Scripture reading – Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34
Our chronological study of the Scriptures continues with Jeremiah a prisoner of king Zedekiah (33:1). Though imprisoned, God’s prophet was not forsaken, and the LORD continued to put His Word in Jeremiah’s heart (33:2).
Who is the LORD? (33:1-13)
The LORD came to Jeremiah, and reminded His servant He is “Yahweh,” the God who makes and keeps covenant with His people (33:2). The same God who had power to create (33:2), was and is able also to keep His promises, and hear and answer prayer (33:3). The LORD encouraged Jeremiah, He would show him “great and mighty things, which [Jeremiah knew] not” (33:3).
The Character of the LORD (33:5-13)
The LORD assured Jeremiah He was just, and His judgment were sure. While the king and the leaders of Jerusalem strengthened their defenses, Jeremiah was told the battlements would fail, and their homes would be filled with the bodies of the dead (33:5).
Yet, God would not altogether forsake His people, and foretold the day when Judah would be delivered from captivity and restored to their land (33:6-7). In that day, the LORD would not only restore His people, but promised He would “cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me” (33:8).
In that day, the nations of the earth would witness Judah’s restoration, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The heathen would look upon God’s blessings in awe (33:9). The judgment of God would leave Judah desolate, and the cities in ruin. Nevertheless, the LORD promised the day would come when the cities and villages of Judah would be filled once again with the sounds of joy, and the voices of youth (33:10-13).
The Coming Messiah King (33:14-26)
There were some in Judah who rejected the prophecies of a coming Messiah King, and discouraged the people contending the God of Israel had forsaken them (33:24).
The LORD answered the naysayers, and declared, “the days come…that I will perform that good thing which I have promised …15In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. 16In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness” (33:14-16)
Only One can fulfill that Messianic prophecy, and He is Jesus the Christ! Only Christ is of the lineage of David (being born of the virgin Mary, who was of David’s line, and adopted by Joseph who was a “son of David,” Matthew 1:1, 20). Christ is the altogether Righteous One, and when He comes again He will rule in justice, and save His people (33:15-16). In that day, Christ will reign eternal (Revelation 19:16; 22:16), and serve as the Eternal Mediator and Intercessor of His people (Hebrews 7:24-28).
Closing thoughts – How sure are God’s covenant promises? They are as certain as the rising and setting sun (33:19-21, 25). The same God who set the seasons, and times of the rising and setting sun, will fulfill His covenant.
What did that mean for Jeremiah (who was in prison), and those who were captives in Babylon? The LORD promised, “I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them” (33:26).
Believer, may the rising and setting sun remind you: God’s promises never fail!
Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith
Jeremiah 34 – Death Comes Knocking
With Nebuchadnezzar’s great army arrayed outside the walls of Jerusalem (34:1), the LORD came to Jeremiah and commanded His prophet to declare to the king the imminent the destruction of Jerusalem (34:1-2). Jeremiah warned Zedekiah he would be taken prisoner to Babylon (34:3), but assured the king he would not die by the sword, but would die in peace in that foreign city (34:4-5).
The LORD then demanded there be no slaves in Judah, and all who were servants were to be set free by their masters before the captivity (34:8-9). The people covenanted with Zedekiah to set their servants free, and to be bound by the covenant (34:10). Yet, with death and destruction knocking at the gates of the city, the foolish people broke their covenant with the king (34:11), enslaved their brethren, and invited God’s judgment for their defiance (34:12-21).
One would hope the hearts of the people would be tender, and humbled before the LORD and their king; however, they treated the king with disdain, and persecuted God’s prophet. Such is the fate of many who dare to preach God’s Word to a people or nation that rejects the LORD.
Closing thoughts – Times have changed, but sinners have not. The tragedy of 21st century “Christianity” (and I use that term in the broadest sense), is the majority of those who profess to be “Christian,” in practice shun the authority of God’s Word in their lives. Like Israel and Judah, a nation and people reject the Scriptures at their peril.
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Warning: Reject the Word of God, and the Wrath of the LORD will Fall!
Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith
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