Jeremiah—The Message and Messenger—Part 3—Chapters 30-32

For Jeremiah chapters 1-16 click here: https://vallee7.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/jeremiah-the-message-and-messenger/

For Jeremiah chapters 17-29 click here: https://vallee7.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/jeremiah-the-message-and-messenger-part-2-2/

Chapter 30—Can a man give birth?

My Mt Etna photo when it is relatively calm, though volcanic smoke is a common site at this mountain.

Mount Etna is now blowing its stack again. It is billowing upwards with smoke and fire for 7 miles.

In the last days, the earth will erupt into deadly smoke and fire. 

Many earthquakes and eruptions will take place in the tribulation.

God wants Jeremiah to write a book, His book of His words to the nation Judah. Jeremiah has been His anchorman and now he is to be His journalist as well as we read in Jeremiah Chapter 30.

Jeremiah’s book is, however, unwanted and you can well bet he never would have secured a publisher in Judah if this was necessary in his era of positive thinking and cancel culture. We will observe this more vividly when we reach chapter 35, when King Jehoiakim sets ablaze Jeremiah’s penned truths of God’s holy Words.

From what we have read thus far and will read in the future, it is obvious no one would want to publish Jeremiah’s works that are so negative and so poignant.

I was told by a Christian bookstore owner, who read my book, Cliques in the Church, that it was too pointed. I got the impression he saw nothing wrong with cruel behavior toward the rejected, and he visibly held an uppity attitude toward me. He certainly would never want anyone to associate with me.

Some so-called believers responded to my book as if uppity partiality is normal conduct. They believed it an abomination to write or say cliquishness is a sin. This included church leadership. I have witnessed hateful partiality in the church and heard shocking statements regarding the importance of cliques being present in churches.

It is a mournful harm as Scripture exposes partiality as sin. It also commands we associate with the lowly, consider each person as being more important than ourselves, being hospitable to the poor, etc.

One day a lady phoned me and asked if I attended such and such church as she stated my book seemed to denote her particular congregation. I know of the church and have heard extremely odd things regarding it. I could understand from what she replayed, why she believed I had personal insight into her fellowship.

At a special event at our local Barnes and Nobel bookstore, I read a portion of my book to a group of people and the manager of the store let me know how much she enjoyed it and I do not believe she was a Christian. She was excited about the book, whereas Christian bookstores and church leadership were angered by its exposure. Interesting!

In this present age, most Christian publishers do not want to print materials that step on peoples’ toes a great deal as this would definitely hinder sales. Topics have to be that which would be tolerable in liberal Christianity. Though I know Lighthouse Trails is not fearful of offending and printing truths.

God was well aware that there would be a time when Jeremiah’s book would be considered acceptable and that was when the Hebrews repented and returned to the land in humility. When this future time arose, the Jewry accepted the fact that God did indeed speak through Jeremiah. They had lived through all the predictions; whereby, they could personally verify every jot and tittle as coming from the heart of Almighty God. They had suffered all the consequences of their nation’s sins as forecasted.

For all future generations, God being who He is, ensured the book of Jeremiah was circulated and preserved.

“Jacob’s Trouble” is the subject of the next verses also known as the “Great Tribulation” of Revelation. “Jacob’s Trouble” is still a commonly applied term today for what is destined to come in the way of earthly horror. “The Day of the LORD” is also a commonplace term used for this imminent period.

Verses 5 and 6 describe the pending “terror” and “dread.” Why is this foretelling here? Because the demise of Judah is a tiny glimpse into what is to come when their descendants, multitudes of generations henceforward, will enter the age of the tribulation.

Christ also prophesied of this though none in His day or none up to this day have witnessed its unveiling.

To set the point, our LORD lovingly desires that everyone in every epoch be aware that He is a God of tribulation judgment. It may be hard to believe, but we have not witnessed anything today or historically of what is to arrive nor did the land of Judah even after experiencing Babylon’s holocaustic wrath of destruction.

Remember when Christ carried His tree of crucifixion, when He warned the Jews not to grieve for Him but for themselves? (Luke 23:28 and following verses) He was prophesying of the great tribulation, when people would call for the mountains and hills to fall and cover them, hiding them from God’s holy presence. (Revelation 6:16)

Jesus Christ certainly presented a tribulation truth knowing a soon arriving minuscule type of what is to come presented itself in Titus of Rome when he demolished Jerusalem in 70 AD along with the majority of its inhabitants. It is reported, though only God knows, that “1,100,000 Jews perished and nearly 100,000 were taken captive.” Some may have hid in an underground tunnel, surviving it all, as some speculate. This tunnel has been excavated—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzuDAS1NYM8

Yes, this destruction was quite similar to the Babylonian captivity of Jeremiah’s time. The Babylonian captivity and the 70 AD destruction were a type of what will arrive in the tribulation/great day of the LORD.

Still you may ask, why would Christ want people focused on end times as He plodded to His death? And was adamant about the great tribulation when He bore unbearable pain and more torture was on the horizon? Well, . . . just imagine the hailstones, “100 pounds each” in Revelation 16:21. Consider all the waterways that will turn to blood. We know the earthquakes will be as never before; tsunamis way beyond all the footage posted on the internet. And an earthquake like no other—Revelation 16:18 and following. Those to be present will be aghast at the locusts that possess faces of men; who will be even crowned. They will torment mankind for five months with unquenchable pain; Revelation 9. But wait . . . there is so much more! Just read Revelation and be gripped. If you study chapter 6, especially verse 16, you will reread Christ’s prediction of the crushing rocks and mountains in relationship to the large scheme of things. Here we see there are no atheists as everyone on the globe recognizes that this is the wrath of Jesus Christ “the Lamb.” A third of the earth will be destroyed through God’s angels of fury who hold no mercy outside of the protection of the 144,000 male, virgin Jews who possess the mark and will walk in white with Christ for their purity and faithfulness to Him. They will be murdered for not giving allegiance to satan—the beast. Joel records in chapter 2— “In those days I will pour out my Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

As a prophet, Christ foretold throughout His ministry of those prophesies far and near which were to arise. These included His death and resurrection. He also briefed on the subsequent church age. And He pre-staged the great tribulation, millennium, and heaven’s reality.

Christ, when on the our planet, wanted people brought into reality of His holiness and to take end-times seriously. Christ frequently revealed Himself to be Jehovah-prophet, highlighting apocalyptic/doom’s day realities. Jehovah or I AM, or YAHWEH are God’s names that refer to the eternal, self-existing One. He is the One who never changes. Christ Messiah will forever be Prophet, Priest, King and Almighty God. He will never alter Himself to conform to man’s society, whims or experiences. He never did in Jeremiah’s day and not today.

Similarly, we note as we travel with Jeremiah the forecasting of the near future—stretching to the tribulation and millennial and relaying the in between. All prophesies are outstretching, yet understandable as to be grasped to the degree God desires. Jeremiah, as a godly man, presented God’s truths that Christ re-forecasted as our Prophet-King.

Hell is a painful, fiery, reality and this tribulation period will arrive prior to the White Throne Judgment that will cast the unredeemed into the “Lake of Fire.” And this is why we yearn for all the unsaved to hear and respond to the Gospel of salvation.

We see a bit of comedy in verse 6 as God asks, can a man give birth? 👶 What a thing to think about . . . Too funny!

But wait . . . the verse goes on so I must type hilariously! Can you even imagine a man grabbing his large tummy, just like a woman in painful labor? How can we not smile? Can you imagine them on a birthing bed bearing contractions? Now, men will attach a “labor simulator machine” to themselves to undergo contractions to see if their wives exaggerate the pain levels of contractions. Some do this on Mother’s Day. These men do a great deal of yelling with body bending. Afterward, men immediately apologize to their wives and mothers for always thinking birth pains are exaggerated.

Well, this type of excruciating toil is what men are going to encounter at the time of Jacob’s trouble. Unbelievable travail! I can personally tell you, most men can’t even begin to understand contractions! However, they will during the tribulation. These masculine male faces will turn pale, just like women in dire labor. What a sight!

That day of tribulation will be like no other and that is why it is consistently taught throughout Scripture. No one can even begin to totally imagine the devastation. Even a war-torn nation can’t even begin to reveal the picture of destruction during Jacob’s trouble. “There is none like it.” (Verse 7)

Departing from that sight of tribulation obliteration, God goes into the millennial period as He will preserve His people, the Hebrews. When the millennial looms from the tribulation, the Jews will be rescued and no one will ever again take advantage of them. NEVER!

Tribulation and millennial periods are usually back to back in Scripture. You see verses linked together addressing both dispensations.

Today, there is plenty of anti-Semitism, but a day is on the horizon where it will reach nonexistence—verse 8. Those who have held hatred for the Jewish race will face their God. The majority of the Bible addresses God’s precious Hebrews and the majority of the Word was penned by Hebrews. Today, the Old Testament Hebrew language is still spoken in Israel and a holy, new language will be spoken in the millennial by all people. And all human flesh will own purified lips. No unchaste word will anyone hear in this untainted language for all the earth; Zephaniah 3:9.

The apocalypse is all so astonishing! We will one day witness this and no more imagination will be summoned. Christ is going to arise as the Jewish King, commanding the world; verse 9. It speaks of David being their king also with the LORD Christ. We know the disciples will judge with Christ on twelve thrones—Matthew 19:27-28. Many believe “David” is referring to Christ. We do know Jesus is the descendant or root of David, the bright and morning star, Revelation 5:5 & 22:16, which gives Him the right to rule as King and God over Israel.

Verse 10 additionally appears to be dealing with the millennium as no one will make Israel afraid. How absolutely splendorous!

When God says “Israel,” He may be referring to the northern kingdom removed into captivity 130 some years previous or He may be just referring to the entire land of Israel. All the land was called Israel before its split after King Solomon. Yes, I know I have gone over this many times, but review is good. Just skip this paragraph if you have it down. Remember, Israel is a name God gave to Jacob and the entire nation seeded from his sons. Judah, whom Jeremiah deals with mainly in this book, was the southern kingdom consisting of the two tribal areas of Benjamin and Judah. Israel consisted of the 10 northern tribes. You can view online, performing a search under “Israel divided kingdom” under “maps” to view the divided land during this time.

Never in history till present have the Jewry rested, completely reassured that no harm will rise upon them. If you read Ezra chapter 4, you note the opposition that quickly and harshly arose when they tried to rebuild the temple after reentering the land of Israel. Even today this country is heavily armed; even children learn how to bear arms. In the millennial Jewish children will no longer require M16 rifle instruction for protection against Islamic terrorists.

A portion of this verse does deal with the Hebrews return to the land as God ensured they did. He also speaks of them being “quiet and at ease.” Today, we certainly can apply some of this verse as we never need to be afraid or dismayed as Christ has saved us and He watches over us. Nothing outside of His ordained will can overtake us.

The LORD, in verse 11, promises to destroy all the nations where Israel had been scattered. As I have stated time and again for review and yes, now do again, this involved their dispersing in 127 provinces—Esther 1:1. In the book of Daniel we can read in detail the destruction of every grand kingdom that would arise. This includes Babylon up to future Rome, which ruled Israel during the time of Christ.

And one day all of Israel’s enemies will be erased from the earth before Christ rules as we read in Revelation 19, Psalm 2, and in many passages of Scripture.

God also reveals here in Jeremiah, He is with them to save them. What a picture for today, being God is still omnipresent and reaches out to save.

God concludes this verse with the fact He will chastise Israel through these nations. They were His whipping stick. No one can go through life without needing a whipping now and then.

The following verses turn from God’s love for Israel to His wounding of this nation as they are in immense sin. He lets them know, no one will come to their rescue. It would resemble America facing war and knowing few Americans will survive and those who do will suffer horrendously.

We see stated twice in verses 14 and 15, that their iniquities were numerous. So were ours before Christ made us white as snow through His atonement. We, as well, read here sin causes “injury” that makes men cry out as its pain is “incurable.” Only through Jews repenting can this change. God takes all the blame for their disciplining agony as He says, “I have done these things to you.” It appears Babylon was the culprit when they actually were simply God’s spanking paddle. He is the One who allows trauma to come to a person or nation in hopes of bringing people to their knees.

As a result of the Holocaust, many Jews came to Christ according to reports. A few Nazis eventually came to Christ seeking forgiveness and deliverance from guilt, including Jürgen Moltmann who was handed a Bible.

In 1933 there were 40 million German, protestant church members. Many Germans were duped as Nazism ran with the slogan “positive Christianity.” This slogan was placed in the 1920 Nazi Party Platform, in Article 24. Yes, much like many churches today running with positive Christianity to overlook sinful behaviors and to introduce unbiblical doctrines.

Verse 16 divulges that everyone who devoured and preyed upon these Jews will go into captivity. No one gets away with hating and harming the “apple of His eye,” even when Jews are choosing sin over God as they are as a people today. One day in the Millennial, God “will be a wall of fire all around her (Jerusalem), and He will be the glory in her midst.” “For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.” (Zechariah 2:5 and 8)

Verse 17 refers to Zion, which is Jerusalem and God’s restoration of Jews in this holy city.

Restoration is the name of the game for Jerusalem in verses 18 and following. God declares the city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt and all its fortunes restored. The verse also refers to “the palace.” Now this word placement did not make sense to me as “temple” would seem to be the perfect fit. Therefore, I was led to research the word in the Hebrew. Searching Strong’s Concordance “https://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.htm” l found the word to be “armown” and it means fortress or elevation; precisely—a lofty fortress or citadel. After examining the Hebrew, I went to Clark’s commentary which also believes the palace could also be easily translated “temple.”

No king sat on a royal throne after the Babylonian captivity, and there wasn’t a palace built until Herod the Great, as far as I know. It could not refer to a king’s palace.

The new, second temple, was built on the elevated plane of Jerusalem, the same as the former. (Remember, the first was destroyed by the Babylonians.) Therefore, if it was translated “temple” it would make more sense as people proceed from it with thanksgiving. In continuance, verse 20 reads “their congregation shall be established before Me.” This all certainly seems to go along with the book of Ezra as it records all the celebrating rejoicing that ensued at the new temple’s completion.

God promised Abraham’s descendants would be as the stars of heaven and the sands of the seashore. Today, there are more than 15 million Jews in the world. God will not allow any nation to annihilate them off the face of the earth or “drive them into the sea.” Hitler attempted this under the slogan, “The Final Solution of the Jewish Question” or simply “The Final Solution.” By God’s grace, many escaped his deadly acts of terrorism and some who survived the concentration camps continue to educate people with their deadly, frightening stories.

These Jeremiah verses hold a double meaning, the return of Israel as a nation and the future millennial rule of Christ as the Jewry will receive “honor” or glorification, future tense. The Jews will not be totally “glorified” (verse 19) until Christ rules. This time of incomprehensible celebration will speak of God’s wonders through their thanksgiving songs. What a wonderful day that will be.

Verse 21 is very interesting as it refers to an arriving Jewish leader or prince. To help understand this, Cyrus II of the Media-Persian Empire, the empire which followed Babylon, placed Zerubbabel as governor over Jerusalem. He was the architect of the second temple; Ezra chapter 1. Later in the book of Ezra, chapter 7, Ezra himself, who is the high priest, arrives in Jerusalem. He ensures the new temple is furnished with all the utensils, and he prepares the priests for service. Additionally, he leads the Jews in worship and holy living. He would have been the one who entered the Holy of Holies to meet with God once a year on the great Day of Atonement or yom kippur. Therefore, people might assume this verse in Jeremiah refers to Ezra.

Christ the Messiah is the total fulfillment of this verse, He being the forecasted prince. He is the only sinless One, being the only One who has truly seen the Father and can approach Him as our intercessor. God’s Word is marvelous with its many folds and presents of delight. Each time we see Christ in the Old Testament, it is like discovering a hidden gift.

Verse 22 is a promise from God that they will be His people once again, and He—their only God. This will only truly be fulfilled in the millennium as the Jews have never followed God in complete submission. Of course, when the Jews returned to Israel after the Babylonian captivity, most did surrender their lives to God.

We end this chapter returning to the wrath of God and how it proceeds like “a sweeping tempest.” We are to fear God, not man nor satan because Christ has the power to destroy both the body and the soul in hell; Matthew 10:28. This verse also seems to refer to the tribulation as it ends with “in the later days you will understand this.” This will be when we see the tempest of the Lord “burst upon the head of the wicked” as never before to fulfill the “intent of His heart.” Remember, the “later days,” when stated in the Bible, always refers to the Great Tribulation and Millennial periods.

It’s been a long time since we have ended a chapter on a positive verse. Just to let you know, we will reach other chapters that will conclude on an optimistic note.

Love in Him who has planned the beginning to the end of this world, Val Lee

Cliques in the Church book: https://vallee7.wordpress.com/tag/cliques-in-the-church/

Revelation The Explanation book: https://vallee7.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/revelation-chapters-1-10-explained/

Chapter 31

He “stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name.” (Jeremiah 31:35)

We concluded Jeremiah 30 with end times or apocalyptic truth. God will administer His judgment on the wicked. 

30:23 ^“Look, the storm of Yahweh (Jehovah)!

Wrath has gone forth,

a whirling tempest.

It will whirl upon the head of the wicked.”

Jeremiah continues with prophetic occurrences exposing the future explaining God will never abandon sinful Judah. Even though He must punish with the sword, there is still a future and a hope for the Jewish nation.

All who harmed the apple of God’s eye were punished and eliminated as God explained to Daniel in the book of Daniel. God eventually made the nations crumble under His hand as seen with the statue of nations; Daniel chapter 2. This I mentioned in the previous chapter. Will America soon crumble for all its sins? We do not know. We know Jews can still live freely in our land and many in our government stand with the land of Israel. During the tribulation, the nations will persecute the Jews severely until Christ arrives to rescue.

God is always patient with nations as He desires all repent and be saved. He afforded the Amorites 400 more years to repent as He explained to Abraham in Genesis chapter 15. 

Verse 1 of chapter 31 is a magnificent way to encourage us as we enter this chapter. A grand day will arrive when all the Jews will be united with their heavenly Father. He will be a father to all the Jews. “They will all be His people.” Not one will be excluded from the sheepfold of faith. What a day of rejoicing that will be. 

As we continue with our reading, we can rely on Biblical facts. Such as, God saved the Jews when they marched in the wilderness after escaping pompous Pharaoh who set himself above God as potentate of Egypt. The Jewry was saved from other nations who held swords of death during their wanderings as well. 

At times, God’s own hand of deadly judgment fell on disobedient Jews, not just on foreign enemies. His death plagues consumed. He also hired righteous Jews to punish by the sword to purify Israel of the disobedient during their wilderness years. 

The wandering, wilderness Jews were eventually brought to rest in the Promise Land of Israel. God promised in Deuteronomy 6:10 and following—“And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build,and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” We must always remember not to allow material blessings to remove us from loving and depending on Jesus Christ. Riches can be the curse of man. Many a marriage has been dissolved due to a man or woman neglecting the marriage covenant for crumbling wealth, prestige and sensual temptations.

What is the greatest love we can receive? “Everlasting love”—the love that is endless. Even today, God loves the Jews though most have cast Him aside. One day, Jews will feel all that love, those that will come to Him in the last days. Fortunately, for us believers today, we feel that “everlasting love” now and will forever. With “everlasting love” He drew us and continues to draw men to Himself with this forever love as expressed in verse 3.

Rejoicing in the arriving goodness of God is expressed in the following verses. God promises the return of Israel to her land which will cause dancing with timbrel/tambourines. They will also partake of the fruits of the land that God will provide when Israel is reconstructed. Jesus Christ, the Branch, will one day build the millennial temple as I have disclosed previously. (Zechariah 6:12-13)

Simple tambourine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzLBClm-Mgc

Orthodox, Jewish marriage dance is seen in video for weddings. You notice the woman does not dance as she only dances in celebration with fellow female Jews. Men and women dance separately as seen in the Old Testament. This is supposedly a rabbi dancing in prayer and the bride is praying too for the marriage. Orthodox brides dress modestly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCJxsbaVR3s

In the New Testament, we women are commanded to dress modestly in fear of God and in bashfulness towards men so men look upon women as sisters in all purity, wearing nothing low cut, short or tight.

In verses 5 and 6, we read the northern kingdom of Samaria will be welcome to worship in Jerusalem. This certainly seems to spell millennium. We note in Christ’s day, the Samaritans had no dealings with the Jews of southern Israel because Samaritans were considered outcasts. This, because the Samaritans had interbred with the Assyrian pagans who were idol worshippers. The Assyrians had seized the northern kingdom, killing and enslaving these Jews. Assyrians possessed the land up till the time of the Babylonians. This explains a portion of John 4 and the woman at Jacob’s well and her questions regarding where to worship. She explained the Jews had no interest in talking to Samaritans. They were yucky in their sight. 

The Samaritans (Ephraim) will be welcome to worship at the millennial temple with those considered proper-bred Jews. (Ephraim’s tribal area was in the land of the northern kingdom. Ephraimites descended from Joseph. God simply lumped the northern kingdom of ten tribes into one tribal name.)

We also read the Jews will be blessed with partaking of gourmet food as if it was not. It would be akin to driving to the fanciest restaurant every night and therefore not even thinking it as special. Vines could be translated as any garden food grown on a vine. The land certainly will be blessed with productivity. It appears all desert land will be replaced with perfect, fertile land. “The wilderness and the desert will rejoice, And the desert will shout for joy and blossom; Like the crocus/meadow saffron …They shall see the glory of the LORD, The excellency of our God” (Isaiah 35:1 and 2b) 

Crocus spice video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFzFNUH1IKM

Verse 10 mentions the Israeli captivity and her eventual return to her land. This portion of captivity brings to mind Psalm 137 when it actually came to pass: “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” The entire psalm is heartfelt. As the saying goes, you do not realize how important something or someone is till gone. Many Jews appeared to come to their common sense senses when removed from their homeland. Repentance of sins that brought them in captivity occurred for many. Though they had to endure this for 70 years for their sins. (Jeremiah 29:10)

We note from Psalm 137 that the Babylonians seemed familiar with the sacred hymns of Israel and even wanted to hear them. It reminds me of the “Amazing Grace” hymn and how many unsaved even like to hear it, those far away from any Christian conceptions. Unsaved people will even perform it in secular schools, city symphonies, godless funerals, and venues. Christmas hymns are adored by the unsaved though never seeing the light in many cases, though seeds may be planted in the many. I have noted some of their comments at Christmas hymn postings. They will pen something to the effect, I love this Christmas song about God, but I do not believe.

Many Jews always thought, God will not judge us, we are Jews. Many so-called Christians today believe God will not bring judgment to the world because He is loving, being unbelieving regarding what is penned in His Word adjudging His arriving wrath.

God does promise in this verse that when the Jews return to their land that He will shepherd His flock like a good shepherd and their only true and totally faithful good shepherd. And He is this to all His children today.

God is the one who can bring judgment on anyone who harms His children. God can rescue us from any army greater than us. God defeated Egypt, a nation far superior in power contrasted to the defenseless, fleeing Israelites. 

We know verse 12 is exclusively dealing with the millennial reign of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as His people will never sorrow again. Today, multitudes of Jews are sorrowing for their circumstances, including the death of loved ones. In Israel, Jews live in fear due to their enemies, mainly Muslims.

August 2022 BBC News: “Russia is facing the mass migration abroad of large numbers of its Jewish population, with at least one in eight leaving the country since its war with Ukraine began.

“Russia’s justice ministry has gone to court in a bid to shut down the Russian branch of the Jewish Agency, which organizes Jewish immigration to Israel.”

This Jewish agency arm in Russia assists “Jews around the world to move to Israel. It says an astonishing 20,500 of Russia’s estimated total of 165,000 Jews have gone since March 2022.”

The Law of Return in Israel provides the right to citizenship for anyone who can prove they have at least one Jewish grandparent.

A Jew’s response to the closing of the Jewish agency, “All of a sudden we see that on the news (closing of the Jewish Agency for relocation of Jews), and we wonder what is next? We feel very unsafe and we think could we lose our jobs, or go to jail. Things have become very scary.”

I might add, the majority of Russians disapprove of Putin’s war with Ukraine and many are seeking refuge in other countries. They are fearful of what Vladimir Putin may do to his own people, including closing Russia’s borders. Plus, Russians could no longer access their bank accounts for withdraw, leaving them is desperate situations. I am not sure if that has changed recently. I can locate no added info on this.

Returning to Jeremiah, we read all continues with joyfulness of heart as all dance in gratitude before the LORD, old and young alike. They will all dance together, old and young men as we also read in verse 4. Virgins will dance in joy as well.

Plus, they will be comforted. It is marvelous to serve our God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Rejoicing comes in the morning and the Jews will rejoice being saved from all their horrific trials. Trials are only for a season for Christians; Psalm 30:5. 

Total satisfaction, no lack of anything is promised in the millennial season or dispensation as we read in verse 14.

That will be true for all born again believers as we know from all of Scripture. “Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace . . .” And how marvelous it will be to see our Savior’s face.

Verse 15 came to fruition after Christ was born and satan was determined to kill the Savior, God the Son. Satan’s servant, Herod the Great, implemented all his power to put an end to the life of Christ Jesus without success. Unfortunately, he did kill countless infant Jews as prophesied here and brought endless heartbreak to mothers and fathers. (Matthew chapter 2 states the fulfillment of verse 15) Rachel, Jacob’s wife, was buried in Bethlehem after giving birth to Benjamin. Ramah was a town in Bethlehem. Jeremiah was put in chains in Ramah as recorded in chapter 40 verse 1.

We know Christ’s birth is now fulfilled prophecy, unlike the millennial prophecies yet to arrive within God’s perfect timetable.

Verse 16 reassures, following God’s spanking rod, the Jews will return to their precious land after the 70 years of captivity. It will one day again be filled with milk and honey during the millennium. Jews will also return after the tribulation exodus. We read of this exodus in Revelation chapters 11 and 12.

Jeremiah 31:18-20, sets our sights on Ephraim, the northern kingdom, holding ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Also known as the land of Samaria during the time of Christ as stated previously) Ephraim was in captivity at this time and had been removed into captivity by the Assyrians 135 years previous to Judah’s Babylonian captivity.

Ephraim is described as a wild calf (bullock) not wanting to be restrained by God. The last thing a baby cow desires is to be harnessed. It is simply a young’un bounding about, kicking his legs, expressing his friskiness. 

Sounds like the typical man on the street today being frisky in all his unrestrained, sinful behaviors.

We note, as we read further, that Ephraim is going to repent, being made “ashamed” after being struck for his sin. He will once again say, “For thou art the LORD my God.”  LORD his God will be the God of these 12 northern tribes, all combined in the name “Ephraim.”

God loves all the Jews and He hurts within when they stray. He, as a loving father, is always willing to forgive when true repentance arises. The Prodigal Son is a representing story.

God is lovingly trying to woo the Jewry back to Himself, with tender words to persuade. God has set up signaling road signs so the Jews are not continually lost, roaming on the dead-end road of sin, but will follow the right road back, the straight “highway” to their LORD.

He still calls the Jewry a virgin, trusting they will turn from their sinful ways and come clean, being faithful to the only One who loves them purely. He wants them to turn from demon idols and serve Him, having no other master, as the One who desires their best. The demon gods of pleasure only desire destruction. Satan is always about destroying mankind—creatively crafted in the image of God, whom satan hates and wants to overthrow so he can reign supreme. But satan is like the wild-eyed and wild-minded prisoner on death roll who continually thinks he will be acquitted. (Verse 21)  

In verse 22, God continues to chastise Israel for its sins, calling her a “backslidden daughter.” Then God moves to a blessed prophecy regarding a woman encompassing a man. Some state “A woman shall encompass a man” is referring to Christ’s birth. Meaning Israel giving birth to Christ in the way described in Revelation chapter 12. We read here, Israel (the woman) giving birth to Christ and satan’s attempt to murder the Savior at His birth. 

“Encompass” in the Hebrew can also mean to turn around or transform, or surround. Revelation 12:5 “She brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (When He ascended into heaven.) 

Is it not interesting that God refers to it as a “New thing in the earth.” It is certainly an event of magnitude. It may well refer to the nation of Israel birthing the Christ child. 

It may also refer to when all of Israel, all the Jewry, will repent and encompass God as her Savior and LORD. We do see all of Israel accepting Christ as her Savior later in the tribulation.

We will rejoice when Immanuel comes to ransom Israel.

We continue on with the positive promises from God of Israel retuning to the land following captivity. God will bless man and beast with productivity. Ranchers and farmers will be blessed. All “husbandmen” (overseers of land in its production of farming and ranching) will be blessed of God.

God is a caring and loving Father to His children. He meets our needs as no other is able. He is the one who brings peace to our souls in the most grievous of circumstances. Verse 25–“For I have satiated the weary soul, (brought abundance) and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” It is He who brings eventually joy again in the morning as he replenishes the hurting heart with His peace that passes all understanding. We all need to cling to these truths during painful trials.

Such wonderful truths of happy endings should cause us to sleep restfully, not allowing the troubling ways of today to rob of slumber. Jeremiah’s “sleep was sweet” as he beheld the promises that will one day encompass the land. (Verse 26) God says He permits us to lay down in peace and enjoy sweet sleep as He alone allows us to lay down in safety; Psalm 4:8.

God had indeed caused Jeremiah to overcome the trials of his day, at this time, he had replenished Jeremiah’s sorrowful soul bringing spiritual abundance. 

Verses continue with promised future blessings and curses for when the Jews walk disobediently. 

A day will arrive when God will bless the entire land of Israel with riches of productivity for both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel, when they will walk as one. (Verse 27)

Verse 28 continues with the fact God will continue to judge the nation of Israel when it falls into sin. He will pluck up and throw them down in their disobedience to His Holy Word. He will destroy them till they repent. And when they repent blessings will arrive.

God is akin to an earthly father who disciplines his child when he disobeys and rewards his child when he obeys. A father grieves inside when his child disobeys, though walks in peaceful bliss when his child is obeying. God always grieves when we choose sin over obedience. 

He loves us exceeding more than any earthly father ever could. Plus, He never falters in discipline. Upright fathers will not allow their children to get away with sinful activities. And God knows what kind of spankings to administer at the right time to us.

“No more.” The Jews will eventually learn from their past and the sins of their predecessors. Jews never placed idols down their streets or in the hills to worship following the Babylonian captivity. The verse reveals the children are suffering because of their parents’ decision to not obey God and His Word.

The “sour grape” of sin will destroy and kill as Jeremiah has been warning.

Ezekiel 8:1-4 explains: “The word of the Lord came to me: What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.” Our souls all belong to God and in the judgment, He will place each soul where it belongs, in paradise or in the lake of fire.

We also observe in Ezekiel chapter 8 truths replayed in our churches through so-called Christians hungering for the satanic as with Harry Potter and other such books and accompanying satanic movies. No different from Jeremiah’s day with idol-worshipping witchcraft, embracing the false religions or faiths in the name of new spirituality. So-called Christians love whatever is new even if it destroys them spiritually. As I have stated previously, you have so-called famed Christians visiting the satanic pope and shaking his hand, and joining with Mormons to entertain in music. Even embracing entertaining elitists who like to sing an occasional Christian hymn. Sad apostate days indeed.

Ezekiel 8:8 and following—“Then He said to me, “Son of man, dig into the wall”; and when I dug into the wall, there was a door. And He said to me, “Go in, and see the wicked abominations which they are doing there.” So I went in and saw, and there—every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed all around on the walls . . .  Each man had a censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’ ”

This is a picture also of the hearts of pastors who sit in the seat of compromise.

How much Holy God hates anything involving the satanic occult:

Leviticus 20:27 “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.”

Revelation 18:23 “The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. (Mystery Babylon of the future) The voice of the bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.”

Galatians 5:19 and following—“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (lewdness with immodesty); idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Examine Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9 and following) and consider the fact he would probably be welcomed in most churches and not removed through church discipline.

Returning to Jeremiah, we know God is the just God and we can rest in Him regarding knowing the hearts of the fathers and sons. Each one reaps what he sows. Though a person can suffer harm from the sins of others, including one’s father. A father walking out on his family forever can set children’s teeth on edge (great irritation as when teeth and palate are irritated, such as from eating sour grapes). Both children and wife are left in irritating pain.

Because of the Jewish rebellion opposing the Scriptures, desiring religious compromise, the fathers and the sons did suffer diseases, death and captivity. The children were not removed from the distressing consequences of the sins of the fathers. However, God, in the final judgment, will judge each person individually and another’s sin will not be placed on another person.

Verse 31 till the conclusion of the chapter, moves us again to the wondrous promises of God set before the Jews and the Jewish nation that will occur one day. 

Verse 32 addresses the giving love of God towards His people, the Jews, that they thwarted as they did when Christ revealed His love on the earth.

He was as a loving husband to the Jews in the wilderness meeting their needs when they departed Egypt; yet, they broke His covenant through disobedience. And the disobedience never ceased. God had to continually remove their lives in chastisement.

There is an arriving covenant that cannot be broken by the Jews, this when the law of God will be penned on their hearts, in their inward persons, and they will never desire to depart from God again. They will be His people forever and He, their only God.

Verse 34 explains that no more teachers will be needed as God’s people will know it all. All believers will know it all one day, no more seeing through a dim glass. (1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”) What a wondrous day this will be! And it will come to pass. Our God is omnipotent, all powerful, and it is He who creates these promises and will fulfill them.

Verse 35 covers God’s omnipotence. He is the Creator of all things we observe—sun, moon, stars and rolling waves of white foam. He makes all things we enjoy and are a delight to our eyes. We savor His tall mountains and towering trees and all the endless other majestic scenery. Plus, the colorful fauna of distinctive ways that roam the earth. 

He created all things. And as Colossians 1 states, all things were created by Jesus Christ and for Him. The Trinity as one created all. Jesus Christ is indeed God and God the Creator. Don’t forget Genesis chapter 1—“Let us make man in our own image.” 

God’s teachings and ordinances will never be abolished so we know “the seed” will never be dissolved. (Verse 36) Not all those who were seeded or born from Jacob will be annihilated. Jacob was given the name “Israel” as all the Jewish tribes emerged from his seed, through his twelve sons who encompassed the twelve tribes of Israel. God has always maintained a righteous remnant of Jews, though most reject Christ at this point. One day all will serve the Son of God.

God is past finding out and also His creation as verse 37 states. Mankind will never be able to search out the entire heavens or the foundations of the earth. Our God of the cosmic will never totally forsake the Jews, every “seed,” for all the evil they have performed as visualized by the fact limited man will never accomplish personal universe exploration of every nook and cranny that lies beyond the skies and in the center of the earth.

Mankind did rocket to the moon, but he will never travel to each and every planet to search them out. The stars and planets are endless and none offering oxygen. 

In all His omnipotence He “stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name.” I once was on Lake Wallowa in Oregon on a little rubber raft when the waves began to roar. I had a difficult time rowing back to shore. My husband noted my predicament as he sat in our Jeep and was most concerned. He asked a boater who was with his daughters to go and fetch me. All the while I prayed for a calming of the waves. When the man of the craft rescued me, I was able to witness a bit and one of the young daughters shared with me that she too was a believer. After the rescue, I noted the waves soon seized as an answer to prayer. Christ Jesus is the master of all the waters. In Revelation chapter 12, we observe how God will rescue the Jews from deadly waters when satan attacks in the tribulation. 

Consider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX3PIkbTQwQ&t=101s

Verse 38 addresses Jerusalem’s boundaries which will include Hananel/Hananeel. A name of a tower that was in Jerusalem. Probably a tower named after an Israelite. This tower is also mentioned in Zechariah 14:10 and Nehemiah 3:1 and 12:39.

The LORD promises Jerusalem “shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down anymore, forever.” And no Calvinist or any other false teacher will annul this promise to the Jews and its nation, Israel. The Jewry has not been replaced by the church. God has always known the beginning to infinity and has recorded it. He is not limited in mind nor does He change His mind. Whenever Israel departs, there is a time when they return and there is a time when the nation will return permanently as Scripture exposes in both Testaments. 

The Brook Kidron is mentioned regarding Zion’s borders. It is adjacent to Jerusalem, a bit northeast. The brook concludes at the Dead Sea. Kidron means “To be dark.” Informative video of the Kidron Valley—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt4EpeCm2B0

Interesting Dead Sea area video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTbV0AshfuQ

Gareb and Goath, mentioned in verse 39, are unknown places today. Gareb means “scabby” so this could have been a place designated for those with leprosy or other diseases. Goath means “bellowing” or screaming so this place too was probably a place of the painfully ill. Jerusalem’s once inhabitants, the deadly ill, likely lived outside the city walls of Jerusalem. Though this area will encompass Jerusalem, enlarging the city proper, in the millennial.

Jerusalem today is 49 square miles. Christ will rule the world from this holy city that will encompass all holiness. No city, not even Jerusalem, has been totally without sin and with the entire populous living to the glory of God. And never in history has the entire world served God solely as it will one day.

Today, we all should desire to walk close to our Savior so His judgment of sickness and death do not fall upon us as we read in 1 Corinthians 11, Revelation chapters 1-3, etc.

Nonetheless, we know sickness can also arrive for other reasons and one is to glorify the healing power of God. (John 9)

The chapter concludes like a good book with an eternal happy ending. It is God’s book that is still unfolding day by day with every passing hour. 

Chapter 32

We enter this chapter being told Zedekiah is reigning, the concluding king of Israel as God foretold. No king has ruled Israel to this day, though one day, Christ will rule the world from Jerusalem, He, the final true King, forever and ever.

At this time, King Nebuchadnezzar is in his eighteenth year of reign and has Jerusalem besieged, set right in his hand. Jeremiah is imprisoned in a courtyard at the house of King Zedekiah. It certainly seems odd that a king would desire a prison to be part of his luxurious castle. Though, The Tower of London (Built-in 1066 AD) was a castle, prison, and execution site. Also known as the “Bloody Tower.” It included a zoo for centuries that at one time housed a polar bear. It had a moat surrounding it connected to the River Thames.

King Solomon is the first king recorded owning a zoo. He was a zoologist; one of his many educational degrees. (1 Kings chapter 4)

Jeremiah’s imprisonment is religious persecution. No free speech that angers the monarch is allowed. God has stated He will punish the sins of His people through Babylonian captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah speaks truth, but truth is not allowed. Yes, sounds similar to our American day and age when so many are being silenced on social platforms and at the workplace. Forced reeducation or sensitivity training is the punishment demanded to maintain a job position. People who stand for natural marriage in sports have lost their right to participate in competitions. Girls have been hated for hating men watching them change in locker rooms. These men claim to be women to watch girls undress and to gain a prized metal.

It was, however, a bit different in Israel regarding free speech as no false prophets were allowed in this country created by God and governed by Him. They were to receive the death penalty and this penalty will arise again in the millennial if anyone misrepresents God’s holy words.

We know Jeremiah was a true prophet spreading forth the Word of Life through obedience to God’s Words. He should have been rewarded, not imprisoned.

Jeremiah proclaimed also that King Zedekiah would be removed as a captive to Babylon. If Zedekiah stood and fought with Judah’s army, Israel would be defeated. You might know, King Zedekiah had his eyes “put out” by King Nebuchadnezzar after Zedekiah saw and spoke to him as prophesied here.

Zedekiah did try to flee and was captured by King Nebuchadnezzar who “slaughtered” Zedekiah’s sons. All this transpired in Syria. Following this, Zedekiah was placed in prison in Babylon until his death. (Jeremiah chapter 52)

The subject matter we enter into now is a story of eternal hope and remember, our book, the Bible, has a happy ending for true believers in Christ Jesus.

We are introduced to Jeremiah’s uncle’s son, Hanamel, in verse 7, who put the pieces in place to illustrate the eternal hope of Israel. He is cousin Hanamel. He is bold enough to visit Jeremiah in the guardhouse at the king’s palace. And he appears unafraid to associate with cousin Jeremiah. He makes a request of Jeremiah saying: “Buy my field, please, that is at Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for you have the right of possession and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.” “Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.” This cost Jeremiah 17 shekels of silver and the transfer of property was legally carried out with witnesses and a deed. (A silver shekel is equal to 0.025 pounds. These minted shekels were round, akin to the American silver dollar.) The deed was placed in a container for preservation. Land in Israel was to remain in the hand of families.

The Bible declares God directs our steps as believers in Him and this is another instance of directing Jeremiah’s steps though imprisoned and not stepping far.

Jeremiah 1:1 “The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin . . . ” Jeremiah was a Levite living in the land of Benjamin. He is of the line of priests, but God called him away from serving in the temple to be a prophet. Levites had no territorial landmass afforded them so they lived in the other Jewish tribal lands. You might know that Jeremiah’s father, Hilkiah, took a significant part in bringing revival to the land of Israel during the reign of Josiah. He opened the temple and set the Word of God before King Josiah which brought total, humble repentance to the land of Judah. The last of repentance days for this land. (2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34).

Not everyone in Jeremiah’s family wore the good guy white hats and rode on white horses so to speak. There were those who wore the bad guy black hats and rode on black horses so to speak. They wanted Jeremiah dead as you might recall from Jeremiah chapter 7, verse 6—“For even your brothers, the house of your father, Even they have dealt treacherously with you; Yes, they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, Even though they speak smooth words to you.”

I have had many so-called Christians attempt to butter me up with gracious words and then stab me in the back for being a strong Christian. First, they compliment me for being a strong Christian and then later attack me for not compromising my doctrines with Calvinism or any trendy thing, including popular books that spill false doctrines.

I have had various family members try to turn me from the Word of God, attacking me in hateful ways so I would succumb to compromise.

Additionally, in Chapter 11, Jeremiah’s own townspeople of Anathoth plotted to kill him before his face with no regret. Yes, Anathoth, of the land of Benjamin, held those who planned to do him in. Why? Because he convicted them of their sins, proclaiming God’s words. These too, most likely, held family ties as Anathoth was a community of priests. (Joshua chapter 21) An akin scenario as in the days of Christ. Those of Christ’s own town attempted to kill Him by throwing Him off a hillside. (Luke chapter 4) Christ’s convicting words and life brought deadly hatred on Him that eventually resulted in His death, though a death for our benefit of eternal salvation.

Jeremiah 11:19—‘But I (Jeremiah) was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.”

Yes, true deadly hatred for the one who desired they repent and their lives be spared.

God did promise Jeremiah’s life would be spared as His hedge of protection would surround him till the end of his days.

Jeremiah 1:19 “And they shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with thee, says the Lord, to deliver you.”

God’s illustration of the buying of the land tells us a true tale. It is the story of return due to forgiveness and redemption. God will redeem (by back or take back) his people out of slavery and they will be placed back in Israel; returned to the hands of God—their rightful owner. God will redeem their land too, placing it back in proper ownership, that of Himself and His people. They can once again enjoy cultivating their land and livestock in total ownership not as slaves over another’s land.

When we are redeemed by God, He takes us to Himself; buys back any member of the human race who calls on His name. Before Adam and Eve fell via sin, they were His in perfection. Introduced sin was a wedge between mankind and God. He buys us back without money, but by love and grace. He removes us from sinful slavery that was placed on our race in the Garden of Eden. He makes us rightly His when we ask God to save us from our sins through His Son who died for us and shed His precious blood so that we might be washed clean through His blood of redemption.

Baruch, Jeremiah’s faithful scribe/secretary, friend, and servant, is introduced to us in verse 12. He is overseeing the legalities of the land purchase.

We enter a prayer of praise in verse 17. This is Jeremiah’s spectacular prayer declaring God’s omnipotence, His all-seeing-eyes, His judgment and control over all, and Jeremiah’s own obedience to expose the future blessings for Israel. We can take part by praying it also, with offering thanks for all of God’s fulfilled words and works, and conclude with the words—“Milk and honey.” It is powerfully uplifting to read Biblical prayers and when we also pray them. We know we are praying according to God’s will when we adore Scripturally. Many are found throughout the Scriptures. Colossians 1:9-14 is an example for us to grow in faith and spiritual discernment and to offer praise to God Almighty.

Verse 17f “I prayed to the Lord, saying: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them—the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts (Meaning: His army of angels and they will be revealed to the earth “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians chapter 1)

“You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day. You have brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror; You have given them this land, of which You swore to their fathers to give them—a land flowing with milk and honey.”) 

Yes, as I said, it is fantastic to offer praise to God with speaking His Holy Word. It also teaches us the marvelous history of His workings as we offer thanks traveling back in time to do so.

Jeremiah continues his prayer that teaches us Old Testament History 101.

We have learned Babylon/Chaldeans did come “in and took possession of it (Judah), but they have not obeyed Your voice or walked in Your law. They have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do; therefore You have caused all this calamity to come upon them.” The Jewry is without excuse as they chose sin to reign and not the King of kings to reign in their hearts. They thwarted all obedience to the Scriptures.

A third were killed by the sword, a third killed by diseases and famine, and a third were ruthlessly herded away to Babylon with a sword following them. (Ezekiel 5:12) Sword and captivity will reemerge during the tribulation; Revelation 13:10.

Verse 24 is an “I told you so” verse. God said it and it has come to pass and no false teaching could derail His will or His Word. Babylon has laid siege of the city of Jerusalem and no man can alter what God has predestined. The LORD also spoke through Jeremiah of the sword, famine, and pestilence and all have befallen upon God’s fair city of fame. Jeremiah tells God “You see it” in praise to the accomplishment of His words.

Jeremiah obeyed God by buying his cousin’s land as we read and He tells God he obeyed in verse 25 in conclusion to his prayer.

Jeremiah is still in the doghouse . . . Actually, a guardhouse at the king’s palace for being godly, correct, and unmoved from God’s inerrant Word as we read previously in verse 2. When we arrive at chapter 33, we will see he is still imprisoned.

Over the centuries many strong believers have lost their lives for standing on the Word being unmoved by threats and tribulation. Though sinful men have attempted to remove the truths of God from various societies by destroying those who held to them without wavering. His truth still marches on!

Elderly Elena spent 25 years in a Siberian prison being incarcerated for her faith in Christ. Though authorities thought by silencing Elena they could hinder the cause of Christ, they have been proven, oh so wrong. No doubt, she held a heroic testimony before those who surrounded her; beholding her unshattered faith. At 90 years of age, she was still strong in the Lord living in Ukraine.

Jeremiah suffered through much persecution and rejection, but he never wavered from his faith and witness. He was unashamed to stand alone.

Verse 25 reiterates what took place earlier in this chapter; whereby, Jeremiah bought land from his cousin to confirm the fact that God would one day return His people to the Promise Land. Though all appears hopeless with the Chaldeans or Babylonians surrounding Jerusalem, God presents hope for the nation’s future.

Verse 26 is God’s Word coming to Jeremiah in response to this adoration exaltation. God affirms Jeremiah’s symphony of praise by stating He created all flesh and nothing is too difficult for Him; verse 27.

This passage continues with stated facts pouring forth from the mouth of God, all affirming Jeremiah’s praise prayer. The Lord establishes again that this calamity is deserved as His people have done their own thing in complete neglect to the Word of God. The city entire will be burned and one of the reasons is their worship of false gods. They poured out offerings and burned incense all in adoration of Baal. This was all performed to provoke God’s anger as they were deliberately disobeying the Scriptures.

A friend and I passed out tracts door to door, by which, we spoke to a man who stated he was saved. We asked about his church which sounded Biblical, though neither of us recognized its name. After a little conversation, we left wondering if he was truly saved as he revealed no respect for Scripture in relationship to church government. Actually . . . he showed small esteem for the Bible period. He felt as long as we just loved one another we were fulfilling all. Hopefully, someday, he will see there is far more to Scripture than just that, though that is essential.

Selective obedience is very popular today in Christianity and it was certainly taking place in the era of Jeremiah as these people were following only the Scriptures that made them feel cushy and warm while neglecting whatever they desired. All this led to the present catastrophe of Jerusalem’s capture. God states the facts surrounding their neglect over and over again as we are never to tire of His warnings. His repetition is performed out of His tremendous love for us who always require road marks to grip us to His narrow highway.

In verse 30, we note the works of their hands once again brought before us as they loved to make their own gods, using their own talents. Stephen addressed this in Acts 7:40 referring to the Jews “rejoicing in the works of their hands” when they departed Egypt and formed a calf of worship. The Jews consistently admired their own handiwork in creating things to revere. Many of their gods were in the image of man as I have stated before. The Greek culture that arose after the Media–Persia period consisted of gods made in the image of attractive men and women. Is there anything new under the sun? Today, we worship mankind by admiring those on a flickering, color-filled screen—lovely gals and guys as all human creation desires to picture itself. They are filled with talent, humor, and knowledge all for adoration’s sake. Knowing of these sacred Hollywood idols and their accomplishments are very important to most believers or so it seems. They are elevated above any common man. These Hollywood stars feed on this being unfeeling narcissists. I knew a married couple who had worked in Hollywood. The wife was a secretary to a popular actor and assisted with his scripts and the husband built sets. The Hollywood gang was so arrogant and selfish that they could not stand it any longer and moved away.

These idols’ personal lives are unveiled in printed materials at their posted price. Many make a living publishing such nonsense. It is obvious that Christians believe it is more important to understand their lives than to know the Bible cover to cover by their continuous conversation revolving around the hottest, attractive idols of the silver screen. Just as gold idols are unreal so are these actors in most presentations. They are not lovers of others, just themselves. Glance at their social media and you see how much they are in love with themselves and only themselves. They are human representations in flicks of those who don’t actually exist. They play their part just as idols play their part in the realm of vain imaginings. Christians are to dwell on truth, not the manufactured of the mind. Dwelling on fabrications dulls our minds to wisdom and common sense living. We must live in the reality of truth if we truly want to be witnesses of God.

We note man worshipping his own creation provokes God “to anger” as He is the only one to be uplifted and exalted. All our talents and abilities are gifts from Him; they are not of our own devising.

I was surprised to read verse 31 as I had no idea God was disgusted with His holy city, Jerusalem, “from the day that they built it.” From the beginning, it evoked His wrath and anger and it never ceased. Melchisedech was a king of Salem (Jerusalem) in the Old Testament. He was a priest and Christ is a type of Melchizedek as we read in Hebrews chapter 7. “Salem” means peace and later it was renamed “Jerusalem” under King David who rebuilt it in his time and included the “salem” in the name. (2 Samuel chapter 5) Now meaning “teaching of peace.” God reveals Jerusalem always had sin in its midst, even under King David.

You can simply imagine how Christ views our modern cities of today even though parading church steeples. Jerusalem was considered a place of worship and praise as we read in the Psalms and elsewhere. This was where one traveled to when seeking to learn the Holy Scriptures. In Luke 2:46 Christ, when twelve years of age, spent time in the temple “sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”

Also, Solomon’s temple in Jeremiah’s day and Herod’s temple in Christ’s day never lived up to God’s expectations of exhibiting holy living. Men have always fallen short. Problems arose in the church from its formation too as we are keenly aware of from the book of Acts.

When Christ reigns highest of all, all will change and all worship will be pleasing in His eyes. No cultural methodologies and false teachings will enter in; also no one with an impure heart.

In verse 32, God informs us, all the Jews have displeased Him. Of course, we know there is none righteous, no not one. This verse testifies and verifies all depravity revealed in Scripture that dwells in all men.

Jeremiah proclaims the Hebrews chosen sin or evil has infuriated God’s anger. In Colossians 3:5-7, we are warned of another wrath from God still lurking on the horizon. His anger is not just a thing of the past.

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication (intimacy outside of marriage of lifelong union), uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.”

Boldness is in its full bloom in verse 33 as man does not hide his face from God; he simply turns his back to Him. Man is too full of narcissistic pride to admit his shortcomings so he boldly exposes his back in all defiance. His heart does not cleave to the LORD in all submission and love. We can all resemble the Pharisee in Luke 18:13f who saw himself as self-righteous; he in no way resembled the humble tax collector who would not even lift his eyes toward heaven. He knew how unworthy he was before a totally holy God.

American missionary, David Brainerd, held a humble heart that always recognized its shamefulness before a holy God. It is a blessing to read his words of old. He greatly cherished those who truly loved the Savior. Not those who were superficial; but those who held a deep, deep heart of love for the LORD that translated forth as they spoke. In his diary, he wrote of how he could converse with many concerning religion (Christianity); but alas, he found few who would speak of religion (Christianity) itself. But he said, “Blessed be the LORD, there are some that feed on the kernel, rather than the shell.”

We as believers are forgiven but that cannot be an excuse to be trendy and styling, walking in the accomplished pride of this camouflaged, narcissistic, vile world. Those around us need to completely recognize we are feeding on the “kernel” of a deep, abiding, separated relationship with our Savior. There is no room for an uppity attitude in such a union. Being two-faced like the Hebrews doesn’t exist on this level.

The rest of this verse is a slap in the face to anyone who refuses to be taught God’s Word. This is what we do when we don’t take the Scriptures literally, including those that feign separation from culture, though not abiding by the command behind closed doors. God taught these people “again and again,” but they would “not listen and receive instruction.” They would not separate themselves from sinful societies. In other words, they would not apply those things to their lives that would make them appear peculiar. We can’t be just hearers of the Word; we must be doers, placing the Word within us, not caring what others think.

We thankfully recognize here that God does not give up and He had made sure they heard the Scriptures time and again. They did hear the Scriptural teaching in the temple but it was never embedded in their hearts and evaporated as quickly as it was spoken. They listened to Biblical truth from Jeremiah time and again, but he was brushed off as not being crowd-appealing.

Verse 34 reveals how low these evil people stooped, as they brought their idols into the temple. They brought their worldly views and lifestyles into the house of prayer through the display of idols.

Pastors and believers seem to think if they bring the ways of society into the church this somehow sanctifies them.

This passage reminded me of how believers will bring their videos into the church for “Video Night,” but these videos often display immodest women, immoral lifestyles, etc. They do not uplift a holy, undefiled, and pure Christ. (Hebrews 7:26) Videos are one of the false gods of today. Believers have to bring in their movie idols or they just are not at home in the church. Bringing immoral things into a fellowship does not sanctify them! When the Hebrews brought their idols to the house of prayer, God didn’t sanctify them due to their presence! Christ also made clear, when He was on the earth, that just because something was done in the temple, it didn’t automatically meet with God’s approval. 1 Corinthians chapter 11 speaks of the wickedness of despising the church or body of Christ. All must be performed for holiness-sake when gathered together for worship.

Verse 35 exposes the sin of the murder of babies which occurred because everyone was doing it. Remember, Moloch was the god they sacrificed their infants to as we have studied previously. They were burned to death in his name and Moloch’s name meant “king.” And he did rule as king even though he was nothing more than a statue/idol. God exposes that satan is behind every idol and it was satan who incited these bloody sacrifices of children. (Leviticus 17:7)

Today, society broadcasts words that sound all-pleasing to hide true agendas. Their agendas are often opposite of their tagging such as Antifa which means anti-fascism, but it is fascism and this group arose in Germany in 1932 and roams America to destroy today. It has always been a moniker to deceive the masses.

Verse 37 is the repeated hope that God will return His people to the land in His time. They will once again worship Him in truth and humility. He will also make them safe as a blessing for their obedience.

He would become their God at the time of their return and they would once again become His people; verse 38.

We enter the gracious millennial period once more in verses 39 and 40. When Christ arrives on the earth again, they will have “one heart” and “one way.” We know He is the only “one way.” Their total unity in Christ is yet to arrive. They will fear the LORD and keep to His ways and their children will also.

We know the everlasting covenant is the one of grace brought through their only Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jeremiah is always timely!

The main subject of this chapter has been Jeremiah’s purchase of land as a symbol of their return as we see reiterated in verses 43-44. The land, soon to be destroyed by the Chaldeans or Babylonians, was to be reconstructed. God promised to reestablish their material wealth as well throughout the Israeli territory.

These last verses are positive, sent from our positive God. When we walk in all His ways, we have a positive life no matter what overtakes us. Even our death is precious in His eyes, Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

In Him who never fails or forsakes His established diagram,

Val Lee

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