling me to do something - I MUST do it. (DRM 2/8/06)

36:8    Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet told him to do; at the Lord's temple he read the words of the Lord from the scroll. 

    To serve the Lord can take several forms. In this instance, Baruch was the scribe of Jeremiah and read Jeremiah's words to the rebellious people of Jerusalem. God needs willing people to do different things for Him! (DRM 3/30/89)

36:23    And it came about, when Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribes knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. 

    Obviously the King of Judah didn't like what the Lord was telling him by the reading of His Word. Even before I read verses 27-28, I knew the Lord would do something, and He replaced the burned Book. God's Word is like God - eternal! (DRM 5/20/2000)

37:2    Neither he (King Zedekiah) nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. 

    This verse seems so true today. When Jeremiah - the book - was written, the people had prophets. Today we have evangelists and still the people can not or will not hear. (DRM 3/31/89)

38:6    So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malkijah, the king's son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water in it, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. 

    Certainly when Jeremiah was in this situation, he must have thought he would die there. God wasn't done with Jeremiah yet, and later (v. 10) Jeremiah was released. Thank God, He's not done with me either! (DRM 4/1/89)

    Jeremiah's prophecy (really God's) that the city would be given to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was not encouraging the troops to fight for the city. The king authorized them to put him (Jeremiah) to death, so they put him in the bottom of the cistern. But in verse 7, Jeremiah had a deliverer, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian - similar to how we have a deliverer in Christ! (DRM 2/9/06)

39:18    . . . I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord."

    Jeremiah had just witnessed the fall of Jerusalem. While Nebuchadnezzar had others killed (v. 6) and King Zedekiah's eyes put out (v. 7), he asked the guards to look after Jeremiah (v. 12). God is in control of everything and does reward believers! (DRM 4/2/89)

    As I continue to weigh my decision about a store, it is helpful to read this verse and know that Jesus will protect me because I have trusted in Him for all aspects of my life. Whatever the decision, He will be with me. (DRM 4/12/03)

    This message from Jeremiah to an Ethiopian (v.16) is a message I would like to hear personally! It was a message of hope at the time Jerusalem was being taken over by the Babylonians. (DRM 2/10/06)

40:2, 3a    When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, "The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. 3And now the Lord has brought it about: he has done just as he said he would. . . 

    The prophets of the Old Testament were highly respected — because they were true prophets. The Lord really did tell them of the future. It must have been gratifying to know that people did listen. Perhaps God will give me the opportunity for people to hear Him. (DRM 4/3/89)

41:13    When all the people Ishmael had with him saw Johanan son of Kareah and the army officers who were with him; they were glad. 

    Ishmael's prisoners were happy to see Johanan as he was delivering them from the evil things that Ishmael had done in this chapter. Thank God we also had a deliverer in Jesus Christ! (DRM 4/4/89)

42:3    . . . that the LORD your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do."

    The commanders of the forces came to Jeremiah to ask him to go to the Lord God for direction. It seems that they had the same problem hearing the voice of the Lord that many of us do today. Another clue why they didn't hear from the Lord directly was the words, "LORD your God" indicating that Jeremiah's God wasn't their Lord.
    To hear God's voice, we need to first trust in Him with our soul. He will speak to His children, but not to unbelievers. Even after Jeremiah went to the Lord God, it took 10 days to get a response (v. 7). God will speak to us in His timing, not ours. (DRM 10/29/14)

42:6    Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you (Jeremiah), so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.

    This remnant of Israelites asked Jeremiah to pray to God for them. In this verse they showed their faith in both God and Jeremiah to show them which direction to turn. May I also depend only on God. (DRM 4/5/89)

43:7    So they (remnant of Judah) entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord and went as far as Tahpanhes. 

    As God expected, and told Jeremiah, this remnant came to distrust in Jeremiah. They went their own way, against God's will. I pray that I will not walk out of God's will and come and serve Him. (DRM 4/6/89)

44:10    To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed my law and the decrees I set before you and your fathers. 

    Again the Lord is angry with the remnant of Judah for not obeying His commands via Jeremiah. This passage makes me think just how little I do or say about the real God to others. (DRM 4/7/89)

46:28a    "Do not fear, O Jacob my servant, for I am with you," declares the LORD. "Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. . . 

    The Lord is always watching over His chosen people. We do not have anything to fear! While others have their unbelief, we have the confidence to know that we can always call on Him. (DRM 4/8/89) 

47:4b    The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor (Crete).

    Another prophesy telling us what would happen to the Philistines. While this prophecy does not affect me personally, other do, and hopefully the Philistines took the prophesy to be from God, as seriously as I do on the ones that affect the end times.  (DRM 4/9/89)

48:10    A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord's work!
            A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed!

    I deserve the Lord's curse, for doing so little with my life! I think the second part of this verse could also refer to sword (Bible) and bloodshed (witnessing). Most of us are lax in doing or proclaiming God's word throughout the world. (DRM 4/10/89)

49:4    Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? O unfaithful daughter, you trust in your riches and say, 'Who will attack me?'

    All of the city-states mentioned in this chapter were told to expect to be destroyed by God. With the attitude in this verse, a common one today, I can understand the reason for God's wrath in the past. We seem overdue in this country. Come Lord Jesus! (DRM 4/11/89)

50:4    "In those days, at that time," declares the Lord, "the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God. 

    I do not know if this event has occurred in the past, but I believe that it definitely will in the future. The nation of Israel WILL come to know the Lord. Only God knows when. (DRM 4/12/89)

50:5    "They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten."

    I think this is a partially fulfilled prophecy. After 70 years, the Jews left Babylon and returned to Zion, however, at that time I don't recall an eternal covenant with the Lord. That will occur when Jesus returns. It's exciting to watch and see each step in the fulfilling of prophecy! (DRM 2/11/06)

51:29    The land trembles and writhes, for the Lord's purposes against Babylon stand - to lay waste the land of Babylon so that no one will live there. 

    While reading this chapter, I recall hearing that the United States could be a new Babylon. Certainly some of the prophecies for Babylon could occur here. Am I ready? (DRM 4/13/89)

52:8    . . . but the Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered, 9and he was captured. 

    As foretold, Jerusalem was taken over by the Babylonians. This verse also shows how a leader could be deserted by his soldiers. Jesus was also deserted by His disciples. (DRM 4/14/89)