DOCSLIB.ORG

JEREMIAH 21, 22 in Chapter 21 the “Siege” Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
JEREMIAH 21, 22 in Chapter 21 the “Siege” Of JEREMIAH 21, 22 In Chapter 21 the “siege” of Jerusalem begins. This chapter takes place during the last days of Jeremiah’s life. King Zedekiah, frightened at the approach of the Babylonian army, appeals to Jeremiah to intercede with God. Jeremiah advises Zedekiah to yield the city to the Babylonians, in order to save the people from death.The Pashhur mention here is not the same Pashhur (son of Immer) in 20:1. Zephanian, although the priest at the time, was not the same Zephaniah of the Minor Prophets. Zedekiah: last king of Judah (597 B.C. - 586 B.C.); the son of Josiah, the successor to Jehoiachin as king (2 Kings 24:17-20; 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 36:10-13). Josiah actually had three sons succeed him; Jehoahaz (Jeremiah 22:11, 12; 2 Kings 23:30-33); Eliakim, Pharaoh Necho changed his name to Jehoiakim, (2 Kings 23:34); Jehoiachin, was Josiah’s “grandson,” who reigned after his father Jehoiakim (2 Kings 24:6); Zedekiah his uncle reigned after him. Mattaniah, whose name was changed to Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, (2 Kings24:17). Mattaniah means: gift of Jehovah. Zedekiah means: righteousness of Jehovah or Justice of Jehovah. Zedekiah’s name was probably given in “mockery” of the God of Israel. Satan has always sought to make a mockery of God’s “gift!” This is the Zedekiah we find seeking counsel from Jeremiah (read: v.2). Jeremiah’s answer was not the one they were looking for; they sought the “works” of God (v.2b), but were not willing to do the “will” of God! (read: v.3-10) Notice: (v.8, 9) As in Christ, God provided them a way in which they could escape His “wrath!” Next the Lord addresses the king, the house of David, the descendants of King David; “Zedekiah.” (read: v.11-14) Repentance and obedience (surrender) was their only path of “deliverance” from the judgment of God poised, just beyond their walls. Lesson: Like many people who look to God as a “last” resort Zedekiah turns to the Lord for help; he turns to Jeremiah, the very one whom they had “despised.” Notice: Zedekiah sends the “priest” to Jeremiah; the “religious” crowd is at a “loss,” as to what to do; a form of godliness without true power is “useless” in a “real” crisis! We can call for moments of silence, religious pomp and ceremony, but when real life happens, we need a living God! Zedekiah by-passes the form of religion and seeks out the man who has a relationship with God! The world will seek out “authentic” saints when “real” trouble comes. On September 14, 2001; at the Washington National Cathedral, Billy Graham was invited to speak a message of comfort and hope to an audience consisting of the president of the United States, members of Congress, dignitaries, and hundreds of others, while the nation looked on. In times of “crisis” we can give the world “Christ.” Therefore, “keep your powder dry,” be ready in season and out of season. In times of crisis that fellow “employee” who has been “mocking” you will seek you out! (1 Peter 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. CHAPTER 22 In this chapter we find a prophetic word regarding Zedekiah’s two other brothers and Zedekiah’s nephew, Josiah’s grandson, Jehoiachin (Coniah/Jeconiah); who also reigned He warns the current King, possibly Zedekiah, to execute “justice,” (v.3-5). Although Israel was established as God’s place for abundance, Go would turn it into a “wilderness,” (read: v.6-10). In (v.11-12) the first brother of Zedekiah mentioned is Jehoahaz, also called Shallum. (read: v.11-12). Jehoahaz: He was “deposed” by the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh-Necho, and carried away prisoner into Egypt; where he died in captivity; (2 Kings 23:33,34). (Easton's Bible Dictionary) Apparently there seem to have been a “pro” Jehoahaz campaign in Judah; some thought that Jehoahaz would return from Egypt to rescue the city; but God declares their hope is “futile,” (v.12). In the same way, the world’s “futile faith” in the anti- Christ, when he burst on to the scene, will not deliver this world from the “wrath” to come! Daniel prophesied he (anti-Christ) will bring about 3 ½ years of “pseudo-peace,” (Daniel 9:27). (v.13-17) “injustice” is further condemned as the Lord declares: “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness…” To judge the cause of the poor and needy is evidence that we “know the Lord,” (v.16b). We have an obligation to hear the cry of the poor. (Black Forest Food Pantry) (Proverbs 21:13) Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. (v.17b) “covetousness” violates the “innocent,” “oppresses” the disadvantage, and practices “violence” against others. Number “ten” of the Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20:17a) "You shall not covet…” The second brother mentioned here is Jehoiakim, (v.18-23) who like the rest of his brothers “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” (v.21) in “prosperity” they would not listen; but now Zedekiah seeks the counsel of God, (21:1). The nation had a “fire alarm” relationship with God, which is no “relationship” at all. (no spouse would settle for that). The just shall live by “faith,” consistently daily, not “abruptly” as “needed.” (v.24-30) The last relative of Zedekiah mentioned here is Coniah, aka: Jeconiah/Jehoiachin – Josiah’s grandson and Zedekiah’s nephew; Zedekiah succeeded him (2 Kings 24:17). (v.30) is an interesting verse; because if Coniah was cursed to be “childless,” in the sense of not having any “descendants” who would sit on the “Throne of David”; because, (1 Chron. 3:17) reveals Coniah had seven, possibly eight, children). This is interesting because Coniah is a “direct” descendant of King David; and the Messiah would be of the lineage of David. But how could the Messiah be delivered to the world through a lineage God had “cursed?” The answer is found in the two lineages of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. (ttt) Matthew 1. This is the lineage of “Joseph.” The descendants of Coniah, (v.12) (Jeconiah/Jehoiachin) had been “cursed,” none of his descendants would sit on the Throne of David; which God promised the Messiah. When Coniah was “cursed” the devil and his “demons” must have “celebrated!” (ttt) Luke 3. Joseph was the “stepfather” of Jesus. The phrase; “Joseph, the son of Heli” is interesting. In Matthew’s lineage Joseph is the son of “Jacob.” It doesn’t mean that Joseph had “two” daddies; the phrase, “the son of” should actually read “the son-in-law of.” Heli is mentioned here because most of the time only men were listed in the lineage of ancient Jewish families. Thus, Heli is the “father” of Mary, which “begins” Christ’s lineage in Luke; just as Jacob is the “father” of Joseph at the “end” of Christ’s lineage in Matthew. The woman satan “deceived” in the beginning God would use to “deliver” the promised Messiah to the world! (Isaiah 9:7) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Lesson: Despite the unfaithfulness of Israel and mankind in general, Christ came and has broken every “curse,” and is “now” seated at the right hand of the Father, forever as our High Priest and Intercessor. Just when satan thinks he has “won,” the “zeal” of the Lord denies him victory! Zeal means: “jealousy” or “envy.” God is jealous over His children; therefore, no demon, principality or power can deny us the “blessings” of God. Unbelief is the only limiting factor in our lives, because the “zeal” of the Lord has provided everything for us. Thus, Paul declared: Romans 8:31-39. Next week read ahead chapters 23-25. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Prophet Jeremiah As Theological Symbol in the Book of Jeremiahâ•Š
    Scholars Crossing LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations 11-2010 The Prophet Jeremiah as Theological Symbol in the Book of Jeremiah” Gary E. Yates Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, History of Religions of Eastern Origins Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons, Other Religion Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Yates, Gary E., "The Prophet Jeremiah as Theological Symbol in the Book of Jeremiah”" (2010). LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations. 372. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs/372 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ETS, Atlanta 2010 “The Prophet Jeremiah as Theological Symbol in the Book of Jeremiah” Gary E. Yates, Ph.D. Introduction Timothy Polk has noted, “Nothing distinguishes the book of Jeremiah from earlier works of prophecy quite so much as the attention it devotes to the person of the prophet and the prominence it accords the prophetic ‘I’, and few things receive more scholarly comment.”1 More than simply providing a biographical or psychological portrait of the prophet, the book presents Jeremiah as a theological symbol who embodies in his person the word of Yahweh and the office of prophet. 2 In fact, the figure of Jeremiah is so central that a theology of the book of Jeremiah “cannot be formulated without taking into account the person of the prophet, as the book presents him.”3 The purpose of this study is to explore how Jeremiah the person functions as a theological symbol and what these motifs contribute to the overall theology of the book of Jeremiah.
    [Show full text]
  • Jeremiah Commentary
    YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE JEREMIAH BOB UTLEY PROFESSOR OF HERMENEUTICS (BIBLE INTERPRETATION) STUDY GUIDE COMMENTARY SERIES OLD TESTAMENT, VOL. 13A BIBLE LESSONS INTERNATIONAL MARSHALL, TEXAS 2012 www.BibleLessonsIntl.com www.freebiblecommentary.org Copyright ©2001 by Bible Lessons International, Marshall, Texas (Revised 2006, 2012) All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any way or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Bible Lessons International P. O. Box 1289 Marshall, TX 75671-1289 1-800-785-1005 ISBN 978-1-892691-45-3 The primary biblical text used in this commentary is: New American Standard Bible (Update, 1995) Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation P. O. Box 2279 La Habra, CA 90632-2279 The paragraph divisions and summary captions as well as selected phrases are from: 1. The New King James Version, Copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2. The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Copyright ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 3. Today’s English Version is used by permission of the copyright owner, The American Bible Society, ©1966, 1971. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 4. The New Jerusalem Bible, copyright ©1990 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.freebiblecommentary.org The New American Standard Bible Update — 1995 Easier to read: } Passages with Old English “thee’s” and “thou’s” etc.
    [Show full text]
  • God Disciplines a Rebellious People
    Unit .15 Session .05 God Disciplines a Rebellious People Scripture 2 Chronicles 36:11-21 11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began until there was no remedy. 17 Therefore he brought to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed 12 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his their young men with the sword in the house of their God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the sanctuary and had no compassion on young man or prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord. 13 virgin, old man or aged. He gave them all into his hand. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who 18 And all the vessels of the house of God, great and had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord, the treasures of the king and of his princes, all these he the God of Israel. 14 All the officers of the priests brought to Babylon. 19 And they burned the house of and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem and burned following all the abominations of the nations. And they all its palaces with fire and destroyed all its precious polluted the house of the Lord that he had made holy vessels. 20 He took into exile in Babylon those who in Jerusalem. 15 TheLord , the God of their fathers, had escaped from the sword, and they became servants sent persistently to them by his messengers, because to him and to his sons until the establishment of the he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the Lord place.
    [Show full text]
  • Narrative Parallelism and the "Jehoiakim Frame": a Reading Strategy for Jeremiah 26-45
    Scholars Crossing LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations 6-2005 Narrative Parallelism and the "Jehoiakim Frame": a Reading Strategy for Jeremiah 26-45 Gary E. Yates Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs Recommended Citation Yates, Gary E., "Narrative Parallelism and the "Jehoiakim Frame": a Reading Strategy for Jeremiah 26-45" (2005). LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations. 5. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lts_fac_pubs/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in LBTS Faculty Publications and Presentations by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JETS 48/2 (June 2005) 263-81 NARRATIVE PARALLELISM AND THE "JEHOIAKIM FRAME": A READING STRATEGY FOR JEREMIAH 26-45 GARY E. YATES* I. INTRODUCTION Many attempting to make sense of prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible would echo Carroll's assessment that "[t]o the modern reader the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel are virtually incomprehensible as books."1 For Carroll, the problem with reading these books as "books" is that there is a confusing mixture of prose and poetry, a lack of coherent order and arrange­ ment, and a shortage of necessary contextual information needed for accu­ rate interpretation.2 Despite the difficult compositional and historical issues associated with the book of Jeremiah, there is a growing consensus that
    [Show full text]
  • Zedekiah's Cave
    Places of Bible Lands – “The last week of the life of the Lord” tour 2018 Agrippa 1 used the main quarry of Zedekiah’s Cave for their many building projects. Josephus Zedekiah’s Cave writes about the “Royal Caverns” of the Old City which may be a reference to Zedekiah’s Cave. Names (also known as) The Arabic name meaning Cotton Cave or Solomon’s Quarry, Zedekiah’s Grotto, Grotto has been applied because the cave was Suleiman’s Cave, Royal Caverns, Caves or thought to have been once used as a storage Quarries and an Arabic name Migharat al-Kitan place for cotton. (or Cotton Cave or Grotto). Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1566), the Location/Description Ottoman sultan who is reputed to have built the The entrance to Zedekiah’s Cave is just present walls around the Old City of Jerusalem, beneath the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of also apparently mined the quarry, but ultimately Jerusalem, between the Damascus and Herod sealed it up around 1540 because of security Gates. The cave slopes down into a vast 300- concerns. foot-long auditorium-like chamber. Spring fed In 1854 the American missionary James T. Tears, drops of water, known as Zedekiah’s Barclay followed rumours of an underground trickle through the ceiling. This spring originates cavern near the Damascus Gate, and from the same aquifer that feeds the Gihon apparently with the help of his dog, discovered Spring. The depth of the cave is 9.1 meters the entrance to the cave. below the Old City streets and the inside height ranges between 4–15 meters.
    [Show full text]
  • August 22 Jeremiah 21, 22, 32-34 the Stage Is Now Set. the City Of
    August 22 Jeremiah 21, 22, 32-34 The stage is now set. The city of Jerusalem is now surrounded by Nebuchadnezzar’s forces. King Zedekiah is looking for some words of hope from Jeremiah, so he sends Pashuur and Zephaniah the priest to see him. This is the same Pashuur that had Jeremiah beaten and thrown into jail sometime earlier. Jeremiah’s message does not change. The city is about to be destroyed and its people captured and killed. The only hope for life is to surrender. Jerusalem will be burned. Even though the Lord has determined this awful destruction, Jeremiah is once again told to tell the king to do what’s right. Rule with justice. Protect the innocent. Rescue the oppressed. If you do these things the Lord will preserve David’s line. Yet Jerusalem, the City of David, will be burned up. These things seem to be in conflict. Zedekiah was the last king. Jesus Christ, Son of David, is the one to complete the picture and fulfill the promise. He goes on to tell Zedekiah that while he will be captured and exiled, he won’t be killed. That wasn’t what Zedekiah wanted to hear, so he had Jeremiah put in confinement. The next section has special significance to me because it contains a statement from the Lord that brought me peace in a time of distress. The countryside has been captured by the Babylonians, Jeremiah is under guard, and the city is about to be overrun. At this darkest moment, the Lord gives Jeremiah an illustration and words of hope.
    [Show full text]
  • Practice Justice
    May 17 Lesson 12 (NIV) PRACTICE JUSTICE DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 86:1–13 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 21 JEREMIAH 21:8–14 8 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives. 10 I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’ 11 “Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD. 12 This is what the LORD says to you, house of David: “ ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. 13 I am against you, Jerusalem, you who live above this valley on the rocky plateau, declares the LORD— you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our refuge?” 14 I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forests that will consume everything around you.’ ” KEY VERSE This is what the LORD says to you, house of David: “Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.” —Jeremiah 21:12a JUSTICE AND THE PROPHETS Unit 3: Called to God’s Work of Justice LESSONS 10–14 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Zedekiah: Last King of Judah
    ZEDEKIAH: LAST KING OF JUDAH SHIMON BAKON Zedekiah was the last King of Jud ah, in whose reign it collapsed under the onslaught of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, on the Ninth Day of Ab in the year 586 BCE. We may gain some better understanding of this disaster if we summarize the cataclysmic events that preceded it. A little less than 30 years earlier there had been two regional powers, Assy- ria to the north of Judah and Egypt to the south. The balance of power be- came disturbed when a new colossus began to stride across the entire Near East – Babylon. In 712, it destroyed Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. This was the beginning of the upheavals that led to the destruction of Judah. Egypt, deeply concerned about this new threat, moved northward to bolster the wan- ing power of Assyria. It set on the march in 608, moving via Judah. Josiah, a truly righteous king, attempted to stop the Egyptian forces, and was mortally wounded in battle at Megiddo. KING JOSIAH AND HIS SONS (Josiah killed in battle with Egypt in 608 BCE) JEHOAHAZ (608 BCE) JEHOIAKIM (608-597) (crowned by the (crowned by Neco of Egypt am-ha’aretz in 608 but became vassal and deposed by Egypt the of Babylonia) same year) JEHOIACHIN (597) ZEDEKIAH (597-586) Being a sympathizer (crowned by Babylon) of Egypt, he was deposed by Babylon) 1 The Judean am-haaretz – the landed gentry – put Josiah's son Jehoahaz on the throne, but Necho, the Egyptian pharaoh, hurried to depose him and carry him off into captivity.
    [Show full text]
  • Chart of the Kings of Israel and Judah
    The Kings of Israel & Judah Why Study the Kings? Chart of the Kings Questions for Discussion The Heritage of Jesus Host: Alan's Gleanings Alphabetical List of the Kings A Comment about Names God's Message of Salvation Kings of the United Kingdom (c 1025-925 BC) Relationship to God's King Previous King Judgment Saul none did evil Ishbosheth* son (unknown) David none did right Solomon did right in youth, son (AKA Jedidiah) evil in old age * The kingdom was divided during Ishbosheth's reign; David was king over the tribe of Judah. Kings of Judah (c 925-586 BC) Kings of Israel (c 925-721 BC) Relationship to God's Relationship to God's King King Previous King Judgment Previous King Judgment Rehoboam son did evil Abijam Jeroboam servant did evil son did evil (AKA Abijah) Nadab son did evil Baasha none did evil Asa son did right Elah son did evil Zimri captain did evil Omri captain did evil Ahab son did evil Jehoshaphat son did right Ahaziah son did evil Jehoram son did evil (AKA Joram) Jehoram son of Ahab did evil Ahaziah (AKA Joram) (AKA Azariah son did evil or Jehoahaz) Athaliah mother did evil Jehu captain mixed Joash did right in youth, son of Ahaziah Jehoahaz son did evil (AKA Jehoash) evil in old age Joash did right in youth, son did evil Amaziah son (AKA Jehoash) evil in old age Jeroboam II son did evil Zachariah son did evil did evil Uzziah Shallum none son did right (surmised) (AKA Azariah) Menahem none did evil Pekahiah son did evil Jotham son did right Pekah captain did evil Ahaz son did evil Hoshea none did evil Hezekiah son did right Manasseh son did evil Amon son did evil Josiah son did right Jehoahaz son did evil (AKA Shallum) Jehoiakim Assyrian captivity son of Josiah did evil (AKA Eliakim) Jehoiachin (AKA Coniah son did evil or Jeconiah) Zedekiah son of Josiah did evil (AKA Mattaniah) Babylonian captivity Color Code Legend: King did right King did evil Other.
    [Show full text]
  • Just Rewards DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 86:1-13 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 21 PRINT PASSAGE: Jeremiah 21:8-14
    LESSON 12 May 17, 2020 Unit III: Called to God’s Work of Justice Just Rewards DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 86:1-13 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 21 PRINT PASSAGE: Jeremiah 21:8-14 O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and Key Verse—deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. (Jeremiah 21:12, KJV) ….. “‘This is what the ORDL says to you, house of David: Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it.’” (Jeremiah 21:12, NIV) Lesson Aims As a result of experiencing this lesson, you should be able to do these things: • Understand divine justice described by Jeremiah. • Appreciate that God is a God of justice. • Make a personal commitment to justice and advocacy for justice. *Key Terms Babylonians (verse 9)—Hebrew: Kasdi or Kasdimah (kas-dee’): inhabitants of Chaldea; “Chaldeans” (KJV). Falleth (verse 9)—Hebrew: naphal (naw-fal’): to desert; “surrenders” (NIV). Fruit (verse 14)—Hebrew: peri (per-ee’): actions (fruit used metaphorically); “deeds” (NIV). *(Word Study Supplement—Refer to page 2) Introduction Some members of my generation may remember parents and grandparents warning us about our misbehavior with phrases like “All right, keep it up and I’m gonna getcha!” “Boy, I done told you once and I ain’t gonna tell you no mo’!” “When I get you, I’m gonna pay you for old and new!” These and similar warnings were not idle threats.
    [Show full text]
  • THRU the BIBLE EXPOSITION Jeremiah
    THRU THE BIBLE EXPOSITION Jeremiah: Prophet Of Judgment Followed By Blessing Part XLII: The Great Value Of God's Politically Incorrect Messages To His People (Jeremiah 21:1-10) I. Introduction A. God at times directs His messengers to give very politically incorrect messages to His people, messages that rub them the wrong way and can cause very negative reactions toward His messengers. B. However, such messages are actually in the best interests of their hearers, a fact seen in Jeremiah 21:1-10: II. The Great Value Of God's Politically Incorrect Messages To His People, Jeremiah 21:1-10. A. Sometime between 588 B. C. and 586 B. C. when Jerusalem fell to Babylon, King Zedekiah sent Pashhur son of Malkijah and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah to ask the Lord to perform wonders so as to cause the king of Babylon to withdraw from besieging Jerusalem, Jeremiah 21:1-2. B. This request was likely based on God's past deliverance of the city from the Assyrians under Judah's king Hezekiah when the Angel of the Lord slew 185,000 Assyrians overnight so that the Assyrian king withdrew from his siege of Jerusalem, Isaiah 37:36-38; Bible Know. Com., O. T., p. 1155-1156. C. However, instead of receiving God's promise of deliverance as Isaiah had once given king Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:21-35, Jeremiah's message from the Lord was very politically incorrect to his hearers, Jeremiah 21:3-10: 1. God had Jeremiah tell Zedekiah's messengers that He Himself would turn back the weapons of war they used against Babylon's army and bring that army into the midst of Jerusalem, Jer.
    [Show full text]
  • The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Leader Guide
    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Leader Guide (NASB and ESV) KINGS & PROPHETS SERIES Course 10 (2 Kings 21–25; 2 Chronicles 33–36; Zephaniah) i The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Leader Guide (NASB and ESV) © 2006, 2009, 2013 Precept Ministries International Published by Precept Ministries of Reach Out, Inc. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37422 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible® © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. www.lockman.org Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 3rd Edition (5/2013) ii USING LEADER GUIDES Leader Guides are intended for you, the leader, to guide your Precept Upon Precept® and In & Out® discussions. They are designed to help you reason through the content of the lessons and to ensure you have understood what your group should have learned from their study. The guides offer effective plans for leading discussions. The Holy Spirit is your guide as you prepare. He is the one who knows what your group needs to apply to their lives. Pray for them as they study and for yourself as you prepare to lead the discussion.
    [Show full text]