1. BACKSTORY

In 931 BC, because of King Solomon’s idolatry, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah (1Ki 11:9-13 w/12:16-20). Shortly thereafter, both kingdoms began their own downward descent into idolatry and apostasy. The result, God sent His prophets.  As God’s mouthpiece, the prophets’ messages were primarily focused on Judah (the place of God’s house and city) – though Israel as well as surrounding nations were often included in their address.  The role of the prophet was two-fold:

1.1. To pronounce His judgment in the form of devastation and occupation by foreign invaders (Assyria, Babylon – even insects!) if the people did not repent and begin practicing righteousness.

1.2.  To proclaim restoration through such judgment.

This (then) was also the role of Jeremiah. Though young in age (1:7), God nonetheless called him to warn the His unfaithful Bride (Judah/Israel)  of the impending doom He was planning against them. It was the Babylonians and within the span of Jeremiah’s fifty plus years of ministry (631-570 BC), he would see God use their armies to not only destroy the holy city and its temple (586 BC), but also exile the majority of Jewish survivors far away in the land of Babylon. This would be the price for their unwillingness to repent and practice righteousness. This however would also be the way that God would cleanse the land and restore the nation. All would be a part of Jeremiah’s message in fulfilling his role (1:10-16). As such, what Jeremiah (as a book) offers is a generous look into God’s  marriage covenant and  sound gospel message,  as well as how God uses the Babylonian judgment to (prophetically)establish His redemptive purposes in Christ and the New Covenant.

2. CHAPTER QUESTIONS (7-12)

2.10. What false teaching (do you suppose) was being embraced by the Jews based on (7:4)? What is the practical application to our own culture?

2.11. Explain (7:16 and 11:14) in light of (Pro 28:9 and Mat 5:44).

2.12. What does (7:22-23) tell us about the focus of the OC? Is the focus any different under the NC? How do you know (biblical support)?

2.13. What do the false prophets teach in their gospel of “Peace, peace” based upon what we find in (8:4-12)?

2.14. What do (9:1-9) teach us about the justice of God as it relates to His people? Is it any different today? How do you know (biblical support)?

2.15. What instruction is being established in (9:23-24)?

2.16. What does (10:23-24, 11:17) teach us as it relates to God and evil or disaster?

2.17. Based on God’s words in (11:1-8), was the OC unconditional or conditional? Is the NC any different? How do you know (biblical support)?

2:18. What do you suppose is the “conspiracy” of (11:9)?

2.19. Where in chapter 11 do we see prophecy regarding Christ and His ministry?

2.20. What is the main difference between God’s prophecy regarding the Jews in (12:7-17) and what Jesus prophesies concerning the Jews in (Mat 23:32-24:2 and Rev 17-19)?

3. SOUND GOSPEL and MARRIAGE COVENANT

Where in each chapter do we find aspects of the gospel (AL,LBS, C/C) or MC?