Excerpted from Michael L. Brown, “Jeremiah,” in the revised edition of the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Tremper Longman and David Garland, editors (forthcoming, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009), used with permission, with thanks to Zondervan Publishers.
Entering the World of Jeremiah
According to Jewish tradition, after the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah chose to go into exile with his people, marching with the captives as far as the Euphrates, at which point he decided to return to his homeland (or, was directed by the Lord to return) in order to offer comfort and help to those who remained behind. When the exiles saw that he was about to leave them, they wept bitterly and cried out in a loud voice (cf. Ps 137:1), “Our father Jeremiah, are you also abandoning us?” He answered them: “I call heaven and earth to witness, if you had shed a single tear when you were still in Zion, you would not have gone into exile” (Pes Rab 26:8). That simple anecdote, the creation of tradition and yet conveying so much truth, plunges us straight into the world of Jeremiah, a world so tragic, filled with disappointment and pain, and a world in which the lonely prophet towered above his contemporaries.
Of course, it is often easy for us to read millennia-old accounts that describe death and devastation, misery and grief, suffering and tears, and to remain unmoved. After all, the written text can seem so impersonal and distant, and we do not actually hear the cries of the wounded and dying – in reality, the people involved are complete strangers to us – nor do we smell the smoke rising from the flames of destruction. And when it is scripture we are reading, the tendency to remain unmoved is potentially greater, since we become familiar with the biblical stories, demonizing the villains, lionizing the heroes, and seeking primarily to gain theological or practical insight from the (sometimes) stern dealings of God with his people, forgetting that these were real people too, with very real hopes and dreams and all too human disappointments and hurts.
This is not the case, however, with the book of Jeremiah, a book which makes it almost impossible for the reader to escape unscathed, both emotionally and spiritually. Jeremiah the man is all too real – from his daunting call to a be a prophet while still in his youth to the internal agony he often felt; from the difficult message of judgment he proclaimed for more than four decades to the categorical rejection of his message by kings and princes, prophets and priests alike; from the years of loneliness he endured, commanded not to marry or have children and with precious few real friends, to the heights and depths of his relationship with God, ranging from almost indescribable joy to absolute despair, at times even cursing the day of his birth and feeling utterly betrayed by the only One he could really trust. Through these prophetic pages, this ancient, historical figure becomes strangely contemporary, removed in time and culture and yet so near, jumping off the pages of the OT and making his appeal to us, sharing his burden, his sorrow, his agony, yet somehow offering hope.
Phillip J. King, in his Archeological Companion to Jeremiah, noted that, “From the methodological point of view, dissecting an ancient text and excavating a tell are quite similar experiences” (xxiii), and in many ways, this is quite true. Both the archeologist and the exegete seek to uncover different layers, the one, of earth, the other, of meaning; the one, of successive settlements, the other, of textual history. But in other ways, excavating a tell and dissecting the biblical text are quite different. One is silent; the other cries out; one is dead, the other is alive; one lies hidden beneath the earth, waiting to be discovered; the other beckons to us, calls us, urges us, challenges us. Certainly that is the case with the book of Jeremiah, as the prophet himself speaks again with passion and power as if he was standing in our midst today.
But he is not the only one who comes alive to the reader of the book that bears his name. Other figures come alive with vividness and clarity: Jehoiakim, arrogant, insecure, and downright wicked; Zedekiah, weak-willed, double-minded, and enslaved by fear; Hananiah, the very image of a false prophet of shalom; the Judean remnant in Egypt, urged on by their wives, and to a person, it appears, more defiant after judgment than before; Baruch, obedient and faithful but despondent; Ebed Melech, a rare hero, determined to save God’s servant from the miry pit.
The tragic events that unfold in this book are also hauntingly real: the armies of Nebuchadnezzar, inspiring terror as they make their approach; the starvation of a city under siege; the exiling of the people from their ancestral land; the destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple; the slaughtering of the sons of David and the blinding of a king from David’s line; the weeping women teaching their daughters how to mourn. And this is just a sampling. In this prophetic book, one actually does hear the cries of the wounded and dying and one does smell the smoke rising from the flames.
Against this bleak and burning backdrop, the extraordinary faith of God’s prophet stands as a soaring, unshakable monument, as he never backs down in public and never refuses a divine commission, speaking words of ultimate hope instead – including wonderful promises of restoration and a new covenant – even making a personal investment in Judah’s future, buying his uncle’s field as a down payment on his nation’s coming restoration at a time when its destruction was only moments away. Something sacred transacted between God and his servant, and that sacred transaction was profound enough to carry Jeremiah through a terribly turbulent era and a very difficult life, ultimately producing an extraordinary book with an extraordinary message for the ages.
A pivotal moment in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is striking in its relevance, taking us behind the scenes into the heart and soul of a very public and influential leader:
By January 1956, with the Montgomery bus boycott in full swing, threatening phone calls, up to 40 a day, began pouring into King’s home. Though he put up a strong front, the threats unsettled him. One midnight as he sat over a cup of coffee worrying, the phone rang again, and the caller said, “Nigger, we are tired of you and your mess now. And if you aren’t out of this town in three days, we’re going to blow your brains out and blow up your house.” King later described what happened in the next few minutes.
“I sat there and thought about a beautiful little daughter who had just been born. . . . She was the darling of my life. I’d come in night after night and see that little gentle smile. And I sat at that table thinking about that little girl and thinking about the fact that she could be taken away from me any minute.
“And I started thinking about a dedicated, devoted, and loyal wife, who was over there asleep. And she could be taken from me, or I could be taken from her. And I got to the point that I couldn’t take it any longer. I was weak. . . .
“And I discovered then that religion had become real to me, and I had to know God for myself. And I bowed down over that cup of coffee. I never will forget it. . . . I prayed a prayer, and I prayed out loud that night. I said, ‘Lord, I’m down here trying to do what’s right. I think I’m right. I think the cause we represent is right. But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now. I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. And I can’t let the people see me like this because if they see me weak, they will begin to get weak. . . .’
“And it seemed at that moment I could hear an inner voice saying to me, ‘Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo I will be with you, even until the end of the world. . . .’ Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared.” Christian History 65 (Vol. XIX, No. 1), 40.
Only God knows how many times Jeremiah reached that same breaking point, although his laments and confessions proclaim loudly and clearly that he was no stranger to such moments of private anguish. And only God knows exactly what happened between the Lord and his servant at such times. But this much is certain: Jeremiah ultimately withstood each test and took his stand again and again, and because of his perseverance he, being dead, yet speaks (Heb 11:4b), continuing to impact us by his words more than 2500 years later.
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I was recently looking for this very info about Martin Luther King, Jr. for something that I was going to write. so, thanks, great stuff.
Very moving sir..Jeremiah is a moving book…His suffering reminds me of what The Lord went through in preaching The Gospel to His people, it also reminds me of John The Baptist’s words to the people of Jerusalem. It is humbling to read this book. The book of Lamentations is a nother which cuts one’s heart deep. Thank you for this article is is very encouraging.
:)
Dr. Brown;
I used to live in Nor Cal and visited Bill Johnsons church many times. He has a habit of throwing out items for free.
So I was thinking it would be awesome if you threw out a copy of your commentary and I could get one free, but visualized somone getting a broken nose and suing FIRE, so maybe it’s not so good an idea. Besides, even if I caught it, it might crack my sternum or something.
But anyhow, this intro is heavy. I can’t wait to get my hands on the whole thing! You’re a real blessing to us here at FIRE and I’m greatful to God for the privelage of raising my children under men like you.
Love you man,
mark jr.
Thanks Mark! This is the intro to the Intro, so yes, throwing out the commentary one Sunday might create some damage. :)
Dear Dr. Mike: I first met you at a Messianic meeting on Long Island just after you had flown in from Italy almost 20 years ago. I later had the privilege of hearing you preach in Times Square Church a decade and a half ago (still have and listen to some of your messages). I am blessed that I am now on your mailing list for these messages. Only wish you were geographlically closer. Your gift of exegesis is a true blessing to the body of Christ. Be blessed as you continue.
John,
Actually, I remember that meeting well. It was in Suffolk County, and when I stood to preach, it was past 3:00 AM Italy time and I was wiped out but sustained by God’s grace. Thanks for the memories — and we have much to look forward to in the coming days.
TO CONVICT OF SIN AND LEAD PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE
Nehemiah 9:3 For about three hours the Law of the LORD their God was read to them,, and for the next three hours they confessed their sins and worshipped the LORD their God.
Proverbs 28:13 You will never succes in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
Acts 19:8 Paul went into the synagogue and during three months spoke boldly with the people, holding discussions with them and trying to convince them about the Kingdom of God. many thing God has done in world and I know God is with us.God’s messagwe is for all people.
May God bless you.
Pastor Stephen Kabakira”God Cares Ministries International”
Shalom Dr. Brown:
Over the years I have heard you speak in various places, and I have made it a point to buy several of your books. Your continual passion for truth is, without question, something we all should strive for. Being Jewish, no doubt, has given you an advantage to see biblical passages from a non anti-Semitic perspective. (Although some may disagree with this comment, it, nevertheless, is true.) And, I look forward to your forthcoming commentary with eagerness to learn.
Thank you for your willingness to be scrutenized through your debates with gay activists, and Rabbi Boteach, including your series, “Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus” which, no doubt, has stirred much controversy within the Jewish community. I so appreciate your “laying it all on the line” for the Kingdom of God.
I look forward to reading each and every “Voice of Revolution” magazine! Todah Rabah!
Y’varekha YHVH v’yishm’rekha,
Adrian Bernal
Beyt Y’shua
Victor, ID
Glad to know your commentary on Jeremiah is soon to be published. There is a desperate need for the Americanized Church to read and heed the great prophetical books of the Old Testament. God bless.
Adrian,
I appreciate the gracious words. May God’s truth flourish in our midst!
Blessings,
Dr. Brown
I just wanted to encourage you, if you have ever felt like Martin Luther King, or like Jeremiah, just KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Your labour is not in vain, in the Lord. Your work and writings are very much appreciated.
As Bunyan wrote:
No foe shall stay his might,
Though he with giants fight,
He will make good his right
To be a pilgrim.
Thank you for all you do. I am married to a Jewish man who believes in Jesus, (as I do). Things are not always easy, but the Lord is our strength.
Helen,
Thanks so much. Bless you!
Robert,
Thanks also for the encouraging word.
Dr. Brown
You have had a profound impact on my spiritual life. Thank you. I plan purchase this commentary as soon as it comes out. I have read all of your “Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus,” series, and “Revolution in the Church.”
Bless you, Bobbi! May God’s grace shower your life.
Excellent article on Jeremiah, it makes me hungry to go and read that book over again. Out of all of the prophets in the OT, Jeremiah speaks to me the most. Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait until the commentary comes out.
Dr. Brown,
Before the recent national election and since, I’ve been slowly going through the book of Jeremiah, so I was delighted to hear of your soon-to-be published commentary. I recently framed a print of a beautiful painting by Rembrandt, “The Prophet Jeremiah Mourning over the Destruction of Jerusalem.” An easy way to see it is to go to allposters.com and search for “Jeremiah, Rembrandt”.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
(formerly of New Covenant in Glen Cove, now in Tyler, TX)
Dr. Brown,
Thank you for such a wonderful and informative introduction to Jeremiah. I have heard you minister many times, which is always a blessing to me. I have just recently come into the Jewish Roots of my faith, over the last 6 years. You and many others have been very instrumental in helping me understand that God meant it when He said “For I am the Lord, I do not change” Mal. 3:6. I look forward to reading the entire commentary on Jeremiah.
Thanks again
Dorothy,
(New Life Fellowship, Jacksonville, FL)
Thanks, folks, for the gracious words.
Dear Dr. Brown,
I came to know of your ministry in the recent months. Our Church has begun a school of Ministry and Had Dr. R. Cottle teach on the Jewish Roots of Christianity. He mentioned you and your writings as a source to study more. Since that time I have gleaned over the VOR that comes in my email and shared with my church family.
I read the article” the Heart of Prophecy” by Andrew Yeoman and the subsequent comments. If a person called into the office of Prophet read and understood what that would intail on one’s life such as you eloquently spoke of in the Jerimiah commentary, I truly wonder how many “prophet ministries” there would be?
The people of Berea searched the Scriptures to see what Paul spoke was true..I believe that church of America is very gullible at times to the prophetic ministry. There are those who have a prophetic gifting, those who read people well, and those would listen to familiar spirits. It is not for me to judge the heart of a person, but I can judge their words and utterances in the Light of the written Word. Judging a phrophetic word is to line the word agaist the Word, not my personal like/trust or the person speaking, but my trust in the God is unchanging.
Even dare I say that God’s wrath/judgement is bathed in mercy. He could not allow depravity and evil to go so long as to continue to multiply. His mercy is everlasting and His long-suffering beyond measure toward us.
Thank you for serving faithfully, and God’s blessings to you
Deb Frasher
Please forgive the misspellings in my previous commnt, I hit submit before proofing
Deborah
Deborah,
May the Lord’s voice be heard loudly and clearly in our day!
Perhaps I’m being too eager, but is there an estimated publication date for the commentary? I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.
Hi Dr. Brown.
Now before I start let me make something very clear!..;-) I am not challenging G-d and can others please refrain from rebuking me thinking I am some sort of rebel. Now, what I want to know is why does God create us to do His work?? I.e Jeremiah does all G-d’s dirty work like taking flak from everyone when G-d sits in Heaven on His hands so-as-to-speak. Surely if G-d decided to create man then G-d should ‘manage’ that what He created Himself? Why get poor old Jeremiah to go do all His ‘dirty work’. I mean if I have children do you expect me to just give them to someone else to bring up?..no, they are my children and MY resonsiblity.
This is just one of the many difficulties I have. Please help!
Further to #23
I should have stated that I am posing the above question in hypothetical terms to help assist me with dealing with a spiritual complication. For example, I had an atheist say to mt the other day, “Even if I could find proof of God’s reality I would still not follow him as I believe he is a slavedriver. No sooner do I believe in Jesus will he send me to China only to meet my end with a sharp sword. Sorry, your God forces himself on us and I don’t like his ways”.
Hope that helps.
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