Jeremiah 1:11. What is the connection between the rod of an almond tree and the description given by the Lord about it?
The commentaries tell me, and I have no reason to quarrel with them, that the almond tree is one of the first to blossom, even beginning in the middle of winter to show signs of life. Its Hebrew name has to do with being “on the watch”, that is, intent to “seize the first opportunity of emitting its buds and blossoms. This was the proper symbol to announce that God’s word was going to be happening soon, and God’s intention was to watch over that word and make it happen, as says the next verse (12):
“…I am watching over My word to perform it.”
Jeremiah 4. In this chapter and other portions of the beginning of Jeremiah, do we seem to be in Jeremiah’s day, or in the end times?
The devastation that was predicted actually did come in Jeremiah’s day. Much of this prophecy and the entire book of Lamentations is weeping over what happened to Israel in that day at the hands of Assyria and then Babylon. Yet, like Isaiah, Jeremiah sees not only a local restoration, but a worldwide renewal at the end of all things. It is important to continue to seek for clues before jumping to conclusions about any particular text.
Jeremiah 11:21-23. Why so rough on the town of Anathoth?
This is Jeremiah’s hometown, and as is usually the case, the men closest to the man of God are the ones who reject him. Anathoth was a town in Benjamin, a priestly city, about 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 12:5-6. Jeremiah complains, and God answers his complaint here. What does the answer mean?
This sounds somewhat like a proverb or parable. The meaning is that, Jeremiah, things are going to get even worse than they are now. You’re having trouble keeping up with foot soldiers? How will you do when the horses are sent in? Stumbling around on a nice calm valley? How will you stay up when the water overflows its banks? A good word for all of us. You think your present situation is so bad? What happens when hell itself is leveled against you? Are you strong? Are you ready?
Jeremiah 16:14-21. Does this restoration of Israel sound the same as Isaiah’s?
No, Jeremiah’s words could all have been fulfilled by the first return of the Jews in the time of Cyrus, King of Persia. There seems to be nothing of an end time nature in the entire book so far.
Jeremiah 18:13. What is so shocking about the conduct of Israel?
Generally speaking, nations follow the traditions of their elders. Nations latch onto a god, so-called, and that never changes. The stories and the ways of that god are the permanent fixture of the land. Consider all the various tribes and nations of our own world and how long they have hung on to one god. Then look at Israel, or even the church. Abandonment is the norm among us. This is because our God really lives, and makes demands of His people, and can follow through on those demands. Whoever heard of one of “their” gods being abandoned by an entire nation?
Jeremiah 20:7. How could Jeremiah feel that the Lord had “deceived” him?
He has just been beaten, totally humiliated, by the ruling priesthood of Judah. But in chapter one Jeremiah hears such promises as:
“I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
“Do not be afraid of them. For I am with you to deliver you.”
“I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
“Do not be dismayed before them, or I will dismay you before them.”
“I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land… they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you. For I am with you to deliver you.”
Hmmm. Did Jeremiah hear the “fine print”? I mean, if you need deliverance, isn’t that a clue that you’re going to be in serious trouble somewhere down the road. Is it not true that when we hear our commission from the Lord, we romanticize it a bit, or a lot, and think only of the power and might that God will be displaying through us, the victories that God will win, etc? We often forget that victories imply fights. No fight, no victory!
No Jeremiah, God did not deceive you. He was with you. He did deliver you. They are going to hear your word because it is My word.
(Actually, as you continue reading chapter 20, you’ll see Jeremiah talking himself into the right frame of mind. A true overcomer! But he also sees the world as it really is, and knows that evil is around him. We’re watching this “youth” grow to manhood before our eyes!)
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