Author: Jeremiah is attributed as the author of the book, even though Jeremiah is the originator of the text; Baruch, a close friend and one who took dictation is credited for writing the words of Jeremiah on the scrolls ( Chap.36 ).

Jeremiah was called to be a prophet at a most unhappy time. With the failure of Josiah's revival and the promised fall of the nation underway, Jeremiah is often referred to as the weeping prophet. Unlike Isaiah, his message would be one of condemnation, instead of salvation.

Date: Although the book is not in chronological order (like Isaiah), it dates the events from the reign of Josiah ( II Kings 22 ), to Jeremiah being taken to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem ( II Kings 25:26 ). Thus, again like Isaiah, reading the history of Judah from II King 22 – 25 , will help in understanding the events within the book.

Outline:

•  Jeremiah's oracles against the spiritual leadership – 1:1 – 25:38 .

•  Events in the life of Jeremiah – 26:1 – 45:5 .

•  God's judgments of foreign nations – 46:1 – 51:64 .

•  The fall of Jerusalem – 52:1-34 .

The book of Jeremiah is probably best described as a historical collection. In addition to prophecy and historical narrative, the finished work includes a legal brief, sermons, a letter from home, and a series of heart rending confessions.

The broad emphases of Jeremiah's prophecies are easily discernable. They appear in his figurative language of judgment. His ministry was centered on the situations in history just prior to, during, and immediately following the fall of Judah and Jerusalem . The imagery of judgment that reverberates within the pages of the book is based on the leadership and the people violating repeatedly the covenants of God and turning instead to other gods.

The signs of their idolatry manifested itself in the moral and social decline of the people. The extreme manifestation came in the sacrifice of their children to the god Moloch by passing them through the fire.

A great lesson for Christians today exists in the example of the Rechabites and their faithful adherence to the prohibitions imposed by their forefather as an example to all the people of God of the true obedience that God desires ( Chap. 35:1-19 ). We should all desire to be called Rechabites!

Good Reading !