Topical Bible: Jeremiah: The Prophet by Johanan and all the People

◄ Jeremiah: The Prophet by Johanan and all the People ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jeremiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, is a central figure in the narrative of the Babylonian exile. His prophetic ministry spanned the reigns of the last kings of Judah, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. Known for his unwavering commitment to God's message, Jeremiah often faced opposition and persecution from his contemporaries, including leaders like Johanan and the people of Judah.

Jeremiah's Call and Ministry

Jeremiah was called to be a prophet at a young age, during the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign (Jeremiah 1:2). His ministry was marked by warnings of impending judgment due to the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience. Despite his reluctance, Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's messages, often at great personal cost.

Conflict with Johanan and the People

After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the remnant of Judah faced a critical decision. Gedaliah, appointed governor by the Babylonians, was assassinated, leading to fear and uncertainty among the people. Johanan, a military leader, emerged as a key figure during this turbulent time. He and the people sought Jeremiah's counsel, asking him to inquire of the LORD regarding their next steps.

Jeremiah 42:2-3 records their plea: "Please let our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For as you can see, though we once were many, only a few of us remain. Pray that the LORD your God may tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do."

Jeremiah agreed to seek the LORD's guidance, promising to relay God's message without alteration. After ten days, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, instructing the people to remain in the land of Judah and not to flee to Egypt, promising protection and restoration if they obeyed (Jeremiah 42:10-12).

However, Johanan and the people rejected Jeremiah's counsel, accusing him of lying and conspiring with the Babylonians (Jeremiah 43:2-3). Despite Jeremiah's warnings of disaster if they disobeyed, Johanan led the remnant into Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them (Jeremiah 43:4-7).

Jeremiah's Prophecies in Egypt

In Egypt, Jeremiah continued to prophesy against the people's disobedience. He foretold the coming of Nebuchadnezzar to Egypt and the eventual downfall of those who sought refuge there (Jeremiah 44:11-14). His message remained consistent: repentance and trust in the LORD were the only paths to salvation.

Legacy and Impact

Jeremiah's life and ministry exemplify the challenges and responsibilities of a prophet. Despite facing rejection and persecution, he remained steadfast in his mission to convey God's truth. His interactions with Johanan and the people highlight the tension between divine instruction and human resistance. Jeremiah's prophecies and experiences continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's word.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 42:1-6
Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, came near,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ...
... they sware that they would do whatsoever Jeremiah should say ... And when the prophet
said he would be their ... him, and said that he should inform Johanan, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how nebuzaradan set.htm

Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... in trouble to appeal to a praying prophet for relief ... Johanan and Jeremiah, with a
small company, had been left ... But Johanan wanted to flee down into Egypt, which ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... under the co-operation of Gedaliah and Jeremiah, and how ... of doom to his people the
Prophet might at ... by a force under Gedaliah's lieutenant, Johanan-ben-Kareah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The Captivity.
... nation; but both Psalm 137.and the Prophet Obadiah spoke ... Jeremiah, who was offered
his choice of going to ... his friend, the King of Ammon, when Johanan, a friend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ...
... holy and righteous man, a prophet and witness ... the prophetic ministry of the blessed
Jeremiah, and in ... these five sons"Jehoahaz, Eliakim, Johanan, Zedekiah, or ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel i preface by.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... King Of Israel And Jonah The Prophet; And How ... By The King Of Babylon; As Also What
Befell Jeremiah. ... Afterward Slain By Ishmael; And How Johanan After Ishmael ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that ... and terror, there came forward another
prophet, one of ... greatest among the prophets of Israel"Jeremiah, son of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... Joiakin, Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, [6328] Jonathan, and Jaddua ... there should arise
a faithful prophet,' sufficiently indicate ... the queen (Ber.48 a; Jeremiah 7:2 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm