Jeremiah 40-45
Somehow, Nebuchadnezzar must have gotten word of how Jeremiah encouraged the people to submit the Babylonians, Nebuzaradan, the commander of Nebuchadnezzar’s imperial guard, freed Jeremiah in the wake of Jerusalem’s fall! They gave him provisions and allowed him to seek out the others who were left to tend the land.
But the remnant of Israel, those left to tend the land at Nebuchadnezzar’s order, rebelled against Babylon (and the Lord’s desire to discipline Israel through Babylon) in several ways:
They assassinated Gedaliah, who had been left in charge by Nebuchadnezzar.
The self-appointed leaders of Israel then fled to Egypt against the explicit instructions of the Lord through Jeremiah.
They kidnapped Jeremiah, and took him with them to Egypt (43:6).
They continued to practice idolatry while in Egypt.
Jeremiah 45 records a letter of encouragement sent (back?) to Baruch, his secretary. Baruch means “blessed;” he must have been a blessing to Jeremiah!
Tomorrow, we read a message from God about Egypt. Thursday we will read a message from God about Babylon.
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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