Jeremiah is often referred to as the “Weeping Prophet”. The second book attributed to him, Lamentations, comes from the word meaning “to cry”. Jeremiah’s ministry lasted for over 40 years, from about 626 BC to about 586 BC. World history and the history of God’s chosen people were full of drama and trauma during that time.

The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians, almost a hundred years before Jeremiah began his ministry. The Assyrians, as predicted by the prophet Isaiah, fell to the Babylonians a few years after Jeremiah began prophesying. Egypt was always in the picture trying to resist both Assyria and Babylon. That put Jerusalem right in the middle of those struggles.

What caused Jeremiah to weep was the prophecy given to him by God and then his own eye-witness experience of it coming to be: the conquering of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, and the exile of the Jewish people into Babylon. His laments were not only about the fate of his people, but also about their lack of fellowship with their God, which was the cause of their situation.

This reading is not always enjoyable, but it is very valuable. May your study of this part of God’s word help you know His heart better, and may it strengthen your unity with others and your ministry to the world around you.

Jeremiah dates the time of his calling into the prophetic ministry as the 13^th year of the reign of Josiah (Jeremiah 1:2). That would be about 626 BC. King Josiah, who was just eight years old when he became king, was one of the best kings of Judah. In the 8^th year of his reign, he began his reform (II Chronicles 34:3). That reform was especially strengthened in the 18^thII Kings 22:3 – 23:28). Some of Josiah’s reform was during the early ministry of Jeremiah. The influence of Josiah’s emphasis on renewing and confirming the covenant can be seen throughout Jeremiah’s writing. year of his reign, when he discovered the Book of the Covenant (

King Josiah was killed in the battle with Egypt at Megiddo. That marked the beginning of the end for Judah, as the last four kings were nothing but wicked. Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah (II Chronicles 35:25), which are included in the book of Lamentations.

This, then, is the atmosphere for Jeremiah’s calling. It must have been thrilling at first to see the reform of the good king Josiah. But imagine the challenge of his later years as he saw the spiritual decay of a people that forgot God. Put yourself in Jeremiah’s shoes and see how you can apply it to your life.

Week One Jeremiah and Lamentations

a. What was Jeremiah’s initial response to God’s call and how did God reply?

You might want to compare that with the initial response that others gave to their calling (Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, etc.).

c. God wanted shepherds after His own heart (3:15). What does that tell you about God?

e. What else stands out to you from these first three chapters?

f. Meditate on what these scriptures tell you about God and how you will apply it.

a. What do you think it means to circumcise their hearts (4:4)? (See also Deuteronomy 30:6; Colossians 2:11.)

b. Jerusalem could be forgiven if only one honest person could be found (5:1). Compare that with Abraham’s experience with Sodom (Genesis 18:23 – 33).

c. The prophets were lying, and the people loved it (5:31). How do you think that made God feel?

d. What do you think was the result of their false sense of peace (6:14)?

e. What else stands out to you from these three chapters?

Week One Jeremiah and Lamentations

a. How do you think the people were deceived by their temple worship (7:4)?

How does that apply today?

b. Their false worship was provoking God and was also harming themselves (7:19). Why is that still true?

c. God has often made it clear that He is not just interested in forms of worship. He desires covenant living (7:22 – 23). How does that apply to you?

d. Again, Jeremiah mentions the desire for false peace (8:11). Why do you think it is important to address that in our lives?

e. What do you think is meant by the phrase “balm in Gilead” (8:22)?

f. What do you learn from the passage about boasting in the LORD (9:24)?

a. What was wrong with the leaders (shepherds) of that day and how does that apply to our day (10:21)?

b. Our covenant relationship is again referred to in 11:4. Remember that often today: He is our God, we are His people.

c. How do you think it felt to be told that it was basically too late to pray for these people (11:14)?

d. Pray about how you will apply these thoughts in your life today.

Week One Jeremiah and Lamentations

a. You can see God’s heartbreak: I will forsake my house, abandon my inheritance (12:7). Yet, in spite of all of that tragedy, what was God’s desire (12:15 – 16)?

b. What was God teaching through the object lesson of the linen belt (13:1 – 11)?

c. What was He teaching through the illustration of the leopard (13:23)?

Does that mean that people can’t change?

d. What else stands out to you from these two chapters?

e. Think about how you will apply this to your life today.

As you close this week’s study, write a summary of your convictions.

Quote the memory verse for the week.

Call or visit someone and share your thoughts from this week’s studies.

Recommended Scripture: Psalm 63

Recommended Song: There is a Balm in Gilead