Jeremiah — Introduction & Outline

No one has seriously challenged the authorship of Jeremiah for this book. He is named as the author in 1:1 and the biographical and autobiographical nature of the book confirms this. Jeremiah is referred to by name 131 times. External evidence agrees. Both Daniel (Dan. 9:2) and Ezra (Ezra 1:1) refer to Jeremiah's prophecy as the work of Jeremiah. There is also the weight of Jewish tradition. Finally, in the New Testament Matthew quotes the book (31:15) and attributes it to Jeremiah (Matt. 2:17-18). Chapter 52 is evidently the only section not written by Jeremiah. His secretary, Baruch, may have added it, or similarities with 2 Kings 24:18-25:30 may suggest it was by the author of the Book of Kings.

Jeremiah was born about 647 B.C. in Anathoth, a town about three miles northeast of Jerusalem. His father, Hilkiah, was a priest and the great grandfather of Ezra (1:1; Ezra 7:1).

God ordained Jeremiah a prophet before birth (1:5), but his actual calling came in the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign (1:2), or about 627 B.C. Jeremiah was forbidden by God to marry as a sign of judgment to Judah (16:2ff.). His ministry was centered in Jerusalem for about forty years (627-586 B.C.) and continued in Egypt for another five years (chs. 44-45). His life was full of conflict as he and his message met constant rejection and persecution by his countrymen.

The book of Jeremiah evidences multiple stages of growth (25:13; 30:2; 36:2,32).

The final arrangement of chapters 1-51 may well have been completed after he was taken hostage to Egypt in 586 B.C. (51:64). Chapter 52 was obviously added later because it records the release of Jehoiachin in 561 B.C.

Jeremiah's ministry began in the thirteenth year of Josiah's reign (640-609 B.C.) and he saw the reigns of four others: Jehoahaz (609 B.C.), Jehoiakim (609-597 B.C.), Jehoiachin (597 B.C.), and Zedekiah (597 B.C.). There were three phases to his ministry. In the first phase he ministered to Judah under the threat of oppression by Assyria and Egypt (627-605 B.C.). In the second phase he warned Judah of Babylon's judgment and he saw Jerusalem besieged by them (605-586 B.C.). The third phase consists of his ministry in Jerusalem and Egypt after the captivity of Judah (586-580 B.C.).

On the international level in Jeremiah's time, Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon struggled for dominance. Babylon's rise to preeminence began when Nabopolassar took the city of Babylon from Assyria in 626 B.C. Ninevah fell later in 612 B.C. and Palestine was wrestled from Egyptian control in 605 B.C.

Nationally, the scene was dismal. Josiah had a reforming influence on Judah, but he met a tragic death in a battle with Egypt. Jehoahaz was deposed after only three months on the throne and taken to Egypt as a prisoner. Jehoiakim's reign experienced the first Babylonian deportation of Judah (605 B.C.) as the king switched allegiance between Egypt and Babylon. He died in a Babylonian attack on Jerusalem in 597 B.C. and was replaced by his son Jehoiachin who ruled only three months before being deported to Babylon. At that time Nebuchadnezzar

looted the city and removed 10,000 other important people (2 Kings 24:12-16). Zedekiah's eleven year vassal rule came to an end when Babylon successfully completed a two-year siege against Jerusalem in 586 B.C. during which the city and temple were destroyed.

The spiritual decline of Judah during Jeremiah's ministry paralleled the political tragedy. After Josiah's religious renewal the nation quickly reverted to idolatry and immorality. Judgment was inevitable for such wickedness. Jeremiah was a contemporary of the Judean prophets Zephaniah and Habakkuk, and the exilic prophets Daniel and Ezekiel.

The purpose of Jeremiah's prophecy is to give a final warning to Judah of impending Judgment brought on by the nation's sin. Jeremiah declares the reason for the judgment to be Judah's rejection of God's laws and His prophets, of which Jeremiah's rejection is an illustration. God's patience would soon give way to judgment. The prophet's unpopular advice to Judah is to submit to God's judgment in the Babylonian captivity so the nation would be spared total destruction. Though the purpose of warning dominates the book, Jeremiah briefly encourages his people with the promise of God's restoration of the remnant through the new covenant (chs. 30-33).

The large portion of the book after the introduction (ch. 1) consists of prophecies about Judah's judgment (chs. 2-45). A smaller section follows which prophecies judgments against the nations (chs. 46-51). The book then concludes with a historical supplement (Ch. 54).

The introduction (1:1-19) describes Jeremiah's background and divine commission as a prophet to the nations. The forecast for his ministry is full of conflict and trouble, yet he is to boldly speak the Word of God to the people of Judah and the nations.

The Word of God to Judah consists of condemning prophecies (2:1-45:5). These prophecies begin with the announcement of Judah's fate (2:1-25:38), continue with a historical description of the rejection of Jeremiah (26:1-29:32), include a section consoling Israel with future restoration (30:1-33:26), and ends with another historical section describing the fall of Jerusalem (34:1-45:5). Judgment is the main theme; its outworking displayed in the historical sections and the consoling section.

The announcement of Judah's fate (2:1-20:18) begins with general prophecies of judgment (2:1-20:18) then moves to more specific prophecies (21:1-23:40). The general prophecies of judgment enumerate and condemn the sins of Judah while elaborating on the terrible judgment approaching. God first condemns Judah for her apostasy (2:1-3:5). He indictments Judah for idolatry, ungodly alliances with Egypt and Assyria, and the pursuit of false gods like a shameless harlot.

Jeremiah then declares that Judah's incorrigibility will be judged (3:6-6:30). In spite of the total depravity of Judah, God calls them to repentance while reminding them of Israel's fate (3:6-4:4). But as if to acknowledge their refusal to repent, their judgment from the north is described (4:5-31). It is viewed as imminent, catastrophic, and inescapable which causes Jeremiah to cry out in anguish (4:19-22). The justification for God's terrible judgment by a

foreign nation is the sinfulness of Judah, specifically, the apostasy led by wicked leaders in the nation (5:1-31). The destruction of Jerusalem is so certain that God gives notice of the impending attack on Jerusalem (6:1-30). Judah has ignored His warnings and exhausted His patience, therefore the invasion by a northern enemy is announced.

The indictment of Judah continues with God's condemnation of their false worship (7:1-10:25). Judah's temple worship rests on the lies of its leaders which give a false security (7:1-27). Their corruption is so extreme, as evidenced in their history of disobedience (7:21-27), that God prohibits prayer for Judah (7:16-20). This disobedience in worship will incur the judgment of God so as to bring false worship to an end (7:28-8:3). The apostasy of the nation is blamed on the religious leaders who teach lies and give the people a false sense of security in their false religion (8:4-17). The prospect of Judah's rebellion and fate is so anguishing to Jeremiah that he records his and the people's lament for Judah and God's response (8:18-9:26).

God explains His design in judgment, which is to refine Judah through punishment (9:7-9) which includes captivity among the Gentiles (9:16). The judgment and exile are finally announced in view of the inexcusable sin of choosing the gods of the Gentiles as opposed to the unique God of Israel (10:1-25). This prompts Jeremiah to pray for God's leniency toward Judah (10:23-25).

Judah's condemnation is next expressed in terms of her unfaithfulness to God's covenant with them (11:1-12:17). God through Jeremiah reminds Judah of the terms of the covenant and points out their unfaithfulness to it (11:1-17). As a result of his teaching Jeremiah's life is threatened, but God assures him of vengeance against his enemies (11:18-12:6) and pronounces judgment on Judah and the nations (12:7-17).

Jeremiah is also used to emphasize God's coming judgment by use of a linen belt and wine bottles, both of which picture Judah's ruin and destruction (13:1-27). God will also send a drought, a prospect that moves Jeremiah to intercede for his people. But God does not relent in His intention, though He assures Jeremiah that his life will be preserved (14:1-15:21). Another object lesson for the people comes through Jeremiah's life. He is restricted from marriage, mourning, and feasting to demonstrate that Judah will be judged (16:1-17:18). Though God will judge Judah for her sins, He will also restore a remnant and bring Gentiles to obedience (16:14- 21). An additional sermon by Jeremiah sets forth observation of the Sabbath as a test of Judah's devotion (17:19-27).

An important message of God's judgment and grace is illustrated by the use of pottery (18:1-20:18). Jeremiah visits a potter who mars a vessel but reforms it into another vessel. So God offers to refashion His plans for judgment if Judah repents, but they reject His offer and instead plan to persecute Jeremiah (18:1-23). Jeremiah is persecuted by Pashur, a chief priest (20:1-6), when he uses a broken flask to illustrate and pronounce Judah's doom (19:1-15). This treatment causes the prophet to lament his fate in a complaint to God (20:7-18). This ends the section of general prophecies against Judah. Those which follow are directed more specifically to individuals.

The specific messages of judgment (21:1-23:40) are a series of messages to Judah's rulers and false prophets. First Jeremiah delivers God's message of judgment to the kings of Judah (21:1-23:8). When Zedekiah sends to Jeremiah hoping for a favorable message about the threat of the Babylonians, he receives a message of doom instead (21:1-22:9). Likewise, Jeremiah predicts the death of Shallum (Jehoahaz) in the land where he will be led captive

(22:10-12). Jehoiakim will also die because of his unjust rule (22:13-23). His successor, Coniah (Jehoiachin), will be taken captive by the Babylonians and die there (22:24-30). Throughout this section mention is made of the throne of David as that which is being abused. Thus, the conclusion of the messages against the kings predicts the coming King who will rule in righteousness on David's throne. He will lead Israel into their restoration (23:1-8).

The specific messages of judgment continue as Jeremiah addresses the false prophets of Judah (23:9-40). Their sins are listed and wickedness described (23:9-15). Their chief offense is misleading the people by pretending to represent God and speak for Him. For this God will bring them everlasting shame (23:16-40).

The section announcing Judah's fate concludes with prophecies summarizing the fate of Judah in captivity (24:1-25:38). Two baskets of figs are used to depict the better fate of the exiles and the doom of those who remain in Judah (24:1-10). Furthermore, God ordains the time of their captivity as seventy years (25:1-11) after which Babylon will be punished (25:12-14).

Babylon's judgment foreshadows God's greater judgment to come upon all nations who have set themselves against God and His people (25:15-38).

Though Judah's depravity has been denounced in messages of judgment, it is now illustrated in the rejection and persecution of Jeremiah (26:1-29:32). The first rejection described happens under Jehoiakim (26:1-24). Following God's command, Jeremiah preaches God's call to repentance and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as a consequence of rejecting His call. He is arrested and threatened with death, but is finally allowed to live. The second episode occurs under Zedekiah (27:1-29:32). Wearing symbolic bonds and a yoke, Jeremiah tells the nations, Zedekiah, the priests, and the people to submit to the domination of Babylon (27:1-22). His message is refuted by the false prophet Hananiah who predicts the overthrow of Babylon; a claim Jeremiah challenges (28:1-17). Further opposition comes when Jeremiah sends a letter to the exiles telling them to prepare for a seventy-year captivity in Babylon and warning them against false prophets in Babylon (29:1-23). He is opposed by Shemiah who tries to assume the role of high priest, but instead receives a judgment from God (29:24-32). The rejection encountered by Jeremiah demonstrates the rebelliousness of Judah and the hardness of their hearts which is the reason for punishment.

In the midst of these prophecies of doom there is brief consolation in a prophecy of Israel's future restoration (30:1-33:26). God promises them restoration in the land after their captivity (30:1-31:30). He will heal them, cleanse them, and prosper them as a once more united nation. The climactic promise in this section is the promise of a new covenant with Israel in which God will forgive their sins and restore them to a personal relationship with Him (31:31- 34). This covenant is eternal and unconditional and thus assures the future of Israel and Jerusalem (31:38-40). The restoration of Israel is both affirmed and illustrated when Jeremiah, in prison on the verge of Jerusalem's destruction, buys a field which God promises him he will possess after the restoration of the nation (32:1-44). The restoration is finally reaffirmed in a second prophecy of Jeremiah's from prison (33:1-26). In describing the future joy, God once more promises a Davidic King who will fulfill His covenant with David (33:14-26). This prophecy of consolation aptly fits between the dark forecast of captivity for Judah and the account of the fall of Jerusalem.

In a historical section, Jeremiah relates the circumstances surrounding the fall of Jerusalem (34:1-45:5). As a background for the fall of the city, Jeremiah records some events that occurred before the fall (34:1-36:32). The mistreatment of slaves under Zedekiah brought God's rebuke and promise of judgment (34:1-22). Also, under Jehoiakim (35:1-36:32), the obedience of the Recabites brings further rebuke to Judah (35:1-19), and this king's destruction of Jeremiah's written prophecy brings a specific rebuke and judgment upon him (36:1-32).

These examples of Judah's hardness in the face of judgment show them to be incorrigible and show the following judgment to be justified.

The mistreatment of Jeremiah continues during the siege and fall of Jerusalem (37:1- 39:18). His message to Zedekiah is still unpopular (37:1-10) and this leads to his brief imprisonment in a cistern (37:11-38:13). Then in a secret conference with the king, Jeremiah advises him once more to submit to the Babylonians (38:14-28). Zedekiah does not follow the advice and when Jerusalem is penetrated he is blinded and carried off to Babylon, but Jeremiah is released (39:1-18). The fall of Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's many prophecies through Jeremiah to Judah.

After the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah recounts his ministry to the remnant in Judah, the remnant in Egypt, and to Baruch (40:1-45:5). In Judah (40:1-42:22), Jeremiah remained to advise the puppet governor Gedaliah (40:1-16). However, Gedaliah is assassinated (41:1-18) which causes the remaining Jews to want to flee to Egypt to avoid Babylon's reprisal; a move Jeremiah tries to discourage (42:1-22). The remnant, under the leadership of Johanan, rejects Jeremiah's counsel and takes all the remaining Jews and Jeremiah to Egypt (43:1-7). There Jeremiah predicts an invasion by Babylon (43:8-13). Their unrepentant attitude and indulgence in idolatry in Egypt confirms their impenetrable hardness and guarantees God's judgment (44:1- 30). This section on Jerusalem's demise ends with the disillusionment and distress of Baruch who God encourages with a personal promise of life while maintaining His sovereign right to judge His people (45:1-5). God's sovereignty in judgment is the ultimate reason behind the terrible destruction of Jerusalem, but His sovereignty is equally the hope for restoration.

Following the destruction of Jerusalem is a major division marking the prophecies concerning the nations (46:1-51:64). The placement of these here in the text suggests that if God judged Judah for her sin, then surely the idolatrous nations will not be spared. The first prophecy concerns Egypt and her imminent invasion by Babylon (46:1-28). The assurance to Israel, however, is that God will preserve her while He judges all the nations (46:27-28). A second shorter prophecy pronounces judgment on Philistia (47:1-7) followed by a longer prophecy against Moab (48:1-47). Moab is destroyed because of her pride, but God will restore a remnant of the nation in the latter days (48:47). After this come prophecies against Ammon (49:1-6), Edom (49:7-22), Damascus (49:23-27), Kedar and Hazor (49:28-33), Elam (49:34-39), and

Babylon (50:1-51:64).

The prophecy against Babylon is lengthy and must have been an encouragement to the exiles. Her destruction will signal the renewal of Israel's covenant relationship with God (50:1-20). While Babylon is being attacked, Israel's Redeemer will save the captives (50:21-46). God's vengeance on Babylon is a display of His sovereignty over that nation and all nations, and is God's way of avenging their treatment of Jerusalem (51:1-44). As confirmation of the certainty of the judgment, the remnant is warned to flee Babylon (51:45-58). The message of

Babylon's demise is entrusted to Seraiah, an official under Zedekiah, who will go and read the words in Babylon (51:59-64).

The note that the words of Jeremiah have ended indicate that 52:1-34 is a historical supplement added later to verify Jeremiah's prophecies. It is a rehash of the capture and destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon. The final event recorded is the release of Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon (52:31-34). This is an important indication that the judgment of Israel is coming to an end and the promises of restoration and blessing will soon be fulfilled.

Jeremiah's prophecy consists of lengthy warnings to Judah of judgment at the hands of Babylon. In spite of God's offers of leniency, the sin of the nation was too ingrained to allow repentance. Thus the judgment of Judah is justified and necessary to Israel's future purification and restoration under the new covenant. The historical record of Jerusalem's fall proves the accuracy of God's pronouncements. In like manner, God promises to judge the nations.

Jeremiah is a record of God's faithfulness to His covenants with Israel, which includes faithfulness in judgment, and faithfulness in blessing.

1. Introduction 1:1-19

   1. Jeremiah's background 1:1-3
   2. Jeremiah's commission to the nations 1:4-10

      1. God foreordained him to be a prophet to the nations. 1:4-5
      2. God answers his objection. 1:6-8
      3. God commissions him to be over the nations. 1:9-10
   3. Two visions of Jeremiah's commission 1:11-16

      1. He sees a branch of an almond tree. 1:11-12
      2. He sees a boiling pot. 1:13-16
   4. God's challenge to Jeremiah 1:17-19
2. Prophecies Concerning Judah 2:1-45:5

   1. The announcement of Judah's fate 2:1-25:38

      1. General prophecies of judgment 2:1-20:18

         1. God's condemnation of Judah's apostasy 2:1-3:5

            1. He remembers Judah's faithfulness. 2:1-3
            2. He condemns her idolatry. 2:4-13

               1. She forsook God in the land. 2:4-8
               2. God brings charges against her. 2:9-13
            3. He condemns her alliances. 2:14-19
            4. He condemns her pursuit of false gods. 2:20-25
            5. He notes her shame and impudence. 2:26-37

               1. Her idolatry brings shame. 2:26-28
               2. Her pleas are insincere. 2:29-37
            6. He condemns her shameless harlotry. 3:1-5
         2. God's judgment of Judah's incorrigibility 3:6-6:30

            1. Judah is called to repentance. 3:6-4:4

               1. Judah compared to Israel 3:6-11
               2. God's call to repentance 3:12-18
               3. The obstacle to blessing 3:19-20
               4. An example of the repentance needed 3:21-25
               5. God's enticement to repentance 4:1-4
            2. Judah's judgment comes from the north. 4:5-31

               1. The imminent disaster from the north 4:5-10
               2. Rebelliousness brings judgment 4:11-18
               3. Jeremiah's anguish at judgment 4:19-22
               4. The castrophic nature of judgment 4:23-29
               5. A vain attempt to escape judgment 4:30-31
            3. Judah is judged because of her sins. 5:1-31

               1. Justification for God's judgment 5:1-9
               2. Instruction to destroy Jerusalem 5:10-13
               3. Judgment by a foreign nation 5:14-19
               4. Judah's apostasy and wicked men 5:20-30
            4. Jerusalem's destruction is certain. 6:1-30

               1. The notice of attack on Jerusalem 6:1-8
               2. God's patience exhausted 6:9-15
               3. Judah's rejection of warning 6:16-21
               4. Announcement of a northern invader 6:22-30
         3. God's judgment of Judah's false worship 7:1-10:25

            1. They trusted in lying words. 7:1-27

               1. The alternative to lying words 7:1-8
               2. The presumption of Judah's sin 7:9-15
               3. The Prohibition of prayer for Judah 7:16-20
               4. The history of disobedience 7:21-27
            2. They incur judgment for disobedience. 7:28-8:3

               1. The coming holocaust 7:28-34
               2. The judgment of the dead 8:1-3
            3. They rejected God's true word. 8:4-17

               1. Their ignorance of God's judgment 8:4-7
               2. Their false security 8:8-13
               3. Their panic at judgment 8:14-17
            4. Jeremiah and the people mourn. 8:18-9:26

               1. His mourning for his people 8:18-9:2
               2. God's indictment and purpose for them 9:3-9
               3. His lamentation before God 9:10-16
               4. God's call for wailing women 9:17-24
               5. God's punishment of the uncircumcised 9:25-26
            5. They incur judgment for idolatry. 10:1-25

               1. The idolatrous Gentile customs 10:1-5
               2. The uniqueness of Israel's God 10:6-16
               3. The coming destruction and exile 10:17-22
               4. The prayer for leniency 10:23-25
         4. God's judgment of Judah's broken covenant 11:1-12:17

            1. Judah violated the covenant. 11:1-17

               1. The terms of the covenant proclaimed 11:1-8
               2. The conspiracy against the covenant 11:9-13
               3. The prohibition of prayer for Judah 11:14-17
            2. Jeremiah's life is threatened. 11:18-12:6

               1. His appeal to God for vengeance 11:18-20
               2. God's assurance of vengeance 11:21-23
               3. His question about the wicked 12:1-4
               4. God's answer of gloom 12:5-6
            3. God pronounces judgment on Judah. 12:7-13
            4. God pronounces judgment on the nations. 12:14-17
         5. God's judgment emphasized 13:1-27

            1. The linen belt pictures Judah's ruin. 13:1-11

               1. The ruination of the belt 13:1-7
               2. The message to the people 13:8-11
            2. The wine bottles picture destruction. 13:12-14
            3. God announces the results of sin. 13:15-27

               1. An exhortation to hear 13:15-17
               2. An exhortation to the leaders 13:18-23
               3. A promise of shame 13:24-27
         6. God's judgment not alleviated 14:1-15:21

            1. God announces a drought. 14:1-6
            2. Jeremiah intercedes for his people. 14:7-15:9

               1. His first intercession 14:7-12
               2. His second intercession 14:13-18
               3. His third intercession 14:19-22
               4. God's unwillingness to relent 15:1-9
            3. God reassures Jeremiah. 15:10-21

               1. Jeremiah's lament in suffering 15:10-18
               2. God's promise of deliverance 15:19-21
         7. God's restriction of joy and Judah's sin 16:1-17:18

            1. Jeremiah is restricted. 16:1-13

               1. The restriction of no marriage 16:1-4
               2. The restriction of no mourning 16:5-7
               3. The restriction of no feasting 16:8-9
               4. The response to the people 16:10-13
            2. God will restore Israel. 16:14-21

               1. Israel's regathering 16:14-18
               2. The Gentiles' obedience 16:19-21
            3. Judah's sin is listed. 17:1-13

               1. Their rampant idolatry 17:1-4
               2. Contrast of the wicked and righteous 17:5-8
               3. The deceitfulness of the heart 17:9-13
            4. Jeremiah prays for deliverance. 17:14-18
         8. God's command to observe the sabbath 17:19-27

            1. Jeremiah is to preach sabbath-keeping. 17:19-23
            2. God explains the consequences. 17:24-27
         9. God's judgment depicted by pottery 18:1-20:18

            1. The potter's clay pictures Israel. 18:1-23

               1. The visit to the potter 18:1-4
               2. The message to the people 18:5-11
               3. The rejection by the people 18:12-17
               4. The persecution of Jeremiah 18:18-23
            2. The broken flask pictures judgment. 19:1-15

               1. Jeremiah to preach judgment 19:1-9
               2. Jeremiah to depict judgment 19:10-13
               3. Jeremiah's message at the temple 19:14-15
            3. Jeremiah is persecuted by Pashur. 20:1-6
            4. Jeremiah complains to God. 20:7-18

               1. His persecution for preaching 20:7-10
               2. His expression of trust in God 20:11-13
               3. His cursing of his birth 20:14-18
      2. Specific messages of judgment 21:1-23:40

         1. Messages concerning Judah's kings 21:1-23:8

            1. The message to Zedekiah 21:1-22:9

               1. Zedekiah's questions Jeremiah. 21:1-2
               2. Jeremiah answers with doom. 21:3-10
               3. Jeremiah exhorts the king. 21:11-22:5
               4. Jeremiah predicts destruction. 22:6-9
            2. The message to Shallum 22:10-12
            3. The message to Jehoiakim 22:13-23

               1. Jeremiah accuses him of injustice. 22:13-17
               2. His death will not be lamented. 22:18-19
               3. His lovers will be destroyed. 22:20-23
            4. The message to Coniah 22:24-30

               1. God promises captivity and death. 22:24-27
               2. His judgment is God's decree. 22:28-30
            5. The message of the Righteous King 23:1-8

               1. God indicts the evil shepherds. 23:1-4
               2. God promises a Righteous King. 23:5-6
               3. God promises a memorable restoration. 23:7-8
         2. Message concerning Judah's false prophets 23:9-40

            1. The character of the false prophets 23:9-15

               1. Jeremiah laments over their evil. 23:9-10
               2. God describes their evil. 23:11-15
            2. The message of the false prophets 23:16-40

               1. Their message is not God's. 23:16-22
               2. They misrepresent God. 23:23-29
               3. God is against them. 23:30-32
               4. God will withhold His oracle. 23:33-40
      3. Summary prophecies of Judah's captivity 24:1-25:38

         1. The sign of two baskets of figs 24:1-10

            1. Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs. 24:1-3
            2. The good figs are the exiles. 24:4-7
            3. The bad figs are those who remained. 24:8-10
         2. Announcements to Judah's people 25:1-38

            1. They shall be captive seventy years. 25:1-11

               1. God's warnings ignored 25:1-7
               2. The captivity described 25:8-11
            2. Babylon is punished after the captivity. 25:12-14
            3. The nations will be judged. 25:15-38

               1. The nations drink God's fury. 25:15-26
               2. All nations will drink. 25:27-29
               3. Judgment is affirmed. 25:30-33
               4. The shepherds are judged. 25:34-38
   2. The rejection of the prophet and his message 26:1-29:32

      1. His rejection in the time of Jehoiakim 26:1-24

         1. His temple message 26:1-6

            1. God commands him to speak. 26:1-3
            2. He preaches judgment. 26:4-6
         2. His arrest and trial 26:7-15

            1. He is seized and threatened with death. 26:7-11
            2. He defends himself. 26:12-15
         3. His deliverance 26:16-24

            1. He is allowed to live. 26:16-19
            2. Urijah was executed. 26:20-24
      2. His rejection in the time of Zedekiah 27:1-29:32

         1. His conflict with false prophets in Judah 27:1-28:17

            1. He wears symbolic bonds and yokes. 27:1-22

               1. His message to the ambassadors 27:1-11
               2. His message to Zedekiah 27:12-15
               3. His message to priests and people 27:16-22
            2. He opposes the message of Hananiah. 28:1-17

               1. Hananiah's claim 28:1-4
               2. Jeremiah's challenge 28:5-9
               3. Hananiah's breaking of the yoke 28:10-11
               4. Jeremiah's contradicting prediction 28:12-17
         2. His conflict with false prophets in Babylon 29:1-32

            1. He sends his first letter to the exiles. 29:1-23

               1. The introduction and destination 29:1-3
               2. The prediction of a long exile 29:4-14
               3. The warning against false prophets 29:15-23
            2. He sends his second letter to the exiles. 29:24-32

               1. The report of Shemaiah's letter 29:24-29
               2. The condemnation of Shemaiah 29:30-32
   3. The consolation of Israel's future restoration 30:1-33:26

      1. The restoration promised 30:1-31:40

         1. The promise of Israel's restoration 30:1-31:30

            1. They will be restored from captivity. 30:1-11

               1. Their restoration to the land 30:1-3
               2. The nation's distress 30:4-7
               3. The Lord's deliverance 30:8-11
            2. They will be spiritually healed. 30:12-17

               1. Their sins caused their wounds. 30:12-15
               2. God will heal the wounds. 30:16-17
            3. They will prosper under God. 30:18-24

               1. God's personal relationship 30:18-22
               2. God's punishment of the wicked 30:23-24
            4. They will be restored as a nation. 31:1-30

               1. The restoration of Israel's remnant 31:1-14
               2. Mercy on Ephraim 31:15-22
               3. The restoration of Judah 31:23-30
         2. The promise of a New Covenant 31:31-34

            1. It is unlike the old covenant. 31:31-32
            2. It brings spiritual blessings. 31:33-34
         3. The promise of perpetual blessing 31:35-40

            1. Israel will not cease as a nation. 31:35-37
            2. Jerusalem will not cease as a city. 31:38-40
      2. The restoration illustrated 32:1-44

         1. Jeremiah buys a field. 32:1-15

            1. Jeremiah's imprisonment 32:1-6
            2. Jeremiah's purchase of a field 32:7-12
            3. Jeremiah's explanation to Baruch 32:13-15
         2. Jeremiah prays for understanding. 32:16-25

            1. His praise of God's greatness 32:16-22
            2. His puzzlement over God's promise 32:23-25
         3. God answers with assurance of restoration. 32:26-44

            1. The city will be destroyed. 32:26-35

               1. The nature of the destruction 32:26-29
               2. The reasons for the destruction 32:30-35
            2. The city will be restored. 32:36-44

               1. The regathering of the people 32:36-41
               2. The return of commerce 32:42-44
      3. The restoration reaffirmed 33:1-26

         1. The judgment of Jerusalem 33:1-5

            1. Jeremiah is invited to call on God. 33:1-3
            2. Jerusalem will fall. 33:4-5
         2. The restoration of the nation 33:6-13

            1. God will heal and forgive. 33:6-9
            2. God will bring joy out of desolation. 33:10-13
         3. The restoration of the monarchy 33:14-26

            1. God will raise up a Davidic ruler. 33:14-18
            2. God reconfirms His covenant promises. 33:19-26

               1. They are unbreakable. 33:19-22
               2. They are unconditional. 33:23-26
   4. The circumstances surrounding the fall of Jerusalem 34:1-45:5

      1. Events before the fall of Jerusalem 34:1-36:32

         1. Response to God's Word in Zedekiah's reign 34:1-22

            1. Jeremiah warns Zedekiah. 34:1-7

               1. Zedekiah will be captured. 34:1-3
               2. Zedekiah's life will be spared. 34:4-7
            2. Jeremiah warns the people. 34:8-22

               1. They mistreated their slaves. 34:8-11
               2. God rebukes their disobedience. 34:12-16
               3. God pronounces captivity. 34:17-22
         2. Response to God's Word in Jehoiakim's reign 35:1-36:32

            1. The Recabites respected their forefather. 35:1-19

               1. They would not disobey him. 35:1-11
               2. Judah disobeyed God. 35:12-17
               3. They are rewarded by God. 35:18-19
            2. Jehoiakim rejected the Word. 36:1-32

               1. The scroll is written. 36:1-7
               2. The scroll is read. 36:8-19
               3. The scroll is burned. 36:20-26
               4. The scroll is rewritten. 36:27-32
      2. The seige and fall of Jerusalem 37:1-39:18

         1. Jeremiah's message to Zedekiah 37:1-10

            1. Zedekiah despised God's Word. 37:1-3
            2. Zedekiah inquires of Jeremiah. 37:4-5
            3. Jeremiah answers with doom. 37:6-10
         2. Jeremiah's imprisonment 37:11-38:28

            1. He is arrested and imprisoned. 37:11-15
            2. He meets with Zedekiah. 37:16-21
            3. He is thrown into a cistern. 38:1-13

               1. The plot against him 38:1-6
               2. His rescue from the cistern 38:7-13
            4. He meets with Zedekiah again. 38:14-28

               1. Zedekiah's vow 38:14-16
               2. Jeremiah's advice 38:17-23
               3. Jeremiah's secrecy 38:24-28
         3. The fall of Jerusalem 39:1-18

            1. The city is penetrated. 39:1-3
            2. Zedekiah is captured. 39:4-8
            3. Some people are taken and some left. 39:9-10
            4. Jeremiah is released. 39:11-18

               1. His release 39:11-14
               2. His message to Ebed-Melech 39:15-18
      3. The events after the fall of Jerusalem 40:1-45:5

         1. Jeremiah's ministry to the remnant in Judah 40:1-42:22

            1. He remains with Gedaliah. 40:1-16

               1. His release to stay in the land 40:1-6
               2. Gedaliah's amnesty 40:7-12
               3. The conspiracy against Gedaliah 40:13-16
            2. Gedaliah is assassinated. 41:1-18

               1. The assassination 41:1-3
               2. The massacre of the seventy 41:4-10
               3. The rescue by Johanan 41:11-18
            3. Jeremiah forbids a flight to Egypt. 42:1-22

               1. The request of the people 42:1-6
               2. The blessing of staying in the land 42:7-12
               3. The curse of going to Egypt 42:13-22
         2. Jeremiah's ministry to the remnant in Egypt 43:1-44:30

            1. The remnant flees to Egypt. 43:1-7

               1. Their accusation 43:1-3
               2. Their departure 43:4-7
            2. Jeremiah predicts an invasion. 43:8-13
            3. Jeremiah warns of God's judgment. 44:1-30

               1. God's reminder of Judah's judgment 44:1-10
               2. God's promise of judgment 44:11-14
               3. God's curse on unrepentant idolatry 44:15-23
               4. God's confirmation of judgment 44:24-30
         3. Jeremiah's ministry to Baruch 45:1-5

            1. Baruch is distressed. 45:1-3
            2. Baruch is encouraged. 45:4-5
3. Prophecies Concerning the Nations 46:1-51:64

   1. Prophecy against Egypt 46:1-28

      1. Pharaoh's defeat at Carchemish 46:1-12

         1. His army will fall. 46:1-6
         2. His army rages in vain like a flood. 45:7-12
      2. Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Egypt 46:13-26

         1. His coming is announced. 46:13-19
         2. Egypt's destruction is described. 46:20-24
         3. Egypt's gods and kings are not spared. 46:25-26
      3. Israel's preservation 46:27-28
   2. Prophecy against Philistia 47:1-7

      1. God will plunder them. 47:1-5
      2. God has appointed their judgment. 47:6-7
   3. Prophecy against Moab 48:1-47

      1. Their land will be destroyed. 48:1-10

         1. The announcement of great destruction 48:1-5
         2. The warning to flee 48:6-10
      2. Their complacency will be shattered. 48:11-17

         1. God's upsetting judgment 48:11-13
         2. God's sure and sudden judgment 48:14-17
      3. Their cities will be ruined. 48:18-28

         1. The judgment of Dibon and Aroer 48:18-20
         2. The judgment of the cities of the plain 48:21-25
         3. The drunken derision of Moab 48:26-28
      4. Their pride will cease. 48:29-39

         1. Moab's joy is removed. 48:29-33
         2. God laments for Moab. 48:34-39
      5. Their destruction will be complete. 48:40-47

         1. Destruction is certain. 48:40-44
         2. Woe to Moab. 48:45-46
         3. God will restore Moab in the latter days. 48:47
   4. Prophecy against Ammon 49:1-6

      1. Their destruction is announced. 49:1-3
      2. Their false security is shattered. 49:4-5
      3. God will restore Ammon. 49:6
   5. Prophecy against Edom 49:7-22

      1. God will destroy Edom. 49:7-11
      2. Edom shall not go unpunished. 49:12-13
      3. Edom shall be despised by men. 49:14-18
      4. God Himself will come against Edom. 49:19-22
   6. Prophecy against Damascus 49:23-27
   7. Prophecy against Kedar and Hazor 49:28-33

      1. God rallies Babylon against Kedar. 49:28-29
      2. God rallies Babylon against Hazor. 49:30-33
   8. Prophecy against Elam 49:34-39

      1. God will destroy Elam. 49:34-38
      2. God will restore Elam in the latter days. 49:39
   9. Prophecy against Babylon 50:1-51:64

      1. The announcement of judgment 50:1-20

         1. The announcement to the nations 50:1-10

            1. Babylon will be humiliated. 50:1-3
            2. Israel will make a new covenant with God. 50:4-5
            3. Israel was like sheep led astray. 50:6-7
            4. Babylon will be plundered. 50:8-10
         2. The fall of Babylon 50:11-16

            1. She is destroyed for destroying Judah. 50:11-13
            2. The attackers destroy the city. 50:14-16
         3. The restoration of Israel 50:17-20

            1. Israel's persecutors will be punished. 50:17-18
            2. Israel will be restored and forgiven. 50:19-20
      2. The attack on Babylon 50:21-46

         1. The attack is sounded against Babylon. 50:21-28
         2. The proud will not escape. 50:29-32
         3. Israel's Redeemer will rescue her. 50:33-34
         4. Babylon will be utterly destroyed. 50:35-40
         5. Babylon fears the attacker from the north. 50:41-46
      3. God's vengeance on Babylon 51:1-44

         1. God's purpose of judgment 51:1-14

            1. He raises up an adversary. 51:1-5
            2. He warns people to flee Babylon. 51:6-10
            3. He announces His vengeance. 51:11-14
         2. God's sovereignty over Babylon 51:15-26

            1. He created the earth. 51:15-16
            2. He puts to shame all idols. 51:17-19
            3. He used Babylon to judge other nations. 51:20-23
            4. Now He will judge Babylon. 51:24-26
         3. God's summons to the nations 51:27-33
         4. God's vengeance of destruction 51:34-44

            1. Jerusalem complains against Babylon. 51:34-35
            2. God answers by avenging Jerusalem. 51:36-40
            3. Babylon will be destroyed. 51:41-44
      4. The certainty of Babylon's fall 51:45-58

         1. The remnant is warned to flee. 51:45-48
         2. God reaffirms Babylon's fall. 51:49-53
         3. God reaffirms Babylon's final destruction. 51:54-58
      5. The mission of Seraiah 51:59-64
4. Historical Supplement 52:1-34

   1. The capture of Jerusalem 52:1-11

      1. Zedekiah rebels against Babylon. 52:1-3
      2. Babylon captures Jerusalem. 52:4-7
      3. Zedekiah is captured. 52:8-11
   2. The destruction of Jerusalem 52:12-23

      1. The temple and the houses are burned. 52:12-14
      2. Some of the people are carried off. 52:15-16
      3. The temple articles are looted. 52:17-23
   3. The exile of the people to Babylon 52:24-30

      1. Babylon executes men at Riblah. 52:24-27
      2. A tally of the exiles is given. 52:28-30
   4. The release of Jehoiachin 52:31-34