Topical Encyclopedia Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his profound sorrow and lamentations amidst relentless persecution. His ministry, which spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah, was marked by a deep sense of anguish as he delivered God's messages to a rebellious nation.Background and Calling Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet during the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign (Jeremiah 1:2). From the outset, God warned Jeremiah of the challenges he would face, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:8). This divine assurance, however, did not shield Jeremiah from the emotional and physical toll of his prophetic mission. Sorrow and Lamentation Jeremiah's sorrow is vividly expressed throughout the book bearing his name. He is often seen lamenting the spiritual decay of Judah and the impending judgment. In Jeremiah 9:1, he cries out, "Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for the slain of my people" . His grief is not only for the nation's sin but also for the personal suffering he endures as God's messenger. Persecution and Suffering Jeremiah's messages of impending doom and calls for repentance were met with hostility. He faced severe persecution from his own people, including religious leaders and kings. In Jeremiah 20:1-2, Pashhur the priest had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks for prophesying against Jerusalem. Despite such treatment, Jeremiah remained steadfast, though not without personal anguish. In Jeremiah 20:7-9, he expresses his inner turmoil: "You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me" . Yet, even in his despair, Jeremiah acknowledges the compelling nature of God's word, which he cannot contain. Isolation and Rejection Jeremiah's sorrow was compounded by his isolation. He was often alone, rejected by family and friends. In Jeremiah 15:17, he states, "I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because Your hand was on me, for You had filled me with indignation" . This solitude was a direct result of his unwavering commitment to God's call, which set him apart from the people he was sent to warn. Imprisonment and Threats to Life The prophet's life was frequently in danger. In Jeremiah 38, he was cast into a cistern, left to die in the mud, until Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, intervened to rescue him (Jeremiah 38:7-13). Despite these life-threatening situations, Jeremiah continued to deliver God's messages, demonstrating remarkable resilience and faith. Jeremiah's Enduring Legacy Jeremiah's sorrow under persecution highlights the cost of prophetic ministry in a hostile environment. His life and writings serve as a testament to the struggles faced by those who stand for truth in the face of opposition. His unwavering dedication to God's call, despite profound personal suffering, remains a powerful example of faithfulness and perseverance. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 15:10,15Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them does curse me. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 17:15-18 Library The Northern Iron and the Steel Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. The Law, and the Prophecy. Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Desolation of the Earth Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... Apocryphal Traditions. Concerning Persecution Heralds of the Morning Resources What does it mean that the heart is desperately wicked in Jeremiah 17:9? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Letter of Jeremiah? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Jeremiah | GotQuestions.org Jeremiah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jeremiah: An Israelite Who Joined David at Ziklag Jeremiah: of Libnah, Grandfather of Jehoahaz Jeremiah: The Prophet by Johanan and all the People Jeremiah: The Prophet by Zedekiah Jeremiah: The Prophet: A Priest Jeremiah: The Prophet: A Rechabite Jeremiah: The Prophet: Book of Lamentations Jeremiah: The Prophet: Book of the Prophecies of, Delivered to Seraiah, With a Charge from Jeremiah Jeremiah: The Prophet: Call of Jeremiah: The Prophet: Celibacy of Jeremiah: The Prophet: Conspiracy Against Jeremiah: The Prophet: Denounces Pashur Jeremiah: The Prophet: Foretells the Conquest of Egypt by Babylon Jeremiah: The Prophet: Foretells the Desolation of Jerusalem Jeremiah: The Prophet: Has a Friend in Ahikam Jeremiah: The Prophet: His Melancholy and Complaints Against God, in Consequence of Persecution Jeremiah: The Prophet: Imprisoned by Zedekiah Jeremiah: The Prophet: Johanan Transports Jeremiah Into Egypt Jeremiah: The Prophet: Letter to the Captives in Babylon Jeremiah: The Prophet: Lives at Mizpah Jeremiah: The Prophet: Nebuchadnezzar Directs the Release of Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over Jerusalem Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over Josiah Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over the Desolation of God's Heritage Jeremiah: The Prophet: Over the Prosperity of the Wicked Jeremiah: The Prophet: Pashur, the Governor of the Temple, Scourges and Casts Him Into Prison Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prayers of Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prophecies of, Destroyed by Jehoiakim Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prophecies of, Studied by Daniel Jeremiah: The Prophet: Prophecies of, Written by Baruch Jeremiah: The Prophet: Purchases a Field Jeremiah: The Prophet: Sorrow of, Under Persecution Jeremiah: The Prophet: Time of his Prophecies Jeremiah: The Prophet: Zeal of Jeremiah: The Prophet: Zedekiah Seeks Counsel from God By Jeremiah: Two Gadites Who Joined David at Ziklag Related Terms |
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