Jeremiah 25:1 Study Bible: The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon),

◄ Jeremiah 25:1 ►

This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

Study Bible

This is the word
The phrase "This is the word" signifies a divine message or revelation. In Hebrew, the term "word" is "dabar," which often implies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic communication from God. This underscores the authority and power of the message that follows, as it is not merely human speech but a divine decree.

that came to Jeremiah
The phrase "that came to Jeremiah" indicates the prophetic nature of the message. Jeremiah, whose name means "Yahweh exalts," was chosen by God to be His mouthpiece. This highlights the personal relationship between God and His prophets, where God entrusts His messages to faithful servants who are called to deliver them to His people.

concerning all the people of Judah
"Concerning all the people of Judah" emphasizes the scope of the prophecy. It is not limited to a select group but is directed at the entire nation of Judah. This reflects the collective responsibility and the communal nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Judah, representing the southern kingdom, was the remnant of Israel, and this message underscores their accountability to God.

in the fourth year of Jehoiakim
The "fourth year of Jehoiakim" provides a specific historical context. Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. This timeframe situates the prophecy within a real historical setting, reminding readers of the tangible reality of God's interventions in human history.

son of Josiah king of Judah
"Son of Josiah king of Judah" connects Jehoiakim to his father Josiah, who was known for his reforms and attempts to bring Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. This contrast between father and son highlights the regression in Judah's spiritual state and sets the stage for the impending judgment.

(which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon)
The parenthetical note "(which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon)" introduces a significant geopolitical shift. Nebuchadnezzar's rise to power marks the beginning of Babylon's dominance and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about Judah's impending exile. This historical marker serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use world events to accomplish His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance and faithfulness amidst opposition.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. At this time, it was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience to God.

3. Jehoiakim
The son of Josiah and king of Judah during this period. His reign was marked by idolatry and rebellion against God.

4. Josiah
A previous king of Judah known for his reforms and efforts to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh.

5. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, who would become a significant figure in the history of Judah as he led the Babylonian conquest and exile.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
Recognize that God is in control of nations and leaders. The rise of Nebuchadnezzar and the fall of Judah were part of God's divine plan.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Judah's situation serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be resisting God's will.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah were called to speak truth to power and guide the people back to God. Consider how God might be calling you to be a voice of truth in your community.

Historical Context and Its Importance
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events can deepen our comprehension of Scripture and its application today.

Faithfulness Amidst Opposition
Jeremiah's perseverance in delivering God's message despite opposition is a model for us to remain faithful in our own challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of Jeremiah 25:1 enhance your comprehension of the message God was delivering through Jeremiah?

2. In what ways can the account of Judah's disobedience and subsequent judgment serve as a warning for us today?

3. How does the sovereignty of God, as seen in the rise of Nebuchadnezzar, provide comfort and assurance in the current global political climate?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt called to speak truth in a difficult situation. How can Jeremiah's example encourage you to remain faithful?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah's ministry to our own lives, particularly in terms of being a voice for God in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 23-24
Provides historical context for Jehoiakim's reign and the political situation in Judah, including the rise of Nebuchadnezzar.

Jeremiah 1:1-3
Establishes Jeremiah's calling and the timeline of his prophetic ministry, including the reign of Jehoiakim.

Daniel 1:1-2
Describes the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, which aligns with the events prophesied by Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:5-8
Details Jehoiakim's reign and his actions that led to God's judgment through Babylon.

Sermons

A Twenty-Three Years' Ministry	D. Young	Jeremiah 25:1-7
Messages Recapitulated	A.F. Muir	Jeremiah 25:1-7

People

Amon, Babylonians, Buz, Dedan, Elam, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Tema, Zidon, Zimri

Places

Ammon, Arabia, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Babylon, Buz, Dedan, Edom, Egypt, Ekron, Elam, Gaza, Jerusalem, Media, Moab, Sidon, Tema, Tyre, Uz, Zimri

Topics

Babylon, Fourth, Jehoiakim, Jehoi'akim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Josi'ah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Jeremiah 24:10

Library

Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Man and the Book.
In this and the following lectures I attempt an account and estimate of the Prophet Jeremiah, of his life and teaching, and of the Book which contains them--but especially of the man himself, his personality and his tempers (there were more than one), his religious experience and its achievements, with the various high styles of their expression; as well as his influence on the subsequent religion of his people. It has often been asserted that in Jeremiah's ministry more than in any other of the …
George Adam Smith—Jeremiah

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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