OT Survey II Jeremiah and Lamentations

Jeremiah

Author Jeremiah Jeremiah From a priestly family just north of Jerusalem From a priestly family just north of Jerusalem A “prophet to the nations” (1:5, 10) A “prophet to the nations” (1:5, 10) More personal material than any other prophet More personal material than any other prophet “Weeping Prophet” “Weeping Prophet” His Mode of Operation His Mode of Operation Speaking (e.g., 2:2) Speaking (e.g., 2:2) Writing (e.g., 36:2, 27-28; 51:60) Writing (e.g., 36:2, 27-28; 51:60) Acting (e.g., 13:1-7; 19:1-15; 32:1-15) Acting (e.g., 13:1-7; 19:1-15; 32:1-15)

Date Began in the days of Josiah (~ 627 BC) Began in the days of Josiah (~ 627 BC) Included two initial exiles Included two initial exiles 605 BC: Daniel and other nobles (Dan 1:1-6) 605 BC: Daniel and other nobles (Dan 1:1-6) 597 BC: Large scale exile, including Ezekiel (2 Kings 24:10-16; Ezek 1:1-3) 597 BC: Large scale exile, including Ezekiel (2 Kings 24:10-16; Ezek 1:1-3) Climaxed in the destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) Climaxed in the destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) Ends with the release of Jehoiachin from prison (~ 561 BC) Ends with the release of Jehoiachin from prison (~ 561 BC)

Time Period Cyrus allows exiles to return 539 BC (Ezra 1:1-4) Judah exiled by Babylon 586 BC (also 605, 597) (2 Kgs 25) Israel exiled by Assryia 722 BC (2 Kgs 17) Solomon begins building the temple 966 BC (1 Kgs 6:1) The Exodus from Egypt 1446 BC (1 Kgs 6:1) Israel enters Egypt 1876 BC (Ex 12:40-41) Abraham’s birth 2166 BC (Gen 12:4; 21:5; 25:26; 47:9) Torah (Gen-Deut) Former Prophets (Joshua-Kings) Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi)

Time Period (cont…) Nehemiah in Jerusalem ~ 420 BC Cyrus’s decree 539 BC Babylonian exile 586 BC Assyrian exile 722 BC Jeroboam II (Israel) Uzziah (Judah) 770 BC Jonah, Hosea, Amos Isaiah, Micah Assyrian Defeat 701 BC Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk Ezekiel, Daniel Haggai, Zechariah Malachi Joel?Obadiah?

Events 639Josiah reigns 626Call of Jeremiah 612Fall of Ninevah 609Battle of Carchemish Josiah dies Jehoahaz reigns Jehoiakim reigns 605First exile 597Jehoiakim rebels Jehoiakim dies Jehoiachin reigns Second exile Jehoiachin imprisoned Zedekiah reigns 586Zedekiah rebels Jerusalem destroyed Time Period (cont…)

Canonical Review – Zoomed In Again Isaiah Isaiah God is holy and must judge the sinfulness of Israel God is holy and must judge the sinfulness of Israel God will judge the sinfulness of Israel through a coming nation God will judge the sinfulness of Israel through a coming nation A proper response to this is seen in Isaiah 6 A proper response to this is seen in Isaiah 6 Improper responses include trusting in other nations (and other gods) Improper responses include trusting in other nations (and other gods) Hezekiah exemplifies both responses; thus, Assyria will not be the exiling nation, but Babylon will Hezekiah exemplifies both responses; thus, Assyria will not be the exiling nation, but Babylon will A future king will perfectly exemplify the proper response (the king who was there in Isaiah 6!) A future king will perfectly exemplify the proper response (the king who was there in Isaiah 6!) God will bring Israel out of exile, make atonement for their sins, and judge rebels God will bring Israel out of exile, make atonement for their sins, and judge rebels God tells Israel this in advance so they will trust in Him God tells Israel this in advance so they will trust in Him

Canonical Review – Zoomed In Again Jeremiah Jeremiah Isaiah said Babylon was coming, Jeremiah says, “They’re here!” Isaiah said Babylon was coming, Jeremiah says, “They’re here!” God has determined to punish Jerusalem; therefore, people should submit to Babylon. God has determined to punish Jerusalem; therefore, people should submit to Babylon. Plans to scheme around this judgment (e.g., going to or trusting in Egypt) will not work (didn’t they read Isaiah?) Plans to scheme around this judgment (e.g., going to or trusting in Egypt) will not work (didn’t they read Isaiah?) A new low: Instead of scheming around God’s judgment, the people merely disbelieve God: He will not judge (that is the false prophets talking, not God!) A new low: Instead of scheming around God’s judgment, the people merely disbelieve God: He will not judge (that is the false prophets talking, not God!) God will judge the arrogant nations delighting in Israel’s fall; in particular, He will judge Babylon itself! God will judge the arrogant nations delighting in Israel’s fall; in particular, He will judge Babylon itself! God will one day once again have compassion on Israel and renew covenant; nay, he will make a NEW covenant! God will one day once again have compassion on Israel and renew covenant; nay, he will make a NEW covenant! Jeremiah 52: The fall of Jerusalem Jeremiah 52: The fall of Jerusalem

Jeremiah and Other Revelation Earlier Earlier Isa 39: Babylon is coming! Jeremiah: They’re here! Isa 39: Babylon is coming! Jeremiah: They’re here! Appeal to Mosaic Covenant: 11:1-13 Appeal to Mosaic Covenant: 11:1-13 Appeal to earlier prophets: 26:17-24 Appeal to earlier prophets: 26:17-24 Later Later Inspiration for Daniel’s prayer (Dan 9:2) Inspiration for Daniel’s prayer (Dan 9:2) Inspiration for exiles’ return (2 Chr 36; Ezra 1) Inspiration for exiles’ return (2 Chr 36; Ezra 1) NT will pick up on idea of New Covenant NT will pick up on idea of New Covenant NT will pick up on Babylon’s judgment NT will pick up on Babylon’s judgment

Structure a Oracles against Judah; invasion and disaster from the north (1-12) b Judah’s exile and suffering predicted (13-20) c Dated messages of judgment about specific kings/groups (21-29) d CENTER: Messages of future hope (30-33) c Dated messages of judgment about specific kings/groups (34-35) b Judah’s fall and exile (36-45) a Oracles against the nations; invasions and disasters from the north (46-51) Taken from Dorsey, Literary Structure of the Old Testament, 244.

Major Themes Sovereignty of Yahweh Sovereignty of Yahweh Sin of Judah Sin of Judah Impending Judgment Impending Judgment Babylon Babylon God’s Instrument: Submit to them! God’s Instrument: Submit to them! Will be punished Will be punished False prophets False prophets Future restoration (centerpiece) Future restoration (centerpiece) New Covenant (remember Kings, Chronicles?) New Covenant (remember Kings, Chronicles?) Jeremiah’s experience (much like that of Jesus!) Jeremiah’s experience (much like that of Jesus!)

Jeremiah and Jesus (see Expositor’s Bible Commentary) Matt 16:13-14: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Matt 16:13-14: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Similar historical settings – Jerusalem about to fall Similar historical settings – Jerusalem about to fall Both foretold temple’s destruction Both foretold temple’s destruction Both wept over Jerusalem Both wept over Jerusalem Both condemned commercialism of temple worship Both condemned commercialism of temple worship Both accused of political treason Both accused of political treason Both tenderhearted, knew loneliness Both tenderhearted, knew loneliness Both enjoyed unusual fellowship with God Both enjoyed unusual fellowship with God

Purpose Though Yahweh used Babylon to judge Judah and Jerusalem because of her sin, a day would come when Babylon herself would be judged and Israel would be restored beyond her former glory. Though Yahweh used Babylon to judge Judah and Jerusalem because of her sin, a day would come when Babylon herself would be judged and Israel would be restored beyond her former glory.

New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34) Remember the former prophets, God renewed covenant with Israel several times. Remember the former prophets, God renewed covenant with Israel several times. But, in the end, God refused to have further compassion on them. But, in the end, God refused to have further compassion on them. However, this covenant will not just be a renewal; it will be truly new in another sense: It will no longer be external; rather, God will write His law on their heart! However, this covenant will not just be a renewal; it will be truly new in another sense: It will no longer be external; rather, God will write His law on their heart! Does the church benefit from this covenant? Does the church benefit from this covenant?

70 Years Prophecy Jeremiah 25:11-12 Jeremiah 25:11-12 Nations will serve Babylon for 70 years Nations will serve Babylon for 70 years Babylon will be punished at end of 70 years Babylon will be punished at end of 70 years Prophecy given in 605 BC, year of the first exile (25:1) Prophecy given in 605 BC, year of the first exile (25:1) Jeremiah 29:10 Jeremiah 29:10 Israel will be brought back at end of 70 years Israel will be brought back at end of 70 years Part of a letter to second group of exiles (29:2) Part of a letter to second group of exiles (29:2) Daniel 9:2 Daniel 9:2 Desolation of Jerusalem end after 70 years Desolation of Jerusalem end after 70 years Read Jeremiah’s prophecy in the first year of Darius the Mede (9:1) Read Jeremiah’s prophecy in the first year of Darius the Mede (9:1) 2 Chronicles 36: Chronicles 36:21-22 Days of desolation lasted 70 years Days of desolation lasted 70 years Land enjoyed its sabbaths for 70 years Land enjoyed its sabbaths for 70 years Cyrus fulfilled Jeremiah’s word via proclamation Cyrus fulfilled Jeremiah’s word via proclamation

70 Years Prophecy (continued) Dates Dates 612 – Ninevah falls to Babylon 612 – Ninevah falls to Babylon 609 – Egypt and Assyria defeated by Babylon at Carchemish 609 – Egypt and Assyria defeated by Babylon at Carchemish 605 – First exile of Judah (Daniel) 605 – First exile of Judah (Daniel) 597 – Second exile of Judah (Ezekiel) 597 – Second exile of Judah (Ezekiel) 586 – Third exile of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem 586 – Third exile of Judah, destruction of Jerusalem 539 – Cyrus defeats Babylon, allows Judahite returnees 539 – Cyrus defeats Babylon, allows Judahite returnees 516 – New temple completed 516 – New temple completed One possibility One possibility 586 – 516 – Destruction of Jerusalem until rebuilding of temple 586 – 516 – Destruction of Jerusalem until rebuilding of temple But, Babylon being punished (Jer 25) and return (29) ends the 70 But, Babylon being punished (Jer 25) and return (29) ends the 70 It seems the end should be the destruction of Babylon It seems the end should be the destruction of Babylon Two possibilities Two possibilities 605 – 536 – Assume destruction of Babylon *and* later return 605 – 536 – Assume destruction of Babylon *and* later return 609 – 539 – It is 70 years “for Babylon” (Jer 29:10) and Daniel seems to asking God to act *now* (Dan 9:2, 15-19) 609 – 539 – It is 70 years “for Babylon” (Jer 29:10) and Daniel seems to asking God to act *now* (Dan 9:2, 15-19)

Lamentations

Title Talmud: Lamentations Talmud: Lamentations LXX: Tears LXX: Tears Hebrew: How! Hebrew: How! “How lonely sits the city that was full of people!” (Lam 1:1) “How lonely sits the city that was full of people!” (Lam 1:1) “How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in His anger!” (Lam 2:1) “How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in His anger!” (Lam 2:1) “How dark the gold has become, how the pure gold has changed!” (Lam 4:1) “How dark the gold has become, how the pure gold has changed!” (Lam 4:1)

Lamentations and Other Revelation Validates the truthfulness of previous prophets (e.g., Zephaniah) Validates the truthfulness of previous prophets (e.g., Zephaniah) “…before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you…Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger” (Zeph 2:2-3). “…before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you…Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger” (Zeph 2:2-3). “There was no one who escaped or survived in the day of the LORD’s anger” (Lam 2:22). “There was no one who escaped or survived in the day of the LORD’s anger” (Lam 2:22). Job wrestles with individual suffering; Lamentations “revisits Israel’s most painful memory” (House, 483) and tries to explain it, find hope. Job wrestles with individual suffering; Lamentations “revisits Israel’s most painful memory” (House, 483) and tries to explain it, find hope. Followed by Esther which shows that God has not “utterly rejected” Israel (Lam 5:22) Followed by Esther which shows that God has not “utterly rejected” Israel (Lam 5:22)

Acrostic Chapter 1: 3 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 1: 3 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 2: 3 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 2: 3 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 3: 3 lines/stanza, all lines acrostic Chapter 3: 3 lines/stanza, all lines acrostic Chapter 4: 2 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 4: 2 lines/stanza, 1 st line acrostic Chapter 5: 1 lines/stanza, no acrostic pattern! Chapter 5: 1 lines/stanza, no acrostic pattern!

Structure Chapter 1: Destruction of Zion Chapter 1: Destruction of Zion Chapter 2: Yahweh as the destroyer Chapter 2: Yahweh as the destroyer Chapter 3: Complaint and hope Chapter 3: Complaint and hope Chapter 4: Results of the destruction Chapter 4: Results of the destruction Chapter 5: Prayer: How long? Chapter 5: Prayer: How long?

Major Themes Judgment Judgment God as the judge (not Babylon!) (e.g., 1:5) God as the judge (not Babylon!) (e.g., 1:5) Reasons for (e.g., 4:6) Reasons for (e.g., 4:6) Pain of (e.g., 2:11) Pain of (e.g., 2:11) Future Hope (3:21-32) Future Hope (3:21-32) Israel’s enemies Israel’s enemies Their arrogance (e.g., 3:60-63) Their arrogance (e.g., 3:60-63) Their future punishment (e.g., 4:21-22) Their future punishment (e.g., 4:21-22)

Purpose To express and explain Israel’s suffering and to provide hope for the future in the midst of her suffering. To express and explain Israel’s suffering and to provide hope for the future in the midst of her suffering.

Next Week Ezekiel