Title and Author: The book of Jeremiah is named after its primary author, the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," was called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. The book is a compilation of prophecies, narratives, and messages that Jeremiah received from God. It is traditionally believed that Jeremiah, with the assistance of his scribe Baruch, compiled these writings.

Historical Context: Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings of Judah: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. His ministry began around 627 BC and continued until after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This era was marked by political instability, idolatry, and impending judgment from Babylon.

Audience: Jeremiah's primary audience was the people of Judah, including its leaders and priests. His messages were directed towards a nation that had turned away from God, warning them of the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience.

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Jeremiah is to call the people of Judah to repentance and to warn them of the impending judgment due to their persistent sin. It also serves to offer hope of restoration and a new covenant for the future.

Genre and Style: Jeremiah is a mix of prophetic oracles, narrative history, and poetry. It uses symbolic actions, vivid imagery, and direct speech from God.1. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1) - The primary prophet and author of the book, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Hilkiah (Jeremiah 1:1) - Jeremiah's father, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.

3. Josiah (Jeremiah 1:2) - The king of Judah during whose reign Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry. Known for his religious reforms.

4. Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 1:3) - Son of Josiah, king of Judah, during whose reign Jeremiah continued his prophecies. He is often depicted as resistant to Jeremiah's messages.

5. Zedekiah (Jeremiah 1:3) - The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, during whose reign Jeremiah prophesied the fall of Jerusalem.

6. Pashhur son of Immer (Jeremiah 20:1) - A priest and chief officer in the temple who opposed Jeremiah and had him beaten and put in stocks.

7. Hananiah son of Azzur (Jeremiah 28:1) - A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah, claiming that the Babylonian yoke would be broken within two years.

8. Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 21:2) - The king of Babylon who besieged and eventually destroyed Jerusalem, leading to the Babylonian exile.

9. Baruch son of Neriah (Jeremiah 32:12) - Jeremiah's scribe and faithful companion who recorded his prophecies and messages.

10. Gedaliah son of Ahikam (Jeremiah 39:14) - Appointed governor over the remnant in Judah by the Babylonians after the fall of Jerusalem.

11. Ishmael son of Nethaniah (Jeremiah 40:8) - A member of the royal family who assassinated Gedaliah, leading to further chaos in Judah.

12. Johanan son of Kareah (Jeremiah 40:8) - A military leader who opposed Ishmael and sought to protect the remnant of Judah.

13. Ebed-melech the Cushite (Jeremiah 38:7) - An Ethiopian eunuch in the king's house who helped rescue Jeremiah from a cistern where he had been left to die.1. Jerusalem (Jeremiah 1:1)
- Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah and the central location for much of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. It is depicted as a city facing impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness to God.

2. Anathoth (Jeremiah 1:1)
- Anathoth is Jeremiah's hometown, located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. It is a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin.

3. Land of Benjamin (Jeremiah 1:1)
- This region is part of the southern kingdom of Judah, where the tribe of Benjamin settled. It includes Jerusalem and surrounding areas.

4. Egypt (Jeremiah 2:18)
- Egypt is frequently mentioned as a place of refuge and a symbol of misplaced trust. The Israelites are warned against relying on Egypt for help instead of trusting in God.

5. Assyria (Jeremiah 2:18)
- Assyria is referenced as a former oppressor of Israel. By Jeremiah's time, its power had waned, but it serves as a historical reminder of God's judgment.

6. North (Jeremiah 1:14)
- The "north" often symbolizes the direction from which invaders, particularly the Babylonians, would come to attack Judah and Jerusalem.

7. Babylon (Jeremiah 20:4)
- Babylon is the empire that would eventually conquer Jerusalem and lead its people into exile. It represents God's instrument of judgment against Judah.

8. Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12)
- Shiloh was an ancient religious center in Israel where the tabernacle was located before the temple was built in Jerusalem. It serves as a warning example of God's judgment.

9. Topheth (Jeremiah 7:31)
- Topheth is a location in the Valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, associated with child sacrifice. It symbolizes the extreme idolatry and sin of the people.

10. Gilead (Jeremiah 8:22)
- Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm, a healing ointment. It is used metaphorically to question why there is no healing for the spiritual wounds of the people.

11. Euphrates (Jeremiah 13:4)
- The Euphrates River is mentioned in a symbolic act where Jeremiah hides a linen belt, representing the coming exile and the distance from their homeland.

12. Ramah (Jeremiah 31:15)
- Ramah is a town in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. It is used in a prophecy about Rachel weeping for her children, symbolizing the sorrow of exile.

13. Lebanon (Jeremiah 22:6)
- Lebanon, known for its cedar trees, is used metaphorically to describe the grandeur of the royal palace in Jerusalem and its impending destruction.

14. Carmel (Jeremiah 46:18)
- Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel, symbolizing strength and beauty. It is used in a prophecy against Egypt.

15. Bashan (Jeremiah 50:19)
- Bashan is a fertile region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures. It is mentioned in the context of the restoration of Israel.1. Jeremiah's Call and Commission (Jeremiah 1:4-10)
- God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, appointing him to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.

2. The Vision of the Almond Branch and Boiling Pot (Jeremiah 1:11-16)
- Jeremiah sees an almond branch, symbolizing God's watchfulness, and a boiling pot, representing impending disaster from the north.

3. Jeremiah's First Public Message (Jeremiah 2:1-3:5)
- Jeremiah delivers a message of Israel's unfaithfulness, likening the nation to an unfaithful bride and warning of consequences.

4. Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 3:6-4:4)
- God calls Israel and Judah to return to Him, promising mercy if they repent and turn from their idolatry.

5. The Coming Destruction from the North (Jeremiah 4:5-31)
- Jeremiah warns of an invasion from the north as a judgment for the people's sins, describing the terror and devastation it will bring.

6. The Temple Sermon (Jeremiah 7:1-15)
- Jeremiah stands at the gate of the Lord's house, warning that the temple will not save them if they continue in their wicked ways.

7. The Broken Covenant (Jeremiah 11:1-17)
- God reminds the people of the covenant made with their ancestors and condemns them for breaking it, leading to a curse.

8. The Plot Against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:18-23)
- Jeremiah learns of a plot against his life by the people of Anathoth, his hometown, and God promises to punish them.

9. The Linen Belt (Jeremiah 13:1-11)
- God instructs Jeremiah to bury a linen belt, which becomes ruined, symbolizing how He will ruin the pride of Judah and Jerusalem.

10. The Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1-12)
- Jeremiah visits a potter's house, where God uses the potter's work as a metaphor for His sovereignty over nations.

11. The Broken Jar (Jeremiah 19:1-15)
- Jeremiah breaks a clay jar in the Valley of Ben Hinnom as a symbol of how God will shatter Jerusalem and its people.

12. Jeremiah's Imprisonment (Jeremiah 20:1-6)
- Pashhur, the priest, has Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks for prophesying disaster, but Jeremiah continues to proclaim God's message.

13. The Letter to the Exiles (Jeremiah 29:1-23)
- Jeremiah sends a letter to the exiles in Babylon, encouraging them to settle there and seek the city's welfare, promising eventual return.

14. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
- God promises a new covenant with Israel and Judah, one written on their hearts, where He will forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.

15. Jeremiah Buys a Field (Jeremiah 32:6-15)
- As a sign of hope, Jeremiah buys a field in Anathoth during the siege of Jerusalem, symbolizing future restoration.

16. The Fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:1-10)
- The Babylonians breach Jerusalem's walls, capture the city, and take King Zedekiah and many others into exile.

17. Jeremiah's Release and Gedaliah's Assassination (Jeremiah 40:1-41:18)
- After the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah is released and stays with Gedaliah, the appointed governor, who is later assassinated.

18. Jeremiah's Final Prophecies and Lamentations (Jeremiah 46-51)
- Jeremiah delivers prophecies against various nations, including Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, and Babylon.

19. The Fall of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:59-64)
- Jeremiah sends a message to Babylon, prophesying its eventual fall and destruction, symbolized by the sinking of a scroll in the Euphrates.

20. Jeremiah's Final Days (Jeremiah 52)
- The book concludes with a historical appendix recounting the fall of Jerusalem, the exile, and the eventual release of Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon.1. Judgment and Destruction (Jeremiah 1:14-16)
- God pronounces judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and disobedience. The impending destruction is a central theme, as God warns of the consequences of turning away from Him. "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land."

2. Covenant Faithfulness (Jeremiah 2:2)
- The theme of covenant faithfulness highlights God's enduring commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness. God recalls the devotion of Israel in its youth and contrasts it with their current infidelity. "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride."

3. Idolatry and Apostasy (Jeremiah 2:11-13)
- Jeremiah frequently condemns the people for their idolatry and turning away from God. This theme underscores the spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah. "Has a nation ever changed its gods, though they are not gods at all?"

4. Repentance and Return (Jeremiah 3:12-14)
- Despite the dire warnings, God calls His people to repentance, offering them a chance to return to Him and be restored. "Return, faithless Israel... I will not be angry forever."

5. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
- Jeremiah prophesies a new covenant that God will establish with His people, characterized by an internal transformation and a personal relationship with God. "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts."

6. The Role of the Prophet (Jeremiah 1:4-10)
- Jeremiah's calling and mission as a prophet are emphasized, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of delivering God's message. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart."

7. Hope and Restoration (Jeremiah 29:10-14)
- Amidst the messages of judgment, there are promises of hope and future restoration for the people. God assures them of plans for their welfare and a return from exile. "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you."

8. Social Justice (Jeremiah 5:26-28)
- Jeremiah addresses issues of social injustice, including the exploitation of the poor and corruption among leaders. This theme calls for righteousness and justice in society. "They have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit."

9. False Prophets and Deception (Jeremiah 14:14)
- The presence of false prophets who lead the people astray is a recurring theme. Jeremiah warns against those who speak lies in God's name. "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name."

10. God's Sovereignty (Jeremiah 18:6)
- The theme of God's sovereignty is illustrated through metaphors like the potter and the clay, emphasizing God's control over nations and individuals. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel."1. The Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
- Description: This title refers to a future king from the line of David who will reign wisely and execute justice and righteousness. It is a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus as the rightful and just ruler.
- Verse: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as king and will administer justice and righteousness in the land."

2. The LORD Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
- Description: This title emphasizes the role of the Messiah as the source of righteousness for His people. It signifies that Jesus will be the one through whom believers are made righteous.
- Verse: "In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness."

3. The Good Shepherd (Jeremiah 31:10)
- Description: This type portrays Jesus as the shepherd who gathers and cares for His flock, contrasting with the unfaithful shepherds (leaders) of Israel. It highlights His role in guiding and protecting His people.
- Verse: "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the distant coastlands: 'The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock.'"

4. The New Covenant Mediator (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
- Description: This type refers to Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant between God and His people, characterized by an internal transformation and a personal relationship with God.
- Verse: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah... I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

5. The Hope of Israel (Jeremiah 14:8)
- Description: This title reflects the role of Jesus as the ultimate hope and savior for Israel, especially in times of distress and need.
- Verse: "O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are You like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays but a night?"1. Prophecy of the Babylonian Exile
- Prophecy: Jeremiah predicts that Judah will be conquered by Babylon and the people will be exiled for seventy years.
- Reference: Jeremiah 25:11-12 - "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years."
- Fulfillment: The Babylonian exile began in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and lasted until the decree of Cyrus in 539 BC, allowing the Jews to return. This is confirmed in 2 Chronicles 36:20-23 and Ezra 1:1-4.

2. Prophecy of Destruction of Jerusalem
- Prophecy: Jeremiah foretells the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
- Reference: Jeremiah 21:10 - "For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire."
- Fulfillment: The destruction of Jerusalem occurred in 586 BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:8-10.

3. Prophecy of Judgment on Egypt
- Prophecy: Jeremiah prophesies that Egypt will be defeated by Babylon.
- Reference: Jeremiah 46:13 - "This is the word that the LORD spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to strike the land of Egypt."
- Fulfillment: Historical records and biblical accounts, such as in Ezekiel 29:19, indicate that Nebuchadnezzar did campaign against Egypt.

4. Prophecy of Restoration of Israel
- Prophecy: Jeremiah speaks of the future restoration of Israel and Judah.
- Reference: Jeremiah 30:3 - "For behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will restore from captivity My people Israel and Judah, declares the LORD. I will restore them to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they will possess it."
- Fulfillment: The return from exile began under the decree of Cyrus, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4, and continued with the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

5. Prophecy of New Covenant
- Prophecy: Jeremiah announces a new covenant between God and His people.
- Reference: Jeremiah 31:31-34 - "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah."
- Fulfillment: Christians believe this prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, as referenced in Hebrews 8:8-12.

1. The Call of Jeremiah  ( 1:1⁠–⁠19 )

2. Prophesies for Judah  ( 2:1⁠–⁠45:5 )

a. Warnings to Judah  ( 2:1⁠–⁠29:32 )

i. The Sin of the People  ( 2:1⁠–⁠37 )

ii. A Plea for Repentance  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4:4 )

iii. Judgment is Coming  ( 4:5⁠–⁠6:30 )

iv. The Temple Sermon  ( 7:1⁠–⁠10:25 )

v. The Broken Covenant  ( 11:1⁠–⁠12:17 )

vi. Parables and Warning  ( 13:1⁠–⁠27 )

vii. Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague  ( 14:1⁠–⁠15:9 )

viii. Jeremiah’s Woes  ( 15:10⁠–⁠17:27 )

ix. Parables of Persecution  ( 18:1⁠–⁠20:17 )

x. Jeremiah and the Kings of Judah  ( 21:1⁠–⁠23:40 )

1. King Zedekiah and Jeremiah  ( 21:1⁠–⁠10 )

2. A Message to the House of David  ( 21:11⁠–⁠23:8 )

a. To the Royal House of Judah  ( 21:11⁠–⁠22:9 )

b. To Individual Kings of Judah  ( 22:10⁠–⁠30 )

c. The Coming Righteous Branch of David  ( 23:1⁠–⁠8 )

3. The False Prophets  ( 23:9⁠–⁠40 )

xi. The Good and Bad Figs  ( 24:1⁠–⁠10 )

xii. Seventy Years of Captivity in Babylon  ( 25:1⁠–⁠38 )

xiii. Jeremiah Rejected by Leadership  ( 26:1⁠–⁠28:17 )

1. The Plot to Kill Jeremiah  ( 26:1⁠–⁠24 )

2. The Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar  ( 27:1⁠–⁠28:17 )

xiv. Letter to the Exiles in Babylon  ( 29:1⁠–⁠32 )

b. Hope for Israel and Judah  ( 30:1⁠–⁠33:26 )

i. Restoration of Israel and Judah  ( 30:1⁠–⁠31:25 )

ii. The New Covenant  ( 31:26⁠–⁠40 )

iii. Jeremiah Buys Hanamel’s Field  ( 32:1⁠–⁠44 )

iv. Promise of Future Restoration  ( 33:1⁠–⁠13 )

v. The Covenant with David  ( 33:14⁠–⁠26 )

c. Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem  ( 34:1⁠–⁠45:5 )

i. Events Leading to the Fall of Jerusalem  ( 34:1⁠–⁠38:28 )

1. Prophecy against Zedekiah  ( 34:1⁠–⁠7 )

2. Freedom for Hebrew Slaves  ( 34:8⁠–⁠22 )

3. Obedience of the Rechabites  ( 35:1⁠–⁠19 )

4. Jeremiah’s Scroll  ( 36:1⁠–⁠32 )

a. Scroll Read in the Temple  ( 36:1⁠–⁠10 )

b. Scroll Read in the Palace  ( 36:11⁠–⁠19 )

c. Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll  ( 36:20⁠–⁠26 )

d. Jeremiah Rewrites the Scroll  ( 36:27⁠–⁠32 )

5. Final Warnings Before the Fall of Jerusalem  ( 37:1⁠–⁠38:28 )

a. Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah  ( 37:1⁠–⁠10 )

b. Jeremiah Imprisoned  ( 37:11⁠–⁠21 )

c. Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern  ( 38:1⁠–⁠28 )

ii. The Fall of Jerusalem  ( 39:1⁠–⁠18 )

iii. Events After the Fall of Jerusalem  ( 40:1⁠–⁠45:5 )

1. The Remnant in Judah  ( 40:1⁠–⁠42:22 )

a. Jeremiah Remains in Judah  ( 40:1⁠–⁠6 )

b. Gedaliah Governs in Judah  ( 40:7⁠–⁠41:18 )

  i. Gedaliah Appointed by Nebuchadnezzar  ( 40:7⁠–⁠12 )

  ii. The Plot against Gedaliah  ( 40:13⁠–⁠16 )

  iii. The Assassination of Gedaliah  ( 41:1⁠–⁠18 )

c. A Warning against Going to Egypt  ( 42:1⁠–⁠22 )

2. The Remnant Flees to Egypt  ( 43:1⁠–⁠44:30 )

a. Jeremiah Taken to Egypt  ( 43:1⁠–⁠13 )

b. Judgement on the Jews in Egypt  ( 44:1⁠–⁠30 )

3. Jeremiah’s Message to Baruch  ( 45:1⁠–⁠5 )

3. Prophesies for the Nations  ( 46:1⁠–⁠51:64 )

a. Judgment on Egypt  ( 46:1⁠–⁠28 )

b. Judgment on the Philistines  ( 47:1⁠–⁠7 )

c. Judgement on Moab  ( 48:1⁠–⁠47 )

d. Judgment on the Ammonites  ( 49:1⁠–⁠6 )

e. Judgement on Edom  ( 49:7⁠–⁠22 )

f. Judgment on Damascus  ( 49:23⁠–⁠27 )

g. Judgment on Kedar and Hazor  ( 49:28⁠–⁠33 )

h. Judgment on Elam  ( 49:34⁠–⁠39 )

i. Concerning Babylon  ( 50:1⁠–⁠51:64 )

i. A Prophecy against Babylon  ( 50:1⁠–⁠3 )

ii. Hope for Israel and Judah  ( 50:4⁠–⁠10 )

iii. Babylon’s Fall Is Certain  ( 50:11⁠–⁠16 )

iv. Redemption for God’s People  ( 50:17⁠–⁠20 )

v. The Destruction of Babylon  ( 50:21⁠–⁠51:14 )

vi. Praise to the God of Jacob  ( 51:15⁠–⁠19 )

vii. Babylon’s Punishment  ( 51:20⁠–⁠58 )

viii. Jeremiah’s Prophecy to Seraiah  ( 51:59⁠–⁠64 )

4. The Fall of Jerusalem Recounted  ( 52:1⁠–⁠34 )

a. Nebuchadnezzar Sieges Jerusalem  ( 52:1⁠–⁠11 )

b. The Temple Destroyed  ( 52:12⁠–⁠23 )

c. Captives Carried to Babylon  ( 52:24⁠–⁠30 )

d. Evil-merodach Releases Jehoiachin  ( 52:31⁠–⁠34 )