51 - The Prophet Jeremiah--Part 1_ Jer. 1-17

Introduction

  • Discussion about the scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • Participants:

    • Ray Huntington, Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University

    • Dana Pike, Professor of Ancient Scripture

    • David Whitchurch, Professor of Ancient Scripture

    • Kelly Ogden, Professor of Ancient Scripture

Overview of the Book of Jeremiah

  • Importance of the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament

    • Mentioned explicitly in the Book of Mormon in the same historical context

    • Important background for early Book of Mormon narratives

  • Historical Context of Jeremiah

    • Origin: Jeremiah from Anatot, located northeast of Jerusalem center, approximately a 45-minute walk from the Mount of Olives.

    • Priesthood: Jeremiah was a Levite, connecting him to the priestly lineage.

    • Contemporary figures:

    • Jeremiah lived during the reign of King Josiah

    • Witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple

    • Associated with prophets such as Lehi, Nephi, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Huldah, Daniel, and Ezekiel.

  • Recommended Reading

    • 2 Kings 23-24

    • 2 Chronicles 25 and onwards for historical background

Chapter One Highlights

Calling of Jeremiah

  • Verses 4 and 5: Doctrine of ordination

    • "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee… I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

    • The term "knew" (Hebrew: Yada) implies an intimate knowledge, emphasizing divine foreordination.

    • This contrasts with common interpretations that view God's knowledge of Jeremiah only beginning at his birth.

    • Discussion on the pre-mortal existence of individuals as spirit children of God, consistent with Latter-day Saint theology regarding foreordination of prophets.

Role of Prophets

  • Prophets are sent to all nations, not just Israelites

    • Historical prophecies given to various nations (Assyria, Moabites, Ammonites, etc.)

  • Jeremiah's human apprehension about his prophetic calling

    • Initial reluctance: "Oh Lord God, behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child."

    • Response from the Lord: "Say not, I am a child…for I am with thee to deliver thee."

    • Emphasis on the prophet's empowerment through divine support.

Prophetic Imagery

  • The Lord touching Jeremiah's mouth:

    • "Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth."

    • Shared themes of divine commissioning found in other prophetic books (Isaiah, Ezekiel).

  • Verse 10: The role of the prophet involves rooting out evil and planting righteousness.

    • Discussed metaphors of destruction and restoration.

    • Drawing parallels to Lehi's role in planting a righteous people in a new land.

Conclusion of Chapter One

  • Divine assurance and promise of protection: "They shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord to deliver thee" (verse 19).

  • Jeremiah's commitment to speaking truth and calling out sin despite societal resistance.

Chapter Two Insights

  • Addressing societal corruption

  • Verse 13: Two evils committed by God's people:

    1. Forsaking the fountain of living waters.

    2. Hewing out broken cisterns (a reservoir that cannot retain water).

    • This signifies abandoning the source of life and hope for false idols.

Chapter Three Themes

  • Covenant relationship with the Lord depicted as marriage (verse 14):

    • The Lord expresses fidelity despite Israel's unfaithfulness (verses 1 & 8).

  • Promises of restoration and future hope despite current apostasy.

    • Reference to God giving pastors according to His heart (verse 15), hinting at future shepherds guiding His people.

Chapters Seven to Ten (Key Messages)

  • Emphasis on repentance

  • Jeremiah's directive at the temple gate in Chapter 7

    • "Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell here."

    • Warning against complacency: Believing solely in the temple's presence would guarantee safety is flawed reasoning.

  • Historical example (verse 12) of Shiloh

    • Comparison to the temple at Jerusalem, warning of impending judgment if the people do not change their ways and amend their conduct.

Key Covenantal Themes

  • Repeated emphasis on covenant obligations (Chapter 11, verse 4):

    • Obeying God's voice leads to being His people and him being their God.

  • Recognition of societal wickedness and resultant divine judgment

  • Prophetic call to recognize their failures and turn back to faithfulness.

Chapter Sixteen Prophetic Warnings

  • Direct instruction to Jeremiah concerning personal life due to impending judgment (verse 2):

    • No marriage or children, signifying coming desolation.

  • Prophecies of scattering and destruction due to continued rebellion (verse 13).

  • Future promises of gathering (verses 14-15): Assurance of restoration for a penitent people.

  • Employing imagery of fishing and hunting as metaphors for the gathering process.

Conclusion

  • The Book of Jeremiah emphasizes the critical need for accountability, repentance, and the promise of divine restoration despite judgment.

  • Jeremiah's message extends beyond his time to offer hope of eventual gathering and restoration for all who turn to God.

  • Acknowledge theologically significant relationship between God and His people, marked by the covenant promise that persists through judgment and restoration.