Chapter 42 continues the story line that began in 40:7 and runs through the end of chapter 43. Where most of the longer narrative is filled with action and movement (assassination, battle, journey), chapter 42 stands still and records part…
Category: Leadership
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 41)
This chapter continues to chronicle the political and spiritual collapse of the Jewish remnant left in the land after the fall of Jerusalem. Seven months into Gedaliah’s governorship, Ishmael returns to meet with Gedaliah. Ishmael, who is almost always referred…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 40)
Chapter 40 focuses on the release of Jeremiah by the Babylonian officials (summarized briefly in 39:13-14), providing significant details that validate Jeremiah’s ministry and “reward” him for his service—something the Jewish leaders had not done. The second half of the…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 39)
This is the first of two recounting of the fall of Jerusalem; the final chapter in the book (52) gives a more detailed version of the same events. Chapter 39 tells the grim news in chronological sequence with the surrounding…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 38)
Chapter 38 continues the narrative begun in the previous chapter by telling us what transpired after Jeremiah was accused of desertion and imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard. Things go from bad to worse for Jeremiah and for king…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 37)
Beginning with chapter 37 and continuing through chapter 44, we read the account of Jeremiah’s life and ministry during the siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the city, the ensuing chaos and eventual flight to Egypt by the Jews who…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 36)
In contrast to the Rechabites, who listened and obeyed the words of their forefather Jonadab (chapter 35), this chapter highlights the callous and defiant attitude of king Jehoiakim and some of his officials (not all!) to the word of the…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 35)
Chapter 34 focused attention on the fickle king and people of Jerusalem; chapter 35 introduces the faithful Rechabites. Where Zedekiah, his officials and people vacillated in keeping their covenant promises, the Rechabites were faithful to their covenant promises. Where the…
Tuesdays with Jeremiah (Chapter 33)
Chapter 33, which marks the final section of the “Book of Consolation” (30-33), contains a second message from the LORD given to Jeremiah while he was imprisoned in the courtyard (1). This indicates the message was given in the tenth…
Christmas in the Psalms
This morning in my devotional time, I read Psalm 22. Not your traditional Christmas reading. In fact, it seems much more suited to Good Friday. In this psalm, David laments the suffering he is experiencing and cries out for God…
Rick and Linda Reed 