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751

It is diffi cult to speak about without comparing him to . It might be wrong to center everything on the differences between their reactions to God’s call, namely, Isaiah’s enthusiasm (Is 6:8) as opposed to Jeremiah’s fear (Jer 1:6). It might have been only a question of their different temperaments. Their respec- tive vocation and mission should be complementary, both in terms of what refers to their lives and writings and to the infl uence that both of them were going to exercise among believers. Isaiah is the prophecy while Jeremiah is the . The two faces of prophet- ism complement each other and they are both equally necessary to reorient history. Isaiah represents the message to which people will always need to refer in order to reaffi rm their faith. Jeremiah is the ever present example of the suffering of human beings when God bursts into their lives. There is no room, therefore, for a sentimental view of a young, peaceful and defenseless Jeremiah who suffered in silence from the wickedness of his persecu- tors. There were hints of violence in the prophet (11:20-23). In spite of the fact that he passed into history because of his own sufferings, Jeremiah was not always the victim of the calamities that he had announced. In his fi rst announcement, Jeremiah said that God had given him authority to uproot and to destroy, to build and to plant, specifying that the mission that had been entrusted to him encompassed not only his small country but “the nations.” The magnitude to such a task assigned to a man without credentials might surprise us; yet it is where the fi nger of God does appear. Starting with the ruin of the king- dom of , followed by the Exile, until we come to the time of the , God is going to reveal his way of saving the world, his strength that is manifested in weakness and the victory of Love. All of these always presuppose the acceptance of suffering. Not without reason did the Jews of later times believe that after he had died, Jer- emiah was present before God interceding for them (2 Mac 2:1; 14:14). However, that intercession was not what mattered most; and “second Isaiah” would infer it: we are going to fi nd some echoes of Jeremiah in the poems of the Servant of Yah- weh (49:1; 50:4; 52:13).

Jeremiah’s Preaching

Jeremiah’s fi rst prophecies have their roots in the discourse of the Book of Deu- JER teronomy (2 K 23; Jer 11). Deuteronomy emphasizes the Covenant made between JEREMIAH 752 God and , a Covenant that had made Israel into a people set apart and endowed with their own wisdom. is a personal God who wants to be served and loved. Jeremiah came on the scene at the time when Israel was taking refuge in the infallible protection that their God and their temple insured. Jeremiah was perse- cuted because he denied that God should be identifi ed with a temple of stone (Jer 7 and 26) just as it would occur with and his apostles (Mk 14:58, Acts 6:13). Jeremiah does not want any God other than the one who is discovered in truth. His preaching (and that of Deuteronomy) is no longer the same as the preaching of and the Judges, that is to say, “you will possess the land if you obey and you will lose it if you disobey” or “everything is going wrong because you are not fol- lowing the law….” Jeremiah is asking people to convert to wisdom (Jer 9:22; 10) and he is speaking of a return to fi delity that means, fi rst and foremost, a change of heart (Jer 17:5). The announcement of the that is the culmination of Jeremiah’s message (Jer 31:31), is the logical consequence of the chapters that deal only with death and ruin. It was necessary for all the vestiges of a life in which God was absent to disappear so that the people, or better yet, the hearts would open up to another dimension of human existence. After the ruin of the kingdom of Israel, the people of God would enter into a new era. We cannot understand the promises of happiness that form part of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer 29:31) without this interior transformation. Jeremiah did not let himself be carried away by ’s imagination to rebuild an ideal with a purifi ed temple. The logical consequence of the promises to Jeremiah does not mean ’s efforts to publish the law and to organize but it is simply the Gospel.

Historical Data Jeremiah received his call in the year 626 B.C. He was from a family of priests of , close to . A few years later, the discovery of the law brought about a religious renewal (2 K 22:1). During Jeremiah’s ministry, that lasted almost forty years, (we should situate the prophet’s death around the year 586 B.C.), changes took place at an impressive pace: ’s religious reform, as well as the national rebirth that accompanied it (the years 622–609 B.C.). Then, three wars took place: one against in the year 609 B.C., one against in the year 597 B.C. and the year 587, followed by three waves of deportations (the years 597 587 and 582 B.C.).

THE

In the year 604 B.C., Jeremiah dictated part of his preaching to Baruch who was both the “secretary” of the king and the secretary of Jeremiah. These prophecies are most probably found in Chapters 1-20. There must have been another document relating Jeremiah’s sufferings: Chapters 26-44. Yet another document must have dealt with prophecies against the nations (Chapters 46-51). Other collections, refer- 753 JEREMIAH ring to the kings (21-23), the prophecies (23:9-40) or to the new Covenant (30-33) were added. THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH: 1:1–20:18 (the conclusion is in 25:1-38) PROPHECIES AGAINST THE KINGS AND THE : 21:1–24:10 THE BOOK OF THE NEW COVENANT: 26:1–33:26 CONTINUOUS REBELLION OF ISRAEL: 34:1–36:18 JEREMIAH’S SUFFERINGS: 36:1–45:5 ORACLES AGAINST THE NATIONS: 46:1–51:64 CONCLUSION: THE END OF THE (52:1-34) JER 754

1 32:7 These are the words of Jeremiah, son you to protect you—it is Yahweh who 1 of , one of the priests at Ana- 2 speaks!” 2K thoth in the territory of . The 9 21:24 Then Yahweh stretched out his hand Is 6:7; word of Yahweh came to him in the thir- Ezk 2:9 and touched my mouth and said to me, —3:3; teenth year of the reign of Josiah, son of Dn 10:16 Amon, king of Judah. 3 It came again dur- “Now I have put my words in your 10 ing the reign of , son of Josiah, mouth. See! Today I give you author- Acts king of Judah, until the eleventh year of ity over nations and over kingdoms 9:15 , son of Josiah, king of Judah. In to uproot and to pull down, the fi fth month of that year, the inhabitants of Jerusalem were taken into exile. to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” The call of A word of Yahweh came to me • 4 A word of Yahweh came to me, again, “Jeremiah what do you see?” 5 Is 42:1; “Even before I formed you in the I said, “I see the branch of a watching Gal 1:15 12 womb I have known you; even before tree.” And Yahweh said to me, “You Am 8:2; you were born I had set you apart, are right. I too am watching to ful- Dn 9:14 and appointed you a prophet to the fi ll my word.” 13 The word of Yahweh nations!” came to me a second time, “What do 6 I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! I do not you see?” I replied, “I see a boiling know how to speak; I am still young!” caldron coming from the north and it 7 4:11 But Yahweh replied, “Do not say; is tilted towards this direction.” Then ‘I am still young’, for now you will go, Yahweh said to me, whatever be the mission I am entrust- 14 “From the north disaster will boil ing to you, and you will speak of down on all the people of this land. 8 15 3:12; whatever I command you to say. Do I am calling all the kingdoms of the Jdg 6:12 not be afraid of them, for I will be with north—it is Yahweh who speaks. Each

• 1.4 Jeremiah says little about his vocation. he had never thought, and which frightens him: We have no fl ashing from God. The Even before I formed you in the womb I have two visions—the branch of the watching-tree known you; even before you were born I had (the almond tree) and the boiling caldron—seem set you apart (v. 5). Later, the same will be said quite ordinary for such a transcendental mis- of (Lk 1:15), of (see Is sion. This helps us understand that God’s call 49) and of Paul (Gal 1:15). was fi rst of all something interior. These words spoken to Jeremiah are, some- I have put my words in your mouth (v. 9). how, also meant for us: we are not the product Jeremiah is made a prophet: from now on, he of chance. In Ephesians 1, Paul praises this fore- will proclaim the word of God. That does not knowledge of God who called us from eternity mean that God will always tell him what he must to know Christ and to have a share in the divine announce, rather, since he now thinks and feels riches. But what is said to Jeremiah urges us to like the Lord, he will be able to comment on refl ect that God, in his eternal designs, clearly every word of God given to him. sees—next to Christ—those who are given a You will go whatever be the mission I am more transcendental mission. It would be diffi - entrusting to you (v. 7). From now on, Jere- cult for them to escape God’s irresistible call. miah will be guided by the power of the Spirit; God seems to force Jeremiah’s freedom, he will obey, whatever the risks and in spite of but that is but an impression of ours because the resistance of his timid nature. Be not scared we have not experienced the real freedom, and of them or I will scare you in their presence words rarely fully express reality. (v. 17)! This is an amazing revelation of the I give you authority over the nations; to demanding love of Yahweh. He has decided to uproot and to destroy (v. 10). From now on, make this lad his chosen one and forces him to Jeremiah will carry Yahweh’s creative word. In overcome and forget his human weakness. the fi rst years, this word seems rather destruc- I am with you to rescue you (v. 19). Yahweh tive. Jeremiah knows that when he pronounces repeats what he said to when he called a condemnation, he expresses God’s judgment him (Ex 3:12) and what he will also say to Paul which will shortly take place. (Acts 26:17). Moreover, Jeremiah is assured that Jeremiah’s mission, to uproot and to destroy; the Lord destined him for this mission, of which to build and to plant will be the mission of any 755 of them will come and encamp at the command you. Be not scared of them entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; or I will scare you in their presence! against all its surrounding walls and 18 See, I will make you a fortifi ed against all the cities of Judah. city, a pillar of iron with walls of bronze, 16 2K I will pass judgment on my peo- against all the nations, against the 22:17 ple because of the evil they do in for- kings and princes of Judah, against saking me; they have burned incense the priests and the people of the land. 19 to foreign gods and worshiped gods They will fi ght against you but shall Acts 18:9; their hands have made. not overcome you, for I am with you 26:17 17 Is 50:7; But you, get ready for action; to rescue you—it is Yahweh who Ezk 3:8; Mic 3:8 stand up and say to them all that I speaks.”

The infi delities of Israel 1 • A word of Yahweh came to me, ing of Jerusalem. This is Yahweh’s Dt 2:7; Ezk 2 8:4; 16:60; 2 “Go and shout this in the hear- word: Hos 2:16 I remember your kindness as a youth, the love of your bridal days, when you followed me in the wilderness, through a land not sown.

3 Israel was holy to Yahweh, Ps the fi rst fruits of his harvest. 105:14 All who ate of it had to pay and misfortune fell on them— it is Yahweh who speaks. 4 Hear the word of Yahweh, people of , all you families of the nation of Israel. 5 What wrong did your fathers fi nd in me 2K 17:15; that they strayed far from me? Wis 13:1 Why did they pursue what is worthless and become worthless themselves?

worker in the Lord’s vineyard. There can be no desert, the days of Moses, when the people compromise between a semblance of Christian were wandering and poor, but trusted in Yah- life and authentic faith; the genuine apostle must weh who helped them. As they built their hous- destroy in order to build. es, planted their vineyards and had children, the became rich and forgot their benefac- • 2.1 Chapters 2–6 except for 3:6-18 con- tor: “No one can serve two masters.” Yahweh tain Jeremiah’s preaching in the fi rst years fol- appears as the jealous husband: those people, lowing his call. After the godless kings Manasseh so easily satisfi ed, had not yet discovered God’s and Amon, there was very little concern for reli- passionate love. gion; Jeremiah daringly opposes general indif- My people have exchanged their glory for ference. His language resembles that of what is worthless (v. 11). Jeremiah is thinking who, a century before, had spoken in similar about his contemporaries who are unable to dis- circumstances in the northern kingdom. For cover the invisible God and who feel secure with the Israelites, Yahweh is God, or a god, but not their painted gods and predictions which chase someone who lives close to them. For Jeremiah after all that is fl ashy and new. he is both Father and Husband. They have forsaken me, the fountain of liv- I remember your kindness as a youth (v. 2). ing water (v. 13). Abandoning God had taken JER You will note the longing for the time of the three forms: JEREMIAH 2 756

6 Dt 32: And they did not say: ‘Where is Yahweh 10-18 who brought us out of Egypt and led us in the wilderness, through a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and darkness, a land still untrodden and without inhabitants?’ 7 I brought you to a fertile land to eat of the choicest fruit. As soon as you came you defi led my land and dishonored my heritage! 8 Lev The priests did not ask, ‘Where is Yahweh?’ 10:11; Num The masters of my teaching did not know me; 27:21; Ezk 7:26; the pastors of my people betrayed me; Hos 4:6; Mic 3:11 the prophets followed worthless idols and spoke in the name of . 9 Therefore I contend with you— it is Yahweh who speaks— and I will contend with your children’s children! 10 to the coasts of Cyprus and see, or send to Kedar and observe with care if there has ever been such a thing! 11 Ps Has a nation exchanged its gods, 106:20; Rom false though they be? 1:23 But my people have exchanged their glory for what is worthless! 12 Is 1:2 Be aghast at that, O heavens! Shudder, be utterly appalled— it is Yahweh who speaks— 13 Is 17:13; for my people have done two evils: Hos 10:10; they have forsaken me, the fountain of , Jn 4:10 to dig for themselves leaking cisterns that hold no water! 14 Did I make Israel a slave or was he born in bondage?

– Their leaders stopped seeking the will of See also the commentary on :22. God. The three categories of authority in Judah Know and see that it is bitter and evil to for- are named: priests, shepherds (governors) and sake Yahweh, your God (v. 19). Maybe Jere- prophets. miah and the prophets sometimes had an overly – They restored the worship of false gods, to simplistic vision of the justice of God in this whom they offered sacrifi ces and vows. world. We know that prosperity or misfortune – They formed alliances with powerful nations are not the sure proof that we are leading good like and Egypt with the idea of guaran- or evil lives. Nevertheless, those who meditate teeing their own security, but without seeing on their lives and on history do verify Jeremiah’s that such alliances were making them just like words: sin always brings its punishment. other people. Their vocation was to keep their The blood of the innocents (v. 34). In many faith in Yahweh, knowing that he would never parts of the Scriptures we fi nd reference to chil- abandon them if they carried out justice among dren sacrifi ced to the idols. the people. 757 JEREMIAH 2 How then did you become the spoil of others? 15 The lions have roared against you, loudly indeed have they roared, making your country a wasteland, your cities a ruins without inhabitants. 16 Even the Egyptians of Memphis and have humbled you! 17 Didn’t you bring this on yourself by forsaking Yahweh, your God, even as he led you in the way? 18 Now why call to Egypt? Will the water of the heal you? And why go to Assyria? What good will the water of the do you?

19 Your own wickedness chastises you Bar 3:12; Dt 4:6; and your own unfaithfulness punishes you! Pro 1:7 Know, and see that it is bitter and evil to forsake Yahweh your God and no longer to fear me— it is Yahweh, the God of Hosts, who speaks! 20 It was long ago that you broke your yoke Dt 12:2; 1K 14:23; and burst your bonds, Is 1:29; Hos saying: ‘I will not serve!’ 4:14; On every high hill Mt 11:30 and under every green tree you played the harlot!

21 I planted you a choice vine, a shoot of wholesome stock; Ps 80:9; why have you become degenerate, a wild vine? Is 5 22 Even if you wash with soda and use soap in abundance, the stain of your sin is always before me— it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.

23 How do you dare say: ‘I am not defi led, 2K I have not gone after the ?’ 23:10 See your footprints in the valley, admit what you have done, O restless young she-camel, running here and there. 24 Wild ass of the desert, sniffi ng the wind in her desire, who can restrain her lust? Those who pursue her, need not tire themselves, at mating time they will fi nd her. 25 Run if you wish, until your feet are sore, and your throat is dry! But you say: ‘It’s no use,

I love foreign gods, it is them I follow.’ JER JEREMIAH 2 758 The crimes of Jerusalem I will accuse you: Yes, you have sinned! 36 26 As a thief is shamed when caught, How lightly do you change your way! Is 30:3 so is the house of Israel, You will be put to shame by Egypt as they, their kings, their princes, you were by Assyria. 37 their priests and their prophets! You will also leave that place with 2S 13:19 27 To a tree they say: ‘You are my father!’ your hands on your head, and to a stone: ‘You gave me birth!’ for Yahweh has rejected those you trust, For they have turned their back on me and they will not help you! instead of their face! In the day of misfortune Are you really returning to me? they will call me: ‘Rise and save us!’ • 1 28 If a man divorces his wife and Dt 32: Where, then, are the gods of your own 37-38; 3 she leaves him and marries an - Is 2:8; making? Jer other man, should he come back to 11:13 Let them rise and save you if they can, in the time of your distress. her? Wouldn’t the land be totally pol- For your gods, O Judah, are as many luted? But you, you are a harlot with as your cities! many lovers, and you still have the 29 Why argue with me? You have all nerve to re turn to me?—it is Yahweh betrayed me—it is Yahweh who speaks. who speaks. 30 Is 1:20 In vain did I strike your children. 2 Lift your eyes to the hills and see: Gen They did not learn a lesson! 38:14; Where have you not been violated? Ezk And your sword, like a destroying lion 16:25 devoured your prophets! By the wayside you sat waiting for 31 All you of this generation, hear what your lovers, like an Arab in the wil- Yahweh says: derness, and you have dishonored the Have I been a desert for Israel, land with your evil and your harlotry! 3 a land of darkness? The showers held back and there Am 4:7; Why do my people say: was no spring rain for you, yet you Dt 28:24 ‘We will depart from you have a harlot’s brow and refuse to be and no more return to you’? ashamed! 4 Worse still you called to 32 Does a forget her ornaments, or me: ‘Father, guide of my youth! 5 Will a bride her sash? But my people have forgotten me you always be angry? Will your wrath for days without number! last forever?’ That is what you said, and 33 How well you direct your steps in your did evil as much as you were able to.” search for lovers, even to walking along with crime! Comparison of the two sisters 34 6 Look at your garments • During the reign of king Josiah, Yah- Ezk 23 stained with the blood of the innocent weh said to me, “Have you seen what faith- poor, although you did not catch them less Israel has done? She has gone on every breaking in! high hill and under every green tree and there 35 I know you say: ‘I am innocent. Why played the harlot! 7 So I thought: After all this does his not turn away from me?’ she will return to me; but she did not.

• 3.1 This is the beginning of the poem them. Yet, Yahweh’s love urges him to look for which will continue in 3:19–4:2. these unfaithful people. If a man divorces his wife. We cannot under- stand sin if we have not known love. Jeremiah • 6. This part begun in 3:1 is interrupted by declares that this hard-hearted people, “the bride” two paragraphs. of Yahweh has behaved like a prostitute. An adul- Verses 6-13. These verses were written when terous woman who abandoned her husband and Josiah recaptured part of the northern kingdom sacrifi ced her children to go after other men. (kingdom of Israel). See the commentary on 2 Contrary to what usually happens, the aban- Kings 23:15. Even after so many threats, the doned husband looks for the guilty woman. Ju - hope of conversion is never lost. dah does not deserve Yahweh’s return and peo- Verses 14-18. These words were probably ple cannot complain when misfortunes befall proclaimed by Jeremiah after the destruction of 759

8 Is 50:1 Her perverse sister, Judah, saw, that for given you as your inheritance a beauti- all the adulteries of that unfaithful Israel, I ful land, the most splendid among all the sent her away with a certifi cate of divorce. nations! And I thought you would call me Yet I saw that the disloyal Judah had no ‘my father’ and not turn from following me! fear and that she too went and played the 20 But, like a woman unfaithful to her harlot! 9 Because of her harlotry, she dis- husband, you have been unfaithful to me, honored the land, sinning with stones and O people of Israel!—it is Yahweh who trees. 10 And even after that, her sister, speaks.” the unfaithful Judah, did not come to me 21 A cry is heard in the barren heights, wholeheartedly, it was only pretense. It is the weeping and pleading of the children Yahweh who speaks.” of Israel, because they have perverted 11 And Yahweh continued, “Rebellious their way and have forgotten Yahweh their Israel has been less guilty than false Judah. God! 22 12 Go and shout this message to the north: “Come back, unfaithful people, I will Hos Come back, unfaithful Israel—it is Yah- heal you of your rebelliousness!” 14:5 weh who speaks—I will not let my anger ‘Yes, we come to you, for you are Yah- fall on you for I am merciful, I will not be weh our God! angry forever. 23 Truly the temples on the heights and 13 Simply confess your guilt; you have the feasts on the hills are useless; only rebelled against Yahweh your God, and Yahweh our God can save Israel. have scattered your favors among strang- 24 The infamous god has devoured all ers under every green tree, and you have the fruits of our ancestors’ labor since our not obeyed my voice—it is the word of youth, their fl ocks and their herds, their 25 Yahweh. sons and their daughters. Let us down Ezra 9:6 in our shame and let our confusion cover The us, for it is against Yahweh our God that 14 Come back, faithless people—it is we have sinned from our youth until this Yahweh who speaks—for I am your master. day, we and our fathers, and we have not I will select one from a city and two from a obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God!’ family and bring you to . 15 Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, Disaster foretold who will feed you with knowledge and pru- 1 “If you return to me, O Israel—it is 16 Dt 6:3; dence. And when you have increased 4 Yahweh who speaks—if you convert to 2Mac 2:5 and multiplied in the land in those days— me and remove your dirty idols from my it is Yahweh who speaks—people will no sight you will have no need to hide from 2 longer speak of the me; if you truthfully, justly and honestly Dt 6:13 of Yahweh; it will not be remembered or swear by Yahweh’s life, then you will be a missed, nor shall it be made again! blessing for all nations, and you will be 17 Ezk Then they will call Jerusalem ‘The their glory.” 3 43:7; For thus says Yahweh to the people of Hos Rev of Yahweh’ and all the nations will 10:12; 22:3 gather there to honor the name of Yahweh; Judah and Jerusalem, “Break up deeply Mt 13:22 and no longer will they follow the stub- your fallow land and do not sow among bornness of their wicked hearts. the thorns. 4 O men of Judah and Jeru- 18 In those days the people of Judah will salem! circumcise yourselves for Yah- unite with the people of Israel and together weh and purify your hearts, lest my wrath they will return from the north, to the land spread like a fi re that cannot be quenched that I gave to their ancestors as a heritage. because of your evil deeds.” 5 Announce this in Judah, 1:13-15 Continuation of the poem for conversion proclaim it in Jerusalem. 19 Ezk And I thought: How gladly would I Sound the trumpet through the land; 20:6; Is 63:16 have placed you among my children and shout aloud and say:

Jerusalem in the year 587 B.C. and they con- In fact, these threats of punishment had to be tain promises of restoration. They were inserted completely carried out before God would offer here in the book to tone down the pessimistic new hope. JER impression caused by so many condemnations. JEREMIAH 4 760 “Assemble and go to the fortifi ed cities! hear the sound of the trumpet and the 6 Raise a banner towards Zion! clamor of war! Run for your lives, do not tarry, 20 for I will bring evil and great destruc- Disaster after disaster; all the land tion from the north. is laid waste; my tents are suddenly

7 destroyed and in an instant all that The lion has come out of his den; the 21 destroyer of nations has set out to dev- shelters me is wiped out. For how astate your country and make your cities long must I see the banner raised and ruins without inhabitants! hear the sound of the trumpet? 8 Because of this, wrap yourselves in 22 “This happens because my peo- sackcloth; lament and groan, for the fury ple are foolish and do not know me. of Yahweh’s anger has not turned away from us. They are senseless and have no un - 9 On that day—it is Yahweh who speaks derstanding,—wise in doing evil but —the king and the leaders will be discour- stupid in doing good!” 23 aged, the priests will be terrifi ed and the I looked at the earth and I found it Gen 1:2 10 Ezk prophets will be astounded. People will formless and void; I looked at the sky 13:10 say, “Ah! Lord Yahweh, you have truly deceived this people and Jerusalem, say- but darkness engulfed it. ing: ‘You will have peace’ even as the 24 I looked at the mountains and sword is at our throat.” they were quaking, and all the hills 11 1:14 When the time comes it will be said to were swaying to and fro. the people of Jerusalem: 25 I looked and saw there was no “Wearing wind from the desert heights is coming to the daughter of my people, one at all; even the birds deserted the neither to winnow nor to cleanse! skies. 26 12 A strong wind comes from there. I looked and saw that the fruitful Now I will declare my judgments against land was a desert and that all the cit- them.” ies were in ruins because of Yahweh 13 See! Someone comes like the clouds, and his fi erce anger. his are like a whirlwind, 27 Yahweh says, “The whole land his horses swifter than eagles! Woe to us for we are ruined! may be desolate but I will not totally destroy it! 28 Because of this the earth 14 Is 1:16; Cleanse your heart of every evil, Jeru- Ezk shall mourn and the skies be dark- 18:31; salem, that you may be saved! How long Jas 4:8 will you harbor evil plans within you? ened: I have declared my purpose 15 A voice from declares of a com- and will not relent; I have made up ing disaster from Mount ! “Warn my mind and will not change it.” 16 the nations. Let everyone know in Jeru- 29 At the sound of the horsemen and salem and Judah that enemies are com- 17 archers, every town takes fl ight; ing from a distant land.” They encircle some go to the thickets Jerusalem like watchers guarding a fi eld, and climb among the rocks. because she has rebelled against me—it is All the towns are deserted Yahweh who speaks. and no one is left. 18 30 “ Your own conduct and actions have And you, desolate one, 2K 9:30; brought this upon you. How bitter is your Ezk what will you do? 23:40 punishment and how it deeply penetrates Even if you are garbed in your heart because you have rebelled and wear jewels of gold against me!” and put make-up on your eyes, in vain do you beautify yourself, Barren soil for your lovers despise you 19 I am in anguish! I tremble in the and are ready to take your life. depths of my being; my heart beats 31 I hear a cry as of a woman in labor, Is 1:8 wildly. I cannot remain silent for I anguish as of one giving birth the fi rst time. 761 It is the cry of the daughter of Zion, gasp- 12 They have spoken falsely of Yah- ing for breath with hands outstretched: weh, saying, “He does not exist; no harm “Woe is me! I am fainting amidst a band of will happen to us; we shall see neither the murderers!” sword nor famine! 13 As for the prophets, they are but wind. God doesn’t speak to Not one is upright them.” Gen 1 14 18:32; • “Go through the streets of Jerusa- Because of this, Yahweh the God of Is 10:17 Ezk 22:30; 5 lem; observe carefully and take note. Hosts has spoken, “This is what I am going Mic 7:2; to do to them: I will put words in your Ps 14:2 Search the entire city squares and fi nd, if you can, even one man who acts justly mouth. They will be like a fi re, and this and seeks the truth, that I may forgive this people will be the wood it devours.” city.” 2 Even though they swear, “As surely 15 People of Israel! I will bring against as Yahweh lives” they do not mean what you a nation from far away to attack you. they say. It will be a nation that was founded long 3 O Yahweh, are you not looking for ago and has lasted for a long time. It will truth? You struck them but they did not be a nation whose language you will not feel it; you crushed them but they rejected know. Its people will speak words that you correction. They set their faces harder than will not be able to understand. a rock and refused to repent. 16 All of its soldiers are strong and mighty. 4 Then I thought: “Such are the poor, they Their arrows will send you to your grave. 17 act foolishly because they do not know the They will devour your harvest and Dt 28:33 way of Yahweh, the law of their God! 5 So I your food, will go to the well-to-do and speak to them devour your sons and daughters, for they know the way of Yahweh and the devour your fl ocks and herds, law of their God.” But they, too, have bro- devour your vines and your fi g trees. ken their yoke and burst their bonds! They will devastate with the sword 6 That is why the lion from the forest the fortifi ed cities in which you trust. will slay them and the wolf from the desert 18 will destroy them, while the leopard lurks But even in those days—it is Yah- weh who speaks—I will not utterly destroy around their cities. Anyone who comes out 19 is torn to pieces, for great is their sin and them. And when they ask, “Why has 1S 7:3 many are their desertions! Yahweh our God done all this to us?” you 7 “Why should I pardon you? Your chil- shall say to them, “Just as you have for- dren have rejected me and sworn by false saken me and served foreign gods in your gods. I gave them all they needed and land, so shall you serve strangers in a land yet they committed adultery and trooped that is not your own.” 20 to the harlot’s house. They are well-fed, Declare this to the people of Jacob 8:18-23; 8 14 Ezk lusty stallions, each one neighing for his and make it known in Judah, 22:11 21 neighbor’s wife. listen, stupid and senseless people! Is 6:9; 9 Mt 13:15 5:29; Shall I not call them to account—it is who have eyes and do not see, 9:8 Yahweh who speaks—shall I not take ven- who have ears and do not hear! geance against a nation like this? 22 Do you not fear me?— 10 Go up, nations, through her vine- it is Yahweh who speaks— 38:11 yards and ravage them, but do not entirely Will you not tremble before me? destroy my vine. Cut off her branches for I set the sand as a limit to the sea, an they are not Yahweh’s. 11 For the people of everlasting barrier it may never pass; Israel and Judah have been utterly unfaith- its waves toss but cannot prevail; ful to me—it is Yahweh who speaks. they roar but are unable to go beyond it.

• 5.1 This passage referring to an invasion who would understand. After so many invasions from the north was begun in Chapter 4. this one sounds the alarm announcing the fi nal Search the entire city squares and fi nd, if destruction. This is how people and nations you can, even one man who acts justly and remain deaf until they perish. In the New Testa- seeks the truth. Yahweh would forgive every- ment, John the Baptist and then Jesus and his thing for the sake of one “just person,” just as apostles try to arouse their compatriots and they we saw in Genesis 18. The search is in vain, issue the same call: be converted because the JER and Jeremiah also looks in vain for someone tragedy—the judgment—is at hand. JEREMIAH 5 762 23 But this people’s heart is rebellious Jeremiah’s threats and stubborn; they have turned aside and 8 Take warning, Jerusalem, lest I turn 24 Dt 11:14 gone away! They do not say in their away from you and make you a desola- hearts, “Let us fear Yahweh our God who tion, a no-man’s land.” sends in season the rain, and has in store 9 Yahweh of Hosts further said, “You for us the harvest.” shall glean thoroughly as a vine, what is 25 Your crimes have turned order into left of Israel. You shall do what the grape- , your sins have deprived you of gatherer does when his hand goes over the 26 Ps 10:9 these blessings, for among my people branches again.” 10 are scoundrels; they set traps like fowler To whom shall I speak, whom shall I Acts and catch human beings. warn? Not one of them wants to listen, that 7:51 27 Their houses are fi lled with loot, they may understand. Their ears are stuffed like a cage full of birds. and they pay no attention. They scorn what It has turned them rich and powerful; Yahweh says and refuse to listen. 28 11 Ps 73:7 they have become fat and sleek. The anger of Yahweh has fi lled me 20:9 Great is their wickedness; and I can bear it no longer! there is no justice in their judgment, “Then pour it out on the children in the for they do not protect the ’s street and on the gathering of young men; rights nor defend the needy’s cause! both husband and wife will be caught, both 29 5:9 Should I not severely punish them for the elderly and those who are not of age. 12 such things?—it is Yahweh who speaks— Their houses will be passed to others, 8:10-12 Should I not exact vengeance against a together with their fi elds and their wives, people like them? when I stretch out my hand and strike 30 A terrible and abominable thing has the people of the land—it is Yahweh who 31 Mic 2:11 happened in the land, prophets prophesy speaks. and priests teach what pleases them, 13 All of them—from the least to the and my people like it to be so. But what greatest—are greedy for gain; prophet 14 will you do soon? and priest alike are deceitful. They treat 4:10 lightly the disaster of my people saying, Jerusalem is besieged “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace. 1 People of Benjamin! Seek safety be- 15 They should be ashamed of their abo- 6 yond Jerusalem. minable deeds. But they have no shame Sound the trumpet in Tekoa, and don’t even know how to blush. Surely raise a signal in Beth-hacherem, they shall fall with those who will fall; when for misfortune pours out from the north: I ask them to account they will stumble—it it will be a huge disaster. is Yahweh who speaks. 16 2 Shall I not compare you, daughter of This is what Yahweh says, “Stand in Mt 11:29 Zion, to a beautiful pasture? 3 Shepherds the roads and look. Ask for the ancient with their fl ocks are coming to her, they paths and know where the good way is. pitch their tents and feed their fl ocks all Walk on it and experience peace for your- over her. selves.” But you said, “We will not take it.” 17 Then Yahweh set watchmen over you: 4 Declare a holy war against her, “Pay attention to the sound of the horn!” attack her at noontime. But you said, “We will not listen.” Woe to us! For the day declines; 18 Listen nations; know what will befall the evening shadows lengthen! them! 19 Listen earth! I am bringing disaster 5 Rise up! We shall attack by night on this people! It is the fruit of their rebel- and destroy her palaces! lion, because they ignored my words and 6 For Yahweh of Hosts has spoken: “Cut despised my law. 20 down trees and build a siege-ramp against The incense from is useless for Is 1:11; 43:23; Jerusalem. This city must be punished, for me, don’t bring me the fragrant cane from Heb all in her is oppression. 7 Evil springs from a distant land. Your burnt offerings are not 10:5 her as water from a well. Violence and acceptable to me nor do I fi nd your sacri- oppression are heard in the city, suffering fi ces pleasing.” and cruelty are always before me. 21 This is what Yahweh says, “I will place 763 stumbling blocks before this people to what Yahweh says, all you people of make them stumble, parents and children, Judah (who enter these gates to wor- neighbors and friends together.” 3 22 ship Yahweh). Yahweh the God of 50:41- It is Yahweh who speaks, “See, a 43 people comes from the north, a powerful Israel says this: nation from the ends of the earth. 23 Armed Amend your ways and your deeds with bow and spear they are cruel and and I will stay with you in this place. merciless. Their voice roars like the roar- 4 Rely not on empty words such as: Am 5:14 ing sea. Mounted on horses, in battle for- mation they come as a fi re, against you, ‘Look, temple of Yahweh! Temple of daughter of Zion.” Yahweh! This is the temple of Yah- 24 When we heard this, our hands went weh!’ limp, anguish seized us like the birth pangs 5 It is far better for you to amend of a woman. 25 “Let us not go to the fi elds your ways and act justly with all. or onto the roads, for the enemy’s sword 6 brings terror on every side.” Do not abuse the stranger, orphan 26 Am 8:10; O my people! Wrap yourself in sack- or widow or shed innocent blood in Zec 12:10 cloth and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter this place or follow false gods to your lament as for an only child, for the destroy- own ruin. 7 Then I will stay with you in er is coming against us. this place, in the land I gave to your 27 “I have appointed you as an examiner ancestors in times past and forever. among my people, that you may see and 8 appreciate their ways.” But you trust in deceptive and 28 They are all rebels and slanderers. useless words. 9 You steal, kill, take They are like bronze and iron and all are the wife of your neighbor; you swear 29 Ezk corrupt. The bellows blow to burn away 22:18 falsely, worship Baal and follow for- the lead with fi re, but the smelter works in 10 30 eign gods who are not yours. Then, Is 1:22 vain for the evil elements remain. They will be called “worthless ,” for Yah- after doing all these horrible things, weh has rejected them. you come and stand before me in this temple that bears my name and say, I can destroy this temple ‘Now we are safe.’ 1 11 26:1-19 • These words were spoken by Is this house on which rests my Mt 21:13 7 Yahweh, to Jeremiah, 2 “Stand at name a den of thieves? I have seen the gate of Yahweh’s house and pro- this myself—it is Yahweh who speaks. 12 claim this in a loud voice: Listen to Go to the Sanctuary at in Dt 12:11

• 7.1 For four centuries Yahweh protected us afraid and we take refuge in the bazaar of Jerusalem. The Jews were convinced that there religion. was a blessing for them and for the temple, the All that God gives is for a time in order to dwelling place of Yahweh, where he was pres- make us cross into another stage: God gave ent, and from where he blessed his people. kings and then suppressed them, he demand- Temple of Yahweh, temple of Yahweh! (v. ed sacrifi ces and then he destroyed the temple 4). They come there and, confi dent in Yahweh’s when he gave us the Son “in whom dwells the gifts, they think that they do not need to change fullness of God.” He gave the Law, and later their lives. It is true that Yahweh ordered the showed how ineffective it was. He gave priests sacrifi ces, but can people be reconciled to Yah- and then replaced them with Christ. weh at the cost of a sacrifi ced animal? What is Here Jeremiah speaks of the temple. In 3:16 the value of these rituals if there is no change in he also speaks of the Ark of the Covenant: behavior? they will no longer exist in the time of the New What I did in Shiloh, I will likewise do to this Covenant. In 4:4, Jeremiah mentions circumci- temple (v. 14). God has successively destroyed sion: it will no longer serve in a world of truth: the sacred objects and the institutions he gave :25-30. his people. People always replace God with Following this text, we have three more texts, means that lead to God, or with holy objects, or dealing with worship:

with persons who represent God. We are for- – the people of God are reprimanded for wor- JER ever fl eeing from a personal encounter whether shiping Yahweh and other gods at the same time; it be with God or neighbor, because it makes – they perform rituals but are not concerned JEREMIAH 7 764 Is rael, where I fi rst let my name rest, them: Listen to my voice and I will be and see what I did to that place because your God and you will be my people. of the wickedness of my people Israel. Walk in the way I command you and 13 24 Is 50:2; You have done all this and have all will be well with you. But they did 65:11 not listened when I repeatedly warned not listen and paid no attention. They you; neither have you answered when followed the bad habits of their stub- I called you. 14 What I did in Shiloh, I born heart and turned away from me. will likewise do to this temple on which 25 From the time I brought their ances- rests my name, this sacred place tors out of Egypt until this day I have con- in which you trust and which I have tinually sent them my servants, the proph- given to you and to your ancestors. ets; 26 but this stiff-necked people did not 15 As for you, I will drive you out of listen. They paid no attention and were worse than their ancestors. my sight, just as I cast away all your 27 You may say all these things to them kinsfolk in the north, the entire race of but they will not listen. You will call them Ephraim. but they will not answer. 28 This is a nation

16 that did not obey Yahweh and refused to 11:14 Do not plead for this people. Make no prayer or supplication for them; do not be disciplined. Truth has perished and is no longer heard from their lips. press me on their behalf because I will not 29 Cut off your hair and throw it away. 19:1-13; listen to you. Num 6:5; 17 Intone a lament on the bare heights, for Jdg 13:5; Don’t you see what they do in the cities 1S 1:11 of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? Yahweh has rejected and forsaken these 18 people.” This is Yahweh’s word. 44:17 The children gather wood and the fathers 30 light the fi re. The women knead dough to The people of Judah have done what 32:34 make cakes for the and disgusts me. They have placed their idols pour out drink offerings for foreign gods. in the Sanctuary that houses my name and defi led it. 31 They have built the temple of 2K 21:6 19 They do this to belittle me. But is it me they belittle? asks Yahweh. No, they belit- Topheth in the valley of Hinnom where they tle themselves to their own confusion. burn their sons and daughters, something I 20 never commanded or even thought of. Because of this Yahweh has spoken, 32 ‘The fury of my anger will be poured out on Hence the time will come when it will 19:6 this place, both on man and beast, on the no longer be called Topheth or the valley of trees in the fi elds and on the produce of the Hinnom, but rather the valley of Slaughter, for they will bury the dead in Topheth for earth; it will burn and not be extinguished.’” 33 lack of space elsewhere. And the corps- Bar 2:23 True religion es of this people will be eaten by birds and animals; and none will scare them away. 21 11:1-14; • This is what Yahweh of Hosts, 34 In the cities of Judah and the streets of Am 4:4 says to you, “Add your burnt offerings Jerusalem I will bring to an end all expres- to your sacrifi ces and eat the fl esh. sions of joy and happiness, the songs of 22 the bride and bridegroom, for the land will Hos 6:6 When I brought your ancestors out become a wilderness. of Egypt I did not give them man- 1 date regarding sacrifi ces and burnt • When that time comes—it is Yah- 2K 23 23:16 Dt 6:3 offerings. One thing I did command 8 weh who speaks—they will bring from

about heeding the word of God and doing what (2 K 22). The chosen people will have peace if is pleasing to God. they listen to the word of their God. In the same How many believe that they can be called way we also must go beyond our religious prac- Christians without converting from their mate- tices and listen to the Lord. rialistic way of life far removed from any Chris- tian community! • 8.1 These three chapters combine several of Jeremiah’s oracles which were delivered in • 21. Jeremiah repeats the warnings of Deu- the days of king Jehoiakim. teronomy. This book had just been discovered Our Scripture did not yet exist in those days. 765 the tombs the bones of the kings of Judah, fall; for I will ask them to account and they the bones of their leaders, priests, prophets will stumble. 2 13 25:33 and of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They I will make an end of them—it is Yah- Mk will expose them to the sun and moon and weh who speaks—for the vine yields no 11:13 all the gods of the skies, because they have grapes, the fi g tree no fi gs, even the leaves loved and served them, and they have fol- are withered. I will hand them over to the lowed and worshiped them. These bones passersby.” 14 will not be gathered up to be replaced in “Why do we sit still? Get up! We shall 4:5 tombs but will remain like dung on the go to the fortifi ed cities to perish there. ground. See, Yahweh our God wants us to die and 3 Rev 9:6 Death will be preferable to life for the gives us poisoned water, because we have survivors of this perverse race who remain sinned against him. 15 in places to which I have driven them. We hoped for good fortune, but noth- 14:19 ing good has come of it. We hoped for Sin and punishment a time of relief, but we experience terror 4 This is what Yahweh told me, “You will instead. 16 From Dan we hear the snorting say to them: Doesn’t the one who falls get of his horses; at the sound of the neighing up and the one who goes away return? of his stallions the whole earth trembles.” 5 Why then has this people turned away in – “They are coming to destroy the land stubborn rebellion? They make a habit of and everything in it! They are coming to deceit and refuse to repent. destroy the cities and everyone who lives 6 I listened attentively; they did not in them! 17 For I am letting loose against speak truthfully nor did they repent of you snakes and adders that cannot be their wickedness. No one says: ‘What have charmed, and they will bite you.” 18 I done!’ They all follow their own course Sorrow takes hold of me, my heart 5:20-25; like horses plunging into battle. 7 Even the fails me. 19 I hear my dear people crying 14 stork in the sky knows her times; the dove, out throughout the length and breadth of the swallow and the crane know the time the land. They are crying, ‘Is Yahweh no to return, but my people do not know the longer in Zion? Is her divine King no longer ordinances of Yahweh. there?’” Yahweh answers, “Why then do 8 Mt 23 How dare you say: ‘We are wise and they provoke me to anger with their imag- the law of Yahweh is with us’ when the es, with their worthless foreign idols?” deceiving pen of the has turned it 20 The harvest is over, the summer is 9 21 Rom into a lie? The wise will be put to shame; past and we have not been saved. I am 2:17; 1Cor they shall be dismayed and trapped. Since brokenhearted because of my people’s 1:19 they have despised the word of Yahweh, misfortune. what then is left as the basis of their wis- I am crushed and dismayed. 22 Is there dom? no balm in Gilead? Is there no healer there? 10 6:12-15 That is why I will give their wives to Why is no remedy given to my people? 23 other men, their fi elds to conquerors, for I would that my head were a well of Lm 1:16 all of them, the smallest to the greatest, water and my eyes a fountain of tears to are greedy for gain. All, from the prophet weep day and night for those of my dear to the priest, practice deceit. 11 They treat people who have been killed. lightly the wound of my people saying ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace. 1 Who will give me a lodging in the des- 12 They should be ashamed of their 9 ert that I may leave my people abominable deeds. They have no shame and go far from them? and don’t even know how to blush. Surely For they are all adulterers, they shall fall along with those who will a band of traitors.

The parts of it which were already written never rupted: it was no longer possible to know the left the temple library. For the people the word meaning of the events which the nation was of God consisted of the traditions kept by the experiencing. priests, and their decisions that applied the Law In verses 10-12 we have a repetition of what of God; it also meant the words of the prophets was said in 6:12-15. who transmitted the word of God for their day. In verses 21 and 23 we see Jeremiah’s sensi- JER However, these two sources of faith were cor- tivity to the misfortunes of his people. JEREMIAH 9 766 2 They bend their tongue like bows. these events? And who is the one Yahweh Deceit and not truth prevail in the land. has chosen to reveal them? Why has the They commit one crime after another land perished and been laid waste like a and do not know me. desert where no one passes? 3 12 Mic 7:5; Each one is suspicious of his friend Yahweh answered, “It is because they Ps 41:10 and no one trusts his brother, have forsaken the law that I gave them. brother deceives brother, They have not listened to me 13 but in the friend slanders friend. stubbornness of their heart they have fol- 4 They deceive each other; lowed the Baals as they were instructed by no one speaks the truth. their ancestors.” 14 Their tongues are addicted to lying; That is why Yahweh, the God of Hosts 23:15; Rev they are perverse and too hardened to and the God of Israel says, “I will make 8:11 repent. this people eat bitter food and I will give 5 They live amidst deceitfulness them poisoned water. 15 I will scatter them and deceitfulness prevents them from among nations that neither they nor their knowing me. ancestors knew and I will send the sword 6 Therefore thus says Yahweh: I will now after them until I have fi nished with them.” refi ne and test them, 16 Listen! Call for the wailing women to for what else can I do for my people? come, send for the most skillful! 7 Ps 57:5 Their tongues are like deadly arrows, 17 Let them hasten to intone a funeral uttering deceitful words. song, and let us weep, With their friend they speak of peace our eyes running with tears. but in their heart they set a trap for him. 18 The sound of wailing is heard in Zion. 8 Rom 2:2 Isn’t it reason enough for me to punish A terrible disaster has befallen us! them? How great our shame to leave the land, Shall I not avenge myself on such a to see our homes broken down! nation? 19 You women, take heed of what Yah- 9 On the mountains there will be weep- weh says, let your ears pay attention to his ing and wailing, and on the prairies of the words. wilderness a dirge, because they have been Teach this lament to your daughters burnt and deserted, and the sound of fl ock and each of them to their friends: 20 is heard no more. The birds of the sky and “Death has come through our win- Jl 2:9 the beasts have all fl ed and are gone. dows and invaded our palaces, cutting down the children in the street 10 I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, and young men in the squares! a den of jackals. 21 The corpse are scattered in the fi elds I will make the cities of Judah a waste- like dung; land without inhabitants.” like sheaves cut by the reaper Dt 11 32:39; • Who is wise enough to understand with no one to gather them!” Hos 14:10 True wisdom

22 Jas 1:9 • It is Yahweh who speaks: “Let not the wise boast of his wisdom, nor the valiant of his valor nor the wealthy of his wealth!

• 9.11 As we have said with regard to 8:8, Nowadays it is not enough to know the letter the wisdom of believers is not like a rule of of the Scriptures: we need to have guidance of individual life which everyone could read in the the Church and its prophets help us apply the same way in the Scriptures and practice regard- text to our present situation. less of the place and time. Their wisdom con- sists in “understanding events.” In every age, the • 22. We put a great deal of emphasis on people of God should respond to the challenge helping young people to study. Many parents that God offers them through the circumstances make sacrifi ces throughout their lives to have of the present time. one of their children become a good techni- 767

23 But if someone wants to boast, Jn 17:3; 1Cor let him boast of this: 1:31; 2Cor of understanding and knowing me. 10:17; I am Yahweh, the merciful; Mic 6:8 I implement justice and rule the world with righteousness. For in these things I delight,” this is Yahweh’s word.

24 “The time is coming,” Yahweh says, 8 They are all brutish and stupid; “when I will ask to account both those their idols are proof of their foolishness. who are circumcised and those who are 10 But Yahweh is the true God, not: 25 Egypt, Judah, the Amonites and the the living God and eternal King. Moabites with all the of the desert, His anger makes the earth quake; for all these nations are not circumcised, the nations cannot endure his fury. and the people of Israel are not circum- 11 You will say this to them, “The gods cised in their heart.” who did not make either the heavens or Idols and the true God the earth shall disappear from the earth 1 and from under the heavens.” Hear the word which Yahweh speaks 12 By his power he made the earth, 51:15-19; 10 to you, people of Israel, Ps 2 by his wisdom he established the world; 104:24; Is 8:12; “Do not follow the way of the foreign Job 38 Rom by his understanding he extended the nations and do not fear signs in the sky 12:2 heavens. as they do. The Awesome God of these 13 3 When he raises his voice Ps 135:7 Is nations is but nothing. It is only wood cut 40:19; the waters pile up in the heavens. from a tree in the forest and shaped by a Wis He calls the clouds from the ends of the 13—14 craftsman’s chisel. 4a They adorned it with earth; he sends lightning with the rain and silver and gold—9 silver from and from his storehouse sends out the wind. gold from —work of a carver and a 14 At this everyone feels stupid and goldsmith’s hand, all the work of artists; with out knowledge. Every goldsmith is they are dressed in violet and purple cloth ashamed of his idol which is a fraud with- woven by skilled weavers. 4b It is fastened out breath. 15 They are worthless, ridiculous down with nails to keep it from falling 5 objects; they shall perish when the time of Bar 6: over. Their idols are like scarecrows in a 3-26; retribution comes. Ps cucumber fi eld; they cannot speak. They 16 He instead has formed the universe Ps 16:5 115:4-7 have to be carried because they cannot and Israel as well, the tribe of his inheri- walk. Have no fear of them; they can do tance, neither harm nor good.” for he is the portion of Jacob: 6 No one equals you, Yahweh, Yahweh, God of Hosts is his name. 17 you are great. Gather up your belongings and leave Ezk 12:3 Power is yours, and great is your name! the land, you who are the victims of siege, 7 18 Rev Who would not fear you, King of for thus says Yahweh, 15:4 nations? “I am hurling far away the inhabitants You are to be feared, of this land, and I will let them be pursued for among the wise of the nations and captured.” and in all their kingdoms 19 Woe is me! What suffering! no one equals you. My wound is incurable!

cian or go to the university. Jeremiah reminds I am Yahweh, the merciful; I implement jus- us that this alone does not give true wisdom. tice and rule the world with righteousness (v. We should be ashamed when we compare the 23) is the means whereby we remain steadfast time we spend with sterile occupations (intermi- in the face of evil: it will stir up our desire to imi- nable gossiping, profi tless reading, superfi cial tate God and to dedicate ourselves to bringing programs on TV and internet) with the time we kindness, law and justice into this world. JER dedicate to knowing God. JEREMIAH 10 768 But I shall say; “Mine is this illness, I replied, “, Yahweh.” I must bear it.” 6 Yahweh said to me, “Publish what I 20 My tent is destroyed, say in the cities of Judah and the streets of all its cords are snapped. Jerusalem, ‘Hear the terms of this Cove- My children have left me and are no more; nant and keep them. 7 When I brought your no one is left to pitch my tent ancestors out of Egypt, I solemnly warned or to set my shelter up. them and have continued to tell them: 21 For the pastors have become sense- ‘Obey me.’ 8 But they did not listen to me less and have not consulted Yahweh; or heed what I said; each one followed his they have not prospered own stubborn heart. So I fulfi lled against and all their fl ocks are scattered. them all the words of this Covenant that I 22 Heed the news! Pay attention! had commanded them, but which they did A great commotion is heard from the not follow.” north; 9 Yahweh said to me, “There is a con- they are coming to make the cities of spiracy among the people of Judah and Judah a desolate land, a den of jackals. the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10 They have returned to the sins of their ancestors who Jeremiah’s prayer refused to obey me; they have followed and 23 served foreign gods. The nation of Israel Pro • You know, Yahweh, that man’s 16:1; and the nation of Judah have broken the 20:24 life is not within his own control and Covenant I made with their ancestors.” it is not for him to direct his steps! 11 That is why Yahweh says to you, “I 24 Ps 6:2; Correct us, Yahweh, with prudence, will bring upon them a disaster from which 38:2 not in anger, lest you destroy us com- there will be no escape. When they cry 12 pletely. to me I will not listen. Then the cities of Judah and the people of Jerusalem will go 25 Ps Put out your anger on the nations 79:6-7 crying to the gods they worship, but these that do not know you, on the people will not help them in the time of misfor- 13 who do not call on your name. For tune. For you, Judah, have as many 2:28 they have devoured Jacob and con- gods as there are cities; as numerous as the streets in Jerusalem are the altars you sumed him thoroughly; his homeland have raised to Baal.” 14 is already laid waste. For your part, do not intercede for this 7:16 people, nor offer a plea or petition because Jeremiah supports Josiah’s reform I will not listen when they cry to me in the 1 7:21-28 • This is the word that came to time of their distress. 11 Jeremiah from Yahweh: 2 Say to the 15 What is my beloved doing in my people of Jerusalem: 3 Cursed be anyone house? who does not heed the terms of this Cov- She is plotting evil deeds. enant 4 which I ordained for your ancestors Will your vows and the meat of your the day I freed them from that cleansing victims cleanse you from your wicked- furnace that Egypt is. I said to them: ‘If ness and allow you to rejoice? you obey my voice and do all that I com- Yahweh had called you 16 mand you, you will be my people and I will ‘Beautiful Green Olive Tree— Hos be your God. 5 Then I will fulfi ll the promise fair and fruitful!’ 14:7 I swore to your ancestors, to give you a But with the roar of a storm, land fl owing with milk and honey,’ (as it is its foliage took fi re today).” and its branches were broken.

• 10.23 Correct us, Yahweh, with prudence • 11.1 This chapter is one of the few offer- (v. 24). Here, suddenly, the heart of Je re miah ing us the preaching of Jeremiah in the years fol- manifests itself. He does not forget he is an Isra- lowing the “discovery of the Law” and Josiah’s elite and he asks God to restore justice, to pun- reform (see 2 K 22). For a while, wishing to do ish those powerful nations that come to destroy his best to serve Yahweh, king Josiah aroused a Judah whenever they like. After repeating many new fervor. Yet, when we read what Jeremiah times that those enemy nations were sent by says here, we see that the conversion of the God himself against Judah, he now rebels. people was not, nor could be, in depth. 769 17 And Yahweh, God of Hosts, who plant- ing and let his name never be men- ed you, has condemned you to shame. tioned again.” 20:12; Indeed the nation of Israel and the nation 20 1P 2:23; Yahweh, God of Hosts, you who Jer 17:10; of Jacob harmed themselves when they 1K 8:39; judge with justice and know every- Ps 7:10; worshiped Baal and aroused my anger. 139:13; one’s heart and intentions, let me see Pro 15:11; Plot against Jeremiah Wis 1:6; your vengeance on them, for to you I 1Thes 18 2:4; 15:10 Yahweh made it known to me have entrusted my cause. Acts 1:24; and so I know! And you let me see 21 This is what Yahweh has to say Rev 2:23 6 their scheming: (12 ) “Take care, against the people of Anathoth who Am 2:12; even your kinsfolk and your own fam- threatened me with death and said, “Do 7:16 ily are false with you, and behind your not prophesy any more in the name of back they freely criticize you. Do not Yahweh and we will spare your life.” trust them when they approach you in 22 Yahweh says to them, “This is a friendly way.” how I will punish you: the young men 19 Is 53:7; But I was like a gentle lamb led shall die by the sword; their sons and Ps 23 109:13 to the slaughter. I did not know it daughters shall die of hunger. No was against me that they were plot- one will survive when I bring disaster ting, “Let us feed him with trials and on the people of Anathoth in the year remove him from the land of the liv- of their punishment.”

Why do the wicked prosper?

1 • Yahweh, you are always right Job 21; Ps 49; 12 when I complain to you; 73; Hb 1:13; nevertheless, where is your justice? Ps 73:3; Why do the wicked prosper? Job 12:6 And why do traitors live in peace? 2 You plant them and they take root; Is 29:13; they grow and are fruitful; Mk 7:6 they honor you with words but their heart is far from you.

3 But you, Yahweh, you know me and see me; Ps you search my heart—it is close to you. 139:1-4 Send them off like sheep to be butchered; put them aside for the day of slaughter. 4 How long will the land be in mourning Hos 4:3 and the grass of the fi elds remain withered? The birds and the beasts have perished because of the wickedness of the inhabitants, for they say: ‘God does not see what we do.’

Jeremiah knew that in order to be faithful to If you tire when running with those on foot, God, one must be moved and transformed by how can you compete with horses? (v. 5). Yah- him. weh’s answer seems harsh: it only predicts more cruel trials for Jeremiah (that is the meaning • 12.1 For the fi rst time, Jeremiah questions of the refrain). When his true friends hesitate, the prosperity of evil people, as will 73 God does not make the way easier for them: he and 49 and, above all, the . It is not knows that by proposing new sacrifi ces to them, without reason that Jeremiah wonders: for he is he will once again, bring about their generous JER constantly persecuted. surrender. JEREMIAH 12 770 5 “If you tire when running with those on foot, how can you compete with horses? If you do not feel secure in a peaceful land, what will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?”

7 I have abandoned my house, The linen belt I have given up my own people; 1 I have given over those I most cherished This is what Yahweh said to into the hands of their enemies. 13 me: “Go! Buy yourself a linen 8 My own have been for me like a lion in belt and put it around your waist; do the forest; not put it in water.” 2 So I bought the they have roared against me—now I belt as Yahweh ordered and put it hate them. 9 around my waist. My own have become for me like a 3 bird of prey. The word of Yahweh came to me 4 Let all the birds of prey attack them. a second time, “Take the belt you Come here, all you wild beasts and bought, the one you put around your devour them! waist, and go to the torrent Perah; hide 10 Many shepherds have ravaged my vine; it there in a hole in the rock.” 5 I went they have trampled my beloved fi eld and hid it as Yahweh instructed me. and made it a desolate wasteland, 6 11 parched and mournful in my sight. After many days Yahweh said to But no one cares! me, “Go to the torrent Perah and get 12 To every height in the desert destroy- the belt I ordered you to hide there.” 7 I ers have come, went to the torrent and dug up the belt for Yahweh has a devouring sword. but it was ruined and good for noth- It reaches from one end of the land to 8 9 the other; ing; and Yahweh said to me, “In this no one is safe! way I will destroy the pride and great 13 They have sown grain and reaped glory of Judah, 10 this wicked people thorns; who refuse to heed what I say, this they have toiled for nothing. stubborn people who go after other Your harvests bring shame on you be - cause of Yahweh’s anger. gods to serve and worship them. And 14 Yahweh declares, “Because all my they shall become like this belt which wicked neighbors have laid hands on the is now good for nothing. land I gave my people Israel, I will uproot 11 For just as a belt is to be bound them from their own land, and I will uproot around a man’s waist so was the the people of Judah from among them. 15 people of Israel and Judah bound to Is 19: But after I have done this, I will have 18-24 compassion on them and bring them back me—it is Yahweh who speaks—to be to their possession, each one to his own my people, my glory and my honor; land. but they would not listen. 16 If, then, they learn the ways I taught my people and call upon my name when The broken wine jars taking an oath, they, who once taught my 12 • You will say to them this word Rom people to swear by Baal, may settle among 9:22 my people. 17 But if then, any nation does of Yahweh the God of Israel, “Every not obey me, I will uproot and destroy it—it pitcher should be fi lled with wine.” is Yahweh who speaks.” And they will say: “Don’t we know

• 13.12 Those who refuse to see, God will foolish ways, God will make drunk so that they make blind (Jn 9:39). Those who scorn him, will lose themselves because of their own fool- God will bring to disgrace through their own evil ishness. ways (Rom 1:24). Those who prefer to follow 771

§Jer that a pitcher should be fi lled with for the crown of glory 14 7 has fallen from your head. Dn 3:34 wine?” 19 13 The cities of the Negeb have been Is 51:17 You will reply, “You are the pitch- shut and no one comes to open them, ers that Yahweh will fi ll until you are all Judah is deported, drunk. I am going to fi ll with drunken- completely carried off.” ness all who live in this land—kings 20 Look up Jerusalem and see those who who succeed , the priests, the come from the north. Where is the fl ock prophets and all who live in Jerusa- that was entrusted to you and where are lem. 14 I will dash them one against an- your beautiful sheep? 21 What will you say when those you other, parents and children together. let take liberties with you come back to I will have neither compassion nor oppress you? mercy: I am going to destroy them.” Won’t your pain be like that of a woman giving birth? 22 And if you ask yourself, A vision of exile “Why has all this disgrace fallen on me?” 15 Hear and pay attention; do not be It is because of your great wickedness that they have torn away your clothes and dealt proud, for Yahweh has spoken! violently with you. 16 Ecl 12:2; Give glory to Yahweh your God 23 Jn 11:10; Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a 12:35; before he brings darkness, and your leopard his spots? And can you do good, Am 8:9 feet stumble in the darkening hills. you who are accustomed to doing evil? You were hoping for light, but he 24 I will scatter you like straw blown by the desert wind; 25 that is your reward—it will turn it into the darkness of death is Yahweh who speaks—because you have and deep gloom! forgotten me and trusted in false gods. 17 If you do not heed this warning 26 I myself will pull your skirts over your I will weep in secret because of your face and your shame shall be seen. 27 Your pride and I will shed tears when Yah- adultery, your neighing, your brazen pros- weh’s fl ock has been taken captive. titution, all this abomination I have seen on the hills and in the fi elds. 18 Say to the king and the queen mother, Woe to you Jerusalem! When at last will “Humble yourselves, you be cleansed?”

The great drought

1 • The word of Yahweh concerning drought came to Jeremiah: 5:20-25; 14 8:18-23 2 Judah mourns, the cities languish, desolate, they sink to the ground. From Jerusalem a cry is heard. 3 The rich sent the poor for water, but they found none at the cisterns, and returned with empty vessels.

• 14.1 The passage beginning here con- emiah is distressed over his people’s situation. cludes in 15:4. Jeremiah appears before Yah- Maybe God cannot forgive; maybe he cannot weh as the Jews used to do in the temple to save? Here the human being is confronted by publicly confess the sins of the people, in the mystery of God. Jeremiah does not get an the hope that the priests would give them an answer: God does not answer Job either; and encouraging answer on behalf of the God who Jesus does not get an answer in his agony in the forgives. Jeremiah stands in solidarity with his garden of Gethsemane. people and with their sins. But God does not You know what the prophets are saying want to listen to him. to them: you will not see the sword (v. 13). JER O Yahweh, do not abandon us (v. 9)! Jer- There are plenty of false prophets reassuring JEREMIAH 14 772 4 The soil is cracked because there is no rain in the land; the farmers are dismayed and have covered their heads like mourners. 5 Even the doe in the fi elds abandons her newborn calf because there is no pasture. 6 The wild donkeys stand on the heights sniffi ng the air like jackals and languish as they fi nd not even a thistle! 7 Even if our faults accuse us, you Yahweh, work for the glory of your name. In truth, many have been our rebellions and great is our sin against you. 8 O Yahweh! Hope of Israel, you who save in the time of distress, why are you as a stranger in this land, or like a traveler who stays only a night? 9 29:45; Why should you be as if bewildered, Dt 28:10; like a warrior unable to save? Is 43:7 But you are in our midst Yahweh, and on us your name has been invoked. Do not abandon us!

Do not intercede for this people 15 And Yahweh added, “These prophets 10 This is what Yahweh says about this whom I did not send and who prophesy in people, “They like to wander here and my name, saying that the sword and fam- there, not stopping for a moment, so Yah- ine will not touch this land—these same weh takes no pleasure in them; he remem- prophets will perish by the sword and fam- bers their wickedness and will punish their ine. sins.” 16 As for the people listening to them, 11 And Yahweh said, “Do not pray for the their corpses will be thrown into the streets well-being of this people! 12 If they fast I will of Jerusalem. There will be no one to bury not listen to their cry; if they offer me burnt them or their wives, their sons or daugh- offerings and oblations, I will not accept ters, when they die of famine and by the them. Instead, I am going to make an end sword. For I shall make their own malice of them with sword, famine and plague.” fall upon them. 13 17 4:10; And I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! You This you will say to them: Let my eyes Is 22:4 Ezk 13:10 know what the prophets are saying to them: shed tears night and day without ceas- ‘You will not see the sword nor suffer famine ing! For with a great wound has the virgin for I will give you true peace in this place.’” daughter of my people been wounded, a 14 But Yahweh said, “These prophets most grievous wound. have proclaimed untruths in my name. I did 18 If I go into the country, I see those not send them, nor did I command them or slain by the sword. If I enter the city I see speak to them. False visions, worthless div- the ravages of famine. For the prophet and inations and delusions of their own imagi- the priest did not understand what was nation—that is what they prophesy.” happening in the land.”

a society based on false principles. Compared A true prophet is not accepted by his own peo- with them, Jeremiah appears weak and bitter, ple whereas those who provide opium for the as the one who does not give Yahweh’s answer. people are praised. 773

19 8:15; Have you then rejected Judah for- The horrors of war 13:16; Am 5:18 ever? Do you abhor Zion? Why have you 5 Who will take pity on you, Jerusalem? wounded us and left us with no hope of Who will feel sorry for you? recovery? Who will turn to ask how you are? We hoped for salvation but received 6 It was you who rejected me—word of Am 7:8 nothing good; we waited for healing, but Yahweh—you turned your back on me, terror came! 20 and because of that I have stretched out Dn 9:4 Yahweh, we know our wickedness my hand to destroy you. and that of our ancestors, and the times I was weary of showing mercy! we have sinned against you. 7 21 For your name’s sake do not despise I winnowed them with a fork in the cit- us; do not dishonor the throne of your ies of the land, glory. Remember us. Do not break your I left my people without children; Covenant with us! I brought them to ruin, 22 Among the worthless idols of the but they did not change their ways. nations, are there any who can bring rain, 8 Their widows are more numerous than or make the skies send showers? the sand of the seas. On the mothers of Only in you, Yahweh our God, do we their young men I have brought a destroyer hope, for it is you who do all this. who ravages in broad daylight. Suddenly terror and fear grips them. 1 9 Ps 99:6; Yahweh answered me, “Even if The mother who had seven children is Ezk 14:14 15 Moses and came in person confused and discouraged as if breathing to plead for this people, my heart would her last. Although it is still day her sun has have no pity. Send them away from my set. 2 14:12; presence! Let them go! And if they say: As for those who remain, I shall let 43:11; Rev ‘Where shall we go?’ tell them: Yahweh them be slain by the sword in sight of their 13:10 says this: Those destined for the plague, to enemies—it is Yahweh who speaks. the plague; for the sword, to the sword; for 12 Can you break iron that comes from starvation, to starvation; those for captivi- the north, or bronze? 13 ty, to captivity. I will let your wealth and your trea- 17:3-4 3 Ezk For I shall send them four kinds of sures be handed over to plunderers, 14:21 destroyers: the sword to slay, dogs to rav- not for a price but because of all your age, birds of the sky and beasts of the earth sins within your frontiers. to devour and destroy. 4 I shall make them 14 You shall be slaves of your enemies an object of horror for all the kingdoms of among a people you do not know, the world because of what Manasseh, son of for the fury of my anger is on fi re and , king of Judah, did in Jerusalem. will burn you up.”

Yahweh, remember me!

10 • Woe is me, Mother, why did you bring me to the light? 1:4…19; 11:18; A man of dissension throughout the land! 17:14; I owe them nothing, neither do they owe me, 20:7 yet they all curse me! 11 Tell me Yahweh, if I have not served you well! Did I not plead with you for my enemies in the time of their shame and disgrace? 15 You know I have, Yahweh! Ps 69:8

• 15.10 An amazing text where Jeremiah him and trying to bring him down: he is rarely reveals his own personal crisis. understood even in his own home. The situa- Being a prophet is not easy at all. God’s word tion is even worse for God’s prophet. The Lord is not welcomed. Anyone who struggles for the shares with him his own way of seeing and feel- JER truth is surrounded by people wishing evil on ing things. The prophet can no longer join in JEREMIAH 15 774

§Jer Take care of me, defend me; 16 6 Ezk take vengeance on my persecutors. 24:23 Remember! For you I have suffered great humiliations. 16 Ps 19:9; I devoured your words when they came. Jn 4:34 They were my happiness and I felt full of joy when you made your name rest on me. 17 I never associate with worldly people, amusing myself with scoffers! When your hand was upon me I stood apart and you fi lled me with your anger. 18 Mic 1:9 Why is there no end to my sorrow or healing for my wound? Why do you deceive me, and why does my spring suddenly dry up? 19 Then Yahweh spoke to me, “If you return I will take you back and you will serve me again. Draw the gold from the dross and you will be as my own mouth. You must draw them to you and not go over to them. 20 I will make you a fortress and a wall of bronze facing them; if they fi ght against you they will not overcome you; 21 I am with you to free you and save you. I will redeem you from the wicked and free you from the hands of tyrants.”

Do not take a wife 4 All will die of fatal diseases and no • 1 The word of Yahweh came one will mourn for them or bury them; Ezk 2 24:16; 16 to me in these terms: “Do not their corpses will be like dung on the Mt 19:12; 1Cor take a wife nor have sons and daugh- ground. They will perish by the sword 7:26 ters in this place, 3 for this is what and by starvation and their corpses Yahweh says about sons and daugh- will be devoured by birds of prey and ters born here, and about fathers and wild animals.” mothers who bring them to light in 5 Yahweh further insisted, “Do not this country: go into a house of mourning; nei-

the cheap joy and the meaningless conversa- God does not approve of his prophet’s weak- tions that fi ll so many lives. ness: Draw the gold from the dross (v. 19), Your words were my happiness (v. 16). namely, let what is good and noble in you speak God’s word brings the taste of truth and some- out, and silence these fears and complaints thing of the very presence of God. The price of which come from a weak nature. this joy is that he is condemned to live alone. Today the prophet feels the presence of God • 16.1 Do not take a wife (v. 2). The proph- who helps him, but as a creature he begins to ets discover that God is the true Spouse. God’s doubt: What if God keeps himself aloof tomor- passionate and faithful love for his people is the row? And he becomes faint. model for married love. Since prophets become 775

14 ther weep nor loudly lament with the Yahweh says, “The days are coming 23:7-8 bereaved for I have already withdrawn when people will no longer say, ‘Yahweh my peace from these people—even is a living God for he brought the Israel- ites out of Egypt,’ 15 Rather, they will say, my unwavering love and compassion. ‘Yahweh is a living God for he liberated the 6 Both the great and the lowly in this Israelites out of the northern land and out country will perish and no one will of all the countries where he had banished mourn for them or bury them. No one them.’ Yes, I will bring them back to their shall gash his skin or shave his head own country—the land that I bestowed to 7 their ancestors.” as an act of mourning. No funeral 16 But now Yahweh says, “I am sending Ezk meal shall be shared to comfort the for many fi shermen to catch them. After- 12:13 bereaved or console them on the ward, I will send for many hunters to hunt death of their fathers and mothers. them down on every mountain, hill and 8 Do not go to a house of celebra- cave in the rocks. 17 The things that they tion to feast with them before foods do are manifest before my eyes and the 9 sins that they commit are not hidden from 25:10 and drinks, for Yahweh Saboath, the 18 me. I will make them pay double for their 2:13; God of Israel has this to say: Rev wickedness and sin; they have contami- 18:6 In this place and before your very nated my land with their idols that are as eyes, I will muffl e every sound of dead as corpses and have fi lled it with their pleasure and joy, even the song of the abominations.” newlywed. Will people make their own gods?

10 19 • When you announce all these things Yahweh, my strength and my fortress, 2S 22:3; to the people, they will ask you: ‘Why has my refuge in times of distress! Tb 14:6 Yahweh decided to bring such terrible di - From the furthest limits of the earth sasters on us? What wickedness or sin nations will come to you and say, have we committed against Yahweh our “Our ancestors possessed only falsehood, God?’ worthless idols bereft of power.” 11 Then you shall tell them: ‘It is because 20 Will people make their own gods? your ancestors turned away from me and Then they are not gods! went after other gods to serve and worship 21 Hence Yahweh says: “I will show them. They have forsaken me and refused and let them know my power and my to obey my law. 12 But you are worse than might. your ancestors because each of you has And they will know that Yahweh is my gone his own evil ways following his stub- name.” born heart in complete defi ance of me. 1 Dt 4:28 13 Therefore, I will kick you out of this land The sin of Judah is engraved with Job into a place which is strange to you and 17 a tool of steel, with a point of dia- 19:24 your ancestors. There, you will serve other mond. It is written on the tablets of their 2 gods day and night, and you will get no hearts as on the horns of their altars. Their Is 1:29 compassion from me.’” altars and sacred poles witness of it beside

the mouthpiece and the representative of God, will marry: this will become a sign. Thus, they all that they do becomes a sign. Thus, they can- will help us understand that they only live for not seek a happy marriage as long as Israel, the coming marriage of Christ and his glorifi ed Yahweh’s bride, turns her back on her God. Church, of which marriage is only an image. And so, before Jeremiah, another prophet, Hosea, only knew the suffering of the betrayed • 10. Following we have parts of discourses husband in his home and he had to constantly that Jeremiah made on very different occa- forgive his adulterous wife (Hos 3:1). Ezekiel sions. sees his wife die suddenly (Ezk 24:15). Jer- – You will notice in 17:5-11 that similar con- emiah will have neither wife nor children; it is tent is found in several Psalms, and especially in not fi tting for him to marry at the very time the . Where it says “he”, can also be read fi rst covenant is being destroyed. Later, neither as “she”. JER John the Baptist, nor the apostle John, nor Paul – The prayer 17:14-18. JEREMIAH 17 776

3 15:13- every green tree, on the high hills and in 12 What a glorious and exalted 14 the open country! I will give away your 13 throne is our Sanctuary! Yahweh, 15:18 wealth and your treasures as plunder because of your sin in the high places of hope of Is rael, all who forsake you will your land. be put to shame and those who turn 4 Dt Because of your fault you will lose the from you will be cast out from your 28:48 land I gave you. I will give you as slaves to land, for they have rejected Yahweh, your enemies in a land that you have never the fountain of living water. known before, for you have kindled the fi re 14 Heal me, Yahweh, and I shall be of my anger and it will burn forever. whole; save me and I shall be safe, O Words of wisdom you, my hope!

5 15 Ps 146:3 This is what Yahweh says, People say to me, “Where are Yah- Is 5:19; “Cursed is the man who trusts in weh’s threats? Let them be carried out 2P 3:4 human beings and depends on a mor- now!” 16 But I did not urge you to bring devas- tal for his life, while his heart is drawn tation away from Yahweh! nor a time of tragic death; 6 Job He is like a bunch of thistles in dry you well know my desire 20:17 land, in parched desert places, in a and my pleading is in your ears. salt land where no one lives and who 17 Do not terrorize my heart; be my refuge in the day of disaster. never fi nds happiness. 18 Let my persecutors be humbled, rath- 7 Ps 40:5 Blessed is the man who puts his er than me! trust in Yahweh and whose confi dence Let them be terrifi ed but not me! 8 Ps 1:3; is in him! He is like a tree planted Let the day of misfortune fall on them! Ezk 47:12 by the water, sending out its roots Crush them twice over! towards the stream. Observance of the Sabbath He has no fear when the heat • 19 comes, his leaves are always green; The word of Yahweh came to the year of drought is no problem and me in these terms, he can always bear fruit. “Go and stand at the gate they call 9 Most deceitful is the heart. What the People Gate, where the kings of is there within man, who can under- Judah enter and leave; 20 and tell the 10 Heb 4:12; stand him? I, Yahweh, search the king and all the people of Judah that Pro 17:3; Jer 11:20; heart and penetrate the mind. I reward this is what Yahweh says: 32:19; 21 Job 34:11; each one according to his ways and For the sake of your lives, be 16:23; Ps 62:13; Ne Mt 16:27 the fruit of his deeds. careful not to carry a load on the Sab- 13:15 11 Like a partridge hatching eggs it bath day or bring it through the gates did not lay, is someone who hoards of Jerusalem. 22 Carry no burden out riches that he unjustly gained. of your adobes and refrain from work At the noontime of his life, his on the day of the Sabbath. Uphold wealth will abandon him; at the twi- its sacredness as I commanded your light of his breath, his folly will be forefathers. confi rmed.” 23 They did not obey me or pay

• 17.19 Refrain from work on the day of Hebrew of the word Sabbath) is a way for us to the Sabbath (v. 22). Jeremiah often denounces allow room for God in our life. Not working on the religious practices which are not accompa- that day is a way to state that people will not be nied by an upright life; but that does not mean happier by becoming slaves to work, but rather that he minimizes the respect towards God by giving something to God which God will give which is manifested externally. back a hundredfold (see Gen 2:3; Ex 20:8; Lev The Law of Rest (such is the meaning in 25:20). 777 attention to what I said. Stiff-necked dom that I will uproot or destroy it. as they were, they would not hear or 8 But if they change their ways, I will accept my warnings. then relent and refrain from doing the 24 But if you pay attention—it is Yahweh harm I had intended to do. who speaks—and keep the Sabbath holy, 9 At other times I declare that a not working or carrying loads 25 through nation or kingdom will be built up and the gates of Jerusalem, then you will be 10 planted but then they do what dis- Gen 6:6 witnesses to the entry of kings of David’s descent through these gates, riding in pleases me and do not listen to me, chariots and on horses. You shall see them so I decide to reverse the good deeds and their princes along with the people of that I intend to do.” Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; 11 And Yahweh added, “Now tell and this city shall last forever. the people of Judah and to those who 26 People will come from the towns of Judah and from the suburbs of Jerusa- live in Jerusalem: Yahweh says to lem, from the territory of Benjamin, from you, ‘Listen, I am planning to destroy the Lowland and the hill country and from you; I am hatching a devastating the Negeb, bringing into the temple burnt plot against you! Turn from your evil offerings and sacrifi ces, grain offerings ways; rectify your conduct and your and incense, as an act of thanksgiving to deeds.’ 12 But you reply: ‘It’s no use! Yahweh. 27 But if you do not listen and do not We shall follow our own plans’; and keep the Sabbath holy, if you work and each one goes on obeying his stub- carry loads through the gates of Jerusa- born heart.” lem, then I will set fi re to those gates. It will burn the city and will not be quenched.” My people have forsaken me 13 Because of this Yahweh has to say: At the potter’s house Ask among the nations, • 1 This is the word of Yahweh ‘Has anyone heard the like of this? 2 The Virgin Israel has done a most Gen 2:7; 18 that came to Jeremiah: “Go Is 64:7 abominable thing. down to the potter’s house and there 14 Does the snow of ever leave you will hear what I have to say.” the rocky heights of the fi eld? 3 So I went to the potter’s house Do the fresh waters of great rivers ever and found him working at the wheel. dry up? 4 But the pot he was working on was 15 Yet my people have forgotten me, offering incense to empty idols spoiled in his hands, so he reworked that made them stumble on their way it all over again into another pot that as they left the ancient paths. suits his desire. Now they have taken the wrong way, 5 Meanwhile Yahweh sent me his the crooked way that leads nowhere. word, 6 “People of Israel, can I not do 16 Their land will be left desolate, with you what this potter does? As and an object of lasting derision. All who pass by will be astonished clay in the potter’s hand so are you in and shake their heads. my hands. 17 Like the wind that blows from the east 7 At times I warn a nation or a king- I will scatter them before their enemies;

• 18.1 In several parts of the Scriptures, the If they change their ways, I will then relent comparison with the potter serves to show that and refrain from doing the harm I had in - God is absolute master and directs the lives of tended to do (v. 8). At any time, one can be all according to his will: individuals as well as converted and God will act accordingly. There nations (see Is 29:16 and Rom 9:20). Here the is no plan of God written beforehand that we same comparison is used to provide another have to follow, pushed to do good or evil by teaching which complements the fi rst: namely some fatal destiny. God is continually creating JER that we are free. us and he achieves his plan for the world while JEREMIAH 18 778 I will turn my back to them, not my cense to foreign gods that neither they, face, in the day of their disaster! their ancestors nor the kings of Judah have known. They have profaned this place by Do not forgive their sin fi lling it with the blood of the innocent. 18 Then, they said, “Come, let us plot 5 They have put up high places for Baal against Jeremiah, for even without him, to burn their children in fi re as a sacrifi ce. there will be priests to interpret the teach- This is something that I have never com- ings of the law; there will always be wise manded them to do, much less conceived men to impart counsel and prophets to in my mind. proclaim the word. 6 ‘Hence, I, Yahweh, tell you now that Come, let us accuse him and strike him the days will surely come when this place down instead of listening to what he says.” will no longer be called Topheth or the Val- 19 Hear me, O Yahweh! ley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Mas- Listen to what my accusers say. sacre. 20 Is evil the reward for good? 7 In this place I will frustrate the plans Why do they dig a grave for me? of Judah and Jerusalem and let them be Remember how I stood before you slain by their enemies—the very people to speak well on their behalf who have doggedly sought their lives. so that your anger might subside. Then, I will commit their corpses to the 21 Now let their children starve; birds and the beasts as food. 8 I will trans- hand them over to the sword! form this city into a horrible wasteland— Let their wives become childless and an object of scorn and a panorama of hor- widows! ror that will shock passers-by and make Let their men be victims of plague them hiss at upon witnessing the terrible and their young men be slain in battle! catastrophe! 9 The city will be surrounded 22 Let cries be heard in their houses by the enemies who have vowed to mas- when you suddenly bring bandits sacre the people. No one will be able to against them, fl ee from this tight siege and the people in for they have dug a pit to trap me the city will be forced to eat the fl esh of and hidden snares to catch my feet. one another, even that of their very own 23 O Yahweh, you know all of their plots children. to take my life! 10 Then, you shall break the jar before Forgive not their crime; forget not their the people who have accompanied you sin; 11 and you will tell them that I, Yahweh the crush them on the day of your anger. God of Hosts, will smash the people of this city like the shattered jar of the potter The broken jar which is beyond repair. People will bury the 1 13:12 This was an order of Yahweh to dead even in Topheth, for there is no more 19 Jeremiah, “Go and buy a jar from space in the land to bury them. 12 This is the potter. Take with you some elders of precisely what I will do to Jerusalem and the people and a few senior priests, 2 and its citizens, making this city like Topheth. go out to the valley of Ben-Hinnom at the 13 The houses of Jerusalem and the pal- entrance to the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim aces of the kings of Judah will be defi led there what I tell you. like Topheth because the roofs of these 3 Say this: Hear the word of Yahweh, houses have been used to burn incense kings of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem! for the stars of the skies and to pour wine- Yahweh the God of Hosts and the God of offerings for strange gods.’ ” Israel is the one who speaks. I am about Confrontation in the temple to send a disaster upon this place that will make the ears of those who hear it tingle. • 14 Then Jeremiah left Topheth 4 Here they have forsaken me, offering in- where Yahweh had sent him to proph-

renewing each day the free relation it maintains • 19.14 Jeremiah is prophesying alone. Ap- with us. Scripture supports these two state- parently he has no followers or religious groups ments, that nothing escapes God and that we to help him. Some people are getting tired of are free. al ways hearing him threaten. The leaders and 779 esy, and stood on the porch of the Pashur anymore but ‘Terror on every house of Yahweh. There he told all the side.’ 4 For Yahweh says: I am going people, 15 “Listen to the word of Yah- to hand you over to terror, you and weh, God of Israel: I am about to bring your friends. They will fall under the on this city and the towns surrounding sword of their enemies while you look the disaster that I have already fore- on. told, because they are a stiff-necked I will deliver the people of Judah people and will not listen to me.” into the hands of the king of Babylon who will deport them to Babylon or 1 When the priest Pashur, son of slay them by the sword. 5 I will like- 20 Immer, who was the chief offi - wise allow the enemies to plunder all cer in the house of Yahweh, heard the wealth of this city. All the posses- Jeremiah prophesying like this, 2 he sions and treasures of the kings of ordered his people to beat Jeremiah Judah will be seized and carried off to and put him in chains at the Gate of . 6 As for you, Pashur, you Benjamin, the upper gate at the house and your entire family will be taken of Yahweh. 3 The next day, after Pashur as captives to Babylon where you ordered the release of Jeremiah, Je- will die and be buried—you and all re miah told Pashur, “Yahweh has al - your friends whom you deceived with ready changed your name. It is not lies.”

You have seduced me • 7 Yahweh, you have seduced me and I let myself be seduced. You have taken me by force and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; they all make fun of me, 8 for every time I speak I have to shout, “Violence! Devastation!” Yahweh’s word has brought me insult and derision all day long.

9 So I decided to forget about him Jon 1:3; and speak no more in his name. Am 3:8

the priests are angry at this individual’s condem- But his word is like a fi re in my bones (cf. v. 9). nation of a society in which they live without What is really amazing is the irresistible power problems. of God’s word. It is more diffi cult to resist it than to face human opposition. Paul will declare, in • 20.7 This “confession” recalls the one in a fairly similar way, that he cannot evade the Chapter 15. The Bearer of the Truth is rejected responsibility of preaching the Gospel (1 Cor and mocked simply because he speaks by virtue 9:16). This text forces us to revise and deepen of a personal mission which the people do not the very simplistic ideas we have concerning our accept. Let us not forget that Jeremiah lived six freedom: being faithful to the most demanding centuries before Jesus, long before there was any mission is also to be free. thought of the beyond, so we will have a better The curse which follows in verses 14-18 will understanding of why he cries for divine justice. be picked up and developed in the third chapter You have taken me by force (v. 7): is there of Job. JER anything more understandable if God is Love? JEREMIAH 20 780 But his word in my heart becomes like a fi re burning deep within my bones. I try so hard to hold it in, but I cannot do it. 10 I hear many people whispering, “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Yes, denounce him!” All my friends watch me to see if I will slip: “Perhaps he can be deceived,” they say; “then we can get the better of him and have our revenge.”

11 Ps 40:15 But Yahweh, a mighty warrior, is with me. My persecutors will stumble and not prevail; that failure will be their shame and their disgrace will never be forgotten. 12 Yahweh, God of Hosts, you test the just and probe the heart and mind. Let me see your revenge on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. 13 Sing to Yahweh! Praise Yahweh and say: he has rescued the poor from the clutches of the wicked!

14 Job 3:3; Cursed be the day I was born! few of his miracles and make the enemy Jer 15:10 Bless not the day my mother brought withdraw.” me to light! 3 Jeremiah replied, “This is what Yah- 15 Cursed be the man who broke the weh the God of Israel says to Zedekiah: news to my father: ‘It’s a boy!’ 4 I am about to bring back to you the and it made him joyful! weapons with which you are fi ghting out- 16 Let him be like the towns that Yahweh side the wall, the king of Babylon and the destroyed without mercy. Chaldeans who are besieging you; and I Let him hear a warning shout in the will pile up these weapons in the center of morning the city. and a battle cry at noon! 5 Then I myself will fi ght against you Job 3:11 17 For he did not kill me in the womb, with outstretched hand and mighty arm, that my mother would have been my with anger and fury and great wrath, 6 I grave, will strike all in the city, both humans and and have carried me forever. animals, and they will perish in a terrible 18 Why did I ever leave the womb plague. to live in trouble and sorrow, 7 After this—it is Yahweh who speaks and spend my days in shame? —I will hand over Zedekiah, king of Judah, his servants and the citizens who survive An answer for Zedekiah the plague, the sword and famine over to 1 These words of Yahweh came to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. I will 21 Jeremiah when king Zedekiah sent hand them over to their enemies, to those Pashur, son of Malchiah and the priest who have been hounding their blood. They son of Maaseiah, to say to him: shall be slain without mercy or compas- 2 2K “Consult Yahweh on our behalf, for Nebu- sion.” 22:13 chadnezzar, king of Babylon, has started a 8 Then Yahweh instructed me to say this war with us. Perhaps Yahweh will work a to the people: “Take heed! I, Yahweh, am 781 presenting you a choice between the way Harm not the foreigners, the and that leads to life and the way that leads to the widows; do them no violence, and let 9 38:2 death. Those who remain in the confi nes no innocent blood be spilled in this place. of the city will meet their deaths by the 4 If you do this, kings succeeding king sword, famine or plague; those who go out David will enter these gates riding on their and surrender to the Chaldeans besieging chariots and horses, together with their the city will live and will be the only ones servants and their people. to be saved. 5 But if you do not listen to these words, 10 Lev For I am turning to this city for its ruin, then I swear by myself, Yahweh declares, 20:3; Am 9:4 not for its good—word of Yahweh—it will this place will become a ruin.” 6 be given over to the king of Babylon who For this is what Yahweh says of the Is 37:24 will destroy it by fi re.” royal house of Judah: For me you are like Gilead, like a peak of Address to the royal family Lebanon! And yet I will transform you into 11 You will give this message to the king’s a desert, a city where no one lives. 7 I will offi cials. To the royal family of Judah say prepare destroyers to attack you, each with this: 12 Offi cials of David’s palace, hear the an ax in his hand. They will cut down your word of Yahweh: choice cedars and throw them into the fi re. “Give judgment each morning 8 Pagans without number will pass by this and deliver the oppressed from the city and say to one another, “Why has Yah- hand of the oppressor, weh dealt with this great city in such a way?” 9 lest my fury break loose like a fi re And they will answer, “Because they broke Dt 29:23 with no one to quench it.” their Covenant with Yahweh, their God, and 13 This is Yahweh’s word, “See, I am worshiped and served other gods!” coming to you 10 Weep not for the one who is dead! who live in the hills overlooking the grieve not for him. valley, Mourn rather for him who is in exile for you who say, ‘Who will come against us he will never return to see his homeland and enter this secure place?’ again! 14 11 50:32 I will punish you according to your For this is what Yahweh has said of deeds, king Josiah’s son, , who succeed- and in your forests I will kindle a fi re ed his father as king of Judah: that will devour all that surrounds it.” 12 “He will never return, for he will die in the place to which he has been deported Against evil kings and will never see this land again. • 1 Yahweh said to me, “Go to the 22 palace of the king of Judah and Against Jehoiakim 2 13 give him this message: Hear the word Damned is the one who builds his Mic 3:10; of Yahweh, O king of Judah who sits on house with stolen goods, and extends Hb 2:12; the throne of David. To you, your servants 2:9 3 it upwards by means of injustice; 22:20; and all who enter by these gates, Yahweh Dt 19:10 says: he who makes his fellowman work Practice justice and do good. for nothing and refuses to give him Free the oppressed from their oppressor. his wages!

• 22.1 The passage in 21:1-10 refers to the people are enjoying themselves and live in indif- second siege of Jerusalem in the year 588 B.C. ference on top of a volcano. A few words of Then from 22:1-28 we have several oracles Dom Helder Camara are appropriate here: against the royal family, before the fi rst siege, in “There has always been violence. But now it the years 605-598 B.C. See :31-37 is perhaps more massive than ever; it is every- concerning those kings. where and it takes on many forms: brutal, open, In those days, the nobility and the civil ser- subtle, blind, rationalized, consolidated, anony- vants of Jerusalem lived as usual, without being mous, abstract, irresponsible. concerned about the ongoing crises of the king- If the powerful of the underdeveloped world dom. Yet, before long, they would all be killed do not have the courage to let go of their privi- or exiled. leges and to bring justice to millions of people JER The same is also true now: rich countries and living in subhuman situations; if governments JEREMIAH 22 782 14 So you build for yourself a fi ne how you will groan when sorrow comes palace with spacious upper rooms! like the birth pangs of a woman in labor! 24 By my life—says Yahweh—even if Je- So you have large windows put in, coniah, Jehoiakim’s son, king of Judah, you have it paneled with cedarwood were the signet ring on my right hand I and painted vermillion. would pull him off! 15 Does amassing cedar make you 25 I will hand you to those who seek your 26 life, to the Chaldeans you fear. Then I will 2K more of a king? 24:15 Was not your father a just man? He hurl you, and the mother who bore you, into a foreign land where you were not ate and drank to his life’s content, but born. There you shall die, 27 for to the land he acted justly and all went well for for which you long, you will never return!” 16 9:23; him. He defended the cause of the 28 Is this a broken and useless Ps 31:13 Hos 6:6 poor and needy: this is the meaning crock that no one wants? Why has he been of knowing Yahweh. expelled, he and his family, to a land they 17 do not know? But your eyes and heart are set on 29 Land, land, land! Hear what Yahweh selfi sh gain, on the shedding of in nocent says. 30 These are his words, “List this man blood, and oppressive violence. as childless!” None of his race will succeed; 18 Therefore this is what Yahweh says not one will be fortunate to sit on David’s concerning Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king throne and rule again over Judah. of Judah: The good shepherd No one shall lament for him saying: Alas, 1 my brother! Alas, O sister! No one shall • “Woe to the shepherds who Ezk 34 lament for him saying: Alas, my lord! Alas, 23 mislead and scatter the sheep your majesty! 19 He will be given the burial of my pasture!” of a donkey, dragged away and thrown out 2 beyond the gates of Jerusalem. This is the message of Yahweh, God of Israel, to the shepherds in 20 Go up to Lebanon and cry out; charge of my people, “You have weep from the heights of cry out from , scattered my sheep and driven them for all your lovers have been crushed. away instead of caring for them. Now 21 I spoke to you in more fortunate days, I will deal with you because of your but you said: ‘I will not listen.’ evil deeds. You have been like that since your 3 I will gather the of my youth, paying no attention to my word. sheep from every land to which I have driven them and I will bring them 22 All your shepherds will be scattered by back to the grasslands. They will be the wind and your lovers will be taken cap- 4 tive; then you will be covered with shame fruitful and increase in number. I will because of your evil deeds. appoint shepherds who will take care 23 You who call your house: ‘Lebanon’ of them. No longer will they fear or be and made your nest of cedarwood, terrifi ed. No one will be lost.”

make reforms only on paper; how can we stop for the coming of the “spiritual” Israel. People the young people who are tempted to adopt were used to seeing their leaders abuse power, radically violent positions? and their rulers become richer. But God is pre- How long will atomic bombs be feared more paring for his people a shepherd who will look than the bomb of poverty which is being built in after the sheep. the heart of the third world?” They will call him Yahweh-is-our-justice: this is a way of contrasting him with the king of the • 23.1 Woe to the shepherds who mislead time, Zedekiah, which means Yahweh-is-my- and scatter! This new attack against evil leaders justice. is the prelude to words of hope. I will appoint shepherds who will take care I will gather the remnant of my sheep (v. 3). of them (v. 4). As well as the just king, Jeremiah The destruction of the “physical” Israel prepares sees other shepherds: besides the only Shep- 783

5 33:15- Yahweh further says, “The day is salem I have likewise seen horrors: for they 16; are adulterers and liars! Is 4:2; coming when I will raise up a king who Zec 3:8; They encourage the evildoers so that 6:12 is David’s righteous successor. He none of them turns away from wickedness. will rule wisely and govern with jus- For me all of them are like Sodom; and the 6 Is 9:6; tice and righteousness. That will be a common people like Gomorrah. Mic 5:3 15 grandiose era when Judah will enjoy That is why Yahweh the God of Hosts 9:14 peace and Israel will live in safety. He speaks against the prophets: I will give will be called Yahweh-our-justice!” them bitter food to eat and poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusa- 7 16:14-15; “The days are coming,” says Yahweh, lem evil has spread all over the land. Is 43:18 “when people shall no longer swear by 16 Thus Yahweh warns, “Do not listen to Lm 2:14 Yahweh as the living God who freed the what the prophets say. They give you false people of Israel from the land of Egypt. hope and tell you their own illusions, and 8 Rather, they will swear by Yahweh as the not what comes from the mouth of Yah- living God who restored the descendants of weh. 17 They dare say to those who despise Israel from the northern empire and from me: ‘Yahweh has spoken, be at peace’; all the lands where he had driven them, to and to those who follow their own stubborn live again in their own land!” hearts they say: ‘No misfortune will come upon you!’ Lying prophets 18 Who then has been present in the • 9 About the prophets: council of Yahweh? Who has heard and My heart breaks within me, understood his word? Who has paid atten- and all my bones tremble, tion to his word and is able to pass it on? 19 The storm of Yahweh’s wrath breaks 30:23- I am like a drunken man, 24; like a man overcome by wine forth and a whirling hurricane bursts upon Is 29:6; because of Yahweh and his holy words. the head of the wicked! 20 Yahweh’s wrath Ne 1:3 will not relent before the full accomplish- 10 The land is full of adulterers. Because ment of his plans. The time will come when of this I put a curse on the country, it is in you will understand what it is. mourning; and the desert grasslands have 21 I did not send these prophets, yet withered. They follow an evil path and they went running. I did not speak, yet Lm 4:13 readily act unjustly. 11 Even the prophet they prophesied! 22 Were they present in and the priest are corrupt; I have found out my council? Then let them proclaim my about their wickedness in my house—word word to my people and have them turn of Yahweh. away from their evil ways and their wicked 12 That is why their path will become deeds. slippery in the dark, making them stumble 23 Am I a God only when I am near—it is and fall when I bring evil upon them in the Yahweh who speaks—and not when I am year of their punishment. far off? 24 If someone hides in secret places Acts 13 I well know how stupid the prophets do I not see him?—Do I not fi ll the heavens 7:49 of were; they prophesied in the and the earth? name of Baal and led my people Israel 25 I have listened and heard the lies astray. 14 But among the prophets of Jeru- that the prophets have proclaimed in my

herd, Christ, there is room for others determined Jeremiah expresses the same hope elsewhere, to be responsible for their brothers and sisters. especially in 33:15-18. In we fi nd No longer will they fear (v. 4). God promises the same image of the Good Shepherd prepar- lasting peace. The new people of God will be ing for what Jesus will say in John 10, Luke more than a mere continuation of the old king- 15:4 and :36. dom of Israel, and the new king will be more than the earthly kings (see how Jesus develops • 9. See also Deuteronomy 13:6 and 18:22 this point in John 10). and on the subject of false proph- Humankind hopes for unity in peace, and the ets. Church now must offer the witness of different Those who are not well-versed in their faith people gathered in Christ. The reality, however, marvel at visions and dreams, forgetting that will be achieved only in the heavenly Jerusalem dreams can be particularly deceptive. JER (Rev 21:22). JEREMIAH 23 784 name. All said: ‘I had a dream! I had a The two baskets of fi gs 26 1 dream!’ How long will there be prophets • Yahweh showed me two baskets 29:1-15; of lies who proclaim their own illusions? 24 of fi gs placed in front of the temple. Mt 21: 27 18-19; They would like to make the people for- Am 8:1; It was after Nebuchadnezzar, king of Baby- 2K 24:15 get my name by the dreams they relate to lon had deported Jekoniah, son of Jehoia- one another, just as their ancestors forgot kim, king of Judah together with the princes my name when they followed Baal. 28 The of Judah, the blacksmiths and metalwork- prophet who has a dream prophesies a ers and had taken them to Babylon. dream, whereas the one who receives my 2 One of the baskets had choice fi gs that word proclaims the word of truth. ripen early, the other had bad ones, so bad What have straw and wheat in com- that they couldn’t be eaten. 3 Yahweh said to mon? 29 Isn’t my word like fi re, like the me, “What do you see Jeremiah?” I replied, hammer that shatters a rock? “Figs. The good fi gs are excellent but the bad 30 That is why I oppose the prophets who fi gs are so rotten they cannot be eaten!” steal from one another words that are sup- 4 So the word of Yahweh came to me: posedly mine. 31 I am against the prophets 5 “Just as these fi gs are good, so do I con- who have only to move their tongues to sider good those who have been deported utter oracles. 32 I am against those whose from Judah to the land of the Chaldeans. prophecies are based on lying dreams, 6 I will look kindly on them and bring them who lead my people astray with their trick- back to this land. I will restore and not ery and pretensions. I did not commission destroy them, I will plant and not uproot 7 or charge them to transmit my orders, so them. I will dispose their heart to know 30:22; 31:33; they are of no benefi t to my people—word me as Yahweh. They will be my people 1Jn 5:20 of Yahweh. and I will be their God for they will come 33 And when these people, or a prophet back to me with all their heart. or a priest jestingly asks you: What is the 8 “But as far as king Zedekiah of Judah ‘Burden’ of Yahweh? you will answer: ‘You is concerned, I will deal with him as one are the burden—and I am going to get rid deals with rotten fi gs—so rotten they can- of you.’ This is Yahweh’s word. 34 And the not be eaten. I will likewise deal with his prophets, priests or common people who princes and the remnants of Jerusalem— say: ‘Burden’ of Yahweh, will be punished, those who have stayed in the country and and their household as well. those who have migrated to Egypt. 35 9 This is what you should say, to one I will make them a horror to all the king- 15:4; another, among yourselves, “What is Yah- doms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, 29:18 weh’s answer?” or “What has Yahweh an object of ridicule, a curse in all the coun- said?” 36 But there must be no mention of tries to which I will drive them. 10 I will also “Burden” of Yahweh for it shall be burden- bring sword, famine and plague upon them some for the one who says it. 37 And if you until they are utterly erased from the land I want to know, 38 this is what Yahweh says: gave to them and to their ancestors. 39 Since you use this expression in spite of my prohibition, I will cast you off and Seventy years of captivity thrust you out of my sight,—you and the • 1 This is the word that came to Je- city I gave to you and your ancestors. 40 I 25 remiah concerning all the people will bring upon you everlasting shame and of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, dishonor that will be yours forever. son of Josiah, which was the fi rst year of

• 24.1 The fi rst siege of Jerusalem occurred ginning of the future renewed people. On the in the year 598 B.C., along with the capitula- other hand, something worse is going to hap- tion of king Jehoiakim, and a fi rst exile. In the pen to those remaining in Jerusalem. ten years that followed, the new king Zedekiah along with the people who remained, acted as • 25.1 This chapter combines: verses 1-13, if nothing had happened. Though they were an introduction which must have come before defeated and poor, the people of Jerusalem Jeremiah’s prophecies against the people of came to think that they were better off and that Judah and which now form Chapters 1–24 of they only had to lament over the fate of those his book. Note in this passage the prophecy in exile. Jeremiah rejects this opinion. God is concerning the seventy years which was to be interested in those in exile for they are the be- the duration of the exile of the Jews in Babylon. 785 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. 2 And and let all the nations to whom I send you this word was transmitted by the prophet drink from it. 16 They will drink and stagger Jeremiah to all the people of Judah and to and lose control of their minds before the all the citizens of Jerusalem: sword I am sending among them.” 3 “For twenty-three years, that is, from 17 So I took the cup from Yahweh’s the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon hand and made all the nations to whom until today, the word of Yahweh has come he sent me drink from it: 18 Jerusalem and to me and I have continuously spoken to the towns of Judah, its kings and offi cials, you, 4 but you would not listen. Besides to make them a desolation and waste, an Yahweh has sent his servants the prophets object of ridicule and curse, as they are to you again and again, but you neither lis- today. 19 Then I gave it to king of tened nor paid attention. 5 They said, ‘Turn Egypt, to his ministers, his princes and all from your evil ways and repent of your his people, to all the countries of the west, wicked deeds that you may live in the land 20 to all the kings of Uz, to all the kings of that Yahweh gave to you and your ances- the Philistines in , Gaza, tors forever and ever. 6 Do not turn after and those left at ; 21 to all the peo- other gods to serve and worship them. Do ple of , and ; 22 all the not provoke my anger with these things kings of Tyre and : the kings of the your own hands have made, and I will do coast lands across the sea; 23 Deda, Tama, you no harm.’ 7 But you refused to listen— Buz and 24 all the kings of Arabia and the it is Yahweh who speaks—and provoked kings of the west and the kings of those my anger with these gods you yourselves who live in the desert; 25 all the kings of have made to your own detriment. Zimri, Elim and Media and 26 all the kings 8 That is why Yahweh God of Hosts says of the north, far and near, one after the to you: Since you have not listened to what other; all the kings that are found on the I said, 9 I will summon all the clans of the face of the earth! And after them the king north—it is Yahweh who speaks—and my of Babylon shall drink it! steward Nebuchadnezzar will bring them 27 You will say to them, “This is the mes- against this land and its inhabitants and sage of Yahweh the God of Hosts and the against all the surrounding nations. I will God of Israel: ‘Drink, get drunk, vomit, fall completely destroy these people, making without rising again in front of the sword I them desolate, an object of ridicule, an am sending against you.’ 10 28 7:34; everlasting ruins. I will banish from them But if they refuse to take the cup from 16:9; Rev every sound of joy and happiness, the song your hand to drink, tell them, ‘Yahweh the 18:22; Ezk of the bride and bridegroom, the noise of God of Hosts has spoken: You also must 29 26:13 the mill and the light of the lamp. drink. For take note, I am already begin- 1P 4:17 11 29:10; All the land will be a ruin and a deso- ning to bring disaster on the city that I call Dn 9:2; 36:21-22 lation; and for seventy years these nations my own. So how can you possibly avoid will serve the king of Babylon. being punished? You will not go unpun- 12 29:10; (But after seventy years I will punish ished! For I am proclaiming war against all Dn 9:2 the king of Babylon and his nation for their who live on the earth—it is Yahweh God of guilt—it is Yahweh who speaks—and I will Hosts who speaks.’ 30 make it forever desolate!) You will communicate all these words Jl 4:16; 13 On this land I will now bring all that to them and say, “Yahweh roars on high; Am 1:2 I foretold, all that is written in this book. and from his holy dwelling threatens all 14 They will be subject to great nations and the inhabitants of the world. His mighty kings! I will repay them according to their roar echoes to the farthest ends of the deeds and the work of their hands.” earth. 31 For Yahweh judges all the nations and passes sentence against all human- The cup of God’s wrath kind, and he abandons the wicked to the 15 Yahweh, the God of Israel, instructed sword—word of Yahweh.” me, “Take from my hand this cup of wine 32 Yahweh, God of Hosts, says, “See,

It is a symbolic number since there were two Verses 15-38 an introduction which must exiles, in the years 598 and 587 B.C. and many have come before the prophecies against the JER left after the year 538 B.C. foreign nations gathered in Chapters 46–51. JEREMIAH 25 786 disaster spreads from nation to nation. A have failed to walk according to my storm arises from the ends of the earth. 5 33 law which I have set before you. You 8:2; On that day Yahweh’s victims will be Is 66:16 spread from one end of the earth to the have not heeded my servants, the other. No one will mourn for them; no one prophets, whom I have persistently will gather them up or bury them—they sent to you. If you stubbornly close will be like dung on the soil! your ears to them, 6 I will treat this 34 Wail, you shepherds, and cry out! house of mine as I treated the Sanc- Roll in the dust you leaders of fl ocks tuary of Shiloh and let all the nations for the day of slaughter and dispersal has come for you and you will fall like fattened see that Jerusalem is a cursed city.” rams. 7 The priests, the prophets and all 35 The shepherds will fi nd no refuge, and the people heard what Jeremiah said the leaders of the fl ocks will not be able to in Yahweh’s house. 8 When Jeremiah escape. fi nished saying all that Yahweh had 36 The shepherds cry out and the lead- ers of fl ocks wail, 37 for Yahweh lays waste commanded, he was besieged by the the grasslands, and the pastures are silent priests and prophets saying, “You are because of the fury of Yahweh’s anger. bound to die! 9 How dare you speak 38 Like a lion he leaves his lair; because in Yahweh’s Name telling us that this of his fi erce wrath the land has been strick- house will be treated like Shiloh and en by the sword and has become a waste- this city is to become a deserted ruin.” land.” And all the people gathered around Jeremiah is arrested and judged Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh. • 1 At the beginning of the reign 10 Upon hearing this, the leaders 26 of Judah’s king Jehoiakim son of Judah came up from the king’s of Josiah, the word of Yahweh came to palace to the house of Yahweh and 2 7:1-15; Jeremiah: Yahweh says this, “Stand took their place at the entrance of the Rev 11 22:19 in the courtyard of Yahweh’s house New Gate. Then the priests and the and say to all who come from the prophets said to the leaders of the towns of Judah to worship in Yah- people: “This man must die for he has weh’s house—all that I command you spoken against the city as you have to say; do not omit anything! 3 Per- heard with your own ears!” haps they will listen to you. Perhaps 12 Jeremiah replied, “I have been each one will turn from his wicked sent by Yahweh to prophesy against ways. Then I will change my mind this house and this city all that you and forget the destruction that I have have heard. 13 Hence, reform your planned to infl ict on them because of ways and your deeds and obey Yah- their wicked deeds. weh your God that he may change 4 Tell them: This is what Yahweh his mind and not bring upon you the says: destruction he had intended. “You have not obeyed me and you 14 As for me I am in your hands; do

• 26.1 In 7:1-15 we had the discourse of the people: they have recognized the voice against people who trust in the temple. Here of truth. Jeremiah’s secretary, Baruch—about whom we – They recall the words of the prophet will speak later—summarizes the discourse and 3:12 in the previous century. tells us what impact it had. – At the end of the chapter, there is mention – The people defend Jeremiah against the of the family of , the secretary of the priests and the prophets. king who had favored the religious reform of king – Jeremiah maintains his position fi rmly: he Josiah (see 2 K 22:8). Shaphan and his family cannot provide proof or miracles to confi rm will protect Jeremiah on several occasions. what he is saying. He is saved by the conversion The confrontation between Jeremiah and the 787 with me whatever you consider just handed over to those who wanted him put and right. 15 But know that I am inno- to death. cent; and if you take my life you com- The yoke of Nebuchadnezzar mit a crime that is a curse on your- 1 In the beginning of the reign of selves, on the city and the people. In 27 Zedekiah, son of Josiah, the word of truth it was Yahweh who sent me to Yahweh came to Jeremiah in this way, say all that I said in your hearing.” 2 “Make for yourself ropes and a yoke and 3 16 Then the leaders, backed by the put them on your neck. Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre people, said to the priests and the and Sidon through their ambassadors, who prophets, “This man does not deserve have come to Jerusalem, to see Zedekiah death; he spoke to us in the Name of king of Judah. 4 Give them these instruc- Yahweh.” tions for their masters: 17 Yahweh God of Hosts tells you what you Some of the elders of the land ad - 5 ought to say to your masters: By means Dn 4:14 dressed the people’s assembly say- of my great power and mighty deeds I 18 Mic 3:12 ing, “Micah of Moresheth prophesied made the earth, as well as the people and publicly in the time of Hezekiah, king animals that inhabit it, and I give them to of Judah: whom ever I wish. 6 Now I have given all ‘Zion will become like a fi eld, Jeru- these lands into the hands of my steward Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and I will salem a heap of rubble and the temple even make the beasts of the fi eld subject mount a hill of overgrown thickets.’ to him. 7 All nations will serve him, his son 19 Acts Did king Hezekiah of Judah and and his grandson until the time for his land 5:39 the people of Judah kill him? They comes; and then he will be overpowered instead feared Yahweh and implored by powerful nations and great kings. 8 As for the nation or kingdom that his pardon until they succeeded in their refuses to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of plea to make him change his mind; Babylon, I will punish it with the sword, and Yahweh did not infl ict the harm famine and plague—word of Yahweh—un- with which he had threatened them. til I completely wipe it out. How can we commit such a crime?” 9 Hence you must no longer pay atten- tion to your prophets, diviners, interpreters 20 There was another man, by the name of dreams, astrologists or sorcerers who of son of from Kiriath- say that you must not submit yourselves jearim who also prophesied in the Name to the king of Babylon. 10 For they are of Yahweh. He spoke against this city and prophets of lies which will cause you to be this country in words similar to those of fi nally driven from your land. I myself will Jeremiah. 21 When king Jehoiakim, togeth- drive you out and you will perish. 11 But the er with his offi cials, heard his words, he nation that submits to the yoke of the king decided to do away with him. When Uriah of Babylon and serves him, that nation I came to know about it, he was scared and will leave in its own land—word of Yah- fl ed to Egypt. 22 But king Jehoiakim sent weh—to till it and live there.” Elnathan son of Achbor with some people 12 Then I gave the same message to king into Egypt. 23 They brought Uriah out of Zedekiah of Judah, “Place your neck under Egypt and took him to king Jehoiakim who the yoke of the king of Babylon. Serve him had him slain and his body thrown into the and his people and you will live. 13 Why common people’s burial place. should you and your people die by the 24 As for Jeremiah he was befriended sword, famine and plague as Yahweh has by , son of Shaphan, and was not threatened any nation that will not serve

priests is not accidental. Oftentimes the priests religion think fi rst of preserving the institutions who kept the word of God opposed the proph- and the system of which they are the guard- ets of their times. John the Baptist was ignored ians and which provide them with a livelihood, by the priests, and Jesus was condemned by whereas the prophets invite us to forge ahead JER them. The reason is that often the ministers of and be mindful of what is essential. JEREMIAH 27 788 the king of Babylon? 14 Do not listen to the month of the fourth year, the prophet prophets when they say, ‘You will not have Hananiah spoke to me. Hananiah son to serve the king of Babylon.’ For they are deceiving you with their prophesies. 15 I of Azzur from Gibeon proclaimed in did not send them, says Yahweh, and they Yahweh’s house in the presence of the falsely use my name in their prophesying. priests and the people, 2 “This is what Let it not be that I drive you out of your Yahweh the God of Hosts and the God land and you perish, you and the prophets of Israel says: I will break the yoke who have spoken to you.” of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two 16 Then I spoke to the priests and the peo- ple, “Yahweh tells you not to listen to your years I will bring back to this place all prophets who say: ‘Very soon now the arti- the objects that king Nebuchadnezzar cles from Yahweh’s house will be brought of Babylon took away from Yahweh’s back from Babylon.’ They prophesy lies. house and carried to Babylon. 4 I will 17 Do not listen to them; instead serve the likewise bring back Jekoniah son of king of Babylon and survive. Why should this city become a ruins? 18 If they were Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all who prophets and if they had Yahweh’s word were taken from Judah and deported in their hearts, they would now be praying to Babylon. For I will break the yoke to Yahweh God of Hosts not to allow the of the king of Babylon—word of Yah- objects still remaining in the house of Yah- weh.” weh and in the royal palace and in Jerusa- 5 Then Jeremiah replied to - lem to be carried off to Babylon. 19 For, Yahweh says something about ah in the presence of the priests and 6 the pillars, the Sea, the movable stands and all the people, “So be it! May Yahweh the other objects still in this city 20 which fulfi ll the words you have spoken and Nebuchadnezzar did not carry off when bring back from Babylon to this place he deported Jekoniah son of Jehoiakim, the objects taken from the house of king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, 7 together with all the nobles of Judah and Yahweh and all the exiles. Yet hear Jerusalem. 21 Yes, this is what Yahweh the now what I say in your hearing and God of Hosts says about the objects remain- the hearing of all the people. ing in the house of Yahweh and in the royal 8 The prophets who came before palace in Jerusalem: 22 “They will be taken you and me continually prophesied to Babylon and there they will remain until war, disaster and plague to many the day I deal with them. Then I will bring 9 them back and restore them to this place.” nations and great kingdoms. So the Dt 18:22 prophet who prophesies peace will Jeremiah and Hananiah not be recognized as truly sent by 1 14:13- • Early in the reign of Zedeki- Yahweh, until his predictions are ful- 16; 23:9-40 28 ah, king of Judah, in the fi fth fi lled.”

• 28.1 As we saw in 22:1, the ten years (v. 9). Jeremiah says something more than Deu- separating the two sieges of Jerusalem, from teronomy. Ever since (see 1 K 19:18), 598 to 588, were times of madness and false the mission of the prophets had been to predict illusions. People were always predicting the the gradual fall of the kingdom of Israel and to collapse of the empire of Nebuchadnezzar, the announce that another kingdom would come king of Babylon, and the return of the exiles. later. They predicted a few victories, but these Jeremiah rises courageously against such false would not stop a continuous slipping towards hope and predicts submission to Nebuchadnez- destruction. Therefore, the Jews should have zar and so the Jewish leaders consider him an distrusted Hananiah who was promising pros- enemy of the nation. perity more than Jeremiah who insisted on Jeremiah confronts the false prophets. When Yahweh’s threats. prophets do not agree, how can people know The prophets were sent to a sinful people to the authentic prophet? See Deuteronomy 13:6 form their conscience regarding sin and not to and 18:22 on this. put it to sleep. When we live in the midst of The prophet who prophesies peace will not in justice, we must distrust those who promise be accepted until his predictions are fulfi lled prosperity. 789

10 1K Then Hananiah took the yoke am placing a yoke of iron on the neck 22:24 from the neck of Jeremiah and broke of all the nations to make them serve it. 11 Hananiah proclaimed in the pres- Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and ence of all the people, “Yahweh says they will serve him. I will even give this: In the same manner, within two him control over the wild animals.” years, will I break the yoke of Nebu- 15 Then Jeremiah said to Hananiah, chadnezzar from the neck of all the “Listen! Hananiah, you have not been nations.” Then Jeremiah the prophet sent by Yahweh and yet you have went on his way. deceived these people, giving them 12 Some time later, a word of Yah- false hope with your lies. 16 That is weh came to Jeremiah, 13 “Go and tell why Yahweh says with regard to you: this to Hananiah: This is what Yahweh I am removing you from the face of says: You have broken a wooden yoke the earth. You will die this very year but in its place you will get a yoke of because you have counseled rebel- iron. lion against Yahweh.” 14 For this is what Yahweh the God 17 And in the seventh month of that of Hosts and the God of Israel says: I year Hananiah died.

PROPHECIES OF BLESSING

The letter to the exiles duce, 6 marry and have children, seek • 1 This is the text of the letter the wives for your sons and give your 29 prophet Jeremiah sent to the rest daughters in marriage, so that they of the elders, to the priests, the prophets too will have children. While there, and to all the people that Nebuchadnezzar increase in number; do not decrease. had deported from Jerusalem to Babylon. 7 2 2K 24:1 This was after king Jekoniah, the queen Pull yourselves together for the wel- mother, the offi cials, the princes of Judah fare of the land to which I have sent and Jerusalem, the smiths and metalwork- you and intercede on its behalf as you ers had left Jerusalem. pray to Yahweh; for its welfare will be 3 The letter was hand-carried by Elasah your welfare.” son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilki- 10 ah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to This is what Yahweh says, “When king Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said: the seventy years allowed to Babylon have been completed I will come to you 4 This is what Yahweh God of Hosts and fulfi ll my promise of restoring you and God of Israel says to all those back to this place. 11 For I know what deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: my plans for you are, plans to save 5 “Build houses and live in them, you and not to harm you, plans to give plant gardens and eat what they pro- you a future and to give you hope.”

• 29.1 In the years from 598 to 587 B.C., ize their unfaithfulness to Yahweh, which is the while the people in Jerusalem are becoming actual cause of their humiliation, and change more and more blind, Jeremiah wants to guide their outlook. At that very moment another the exiles. There is a temptation for them to prophet, Ezekiel, who is a true prophet speaks believe that things could revert to what they in a similar way among the exiles. were before. There are even prophets among A slow transformation is going to take place them who keep up the illusion of a quick defeat among the priests, the nobility, the artisans and of Babylon. One of them sends letters to Jerusa- the civil servants who are exiled and, after seven- lem to have Jeremiah put in jail (vv. 24-28). ty years of exile, their children will return to Jeru- JER In fact, they have to accept defeat, to real- salem as “the poor ones looking for Yahweh.” JEREMIAH 29 790 12 And Yahweh says, “When you to a curse widely used by the captives from Dt 4:29; 13 Judah in Babylon: ‘May the Lord treat you Is 55:6; call on me I will listen. You will seek 15:2-4; like Zedekiah and Ahab, who were roasted Wis 6: me and fi nd me when you search for 23 23:14 12-13; 14 in the fi re by the king of Babylon!’ for they Am 5:4 me with all your heart.” For Yahweh have acted outrageously: they have com- says, “I will let myself be found by mitted adultery with their neighbors’ wives you and I will gather you from among and have used my name to proclaim lies all the nations and from all the places which I did not command them. I know it where I have driven you; and bring and have witnessed it,” declares Yahweh. 24 25 you back to the place from which I After that, Shemaiah of Nehelam sent letters in his own name to all the people in sent you into exile. Jerusalem and to Zephaniah, son of Maa- 15 Indeed you are trusting in proph- seiah the priest and to all the priests saying, ets allegedly raised for you by Yahweh in 26 “Yahweh has made you priest in place of Babylon. 16 But this is the word of Yahweh: Jehoiada to be in charge in the house of 8 Do not be deceived by the prophets and Yahweh to arrest every mad prophet and seers who are among you. Do not believe put him in chains with an iron collar around in their dreams or be confi dent in their illu- his neck. 27 So why have you not rebuked sions. 9 For I did not send them and they Jeremiah of Anathoth, a would-be prophet take advantage of my name to foretell lies. in your midst? 28 In this role he sent a mes- As for the king who sits on the throne of sage to us in Babylon: You will be there for David and all the people who live in this a long time! Build houses and live in them; city (your kinsfolk who did not go into plant gardens and eat their produce.” exile with you); 17 thus says Yahweh God 29 When Zephaniah the priest read this of Hosts, “I am sending sword, famine and letter in the hearing of the prophet Jeremi- plague against them. I will make them like ah, 30 the word of Yahweh came to Jeremi- rotten fi gs, so rotten they cannot be eaten. ah, 31 “Send this message to all the exiles: 18 15:4 I will pursue them with sword, famine This is what Yahweh says concerning She- and plague. They will be a horror for all the maiah of Nehelam: Shemaiah prophesied kingdoms of the earth, a curse, an abomi- although I did not send him; and he made nation, a sign of desolation, mockery and you trust in lies. 32 Because of that I will pun- ridicule among all the nations where I ish Shemaiah and his descendants; none scatter them. 19 For they did not heed my of them will live to witness the blessings words when I sent them my servants, the I will bestow on my people, for he incited prophets, again and again. They refused to my people to rebel against Yahweh.” pay attention. 20 As for you, exiles, whom I sent away The restoration of the northern kingdom from Jerusalem to Babylon, hear the word • 1 This is another word that came of Yahweh. 21 This is what Yahweh the God 30 to Jeremiah from Yahweh: of Hosts and the God of Israel says con- 2 Yahweh, God of Israel says, “Write in a cerning Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah book all that I have communicated to you, son of Maaseiah who prophesy lies in my 3 for the days are coming when I shall bring name, “I will hand them over to Nebuchad- my captive people Israel and Judah back nezzar, king of Babylon and he will slay to the land I gave to their ancestors as their them before your eyes. 22 This will give rise inheritance.”

• 30.1 Chapters 30 and 31 bring us back ten to Jeremiah, but he addresses them through to the happy years of king Josiah. Besides pro- time and space. What he is telling them also moting the renewal of faith and the worship applies to Judah which, in its turn, is going to be of Yahweh, he managed to conquer part of destroyed and dispersed. what had been the kingdom of Israel before it This time Yahweh speaks like the Father to be came an Assyrian province after the fall of the prodigal son. He recalls their sins of the past Samaria. which forced him to punish them and he prom- The days are coming when I shall bring my ises that he will bring about the return of his captive people Israel and Judah back (v. 3). dispersed children. The Israelites had been expelled from the land Similar promises fi ll Chapters 40–55 of the and scattered. Now, they are not there to lis- . 791 4 These are words spoken by Yahweh to 18 Yahweh says, “I will restore my peo- Israel: ple into Jacob’s tents and have pity on his 5 We have heard cries of fear, dwellings. The city will be rebuilt over its ruins and the palace restored on its prop- terror and not peace! 19 6 Ask and see: er place. From them will come songs of Does a man bear children? praise and the sound of merrymaking. Then why do I see every strong man I will multiply them and they shall not be few. I will bestow honor on them and with his hands on his hips like a woman 20 in labor, they shall not be despised. Their children every face turned a ghastly color? will be as before and their community will 7 be established before me. I will ask their Mt How terrible that day! 24:21; oppressors to account. Rev there is none to equal it! 21 16:18 It is a time of distress for Jacob, Their leader will be one of themselves, Dt 17:15 but he will be saved. their ruler shall emerge from their midst. I will bring him close to me for who would Lev 8 22 On that day,—declares Yahweh of dare to approach me? You shall be my 26:12; Hosts—I will break the yoke around his Ezk people and I shall be your God.” 11:20 23 neck and burst his bonds, that strangers See the storm of Yahweh bursting 23:19-20 may no longer enslave them. 9 They will forth in fury; like the turmoil of a hurricane instead serve Yahweh their God and David it sweeps down on the head of the wicked. their king whom I will raise up for them. 24 The fi erce wrath of Yahweh will not turn Jn 13:7 10 46:27-28; Yahweh says, “Fear not, Jacob my Is 44:2; away until he has done and accomplished Mic 4:4 servant. Be not dismayed, Israel, for I will the purpose of his heart. rescue you and your descendants from that In the latter days you will understand far-off land where you are captive. Jacob this. shall return and know peace, molested by 1 no one. Yahweh declares that when that 30:22; 11 I am with you to save you. I will utterly Hos 31 time comes he will be the God of all 11:4 destroy the nations where you are scat- the families of Israel, and they will be his tered. You alone shall not be destroyed, people. 2 but I will discipline you justly and not let Thus says Yahweh: The people who Hos you go unpunished.” 11:1-9; survived the sword have found grace in Is 54:8 12 Yahweh says, the desert. As Israel was seeking for his “Your wound is incurable, rest 3 Yahweh appeared from afar saying, your injury is grievous. I have loved you with a love everlasting, 13 There is no one to plead your cause. so I have kept for you my mercy. 4 I will There is a remedy for an ulcer restore you again, and you shall be rebuilt, but no healing for you! O virgin Israel! 14 All your lovers have forgotten you; You will take up your tambourines and they care nothing for you. go out dancing joyfully. 5 You will plant For I struck you as an enemy does, vineyards again on the hills of Samaria, with a cruel punishment, and the farmers who plant them will enjoy because of your great guilt their fruit. and the wickedness of your sin. 6 There shall be a day when watch- 15 Why cry out now that you are hurt? men will call out on the hills of Ephraim, Is there no cure for your pain? “Come, let us go to Zion, to Yahweh our Because of your great crime and griev- God!” ous sin I have done this to you. 7 For Yahweh says this, “Shout with joy 16 Yet all who devour you will be de - for Jacob; voured. Your oppressors will be taken cap- rejoice for the greatest of nations. tive; your plunderers will be plundered and Proclaim your praise and say: those who despise you will be despised. ‘Yahweh has saved his people, 17 Is 54:6 Because you were called ‘outcast—Zion the remnant of Israel!’ for whom no one cares,’ I will restore you 8 Look, I will bring them back from the to health and heal your wounds,” says land of the north, gather them from the JER Yahweh. ends of the earth, the lame and the blind, JEREMIAH 31 792 mothers and women in labor—a great I will lead them by the streams of water, throng will return. on a level path so that no one will stumble, 9 Ps 126: They went away weeping, for I am Israel’s father 5-6; 2Cor they will return in joy. and Ephraim is my fi rstborn.” 6:18 He who scattered Israel now gathers them! 10 Hear the word of Yahweh, O nations, proclaim it on distant coast lands: He who scattered Israel will gather them and guard them as a shepherd guards his fl ock. 11 Is 49:25 For Yahweh has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand of his conqueror.

12 Is 58:11 They shall come shouting for joy, while ascending Zion; they will come streaming to Yahweh’s blessings— the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the fl ocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden; no more will they be affl icted. 13 Ps Maidens will make merry and dance, 132:16 young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness, I will give them comfort and joy for sorrow. 14 I will fi ll the priests with abundance, and satisfy my people with my bounty —this is Yahweh’s word. 15 Mt 2:18; Thus speaks Yahweh: Gen 35:19 “In Ramah, a voice of mourning and great weeping is heard, wailing for her children and refusing to be consoled, for her children are no more.” 16 Yahweh says this to her: “Weep no more and wipe the tears of your eyes; your sorrow will have redress. They will come back from the enemy’s land. 17 There is hope for your descendants; your children will return to their own borders. 18 Ps 80:4 I heard Ephraim saying in grief: ‘You disciplined me like an untamed calf, and I have been disciplined. Bring me back, and I will return, for you are Yahweh, my God! 19 Yes, I strayed, but I have repented. Now I understand and I beat my breast; I bear the disgrace of my youth, and I blush with shame and humiliation.’ 793 JEREMIAH 31

20 Is not Ephraim my favored son, Hos the child in whom I delight? 11:8-9 Often have I threatened him, but I still remember him, and my heart yearns for him. I must show him mercy,” declares Yahweh.

21 Set up road signs, 27 “The days are coming—this is the put up guideposts; word of Yahweh—when I shall sow the focus your attention to the highway, people of Israel and the people of Judah the road by which you went. with the seed of man and of beasts. 28 It will Return, O virgin Israel, happen that just as I watched over them return to these cities of yours. to uproot and overthrow, to destroy and 22 How long will you remain wandering, bring disaster, so shall I likewise build and O unfaithful daughter? plant—word of Yahweh. 29 For Yahweh is creating something new No longer will it be said: ‘The parents Dt 24:16; on earth; have eaten sour grapes and the children’s Ezk 18:2 the woman fi nds her husband again.” teeth are set on edge.’ 30 Instead, everyone will die because of Restoration of Judah their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes 23 These are words of Yahweh, God of will have his teeth set on edge! Hosts and God of Israel, “When I bring back the captives to the land of Judah The new Covenant and its towns, the people will once more 2Cor 31 3:6; use the expression: ‘Yahweh bless you, O • The time is coming—it is Yah- Heb 8:8-12; dwelling of righteousness, holy mountain!’ weh who speaks—when I will forge a 9:15; 24 All Judah and its towns, the farmer new Covenant with the people of Isra- Lk 22:20 and those who move about with their herds el and the people of Judah. 32 It will will live there in peace. 25 I will refresh the weary and lift up the downhearted.” not be like the one I made with their 26 Then I awoke and looked around; my ancestors when I took them by the sleep had been peaceful. hand and led them out of Egypt. For

• 31.31 Here we must underscore verses will reveal himself to all believers as he had done 31-34 where Jeremiah delivers his most famous with his great prophets. The law will be in their prophecy. During the bitter days which the Jew- hearts and the will keep them on ish people are experiencing, God reveals and the right path, as was the case with Jeremiah Jeremiah announces the New and eternal Cov- when he doubted. enant between God and his people. They broke my Covenant (v. 32). Actually, I will forge a new Covenant. This is like say- this Covenant between Yahweh and Israel on ing that the Sinai Covenant which made Israel Sinai had failed, through Israel’s fault, not Yah- God’s people, had become obsolete or insuffi - weh’s. But it is not a matter of renewing it as cient. God had bound himself to a family (Abra- Joshua, Samuel, Hezekiah and Josiah had done ham’s) which became a people under Moses’ so many times. Nor is it a matter of making leadership. And apparently his promises were another one like it, since this old Covenant had more for the community than for individuals. already proven its weakness: people are sinful The expression the prophet uses, “a new Cov- and unable to escape from their sins. More- enant” does not mean that God is forsaking his over, no laws, or human solidarity, or any form former promises to Israel. It clearly illustrates the of education can bring God’s grace to a nation characteristic of the Covenant which God wants or a collectivity and preserve them in the faith. to establish between him and humanity through Only a personal accepting of the divine Truth Israel. This novelty is that of love, because true makes one a true believer. The true people of love is always fresh and new. Although the peo- God cannot be confused with any people or ple of God had broken the Covenant, God who human community: only those who are reborn is always faithful, will respond by a gift, through will become part of God’s people. his son, born of Mary. I will put my law in their hearts (v. 33). I will make another Covenant with Israel (v. Now, Jeremiah knows the secret of the New JER 31). Jeremiah predicts the day when Yahweh Covenant. For he is aware of the change which JEREMIAH 31 794 they broke my Covenant although I ashes are thrown and all the fi elds as far as was their Master, Yahweh declares. the brook of Kidron and the corner of the 33 Horse Gate on the east will be holy to Yah- Ezk This is the Covenant I shall make 36:28; weh. Never again will the city be uprooted, Zec 8:8; with Israel after that time: I will put my Heb never again destroyed.” 10:16; law within them and write it on their 2Cor 3:3 hearts; I will be their God and they will Jeremiah buys a fi eld be my people. • 1 This is the word that came to Je- 34 32 remiah from Yahweh in the tenth 24:7; And they will not have to teach Is 54:13; year of Zedekiah’s reign as king of Judah, Jn 6:45; each other, neighbor or brother, say- 2 Heb the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. At 10:17 ing: ‘Know Yahweh,’ because they will that time the army of the king of Babylon all know me, from the greatest to the was besieging Jerusalem and the prophet lowliest, for I will forgive their wrong- Jeremiah was imprisoned in the guard’s courtyard of the royal palace of Judah. doing and no longer remember their 3 sin.” Zedekiah king of Judah had him shut up after saying to him, “Why do you 35 Is 51:15 This is the word of Yahweh, prophesy in the Name of Yahweh as you he who gives the sun for light during the do? Yes, you said: ‘I am going to hand this day and orders the moon and the stars to city to the king of Babylon who will take it. give light at night, 4 And king Zedekiah will not escape from he who stirs the sea and makes the the Chaldeans; he will be delivered into the waves roar, and who is called Yahweh, power of the king of Babylon, speak face God of Hosts: to face to him and see him with his own 36 “Only if these laws vanish from my eyes. 5 Zedekiah will be brought to Baby- sight,—says Yahweh—will the descendants lon where he will remain until I deal with of Israel cease to be a nation before me. him. In any case your fi ght against the 37 Rom Only when the skies above are mea- Chaldeans is hopeless’.” 11:29 sured and the foundations of the earth 6 So at that time the word of Yahweh 7 are found below, only then will I reject the came to Jeremiah: ‘Hanamel, son of your Lev 25: descendants of Israel because of what they uncle Shallum, is going to visit you and 24-34 have done—word of Yahweh. ask you to buy his fi eld at Anathoth as it 38 Behold, the days are coming when is your right to do so.’ 8 Then my cousin the city will be rebuilt for Yahweh from the Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate 39 and the guards and said, ‘Purchase my fi eld at the measuring tape will stretch from there Anathoth since you have the right of pos- to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah. session and the redemption is yours; buy 40 Jl 4:17; The whole valley where dead bodies and it for yourself.’ Rev 22:3 occurred in him when Yahweh made him a tainly throws a decisive light on the history of prophet. Then, he discovered an intimate rela- the people of Israel. We understand that God’s tionship with God which is entirely different teaching, his way of leading and instructing his from a religion of mere practices. people through events was a pedagogy, leading I will forgive their sins (v. 34). A New Cov- to a defi nitive truth to be given through Christ enant will be achieved through the death of and through the gift of the Spirit. It is under- Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. standable that Jesus and his apostles so often In celebrating the , Jesus says: “This recalled the message of the prophets to justify cup is the New Covenant sealed in my blood” the revolution of the Gospel and the birth of a (Lk 22:20). The author of the Letter to the Church rooted in the Jewish people but now Hebrews will develop the meaning of the New independent of its national history. Covenant (see Heb 8:8 and 10:16). The will also clarify the mean- • 32.1 During the second siege and prior to ing of they will all know me: in the Christian the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah buys a faith, not everyone receives personal revela- fi eld as if to prove that the land has not lost its tions, but everyone is guided by the Father to worth; one day the fallen nation will rise again. Christ in whom are found all the treasures of The end of the chapter (32:37) renews for knowledge and wisdom. Judah the same promise of the New Covenant Perhaps Jeremiah himself had not seen all which Jeremiah had predicted for Israel a few the consequences of this revelation, but it cer- years before (Chaps. 30 and 31:31). 795 9 I then understood this was the word of built up to take the city are reaching it. Yahweh and I bought the fi eld from Hana- And the city exhausted by the sword, fam- mel and I weighed out the silver for it, sev- ine and plague will be given over to the enteen shekels of silver. 10 Then I signed Chaldeans. What you foretold has hap- and sealed the deed, had it witnessed and pened as you can now see! 25 And yet you the silver weighed on the scales. 11 Then told me, O Lord Yahweh, to buy a fi eld with I took the deed of purchase (the sealed silver and have the purchase witnessed copy containing the terms and conditions in the very days the city is falling to the and the open copy). 12 I gave the deed of Chaldeans!” purchase to Baruch, son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel, my God’s answer uncle, and the witnesses who signed the 26 The word of Yahweh then came to Num 27 deed, and before all the Jews who were Jeremiah: “I am Yahweh, the God of all 11:23; 13 Lk 1:37; sitting in the court of the guard. Then in humankind. Is there anything impossible Gen their presence I commanded Baruch: 28 18:24; for me? Therefore this is what Yahweh Zec 8:6 14 This is what Yahweh the God of Hosts says: I am about to hand the city over to the and the God of Israel says: Take these doc- Chaldeans and Nebuchadnezzar, king of uments, both the sealed and the unsealed Babylon who will take it. 29 The Chaldeans copies of the deed of purchase. Place them who are attacking the city will come in and in an earthenware jar so that they may last set it on fi re. They will burn the houses a long time 15 for Yahweh God of Hosts where the people aroused my anger by and God of Israel says this: houses, fi elds burning incense to Baal and pouring drink and vineyards will again be bought in this offerings to foreign gods. 30 For the people land.” of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth. 31 All they Prayer of Jeremiah did was to arouse my anger with the work 16 When I had given the deed of pur- of their hands—it is Yahweh who speaks— chase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed for this city has so aroused my anger and to Yahweh: 17 “Ah, Lord Yahweh, you have fury from the time it was built to this day, made the heavens and the earth with your 32 that I must remove it from my sight. It great power and mighty deeds. Nothing is is on account of all the evil the people of 18 20:5 impossible to you! You show mercy to Israel and Judah have done to anger me— thousands but bring the punishment for they, their kings and princes, their priests the parents’ sins on their children. Great and prophets, the people of Judah and the and Mighty, Yahweh God of Hosts is your inhabitants of Jerusalem. name! 19 You are great in planning and 33 They turned their backs to me and mighty in deeds, your eyes follow the ways not their faces. Although I taught them of all the humans, and you give to each time and time again they did not listen, nor 34 one according to his conduct and the fruit have they learned the lesson. They even 7:30-31 of their actions. put their idols in the Sanctuary that hous- 20 You have continually worked signs es my name to defi le it. 35 They built high and wonders, in the land of Egypt, in Isra- places to Baal in the valley of Ben-Hinnom el and among all humankind. Hence you where they worshiped Baal and sacrifi ced have become famous, as we see today. their sons and daughters to . This 21 You brought your people from the land I never commanded; nor did I ever think of Egypt with signs and wonders, with your they could do such a detestable thing, and great power and your mighty deeds. so make Judah so sinful. 22 You gave your people this land which you had promised with an oath to their I will bring them back ancestors, a land fl owing with milk and 36 As you say, this city exhausted by the honey. 23 But as soon as they entered and sword, famine and plague will be handed conquered it, they did not listen to you over to the king of Babylon. But now, lis- and did not walk according to your law. ten to what Yahweh the God of Israel says: They refused to do what you command- 37 “See, I am going to gather them from all JER ed and you brought great misfortune on the countries where I scattered them in my Ezk them. 24 You see, O Yahweh, the mounds anger, fury and great wrath. 11:17 JEREMIAH 32 796 I will bring them back to this place and infi delity. 9 This city will be for me a cause have them live in safety. 38 They will be my of joy, praise and glory in the sight of all people and I shall be their God. the nations of the earth, when they hear of 39 I will have them think and act in all the good I do for them. They will fear another way, so that they may always fear and tremble when they see all the good me, for their own good and the good of and all the peace I provide for them.” their children. 10 Thus says Yahweh, “You say of this 40 Is 24:5 I will forge an eternal Covenant with city that it is a wasteland without humans them by which I shall never cease to do or animals. But in the towns of Judah and them good; and I shall place my fear in in the streets of Jerusalem which are ruins 11 their heart so that they may never turn without people or animals there will be 5:13; 29:31; away from me. heard again the sound of merriment and 1Mac 41 4:24; Zep 3:17 I shall rejoice in doing them good; and happiness, the song of the newlywed and Ps 118:1 I shall plant them securely in this land with the voice of those who pray: ‘Praise to Yah- all my heart and soul.” weh God of Hosts, for Yahweh is good and 42 And Yahweh says, “Just as I brought his love endures forever!’ When I restore great disaster on this people, so shall I the fortune of the land as it was before,” bring them all the happiness I promised says Yahweh, “the voice of those who them. 43 Then fi elds will be bought in this sing praise in the house of Yahweh will be land about which you say that it is a waste- heard.” land without people or animals and given 12 Thus says Yahweh God of Hosts, “In over to the Chaldeans. this place, which is a wasteland without 44 Fields will be bought for silver, and people or animals and in all its towns, deeds written and sealed and witnessed there will once again be pastures where in the territory of Benjamin and the region the shepherds will tend their fl ocks. 13 In around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah, the towns of the hill country, Shephelah, in the towns of the hill country, in the towns and the south, in the territory of Benjamin, of Shephelah and those of the south. and the villages around Jerusalem, and in Yes, I will bring back their captives”— the towns of Judah, fl ocks will pass under word of Yahweh. the hand of the one who counts them,”— word of Yahweh. Another promise of restoration Promises to David’s descendants 1 When Jeremiah was still detained 33 in the guard’s court the word of 14 “The days are coming when I shall Yahweh came to him a second time: fulfi ll the promise that I made in favor of 2 He who made the earth, who fashioned Israel and Judah. 15 and established it, he whose Name is Yah- In those days and at that time I will 23:5-6 weh is speaking to you, 3 “Call me and I cause to sprout the shoot of righteousness shall answer. I will reveal to you great and from David’s line; he will practice justice 16 mysterious things you have not known.” and righteousness in the land. In those 23:6; 4 For this is what Yahweh God of Israel days Judah will experience salvation and Is 1:26 says, “You have seen how the houses of Jerusalem will live in safety. He will be Jerusalem and the royal palace of Judah called Yahweh-Our-Righteousness.” 17 were demolished and used as a defense For Yahweh says, “David will never be Ps 132 against the siege mounds in the 5 fi ghting without a descendant seated on the throne against the Chaldeans. But they have been of Israel, 18 nor will the priests and fi lled with dead bodies, for I slew these be left without descendants to stand before people in the fury of my anger when I no me and to present burnt offerings, grain longer looked to this city because of their offerings and sacrifi ces.” wickedness. 19 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremi- 6 20 However I will apply a remedy for its ah as follows, “If you are able to break Ps 89:35 healing. I will cure them and make them my Covenant with the day or my Covenant enjoy peace and truth. 7 I will bring back with the night so that night and day would the captives of Judah and Israel and rebuild not follow at their appointed times, 21 then Ezk 8 36:25; them as before. I will cleanse them from might my Covenant with David my servant Acts 13:38 the guilt of their sin against me and their be broken. Only then would there be no 797 descendant to reign on his throne and no a fi re in your honor and lament, ‘Alas, my priests or Levites to minister before me. master!’—word of Yahweh.” 22 Just as the stars in the sky or the sand 6 Then Jeremiah the prophet gave this on the seashore cannot be counted, to the message to Zedekiah, king of Judah in same extent shall I multiply the descen- Jerusalem. 7 He did this while the army of dants of David and the Levites who minis- the king of Babylon was attacking Jeru- ter before me.” salem and the cities of Lachish and Aze- 23 Again the word of Yahweh came to kah. He was attacking these cities because Jeremiah, 24 “Have you not noticed what they were the only fortifi ed cities of Judah these people say: ‘Yahweh has rejected the which were still holding out. two kingdoms he chose.’ So they despise my people, and no longer consider them About the liberated slaves a nation. 25 But Yahweh says: If I have not 8 The word of Yahweh came to Jer- Ne 5:8 established my Covenant with day and night, if I have not fi xed the laws of the emiah after king Zedekiah had made heavens and the earth, 26 then I can reject a treaty with all the people of Jeru- the descendants of Jacob and David my salem to proclaim freedom for the servant and not take from among them rul- slaves. 9 Everyone was to free his ers for the descendants of , Hebrew slaves, male and female, so and Jacob. For I am going to restore their that no fellow Jew would be kept in fortune and show compassion on them.” bondage. A promise to Zedekiah 10 The princes and all the citizens 1 21:1-7; • This was the word of Yahweh ad- agreed to this. They made a treaty and 32:1-5 34 dressed to Jeremiah when Nebu- so set them free. 11 Yet they changed chadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his army their minds afterward and brought as well as all the kingdoms of the earth back the slaves they had freed and that were under his dominion, and all the peoples were fi ghting against Jerusalem used them as slaves again. and all the cities of Judah. 12 Then the word of Yahweh came to 2 This is the word of Yahweh, God of Jeremiah, 13 “Yahweh the God of Isra- Israel, “Go and say this to Zedekiah king el says this: I made a Covenant with of Judah: ‘See, I am giving this city to the your ancestors the day I brought them king of Babylon and he will set it on fi re. 3 out of Egypt from the house of slav- You will not escape from his hands but will 14 ery and I said: At the end of every Dt 12; surely be captured and given over to him. 2K 4:1 You will see him face to face and speak seven years you will free any Hebrews directly to him and you will go to Babylon.’ who have been sold to you and have 4 Just listen, Zedekiah, king of Judah, to served you for six years; you are to the word of Yahweh! This is what Yahweh send them free from your services. But says about you, “You will not be slain by the sword; 5 no, you will die in peace. As your ancestors did not listen and paid 15 they made funeral pyres in honor of your no attention. Recently you repented 1K 8:43 ancestors, former kings, so will they make and did what was right in my sight

• 34.1 This chapter includes two events (see Dt 15:12) during which slaves of Hebrew from the second siege of Jerusalem. descent were to be given their freedom. Verses 1-7: Jeremiah invites Zedekiah to sur- The truth is that the social laws were poor- render to the Chaldeans as Jehoiakim had done ly observed in those days. And so, before the during the fi rst siege. This dialogue is also relat- threat of siege, the most believing among the ed in 21:1-7. people of Jerusalem realized that the best way Verses 9-22: Concerning the liberation of to obtain God’s blessing would be to follow the slaves. Scripture does not allow that any mem- social laws of the Scriptures and to liberate their ber of the people of God should lose freedom slaves. forever. If due to debts a person had to sell him- Yahweh rises in favor of the oppressed: he self and become the servant of his creditor, this will destroy his own country if that is necessary was not to last more than seven years. Every to punish those who so despise their brothers JER seven years a sabbatical year was proclaimed and sisters. JEREMIAH 34 798 when each one proclaimed liberty to ers and sons and all the household of the one another; and you made a Cove- . 4 I brought them to the house nant with me in the house where my of Yahweh, into the room of the sons of 16 Hanan, son of Igdaliah, the man of God. Lev name rests. But now you have gone 19:12 It was close to the room of the leaders back on your word and profaned my which is above the room of the doorkeeper name. You have brought back your Maasekah, son of Shallum. 5 I then placed slaves, male and female, to whom you pitchers of wine and cups before the Re - chabites and told them, “Drink wine!” had given complete freedom and you 6 But they answered, “We don’t drink 2K have again reduced them to slavery. 10:15 wine because our father Jonadab son of 17 That is why Yahweh says: Since Rechab commanded us: ‘Never drink wine, 7 you have not obeyed me in proclaim- you, as well as your children; don’t build Heb 11:13; ing freedom for your friends and a house and don’t sow seeds. You shall not 1P 2:11 neighbors I now proclaim ‘freedom’ plant or own a vineyard; do nothing like that; but live in tents all your days so that for you, freedom to fall by the sword, you may live for a long time in the land plague and famine. I will make you where you dwell!’ detestable to every kingdom on earth. 8 We have observed all the commands 18 Gen 15: Those who have sinned against my of our father Jonadab, son of Rechab, 10, 17 Covenant, who have not observed the al ways abstaining from wine, we, our terms of the alliance they made before wives, our sons and daughters. 9 We me, I will liken them to the calf they haven’t built houses to live in and we have no vineyards, fi elds or seeds. 10 We cut in two and then walked between live in tents and we obey and practice all 19 its halves. The princes of Judah that our fa ther Jonadab ordered us. 11 But and Jerusalem, the court offi cials, the when king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon priests and all the people of the land attacked the land, we said: “Come, we who walked between the pieces of the shall go to Jerusalem to escape from the 20 army of the Chaldeans and the army of calf, I will hand them over to their the Arameans. This is why now we stay enemies. Their corpses will serve as in Jerusalem.” food for the birds of the air and the 12 Yahweh spoke again to Jeremiah, beasts of the earth. 13 “Yahweh the God of Hosts and the God 21 Zedekiah and his offi cials I will of Israel bids you to go and tell the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem: give over to the hands of their ene- Will you reject a correction and refuse mies. You saw the army of the king what I say?—word of Yahweh. 14 Jonadab of Babylon withdrawing from you. son of Rechab commanded his children 22 But now I am issuing an order to not to drink wine, and his words have been bring them back to this city. They will observed; to this day they have obeyed attack and capture the city and set it their father by not taking wine. As for you, I have spoken to you time and time again on fi re. As for the towns of Judah I will and you have not listened to me! 15 I have reduce them to a wasteland without sent you my servants the prophets again inhabitants.” and again saying: ‘Turn away from your wickedness, reform your way of life and do The example given by the Rechabites not follow other gods to serve them. Then 1 A message from Yahweh came to you will live in the land that I gave you and 35 Jeremiah in the days of Josiah’s your ancestors.’ But you neither heeded son Jehoiakim, king of Judah: 2 “Go to the nor listened to me. 16 The descendants of Rechabite family; speak to them and bring Jonadab son of Rechab have carried out them to a room in the house of Yahweh; their father’s order; but this nation has not then give them wine to drink.” obeyed me.” 3 So I went to get , son of 17 Therefore this is what Yahweh the God Je re miah, son of Habazziniah, his broth- of Hosts and the God of Israel says, 799 “I am going to bring on Judah and on God of Israel says: ‘Because you have everyone living in Jerusalem all the disas- been obedient to your father Jonadab and ter I foretold, because I spoke and they observed all his instructions, because you would not listen; I called and they would have acted according to his commands, not respond.” 19 because of that—word of Yahweh— 18 Then Jeremiah said to the Rechabites, Jonadab shall always have a descendant “This is what Yahweh God of Hosts and to stand before me.”

THE SUFFERINGS OF JEREMIAH

The scroll is burned prophet Jeremiah had commanded about • 1 This word from Yahweh came to this reading in the house of Yahweh. 36 Jeremiah in the fourth year of Je - 9 In the ninth month of the fi fth year of hoiakim son of Josiah. Josiah’s son Jehoiakim, king of Judah, a 2 Ezk 2:9 “Get a scroll and write on it all that I fast before Yahweh was proclaimed to all have spoken to you concerning Jerusalem, the people in Jerusalem and all the people Judah and all the nations, from the fi rst who came from the towns of Judah. day I spoke to you in the time of Josiah Then in the house of Yahweh Baruch until this day. 3 Perhaps when the people read publicly the words of Jeremiah writ- of Judah hear of all the affl ictions I intend ten in the scroll. 10 This he did in the room to send them, to make each of them turn of the secretary Gemariah, Shapan’s son, away, they would decide to turn from their in the upper court, at the entry of the New wicked ways. Hence I may forgive their Gate of the house of Yahweh. wickedness and sin.” 11 When son of Gemariah, son 4 Jeremiah then called Baruch, son of of Shaphan heard all of Yahweh’s words Neriah, who at his dictation wrote down on written on the scroll 12 he went to the sec- the scroll all the words Yahweh had spo- retary’s room in the king’s house where ken to him. all the offi cials were sitting—Elishama, 5 Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, the secretary, Delaiah, son of Shemaiah; “I am in jail and cannot go to Yahweh’s Elnathan, son of Acbor; Gemariah, son of house. 6 So you go to Yahweh’s house on Shaphan; Zedekiah, son of Hananiah, and a day of fasting, and read publicly all that the rest of the offi cials. you wrote as I dictated. Read it to all the 13 Micaiah told them all that he had people of Judah who come in from their heard when Baruch read the contents towns. 7 Perhaps they will entreat Yahweh of the scroll to the people. 14 Then all the and each one will turn from his wicked- offi cials sent Jehudi, son of Netaniah, the ness, for great is the wrath of Yahweh and son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to say the punishment with which he has threat- to Baruch, “Bring the scroll from which ened this people.” you read to all the people and come!” So 8 So Baruch, Neriah’s son, did all that the Baruch went with the scroll in his hand.

• 36.1 Chapters 36–44 could be called “Je - Nevertheless, Jeremiah is crushed by his remiah’s sufferings:” they describe the fate of the people’s disaster. After having suffered because prophet during the sieges of the years 598 and of them, he is now suffering with them and 587 B.C. and after the destruction of Jerusalem. he becomes the fi gure of the suffering Savior, These are the last days of the kingdom of Christ. Judah. The events briefl y relathted at the end of Baruch, son of Neriah, was secretary (v. 26), the second Book of Kings take on a new mean- something like the chancellor of the king. He ing here because someone with much insight is was also Jeremiah’s secretary and he may have experiencing them. In the midst of the masses written these chapters. who suffer without understanding, Jeremiah Verse 23: The episode of the burned scroll knows what God’s plans are. These people, who takes place during the fi rst blockade. Let us neither believe nor obey the Lord, must lose their remember that in those days people wrote on material illusions, and then later the best of their strips of , or sheepskin, which were JER children will come to a more profound faith. rolled up. JEREMIAH 36 800 15 They told him to sit down and read it to words Baruch had written as Jeremiah them, and Baruch read it to them. dictated, 28 “Take another scroll and write 16 When they heard all that, they gazed on it all the words that were on the fi rst at one another in fear and said, “We ought one which Jehoiakim burned. 29 And tell to tell this to the king.” Jehoiakim this message of Yahweh: You 17 They then asked Baruch, “May we have burned the scroll and you said: This know how you wrote that.” He said, 18 “As man dared to write that the king of Baby- he dictated these words, I wrote them in lon will certainly destroy this land and wipe ink on the scroll.” 19 Then the offi cials away from it men and animals! 30 That is instructed Baruch, “Jeremiah and you why Yahweh has spoken against Jehoia- have to hide; and let no one know where kim, king of Judah: Not one of his descen- you are.” dants will sit on the throne of David. His 20 They kept the scroll in the room of dead body will be exposed to the heat of Elishama, the secretary, and went to the day and the chill of night. 31 I will ask him king in the courtyard and reported all to to account, as well as his children, and his him. attendants for their wickedness. I will pour 21 The king then sent Jehudi to bring out on them all the disasters; and it will be him the scroll. Jehudi brought it from the same for the people of Judah and the Elishamah’s room and read it to the king inhabitants of Jerusalem I have foretold and to all the offi cials standing around him. against them, because they have paid no 22 Now it was the ninth month and the king attention.” was sitting in the winter palace while a fi re 32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll was burning in the fi re pot in front of him. and gave it to Baruch, son of Neriah, the 23 Whenever Jehudi fi nished reading three secretary. He wrote on it all the words of or four columns, the king would cut them the scroll that Jehoiakim, king of Judah, off into pieces with the secretary’s knife burned in the fi re, and he added many and cast them in the fi re until the whole more similar words. scroll was burned. 24 Neither the king nor his offi cials were Zedekiah consults Jeremiah afraid when they heard all these words; • 1 Josiah’s Zedekiah was appointed and they did not tear their garments. 25 And 37 by Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby- yet Elnathan, Deliah and Gemariah had lon to be king of Judah in the place of Je- urged the king not to burn the scroll; but hoiakin son of Jehoiakim. 2 But neither he, he did not listen. nor his attendants, nor the people of the 26 Instead, the king ordered the king’s land paid attention to the words of Yahweh son , and , son of Azriel, spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. and Shelemiah, son of Abdeel, to arrest 3 King Zedekiah sent , son of Baruch, the secretary, and Jeremiah, the Shelemiah, with the priest Zehaniah, son prophet. But Yahweh had hidden them. of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah to say, “Inter- 27 A word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah cede for us with Yahweh our God!” 4 At that after the king burned the scroll with the time Jeremiah had not yet been impris-

• 37.1 Zedekiah is respectful toward Jer- And we cannot say that these are mistakes on emiah. He is, in fact, at the mercy of his offi - the part of the prophet since his attitude cannot cials. Here, as in the , the rulers be separated from his message. Two reasons donot rule, but follow the mood of the majority. clarify Jeremiah’s position: – On one hand, the Jewish nationalists do IS JEREMIAH A TRAITOR? not know what God wants to do with Israel in How strange is Jeremiah’s attitude during this the future. They see only defeat and slavery and war in which the Jews defend their indepen- they prefer to fi ght to death. Jeremiah, howev- dence to death! er, knows the extraordinary future that Yahweh Jeremiah accuses his people and not the has in store for Israel. Israel bears the hopes of Chaldeans in whom he only sees God’s instru- the future world, and so they must not disap- ment. pear in a hopeless struggle. Jeremiah advises surrender and submission to – On the other hand, the Jewish leaders focus the foreign power. He even invites the exiled only on the appearances of freedom and patri- Jews to promote the prosperity of their con- otism. To them, everything seems lost if they querors. submit to foreign authority. Jeremiah, for his 801 oned and he was still going about among of days. 17 Then king Zedekiah sent for the people. 5 Pharaoh’s army had come out him and secretly questioned him in his of Egypt and when the Chaldeans heard of this, they withdrew from Jerusalem. house: “Is there any word from Yah- 6 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jere- weh?” Jeremiah replied, “Yes, there miah the prophet: 7 “Yahweh the God of Isra- is!” and added, “You will be handed el has spoken. Say this to the king of Judah over to the king of Babylon!” who sent you to consult me: Pharaoh’s army 18 Then Jeremiah said to king Zede- which was on its way to help you is about to kiah, “What wrong have I done to return to its own land, 8 and the Chaldeans will come back and attack this city. They you, to your servants or to the people will capture it and set it on fi re. that you should have me imprisoned? 9 Do not deceive yourselves by saying 19 Where are your prophets 20 who said that the Chaldeans are not to come back, to you: ‘The king of Babylon will never because they surely will. 10 Even if you had come to attack you and destroy this defeated the whole Chaldean army and they were left with only wounded men, land?’ Now listen to me, my lord king! they would all come out of their tents and Take heed of my plea and do not send set fi re to this city.” me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, for there I am doomed to Jeremiah in the well die!” 11 21 Ps 69 While the Chaldean army was So king Zedekiah ordered that with drawing from Jerusalem because Jeremiah be transferred to the guard’s of the advance of Pharaoh’s troops, court and that every day he be sup- 12 Jeremiah left Jerusalem to go to plied with a loaf of bread from the the territory of Benjamin to receive an bakers’ street until there was no more inheritance there. 13 But upon reaching bread. So Jeremiah remained in the the Benjamin Gate he was stopped by guard’s court. a sentry named Irijah, son of Shelemi- ah, son of Hananiah who said, “You 1 Shephatiah son of Mattan, Ge - are deserting to the Babylonians!” 38 da liah son of , son of 14 Jeremiah answered, “There’s no Malchiah, heard what Jeremiah said 2 truth to that!” But Irijah did not listen. publicly in the Name of Yahweh: 21:9 He nabbed Jeremiah and brought him “Anyone who stays in the city will to the offi cials. 15 They were so angry perish by the sword, famine and with Jeremiah, they beat him and plague, but whoever surrenders to the locked him in the house of Jonathan Chaldeans will survive although he the secretary, which had been trans- may lose everything. 3 For Yahweh formed into a prison. has spoken: I have handed over this 16 Jeremiah was put in the dungeon city to the king of Babylon and he will cells and was kept there for a number take it.”

part, focuses on the heart. To be Jewish means Put in modern terms, Jeremiah’s attitude can to preserve Israel’s ideals and reasons for living; be summarized like: to be free means to serve Yahweh alone. And Do not insist on fi ghting for causes or institu- so, it is essential to him that his compatriots do tions which are no longer relevant to a world not become contaminated by the gods and the which has undergone irreversible changes and false values of the Chaldeans; by comparison, to in which God calls us to a different mission. submit to the yoke of a Chaldean master seems Know that a people’s true independence is seen a much lesser evil. Besides, Jeremiah shares in their moral and cultural independence. It would the ideas expressed particularly in the Book of be tragic if their children, dazzled by a foreign way Judges: if Israel keeps faith and observes the of life, were to sacrifi ce their traditional moral val- Law, sooner or later it will recover its indepen- ues, or in a subservient way adopt norms and JER dence and return home. forms of development imposed from outside. JEREMIAH 38 802 4 Then the offi cials told the king, you a question; hide nothing from “This man should be put to death, me!” Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, 15 “If because he is weakening the will I tell you something, won’t you put of the fi ghting men and the people me to death? And if I advice you, will left in the city. In fact he is not out you listen to me?” 16 King Zedekiah to save the people but to do harm.” swore secretly to Jeremiah: “As Yah- 5 Dn 6:16; King Zedekiah said, “His life is in weh lives who gave us a soul, I will not 14:30 your hands for the king has no power have you die and I will not hand you against you.” over to those who want to kill you.” 6 So they took Jeremiah and pushed 17 Jeremiah told king Zedekiah, him into the cistern of Malchiah, “This is what Yahweh God of Hosts the king’s son, in the guard’s court. and God of Israel says: If you surrender They lowered him by means of ropes. to the offi cers of the king of Babylon There was no water in the cistern but you will survive and the city will not only mud; and Jeremiah sank into the be burned. You and your household mud. will live. 18 But if you surrender not to 7 Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian offi cial the king of Babylon, this very city will of the king’s house, heard that they be handed over to the Chaldeans and had lowered Jeremiah in the cistern. they will set it on fi re. For your part, While the king was sitting at the Ben- you will not escape.” jamin Gate, 8 Ebedmelech went and 19 King Zedekiah said to Jere- spoke to him, 9 “My lord king! These miah, “I am afraid of the people of men have acted wickedly in all they Ju dah who have surrendered to the did to Jeremiah the prophet. They Chaldeans. I fear the Chaldeans will threw him into the cistern where he give me over to them and they will will die.” ill-treat me.” 20 Jeremiah said, “They 10 So the king ordered Ebedmelech will not hand you over. Listen to what the Ethiopian: “Take three men with Yahweh says to you through me; it you from here, and draw Jeremiah the will be well with you and you will live. prophet out from the cistern before he 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is dies.” what Yahweh has let me see: 11 Ebedmelech took the men with 22 All the women left in your palace him and went into the king’s house will be handed over to the offi cers of beneath the treasury. There he got the king of Babylon and will sing this pieces of rags and old clothes which song: ‘Your friends have deceived and he lowered by means of ropes to Jer- overcome you. When your feet have emiah in the cistern. 12 Ebedmelech sunk into the mud, they turn away said to Jeremiah, “Put the pieces of from you!’ 23 All your wives and chil- rags and old clothes under your arm- dren shall be led out to the Chaldeans pits, over the ropes.” This Jeremiah and you will not escape from them. did. 13 Then Jeremiah was pulled You will be nabbed by the king of up from the cistern by means of the Babylon and this city will be burned ropes and was brought to the guard’s down!” court to stay there. 24 Then king Zedekiah said to Jer- 14 King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah emiah, “Let no one know about this the prophet and received him at the conversation lest you will die. 25 If the third entrance of Yahweh’s house and offi cials hear that I have spoken with there said to him, “I am going to ask you, and if they come to you, and 803 ask you what I spoke of to you, even those craftsmen who were still there. 10 As though they threaten you, 26 you will for the poorest people who owned nothing, Nebuzaradan left them, at that time, in the say to them: I only made a petition to land of Judah, giving them vineyards and the king not to send me back to the fi elds. house of Jonathan to die.” 11 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had 27 All the offi cials came to Jeremiah given orders about Jeremiah to Nebuzara- and questioned him. He replied just dan chief of the guards: 12 “Take him and as the king had instructed him, and look after him; do him no harm but deal 13 they said no more since no one had with him just as he tells you.” Nebu- zaradan, the captain of the royal guards, overheard the conversation. Nebushazban, who was a chief offi cer, 28 38:13; But Jeremiah remained in the Nergal-Sherazer, who was a high offi cial 39:14 guard’s court until the day Jerusalem and all the other offi cers of the king of was taken. Babylon 14 sent and had Jeremiah brought from the courtyard of the guard house. The fall of Jerusalem and the fate of Jeremiah They turned him over to , the son 1 2K 25: In the tenth month of the ninth year of Ahikam and the grandson of Shaphan 1-21; to take him home with him. But Jeremiah Jer 39 of Zedekiah king of Judah, Nebu- 52:1-6 chadnezzar king of Babylon came with his stayed among the people. entire army and they besieged Jerusalem. Reward for Ebedmelek 2 On the ninth day of the fourth month in 15 Zedekiah’s eleventh year a breach was • Now the word of Yahweh had come 38:7-13 made in the city wall. 3 All the offi cials of to Jeremiah while he was imprisoned in the king of Babylon entered and took their the guard’s court: 16 “Go and talk to Ebed- seats at the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sherazer melek the Ethiopian: Tell him this word of of Samgar, Sarsekim chief offi cer, Nergal- Yahweh the God of Hosts and the God of Sherazer a high offi cial and all the offi cials Israel: You see, on that day that I am about of the king of Babylon. to carry out what I have foretold in the 4 Upon seeing this, king Zedekiah of past; disaster and not prosperity for this Judah and all the military fl ed from the city; 17 I will save you on that day—word city by night, going out by way of the of Yahweh—and you will not be handed king’s garden, through the gate between over to those whom you fear. For I will the two walls, in the direction of the Ara- certainly save you and you will not perish bah. 5 But the Chaldean army chased them by the sword. 18 You will be able to escape and caught up with Zedekiah in the plains and live because you have trusted me—it of . They took him and brought is Yahweh who speaks.” him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath. There Nebuchadnez- Jeremiah is freed zar passed sentence on him. 6 The king of 1 The word of Yahweh came to Jer- Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedeki- 40 emiah after Nebuzaradan, command- ah in his presence and all the nobles of er of the guards, had released him at Ra- Judah. 7 He gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes mah when he had taken him, bound in and bound him with a double bronze chain chains, with those to be deported from to take him to Babylon. Jerusalem and Judah to Babylon. 2 The 8 The Chaldeans burned the king’s pal- commander of the guards took Jeremiah ace along with the peoples’ abodes and and said to him, “Yahweh your God fore- then broke down the walls of Jerusalem. told this calamity for this place. 3 Now he 9 Nebuzaradan, commander of the guards, has implemented what he then said he deported to Babylon the remainder of the would do, because you have sinned against people who stayed in the city, as well as him and have not listened to him. 4 But I those who had deserted to his side, and have removed today, the fetters off your

• 39.15 Just as Jesus in his passion, Jeremiah has something to give back to the people who JER were compassionate towards him. JEREMIAH 40 804 hands and releasing you to be free… You persed and came to Gedaliah at Mizpah may wish to go with me to Babylon and I in the land of Judah. There they gathered will take care of you. However I am not wine and fruit in great quantities. obliging you. If you decide not to go, you have the choice to go wherever you like in Gedaliah murdered this land.” 5 Nebuzaradan added, “Why 13 Johanan son of Kareah and all the don’t you go back to Gedaliah, son of Ahi- chiefs of guerrilla warfare came to Geda- kam, son of Shaphan? He has been ap- liah at Mizpah 14 and said, “Don’t you know pointed governor over the towns of Judah that Baalis, king of the Ammonites has by the king of Babylon. You could stay commissioned son of Nethaniah with him among your people. Yet go wher- to assassinate you?” 15 But Gedaliah, son ever it seems right for you to go.” The of Ahikam, did not believe him. commander of the guards gave him provi- Then Johanan spoke secretly to Geda- sions and a gift and set him on his way. liah at Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael 6 And so Jeremiah went to Gedaliah, son of son of Nethaniah without anyone knowing. Ahikam, who was residing at Mizpah. He Don’t allow him to kill you, lest all the Jews stayed with him among the people who assembled with you be dispersed and the were left in the land. rest of Judah perish.” 16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, Gedaliah, the governor “Don’t do that, because what you have 7 2K 25: • Now all the army chiefs in the open said about Ishmael is a lie.” 22-26 country with their men heard that the king 1 of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of It was the seventh month when Ish- 2K Ahikam to be governor over the land and 41 mael son of Nethaniah son of - 25:25 put him in charge of the men, women and sha ma, a member of the royal family who children and the lowliest of the people who had been chief offi cer of the king, came had not been deported to Babylon. 8 These with ten men to Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, men came to Gedaliah at Mizpah: Ishmael son of Shaphan at Mizpah. While they were son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan eating together 2 Ishmael and the men with the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhu- him stood up and slew Gedaliah with the meth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite sword, thus killing the man whom the king and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite and of Babylon had appointed governor of the their men. land. 9 Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan 3 Ishmael also killed the Jews who were swore to them and their men: “Don’t be with Gedaliah at Mizpah as well as the afraid to serve the Chaldeans; remain in Chaldean soldiers who were there. the country, serve the king of Babylon and 4 Two days after the assassination of Ge- all will be well with you. 10 As for me, I am daliah and before anyone had heard of it, based here in Mizpah and I am your repre- 5 eighty men from Shechem, Shiloh and sentative with the Chaldeans who settle at Sa maria arrived with shaved, torn this place. For your part gather wine, fruit clothes and their bodies slashed, carrying and oil; store it in your vessels and stay in offerings and incense to the house of Yah- the towns you have occupied.” weh. 11 The Jews who were in Moab, Ammon, 6 left Mizpah Edom and in the other lands also learned to meet them weeping as they went. He that the king of Babylon had left a remnant said to them, 7 “Come along to Gedaliah, of the population and that he had placed son of Ahikam.” But as soon as he came over them Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son to the center of the town, Ishmael, son of of Shaphan. 12 All of these Jews returned Nethaniah, and the men with him, killed from the places where they had been dis- them and threw their bodies into a cistern.

• 40.7 The Chaldeans had made Judah a Chapters 42–44 show us Jeremiah fi ghting province of their empire. As its governor they his people for the last time. There is not even named a Jew, Gedaliah, belonging to the Sha- one faction that listens to the prophet. Those phan family who had always been favorable to favoring resistance to the Chaldeans, as well as Jeremiah. The resistance party murders him those in favor of submission, follow their own and only gains a new dispersion of the Jews. whims and refuse to obey Yahweh. 805 8 Ten of these men, however, said to Ish- to Yahweh as you have requested. And mael, “Don’t kill us for we have provisions whatever be the word of Yahweh, I shall let hidden in the country, grain, oil barley and you know it without hiding anything.” honey.” These Ishmael did not kill with the 5 They said to Jeremiah, “May Yahweh others. be a true and worthy witness against us if 9 The cistern where Ishmael had thrown we do not act according to every word that the corpses of these people he had killed Yahweh your God will say to us through was the large cistern built by king Asa you! 6 Whether it be good or bad for us, we when he had to defend himself against will obey Yahweh our God, to whom we Baashaking of Israel. Ishmael son of Neth- are sending you; so it will be well with us aniah fi lled it with their corpses. for having obeyed the voice of Yahweh our 10 Ishmael took captive the small pop- God.” u la tion of Mizpah, the royal princesses 7 Ten days later the word of Yahweh whom Nebuzaradan, commander of the came to Jeremiah. 8 He then called Johan- bod y guard had left in the care of Gedaliah. an, son of Kareah and the army offi cers Ish mael obliged them to follow him and set with him, and all the people from the least out for the land of the Ammonites. to the greatest; 9 and said to them, “This 11 When Johanan son of Kareah, and the is the word of Yahweh, God of Israel, to army offi cers with him, heard of the crimes whom you sent me with your petition: 10 If of Ishmael, they assembled their men and you wish to live peacefully in this land, I set off to fi ght Ishmael. 12 They caught up will build you up and not pull you down; with him at the great pool of Gibeon. I will plant you and not uproot you, for I 13 As soon as the people Ishmael had will relent of the harm I did you. 11 You are taken by force from Mizpah saw Johanan, afraid of the king of Babylon; but do not son of Kareah and the army offi cers with fear him—word of Yahweh—for I am with him, they rejoiced 14 and turned back to you to save you and rescue you from his join Johanan. 15 In the meantime, Ishmael hand. 12 I will put mercy in his heart so that was able to fl ee from Johanan with eight he may have mercy on you and let you men and went to the Ammonites. live in your own land. 13 But if you say: ‘No, 16 Ezk 11:8 Then Johanan, and the army offi cers we will no longer live in this land,’ disobey- with him, took the people he had rescued ing the voice of Yahweh your God, 14 and if from Ishmael, son of Nethaniah. They were you say: ‘No, we shall go to Egypt where those men, women, children and court offi - we shall no more have wars or hear the cials that Ishmael carried off by force from trumpet call, where we shall not be hun- Mizpah after slaying Gedaliah. Johanan gry for bread!’ 15 Then hear the word of brought them from Gibeon, 17 and they Yahweh, remnant of Judah! Yahweh God stayed at Geruth Chimham near Bethle- of Hosts and God of Israel speaks: “If you hem. They planned to go on later towards turn towards Egypt, to go there, and stay Egypt 18 for fear of the Chaldeans, because there, 16 the sword you fear will strike you, Ish mael had slain Gedaliah, who was ap- there, in the land of Egypt; and famine, pointed governor of the land by the king which you dread, will be yours there, in of Babylon. Egypt; and you will die. 17 All those who turn towards Egypt, to enter and live there, The fl ight to Egypt will die; by sword, famine and pestilence. 1 Then the army offi cers, especially No one will escape or fl ee from the misfor- 42 Johanan, son of Kareah and Jeza- tune that I will bring upon them.” niah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people 18 This is what Yahweh God of Hosts from the smallest to the greatest came to and God of Israel says: “Just as my burn- speak to Jeremiah: 2 “Listen to our plea ing anger was poured out on the people of and pray to Yahweh our God for us, this Jerusalem, so will my fury be poured out remnant of people, because, really, we are on you, when you go to Egypt. You will few, from many, as you can see. 3 May become a curse and a reproach; and you Yahweh your God show us the way we will never again see this place.” 19 That is should go and what we should do.” what Yahweh has foretold, O remnant of 4 Jeremiah the prophet answered them, Judah. Do not go to Egypt; be quite sure JER “I have heard you. Yes, I am going to speak that I have warned you today. 20 You risked JEREMIAH 42 806 your lives when you sent me to Yahweh wraps himself in a cloak, so will the king your God, saying: ‘Pray for us to Yahweh of Babylon wrap the land of Egypt about our God, and tell us all that Yahweh says; himself and depart in safety. 13 He will and we shall do it.’ 21 I have told you today, break the sacred pillars at Heliopolis and though you still do not obey Yahweh your burn the temples of the gods in Egypt.” God in all that he told you, through me. 22 Be sure of this, it will be by the sword, Jeremiah’s last warnings famine and pestilence that you will die, in 1 A word of Yahweh came to Jeremi- the place where you want to go and live.” 44 ah concerning all the Jews living in Egypt especially in the cities of Migdal, Tah- 1 Jeremiah had hardly fi nished giv- panhes and Memphis, as well as in the terri- 43 ing the message of Yahweh to the tory of Patros: 2 “You have seen all the disas- people—all that Yahweh had sent him to ter that I brought on Jerusalem and the 2 say— when son of Hoshiah, and towns of Judah. 3 These are no more than Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arro- ruins without inhabitants because of the evil gant men, said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! they have done. They have provoked my Yahweh our God did not send you to tell us anger by offering incense to foreign gods 3 not to go and settle in Egypt. No, Baruch that neither they nor their fathers knew. son of Neriah is prompting you to hand us 4 I sent them my servants the prophets over to the Chaldeans, either to be killed time and time again to tell them: ‘Do not or deported to Babylon!” do this abominable thing that I detest!’ 4 So neither Johanan son of Kareah, nor 5 But they did not listen or pay attention; the army offi cers, nor the people heeded they did not turn away from their evil ways Yahweh’s command to stay in the land of or give up worshiping strange gods. 6 Then Ju dah. 5 Instead, Johanan and the army the fury of my anger was loosed and blazed offi cers led away the remnant of the Jews, in the towns of Judah and the streets of Je- who had returned to the land of Judah, rusalem, making them the desolate ruins from the nations where they had been driv- they are today. en. 6 They also led away the men, women, 7 And now Yahweh the God of Hosts children and the royal princesses—all those and the God of Israel asks you: Why do that Nebuzaradan, commander of the body- you bring such great harm on yourselves? guard, had left, in the care of Ge daliah, son Because of your deeds, every man, woman, of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, with Jeremiah, child and infant will be taken from Judah; the prophet, and Baruch, son of Neriah. and you will be left without a remnant. 7 2K So in defi ance of Yahweh’s order they en- 8 Why do you provoke my anger with the 25:26 tered Egypt and arrived at Tahpanhes. work of your hands? Why do you worship foreign gods in Egypt where you came to Jeremiah foretells the invasion of Egypt live? Surely you will decrease in number 8 There, at Tahpanhes the word of Yah- and be a curse and an object of reproach weh came to Jeremiah: “While the Jews among all the nations? 9 Have you forgot- are watching you, 9 take some large stones ten the wickedness of your fathers and and bury them in clay in the brick ter- the misdeeds of the kings of Judah and race at the entrance to Pharaoh’s house at its princes; and the evil behavior of your Tahpanhes 10 and then say to them: This wives in the land of Judah and the streets is what Yahweh God of Hosts and God of of Jerusalem? Israel says: I am sending for my servant 10 So far they have had no contrition; and Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he have not followed my law and my decrees will set his throne over these stones that I that I set before you and your ancestors.” have hidden here; and spread a royal can- 11 Because of this, Yahweh God of Hosts 11 15:2 opy. He shall come and strike the land and God of Israel warns you, “I am turning of Egypt, bringing death to those destined my face away from you, to bring disaster to die; captivity, for those destined to be on you; and to completely destroy Judah. taken captive; sword, for those destined 12 The remnant of Judah, that chose to for the sword. 12 He will set fi re to the tem- enter Egypt and live there, will all perish. ples of the Egyptian gods; these gods will They will be destroyed by the sword and be burned or carried away. As a shepherd famine; and become an object of hor- 807 ror and cursing, of condemnation and weh’s message: 25 This is what Yahweh the reproach. 13 I will punish those in Egypt as I God of Hosts and the God of Israel says: punished Jerusalem; with the sword, fam- You and your wives think that what you ine and pestilence. 14 None of the remnant say with your lips becomes an obligation of Judah that came to Egypt will escape or you must fulfi ll. You say: ‘We are bound fl ee, and return to Judah where you long to to keep the vows we have made to burn go and live.” incense and pour out wine to the queen of 15 Then all the men who knew their wives heaven.’ Go ahead! Fulfi ll your vows and were offering incense to foreign gods and do what you promised! 26 Nevertheless all the women, a , replied listen, all you Jews living in Egypt, listen to Jeremiah in a louder voice. 16 “As for to what Yahweh says to you: By my own what you say in the name of Yahweh we great name I swear—word of Yahweh— will not listen; 17 we want to do all that we that throughout Egypt no one from Judah said we wanted to do: burn incense to the will invoke my name; no one will be left queen of heaven and pour out wine to her, to say: ‘As the Lord Yahweh lives.’ 27 I am as we did; we, and our fathers, our kings watching over them, but not for their good. and princes, in the towns of Judah and the All the people of Judah in Egypt will per- streets of Jerusalem. Then, we had our fi ll ish, by the sword and famine, until they 28 of bread and were prosperous; and free are wiped out. Only a few will escape the Is 11:11; 18 Ezk 6:8 7:18; from misfortune. But since we stopped sword and return from Egypt to Judah; and Hos 2:7; 1Mac burning incense to the queen of heaven the remnant who came to settle in Egypt 1:11 we have been in need of everything; and will understand whose word comes true, have perished by the sword and famine.” theirs or mine! 29 And this is the sign that I 19 And the women added, “When we offered will punish you in this place, says Yahweh, incense and poured to the queen that you may know that my threatening of heaven, didn’t our husbands know that words to you will be fulfi lled: 30 I will hand we made sacrifi cial cakes decorated with over the Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt her image?” to his enemies who want to slay him, just 20 Jeremiah then answered all the peo- as I let Zedekiah, king of Judah, be taken ple, men and women, who had told him by his adversary, Nebuchadnezzar king of this: 21 “Is it not better that Yahweh remem- Babylon, who was determined to kill him. bered the incense you burned in the towns 1 of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, These are the words of :15-18; 36:4-18; you, your fathers, your kings, princes, and 45 the prophet, to Baruch, son of Neri- 43:3 all the people? ah, who wrote on a scroll what Jeremiah Do you think it slipped his memory? dictated. It was in the fourth year of the 22 Yahweh could no longer bear the sight reign of Jehoiakim son of Josias king of of your evil and abominable deeds. That Judah when he said: 2 “There is a word of is why your land has become the desolate Yahweh for you, Baruch. Why do you com- 3 waste that it is today! plain: ‘Alas for me! I am weary of sighing Lm 5:5 23 All the misfortune that you are suf- and I fi nd no rest!’ 4 Yahweh says: ‘When I fering today has happened because you am knocking down what I have built and 5 burned incense; and sinned against Yah- pulling up what I planted, why do you 39:18 weh, by not obeying him or following his want great things for yourself? Don’t look law, his instructions and his commands.” for them! Yet, though I am about to send 24 Jeremiah then addressed all the peo- disaster on everyone—word of Yahweh— ple, especially the women, “Listen to Yah- you will be safe wherever you go.” JER 808 PROPHECIES AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONS

Against Egypt 12 The nations have heard of your shame, • 1 These are Yahweh’s words ad- the earth is fi lled with your cries; 46 dressed to the prophet Jeremiah warrior has stumbled against warrior, concerning the nations. and both have fallen together.” 2 Concerning Egypt, this is the message Invasion of Egypt against the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was defeated at 13 This is the message Yahweh gave to on the Euphrates by Nebuchadnezzar, king the prophet Jeremiah about the coming of Babylon, in the fourth year of Jehoia- of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who kim, son of Josiah, king of Judah: was to attack Egypt: 14 3 “Prepare shield and buckler, “Announce this in Egypt, and pro- and march to battle! claim it in Migdol, Memphis and Tahpan- 4 Harness the horses. hes. Say to them: Into your saddles, horsemen! Take your posts; prepare for the worst! To your ranks, with your helmets on! The sword has devoured your neighbors. Polish your spears! 15 Why has Apis fl ed? Put on your breastplates! Your black bull god did not make a stand! 5 But what do I see? Why? Because Yahweh thrust him down With broken ranks they fall back; their 16 and caused him to stumble and fall. warriors are routed. Then they said to each other: They fl ee headlong without looking back, ‘Get up, let us go back to our people, as terrors explode on every side. to the land of our birth, 6 The swift cannot fl ee, away from the devouring sword.’ 17 nor the hero escape. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, will be called Is 30:7 In the north by the Euphrates, ‘The noisy one who lets his chance slip by.’ they stumble and fall. 18 As surely as I live—says the King 7 Who is this surging forward like the Nile, whose name is Yahweh Sabaoth— like rivers of billowing waters? one will come who is like Tabor, 8 Egypt surges like the Nile, like Carmel above the sea. 19 like rivers of billowing waters. Pack your belongings ready for exile, Ezk 12:3 She says, ‘I will rise and fl ood the earth; you who live in Egypt, I will sweep cities and their people away.’ for Memphis will be laid waste, 9 Charge, horses! without inhabitants and desolate. 20 Drive madly, charioteers! Egypt is a beautiful heifer, Hos March on, warriors— but a gadfl y from the north has come 10:11 men of Cush and Put, with your shields, upon her. men of Lydia, with your bows. 21 The mercenaries in her ranks 10 This is the day of Yahweh God of Hosts, are like fattened calves; a day of vengeance on his foes. but they too have fl ed The sword devours, drunk with blood; failing to stand their ground, for Yahweh Sabaoth holds a sacrifi ce for the day of their calamity has come, in the north country by the Euphrates. the time of their punishment. 11 Go up to Gilead in search of balm, 22 She makes a sound like a fl eeing serpent Ps 74:5 virgin daughter of Egypt. as her enemies advance in force, You have taken medicines in vain, coming against her with axes, but for you there is no healing. like loggers cutting down trees.

• 46.1 In Jeremiah as well as in the other zations of Egypt and Babylon inhibited people prophets, we can read prophecies against for- and did not allow them to discover new values, eign nations. The prophets lived in a specifi c the individualism of small nations led them to time and their mission was to spread a new disappear. It was not Israel alone that had to breed of people, more lucid, more responsible, pass through death, but all people; however, and with a more interior faith, in a world which only Israel would rise up for a much greater des- was falling apart. While the prestigious civili- tiny. 809

23 Jdg Dense though her forest be, Return to your scabbard; 7:12; Jl 1:4 they will raze it—says Yahweh. stop and keep still! They are beyond number, 7 But how can it rest, more numerous than locusts. when it is Yahweh who commanded it 24 The daughter of Egypt will be abased, to attack Ashkelon and the seacoast?” handed over to the people of the north.” Against Moab 25 Yahweh Sabaoth, the God of Israel, 1 Concerning Moab. Yahweh the God Is has said: “I will punish Amon of Thebes, 48 15—16 and Egypt with her gods and kings, Pha- of Israel, says this: raoh and those who trust in him. 26 I will “Woe to , for it is laid waste. hand them over to those who seek their Kiriathaim is captured and disgraced; the fortress is shattered and abased. lives, to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, 2 and his ministers. Later, however, Egypt No more will Moab be praised; will be inhabited again as in times past—it men in are plotting her downfall: is Yahweh who says so. ‘Let us put an end to that nation!’ 27 You, too, Madmen, will be subdued; Is 41:13; But fear not, my servant Jacob; be not Jer 30: behind you stalks the sword. 10-11 dismayed, O Israel. I will deliver you from 3 a distant land, your descendants from their Listen, a cry from — Is 15:5 a cry of ruin and destruction! place of exile. Jacob will again fi nd rest, 4 and no one will make him afraid. Moab is destroyed; 28 her cry is heard as far as Zoar. Fear not, Jacob my servant, for I am 5 with you—Yahweh speaks—I will make an Her little ones go up the way to Luhith, end of the nations among which I scattered weeping bitterly as they make the ascent. you, but I will spare you. I will discipline On the descent to Horonaim the cry of destruction is still heard. you, though, with justice; I will not let you 6 go unpunished. Flee, run for your lives, like the wild asses in the desert. Against the Philistines 7 Since you trusted in your deeds and riches, 1 This is Yahweh’s word that came 47 to the prophet Jeremiah concerning you also will be captured. the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked will go into exile, 2 together with her priests and offi cials. Gaza. Thus says Yahweh: 8 “Look, waters rise from the north; Upon every city the destroyer comes, soon they will become a raging fl ood and not a single city escapes. overfl owing the land and all it contains, The valley is despoiled, the towns and their inhabitants. the plain plundered, All dwellers in the land will wail as Yahweh has declared. 9 Bury Moab for she has perished! 3 at the sound of the hooves of stamp- ing steeds, Her cities will become desolate, the rattle of chariots, the rumbling of with no inhabitant left. wheels. 10 A curse be on him who is lax in per- Parents forget their children, forming the work of Yahweh! A curse be as their hands fall limp. on him who holds back his sword from 4 The day of ruin has come upon the shedding blood! Philistines; 11 From his youth Moab has lived at ease Tyre and Sidon, the last of their allies, resting complacently upon lees, are cut off from them. never having gone into exile, Yahweh is set to destroy the Philistines, never having been decanted; the remnant from the coasts of so she kept her own fl avor as wine, Caphtor. her aroma remained the same. 5 Gaza is shaved bald, 12 And so the day will come—Yahweh Ashkelon has perished. says—when I will send decanters to her. O remnant in the valley, They will empty her fl asks and break her how long will you gash yourselves? jars. 13 Then Moab will be ashamed of 6 JER Ezk 21 O sword of Yahweh, Chemosh, as Israel has been ashamed of how long before you rest? , in which they put their trust. JEREMIAH 48 810 14 How can you say, ‘We are heroes 32 O vineyard of Sibmah, and valiant men of war?’ 15 Moab will be I weep for you more than for . destroyed, her towns shattered; her fi nest Your branches spread as far as the sea, young men will be slaughtered—it is the all the way to the sea of Jazer. King who speaks, whose name is Yahweh The destroyer has fallen Sabaoth. on your harvest and your vintage. 33 16 Moab’s ruin is near at hand; Jubilation is at an end her downfall comes at top speed. in the fruit gardens of Moab; 17 All you her neighbors, mourn for her, the vintage shout of joy is not heard, all you who knew her well; for I have drained the wine from the say, “How the mighty scepter is broken, wine vats. the glorious rod!” 34 The cry of Heshbon and Elealeh is 18 Come down from glory, heard as far as Jahaz. From Zoar to Hor- sit on the parched ground, onaim and Eglath-shelishiyah, their lament all you who dwell in Dibon; is heard, for even the waters of Moab’s destroyer has come against you, have become desolate. he has destroyed your stronghold. 35 Yahweh says: I will bring to an end 19 Stand by the way and watch closely, any one in Moab who offers sacrifi ce on you who dwell in ; the and burns incense to his ask the men who fl ee, the women who gods. 36 escape, And that is why my heart, like a fl ute, Is 16:11 ask them what has happened. sobs for Moab, moans for the people of 20 Moab is shamed, oh, yes, destroyed; Kir-heres whose accumulated riches have howl and cry out for her. all perished. 37 Every head is shorn, every Announce it by the Arnon cut off; gashes are on their hands, that Moab is ruined. sackcloth covers their loins. 38 There is nothing but lamentation on all the house- 21 Judgment has come on the tableland: tops and in the public squares of Moab, for on , Jahzah and Mephaath, 22 on Di - I have shattered her like a vessel that no bon, Nebo and Beth-diblathaim, 23 on Ki - one wants—says Yahweh. riathaim, Beth-gamul and Beth-meon, 39 24 on Kerioth and , on all the cities of What terror has seized Moab, what Moab, far and near. 25 The horn of Moab is wailing! Oh, how she has turned back in cut off and her arm broken—it is Yahweh shame! Moab has become a laughingstock and a horror to her neighbors. who speaks. 40 For thus says Yahweh: Look, an eagle Dt 28:49; 26 Make her drunk! Because she mag- Jer is swooping down, spreading its wings 49:22 nifi ed herself against Yahweh, Moab will over Moab. wallow in her vomit and become a laugh- 41 The towns will be captured, the strong- ingstock in turn. 27 Was not Israel a laugh- holds seized. ingstock to you? Was she found among The heart of Moab’s warriors on that thieves, that, whenever you speak of her, day will be like the heart of a woman in you wag your head? travail. 28 Leave the cities and dwell in the rocky 42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation for cliffs, setting itself up against Yahweh. 43 O inhabitants of Moab. Terror, pit, and snare be upon you, O Is 24: Learn from the dove that makes its nest people of Moab—says Yahweh. 17-18 44 out of reach on the edge of a cliff. He who fl ees from terror will fall into Am 5:19 29 Is 16:6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, the pit; he who climbs out of the pit will of her loftiness and arrogance, be caught in the snare; for I will let this of the haughtiness of her heart. happen to Moab in the year of her punish- 30 Yahweh says: I know her insolence; ment—says Yahweh. 45 her words are false, Fugitives stop in the shadow of Hesh- Num 24:17; her deeds are vain. bon, for a fi re has gone from the house of 21:28 31 Is 16:7 And so I wail for Moab; Sihon, burning Moab’s skull and her boast- for the whole of Moab I moan; ers’ crown. for the people of Kir-heres I mourn. 46 Woe to you, Moab, 811 people of Chemosh who suffer calamity! would they not steal only as much as Your sons are taken into exile, they want? 10 your daughters into captivity. But I will strip bare; Mal 1:3 47 46:26 But in the days to come I will restore his hiding places I will uncover. the fortunes of Moab—Yahweh declares.” His relatives, children and neighbors The judgment on Moab ends here. will perish, and he will be no more. 11 Leave your widows and orphans behind, Against Ammon and rest, assured I will keep them alive.” 1 12 Concerning the Ammonites. Yah- For thus says Yahweh: “Even those 25:15-21; 49 weh says this: not sentenced to drink the cup must drink Is 63:6 “Has Israel no sons? it. Why then should you go unpunished? Has she no heir? You, too, shall drink! 13 By my own self Why then has disinherited , have I sworn, says Yahweh: Bozrah shall why have his people settled in its cities? become an object of horror and disgrace, 2 But the days are coming a desolation and a curse. All her towns and —says Yahweh— cities shall be ruins forever.” 14 when I will sound the battle alarm I have received a message from Yah- Ab 1:1-4 against Rabbah of the Ammonites. weh, a herald has been sent among the It will become a heap of ruins, nations: its villages destroyed by fi re. “Assemble! Prepare for battle! Then Israel will dispossess March against these people! those who had dispossessed her 15 Look, I will reduce you among the na- —Yahweh says. tions, make you despised among human- 3 Wail, Heshbon, for the destroyer kind. marches! 16 The terror that you inspire Howl, inhabitants of Rabbah! and your pride have deceived you, Put on sackcloth, lament, you who live in the crags, run to and fro, gashing yourselves; on the rocky heights of the hill. for Milcom goes into exile, Though you build your nest as high as along with his priests and offi cials. the eagle’s, 4 Why boast of your valleys, I will bring you down from there—it is your valleys fl owing with fruit, Yahweh who speaks. O faithless daughter, 17 Edom will become a horror, shocking trusting in your riches and saying, every passerby who will catch his breath 18 ‘Who will dare attack me?’ at the sight of her wounds. As when 50:40 5 Look, I will bring terror upon you; Sodom, Gomorrah, and their neighboring you will be driven away, towns were overthrown, no one shall dwell everyone making his own way, or visit there—thus Yahweh proclaims. 19 with no one to gather the fugitives. As when a lion comes from the thicket 50:44-46 6 Yet I will restore the fortunes of Jordan to a rich feeding ground, so I, in of the Ammonites later on. an instant, will drive Edom from its land. It is Yahweh Sabaoth who speaks.” Whom will I choose for this task? Who is like me and can call me to account? What Against Edom shepherd can stand against me? 7 20 Ps Concerning Edom, this is what Yahweh Therefore hear Yahweh’s plan against 137:7; Am 1: says: Edom, against those who live in . 11-12; Ezk 25: “Is there no more wisdom left in Teman? They will be dragged away, even the small- 12-14; Has counsel perished from the prudent? est sheep; their pasture will be destroyed Ab 1:1-9 Has their understanding decayed? on account of them. 8 Flee or hide in dark caves, 21 The earth will tremble at the sound of you inhabitants of Dedan, their fall; to the Sea of Reeds their cry will for I will bring destruction upon Esau resound. when I come to punish him. 22 Look! An eagle will soar and spread 9 Ab 1:5-6 If grape pickers worked in your vineyard, its wings over Bozrah. On that day the would they not leave gleanings behind? heart of Edom’s warriors will pound like JER If thieves came to you at night, the heart of a woman in labor.” JEREMIAH 49 812 About the Syrian cities ah, king of Judah. 35 Yahweh Sabaoth says 23 Is 17:1-3; Message concerning : this: Am 1:3-5 “Hamath and Arpad are confused, “See, I will break the bow of , the having heard bad news. mainstay of their might. 36 I will bring the Their hearts are faint with fear four winds against her from the four quar- like the waters of a troubled sea. ters of the heavens, and there will be no 24 Damascus has become feeble nation on earth to which Elam’s exiles will and turns to fl ee in panic, not be dispersed. gripped by anguish and pain, 37 I will shatter Elam before their foes, like a woman in travail. before those who seek their lives. I will 25 How the renowned city is forsaken, bring disaster upon them, even my fi erce the city of delight! anger. I will pursue them with the sword 26 Her young men will fall in the streets, until I have made an end of them. her soldiers will be silenced on that day. 38 I will set my throne in Elam and de - Yahweh declares: stroy her king and offi cials. 39 Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in the days to 27 I will set fi re to the walls of Damascus; come—says Yahweh.” it will consume Ben-Hadad’s fortresses.” Against Babylon Is Against the tribes 1 • This is the word Yahweh spoke 13—14; 28 25:23-24; A message concerning Kedar and the 50 21:1-10; Is 21: against Babylon and the land of the 47; 13-17 kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnez- Chaldeans, through the prophet Jeremiah: Rev 18 zar king of Babylon attacked. This is what 2 “Do not hide this, but announce among Yahweh says: the nations that Babylon is taken, Bel con- “Arise and attack Kedar, founded, Merodach dismayed; her images destroy the people of the east! are put to shame, her idols destroyed. 3 29 Their tents and fl ocks will be taken away, A people from the north marches their goods and camels carried off against her, set to turn her into a wasteland as men shout, ‘Terror on every side!’ abandoned by both people and beast. 4 30 Flee, dwell in deep caves, In those days—declares Yahweh—the Hos 3:5 you who live in Hazor—says Yahweh. people of Israel and Judah will come in tears to seek their God Yahweh. For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon 5 Their faces turned toward Zion, they has devised a plot against you. will ask the way to it. They will come and 31 Arise and attack a nation at ease, say, ‘Let us join ourselves to Yahweh in an which lives in confi dence, everlasting Covenant never to be forgotten.’ 6 a nation that has neither bars nor gates, My people were lost sheep misled by Zec 10:2 a people that dwells alone complacently. their shepherds and left to roam on the 32 Their camels will become plunder, mountains. They wandered from hill to hill their large herds will be spoils; and lost the way to their fold. I will scatter to the winds 7 They were devoured by enemies who those who are in far-off places; chanced upon them and said, ‘We have I will bring disaster no guilt. This is their due for they sinned on them from every side. against Yahweh, their true shepherd and 33 Hazor will be a jackal’s haunt, hope of their ancestors.’ 8 forever a wasteland Flee from Babylon, leave the land of Gen 19:15; uninhabited by humans, the Chaldeans, be like the rams that lead Is 48:20; unvisited by anyone.” the fl ock! Zec 2:10 9 For I will stir up nations from the north Against Elam to march against Babylon. Their arrows 34 This is the word of Yahweh against are like those of skilled warriors, that never Elam, which came to the prophet Jeremi- return empty-handed; and Babylon will be ah at the beginning of the reign of Zedeki- captured.

• 50.1 Chapters 50 and 51 have the oracles against Babylon: various discourses dealing with the and the return of the exiles. 813 10 will be plundered, and the his armory, brought out the arms of his plunderers will be fi lled. fury, for Yahweh Sabaoth has work to do 11 Rejoice as long as you can, in the land of Chaldea. you plunderers of my inheritance! 26 Come against her from every side; Frolic like heifers threshing grain, break open her granaries; pile her up like and neigh like stallions! heaps of grain, destroy her, leaving no rem- 27 12 But your mother will be disgraced; nant. Slay all her oxen, down to the slaugh- Is 34:7 she will be the least of the nations, terhouse with them! Woe to them! Their day laid waste and a desert. has come, the time for their chastisement. 13 Yahweh’s fury will leave her desolate, 28 Listen! Fugitives and refugees from the an empty solitude, uninhabited. land of Babylon have come to announce Every passerby will be horrifi ed in Zion Yahweh’s vengeance for his tem- at the sight of the wounds of Babylon. ple. 29 Surround Babylon with archers, and 14 Take your posts around the city, leave her no way of escape. Repay her as all you who bend the bow. her deeds deserve; do to her as she has Shoot at her, spare no arrows, done to others. Give her the due for her de- for great is her iniquity. fi ance of Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel. 15 Raise the war cry! 30 That day, her warriors, and young Now she surrenders! men as well, will fall and lie in silence. 31 I Her walls are torn down, her towers fallen. am against you, arrogant one! It is Yahweh Since this is Yahweh’s vengeance, Sabaoth who speaks—the time to punish take revenge on her; you has come. do to her as she has done to others. 32 The arrogant one will stumble; no one 16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, will help her up. In her towns I will kindle a and the reaper with his sickle at fi re that will consume everything around. harvest time. 33 Thus says Yahweh Sabaoth: The peo- Escape from the oppressor’s sword; ple of Israel are oppressed, and the people let everyone return to his own people, of Judah as well, for their captors hold let everyone fl ee to his own land. them fast and refuse to let them go. 34 But 17 Israel was a straying sheep which strong is their avenger, Yahweh Sabaoth is lions pursued. First to devour her was the his name. He will fi ght for their cause and Assyrian; and the last to crush her bones succeed; he will give them rest in their land, was Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. but unrest to those who live in Babylon. 18 Therefore Yahweh, God of Israel, says: I 35 A sword upon the Chaldeans, upon the will punish the king of Babylon and his land, people of Babylon, her princes and sages! 36 as once I punished the king of Assyria. A sword upon her false prophets: may they Is 44:25 19 But I will return Israel to her fold, to lose their wits! A sword upon her warriors: feed on Bashan and Carmel and on Mount may they tremble in terror! 37 A sword upon Ephraim and Gilead, till she has her fi ll. her mercenaries: may they become women! 20 In those days, Yahweh says, a search A sword upon her treasures: may they will be made for Israel’s guilt, but none will be plundered! 38 A sword upon her waters: be found, and for the sins of Judah, and may they dry up! For hers is a land of idols none will be found; for I will forgive the that go mad with terrors. 39 remnant whose lives I have spared. So, desert beasts will live there; there, Is 13:21; 21 Attack the land of Merathaim, and will the owl and ostrich dwell. From gen- Rev 18:2 those who live in Pekod; pursue and kill eration to generation, the land will never them, says Yahweh; do all as I have com- be inhabited again. 40 As when God over- 49:18 manded. 22 Battle alarm is in the land, the turned with their 23 51:41 alarm of great destruction. How broken neighbors, nobody will live there any more, and shattered is the hammer of the whole no one will make his home there again. earth! How horrifying has Babylon become 41 A strong people is coming from the among the nations! north, a mighty nation. Stirred up from the 24 You ensnared yourself, O Babylon, far ends of the earth 42 are men armed with and were caught before you knew it; you bows and spears who are cruel and without JER were found out and seized because you mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as 6: challenged Yahweh. 25 Yahweh has opened they ride on galloping steeds. They come 23-24 JEREMIAH 50 814

9 in battle formation against you, daughter ‘We have tried to heal Babylon, Rev of Babylon. but she is beyond healing. 18:5 43 Your king has heard news of them, Let us go back, each to his own land, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has and leave her to her judgment gripped him, and pain as that of a woman which rises up to heaven.’ in travail. 10 Yahweh has defended our rights, 49:19-21 44 As a lion comes from the thicket of come, let us declare in Zion Jordan to a rich feeding ground, so I, in what our God Yahweh has done. an instant, will drive them off, and whom 11 Sharpen the arrows, I choose I will establish there. For who is take up the shields! like me? And who can call me to account? Yahweh has aroused Media’s kings What shepherd can stand against me? in his resolve to destroy Babylon. 45 Therefore hear Yahweh’s plans against This is Yahweh’s vengeance, Babylon, against the land of the Chaldeans: vengeance for his temple. they will be dragged away, even the small- 12 Raise a fl ag on the walls of Babylon, est sheep; their pasture will be destroyed and make the watch strong. on account of them. Post guards, prepare an ambush! 46 The earth quakes at the cry ‘Babylon Yahweh will carry out his purpose, his is captured!’ Among the nations the outcry words against the people of Babylon. 13 is heard.” You who dwell by mighty waters, Rev 17: 1, 15; you who are rich in treasures, Nh 2:14 The Lord against Babylon this is your end; the time 1 This is what Yahweh says: for you to be cut off has come. 51 “I will stir up a devastating wind 14 Yahweh Sabaoth has sworn: against Babylon and the Chaldeans. Surely I will fi ll you with troops, 2 I will send foreigners to Babylon thick as a swarm of locusts; to winnow her and lay waste her land. they will exult over you and raise the On the day of her affl iction vintage shout. they will besiege her from all sides. 3 Let not her archers bend their bows, Hymn 15 let them not stand up in their armor. He made the earth by his power, Is 45:18; Jer 10: Spare not her young men; founded the world by his wisdom, 12-16 destroy the host of her warriors. spread out the sky by his discernment. 4 16 They will fall fatally wounded When he thunders, the heaven roars; Job in the streets of Babylon. from the earth he makes clouds rise; 38:34 5 For Israel and Judah have not been he sends lightning with the rain, forgotten by their God, Yahweh Sabaoth, and from his vaults brings out the wind. though their land is guilt-ridden 17 Everyone stand stupefi ed at this; before the Holy One of Israel. artisans blush, for the idols they made 6 Rev Save your lives, fl ee from Babylon! have no life and are a fraud. 18:4 Partake not of her punishment; 18 They are worthless, ridiculous; this is a time of Yahweh’s vengeance, when judgment comes they will perish. 19 a time of his recompense to her. The portion of Jacob is not like them, Dt 32:9 7 Ps 75:9; Babylon was a golden cup in for he is the creator of all; Rev 14:8; Yahweh’s hand, Yahweh Sabaoth is his name, 18:3 a cup which made the whole earth and his heritage is Israel. drunk. The nations drank her wine, The hammer of Yahweh and they have become mad. • 20 You were my hammer, my weapon 8 Rev Babylon’s fall is sudden. of war. With you I wrecked nations, with 18:2 Wail for her, wail! you I demolished kingdoms. Bring balm for her wounds, 21 With you I wrecked horse and rider, if she could yet be healed. and charioteer. 22 With you I wrecked

• 51.20 You were my hammer. A century was destroyed by Babylon which became the before, Isaiah had seen in Assur the rod with hammer with which Yahweh was beating the which God would punish the nations. But Assur nations and destroying them. After blindly ful- 815 man and woman, youth and aged, young my blood be upon the Chaldeans,’ says man and maiden. Jerusalem. 23 36 With you I wrecked shepherd and Yahweh says to his people: “See now, Rev fl ock, farmer and draft animal, rulers and I defend your cause and avenge you. I 16:12 offi cials. will dry up her sea and drain her springs. 24 But now I will repay Babylon and 37 Babylon shall become a heap of ruins, a those who dwell in Chaldea for the wrong haunt of jackals, an object of horror and they did to Zion. 25 I am against you, ravag- derision, a place where no one lives. ing mountain, ravager of the whole earth! 38 Her people will roar like lions; they will It is Yahweh who speaks. growl like lion cubs. 39 But while they are 51:57 I will lay my hands on you, roll you down feverish, I will prepare a drink for them and over the crags, and make you a parched, make them drunk till they grow drowsy eroded mountain. 26 No cornerstone will be and fall into eternal sleep, never to wake taken from you, or foundation stone; for- up again. ever shall you be a ruins, Yahweh says. 40 I will bring them down like lambs to 27 Raise a signal on the earth, among the slaughter, like goats and rams. 41 the nations blow the trumpet. Prepare the How has Babylon been seized, the 50:23 nations for war, summon the kingdoms to glory of the world taken captive! How has battle Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz. Mar- Babylon become a horror among nations! shal a great force against her; bring up the 42 The sea has risen over Babylon and cavalry, swarming and bristling. covered her with its roaring waves. 43 Her cit- 28 Prepare the nations to battle her, the ies have become desolate, a land of drought with their kings, their governors and and a desert, a land where no one dwells, a offi cials, all the countries they rule. land through which no one travels. 29 The earth trembles and writhes as 44 I will punish Bel in Babylon and make Yahweh carries out his process of turning him belch out what he devoured. No lon- the land of Babylon into a desert where ger will nations stream to him. The wall of no one lives. 30 Her warriors have ceased Babylon has fallen. to fi ght; they cower in their strongholds. 45 My people, come out of her! Run for Their strength is dried up, their homes are your lives! Run from Yahweh’s fi erce anger. 46 burned and their gates broken. Do not lose heart or be afraid when ru - Mt 24:6 31 One after another, couriers run to the mors are heard, when rumors come year king, bringing news that his entire city is after year, rumors of violence and disaster, fallen: 32 The fords have been seized, the intrigues of ruler against ruler. fortresses set afi re, and all the warriors 47 The time will surely come when I will terrifi ed. 33 Yahweh Sabaoth, God of Israel, punish the idols of Babylon; her land will says: Babylon is like a threshing fl oor at the be put to shame when all around her lie 48 time it is trodden. A little while, and the time slain. Then heaven and earth and all Rev 18:20; of the harvest grain will come for her.” therein will rejoice over Babylon, for out 19:1-2 34 The people of Zion said: ‘Nebuchad- of the north the destroyers will come to nezzar, king of Babylon, has consumed attack her—it is Yahweh who speaks. and routed me. He has left me as an empty 49 Babylon must fall for the slain of Isra- vessel. Like a dragon he has swallowed el, just as the slain of all the earth have me, and fi lled his belly; he cast me out of fallen because of Babylon. 50 my Eden. You who have escaped the sword, leave, Ps 137:5 35 Mt 27:25 May the violence done to my fl esh be and do not linger. Remember Yahweh from upon Babylon, says the city of Zion. May this far country and think of Jerusalem:

fi lling God’s will against Judah, Babylon would trust. But before the next generation, another also head towards its own collapse: fi fty years giant appears and overcomes the fi rst, while the later, it would be destroyed by the Persians. Church, seemingly despoiled and poorer, rises Jeremiah urges us not to fear the great pow- with renewed strength. ers of today’s world. In the past, great nations When we fi nish reading Jeremiah, we can emerged and tried to destroy which turn to the 40th chapter of Isaiah: the small had become complacent and asleep; revolu- land of Judah will come back to life while the tions and persecutions destroyed the fragile great empires of Assyria and Babylon will leave JER structures in which Christians had placed their behind nothing but ruins. JEREMIAH 51 816

51 64 Ps 79:1 ‘We have been put to shame, dishon- to the Euphrates. Then say: “So will Rev or has covered our faces; because aliens Babylon sink and rise no more be - 18:21 have entered the holy places of Yahweh’s house.’ cause of the disaster I will bring upon 52 But days will come—Yahweh de- her.” clares—when I will punish her idols, the Thus far the words of Jeremiah. wounded will groan all over her land. The fall of Jerusalem 53 Though Babylon mount skyward, though she fortify her heights, the mere threat of 1 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old 2K 24:18— the destroyers I send is enough to make 52 when he became king and he 25:30 her terrifi ed. reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His 54 Listen! Loud cries from Babylon, the mother, Hamutal by name, was the daugh- sound of terrible destruction from the land ter of Jeremiah from . of the Chaldeans! 55 That is Yahweh laying 2 He did evil in the sight of Yahweh just waste the city, silencing her monstrous as Jehoiakim had done. 3 All that hap- din. Well may her waves roar and their pened in Jerusalem and Judah came clamor be heard afar! 56 Upon Babylon the about because of Yahweh’s anger until the destroyer has come; her warriors are cap- day when he drove them out of his sight. tured, their bows are broken. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of 4 For Yahweh is a God who rewards, who Babylon; so in the ninth year of Zedeki- 39:1-10 57 51:39 repays her enemies in full. I will make ah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth her rulers and sages drunk, her governors, month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon her offi cers and warriors; they will sleep marched with his entire army and laid the sleep of death and never awake, says siege to Jerusalem. They camped outside the King whose name is Yahweh Sabaoth. the city and built siege works all around it. 58 5 Hb 2:13 Yahweh Sabaoth says this: The wide The city was under siege up to the elev- ramparts of Babylon will be razed to the enth year of Zedekiah. ground, her high gates burned down. 6 On the ninth day of the fourth month, The people’s labor will go to naught; the famine became a serious problem in the nation’s toil will end in fi re.” city, and throughout the land there was no bread for the people. 7 When the city was The written oracle thrown into the river opened by a breach in the wall the Judean 59 army fl ed. They left the city by night through This is the message Jeremiah the gate between the two walls near the gave to Seraiah, son of Neriah who king’s garden. While the Chaldeans were is Mahseiah’s son, when he went to still surrounding the city they fl ed towards Babylon at the command of Zedeki- the Arabah. 8 The Chaldeans followed in ah, who was then in the fourth year of hot pursuit of king Zedekiah. They caught his reign as king of Judah. up with him in the plains of Jericho. All his 60 army deserted and scattered. Jeremiah had written on a scroll 9 The Chaldeans seized the king and the entire disaster that was to befall led him away to Riblah in the territory of Babylon—all these words recorded Hamath; and, there, the king of Babylon here. passed sentence on him. There, at Riblah, 61 Jeremiah then said to Seraiah, the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah in his presence; and also “When you get to Babylon, see that killed all the offi cials of Judah. 10 He then 62 you read all these words aloud. Then put out the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him say: ‘Yahweh, you, yourself, have with a double bronze chain and took him proclaimed that this place will be to Babylon. 11 He was imprisoned there in Ezk 12:13 destroyed, that neither people nor the house of the guards until the day of his beast will ever live here again, for it death. 12 On the tenth day of the fi fth month will remain desolate forever.’ in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar 63 When you fi nish reading this king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it in - of the bodyguard and servant of the king of 817 Babylon, entered Jerusalem and set fi re to 23 Ninety-six pomegranates hung down; the house of Yahweh and the royal palace, and in all the fi ligree decoration there was as well as to all the houses in Jerusa lem. a total of a hundred pomegranates. 13 He also burned every important building. 24 The commander of the bodyguard 14 The Chaldean army under the command- took captive Seraiah, the chief priest, and er of the bodyguard completely demolished Zephaniah, the next priest in rank, as well all the walls around Jerusalem. as three doorkeepers. 15 Nebuzaradan, commander of the 25 He also took from those in the city a bodyguard, carried off into exile some of in command of the fi ghting men, the poorest among the people, the rem- seven personal advisers to the king, who nant of Jews left in the city, and those who were discovered in the city, 26 the com- had deserted to the king of Babylon, and mander’s secretary, responsible for mili- the remainder of the artisans. 16 But Nebu- tary conscription, and sixty of his men, zaradan those among the very who were found in the city. Nebuzaradan poor who were capable of working in vine- took all these away to the king of Babylon yards and cultivating the soil. at Riblah. 27 There at Riblah, in the territory 17 The Chaldeans broke into pieces the of Hamath, the king of Babylon had them bronze pillars, the stands and the bronze put to death. So Judah was taken captive Sea in the house of Yahweh, and carried and taken away from its own land. off all this bronze to Babylon. 28 This is the number of the population 18 They also took the pots, shovels, wick deported by Nebuchadnezzar: in the sev- trimmers, the spoons and all the bronze enth year 3,023 Jews; 29 in the 18th year of articles used in the temple service. 19 The Nebuchadnezzar, 832 people from Jerusa- commander of the bodyguard took the ba- lem; 30 in the twenty-third year 745 Jews sins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lamp deported by Nebuzaradan, commander of stands, ladles and bowls—all that was the bodyguard—in all 4,600 people. 31 made of gold or silver. On the 25th day of the 12th month, in 2K 20 The two pillars, the Sea and the twelve the 37 th year of the exile of Jehoiakin, king 25:30 bronze bulls underneath it, the movable of Judah, Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, stands which king had made for in the year he came to the throne, pardoned the house of Yahweh—all this bronze was Jehoiakin king of Judah, and released him of an immeasurable weight. from prison. 32 He spoke kindly to him and 21 The pillars were each eighteen cubits gave him more honorable treatment than high with a circumference of twelve cubits. the other kings who were with him in Bab- Each had a thickness of four fi ngers and ylon. 33 Jehoiakin put aside his prisoner’s was hollow. 22 On the top of each pillar garment; and for the rest of his life ate at was a bronze capital fi ve cubits high, and the king’s table. above this, and around the capital, was fi li- 34 Day by day for as long as he lived he gree work, with pomegranates in bronze. was maintained by the king of Babylon. 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