Jeremiah 38, 39, 52; 1 Peter 2
The last months and days of Jeremiah's ministry in Judah before the Babylonian captivity were the most challenging. The overall situation in the country grew increasingly tense. Babylonian forces had Jerusalem under siege, and Zedekiah and his army resisted fiercely. Jeremiah's prophecies that Jerusalem would fall and its people would be taken captive were viewed as enemy propaganda. This led to Jeremiah being thrown into a deep cistern with mud at the bottom: "Then the officials said to the king, 'This man must be put to death! He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city and all the people by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.'" (Jeremiah 38:4).
Jeremiah escaped death in this cistern thanks to God's providence. Understanding that Jeremiah was a prophet of God, King Zedekiah sought an opportunity to hear what he had to say. Under the influence of one of the king's eunuchs, Zedekiah ordered Jeremiah to be lifted out of the cistern to listen to God's word (Jeremiah 38:14-28).
Jeremiah's tragic prophecies about Jerusalem and Judah were fulfilled when the city was captured and destroyed. Zedekiah was taken captive, and his eyes were gouged out. The majority of the people were also taken into exile. God allowed Jeremiah to stay in Jerusalem, moving the heart of the Babylonian king to favor him.
1 Peter 2
Christ is a treasure for those who believe in Him. By reconciling us with God, He has made every Christian a bearer of His perfections, expressed in complete obedience to the Father in all life's circumstances. Christ left us an example, focusing on the salvation of others despite the persecutions and sufferings He faced.
Jeremiah escaped death in this cistern thanks to God's providence. Understanding that Jeremiah was a prophet of God, King Zedekiah sought an opportunity to hear what he had to say. Under the influence of one of the king's eunuchs, Zedekiah ordered Jeremiah to be lifted out of the cistern to listen to God's word (Jeremiah 38:14-28).
Jeremiah's tragic prophecies about Jerusalem and Judah were fulfilled when the city was captured and destroyed. Zedekiah was taken captive, and his eyes were gouged out. The majority of the people were also taken into exile. God allowed Jeremiah to stay in Jerusalem, moving the heart of the Babylonian king to favor him.
1 Peter 2
Christ is a treasure for those who believe in Him. By reconciling us with God, He has made every Christian a bearer of His perfections, expressed in complete obedience to the Father in all life's circumstances. Christ left us an example, focusing on the salvation of others despite the persecutions and sufferings He faced.
Posted in Reading Bible Together