Jeremiah’s prophetic roller coaster of emotions makes several more loops and turns. Israel’s long, slow slide into exile finally comes to pass. The Chronicler sets the biblical and theological framework for Israel’s return under Ezra/Nehemiah and ultimately the New Testament writers.
In chapter 23 we see a prophecy about the leaders of the Lord’s people who lead his sheep astray followed by a prophecy about the True leader of his people – a descendant of David and a Righteous Branch who will lead righteously. The prophets have prophesied falsely and the leaders who remain in the land will be like bad figs. But those who are refined for 70 years in exile will be like good figs, firmly planted, who have a heart to know the Lord.
It’s no fun to preach bad news. When you do, you end up with death threats. I’m encouraged by Jeremiah’s resolute faithfulness in the face of death. May the Lord grant each of us such resolve in the days to come and give us a perspective like Jeremiah’s that recognizes even evil nations “have their own time coming.” The Lord will not forbear false prophets or fake piety forever. Indeed, he calls us to be faithfully present in the places he’s sent us – whether in exile or at home. We can take heart that his plans for us in Jesus Christ have already given his church a hope and a future – regardless of our earthly residence.
Jeremiah 29 might be one of the most famous promises in the Bible – but these chapters should also be in the running (especially Jer. 31). Jeremiah tells us all of these promises will be understood in reverse: “In latter days you will understand this” (30:24). So, let’s unashamedly read these chapters with Jesus in mind. Read about the prince in 30:21 who is one of themselves yet one who draws near to the Lord. Read about the return of the remnant, which includes the blind and lame (31:8) and remember the ministry of Jesus. Read the comforting language of God’s fatherly relationship to Israel, hear that he will satisfy them with his goodness. Read about the New Covenant and think forward to the Upper Room, where Jesus transforms the Passover meal into the Lord’s Supper where we remember and proclaim his redemption until he returns.
As another living parable of the promises from Jer. 30-31, Jeremiah buys a field in hope that land will once again be bought and sold in Israel. He then prays to understand the sign which results in a lengthy recounting of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness … and Yahweh’s plans to restore them and be their God. When you read the description of the peace of the Lord in Jeremiah 33, there are many images and phrases that should jump out to your mind. For example: “the voice of the bridegroom” and “shepherds resting their flocks” – we have the benefit of knowing these things as the peace that Christ brought.
Chapter 35 is yet another “testimony-as-example” for the people of Israel. If even these Rechabites can obey the voice of a distant “father”, how much more should the people of Israel obey the voice of their God! Yet, because of their disobedience, all the disasters spoken of in Deuteronomy 28 will come upon them. It’s no fun to prophesy bad news. Your work gets burned and you end up at the wrong end of an early-onset cancel culture (37:13-14). Even still, Jeremiah is unashamed in speaking truth to power. The truth will set you free, indeed.
The truth will set you free … until the king gives you into the hands of the people. You can see how Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. The emotional roller coaster he must’ve experienced is intense, but now he must’ve been in the depths of despair. All the years of calling Israel to faithfulness in hopes that the Lord would relent have proven fruitless (for now) as Judah goes into exile. Read today’s psalms sympathetically. Put yourself into their shoes. Imagine their grief. Consider their questions: How long? Why? Will you be angry forever? Marvel at their trust: Help us for the glory of your name. We give thanks to you. Have regard for the covenant.
Here are the narrative versions of what we read in Jeremiah earlier this week. It’s neat because you get three different perspectives on the same event, one of which jumps to the end of exile and prepares us for the return of Ezra and Nehemiah. Fun fact: 2 Chronicles is at the end of the Bible if you’re reading it in the Hebrew order – which makes it an interesting thing to read before moving to Matthew in the New Testament. 2 Chronicles is helping the people answer the question of exile and simultaneously framing much of the biblical and theological development for the NT writers.