Jeremiah 37:12
Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to claim his portion there among the people.
Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem

With the Babylonian siege temporarily lifted because of Egypt’s advance, Jeremiah sought to depart from the city. He had faithfully proclaimed God’s judgment despite opposition from Judah’s leaders, and Jerusalem remained spiritually hardened and politically unstable.

2Ki 25:4-5 Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans…
2Sa 15:14-16 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem,…

to go to the land of Benjamin

Jeremiah traveled toward the territory of his own tribe, where Anathoth, his hometown, was located. Benjamin bordered Jerusalem and had long been closely joined with Judah after the division of the kingdom.

1Sa 9:4-5 So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim…
Jer 1:1 These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah,…
Jos 21:17-18 And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba,…

to claim his portion there

Jeremiah appears to have been attending to an inherited property matter among his relatives. His earlier purchase of a field in Anathoth demonstrated confidence that God would restore His people to the land after the coming exile.

Jer 32:7-9 Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum…
Rut 4:3-6 And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi,…
Lev 25:25-28 If your brother becomes impoverished, his nearest of kin…

among the people.

Jeremiah intended to carry out this matter publicly among the inhabitants and family members connected with the inheritance. Even amid national judgment, God’s covenant promises concerning the land and the future restoration of His people remained sure.

1Sa 10:23-24 So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood…
1Sa 9:21-22 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite…”…

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 persecution.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It was under threat from Babylon during Jeremiah's time.

3. Land of Benjamin
The tribal territory north of Jerusalem, where Jeremiah's hometown, Anathoth, was located. It was a place of personal and familial significance for Jeremiah.

4. Claiming his portion
This refers to Jeremiah's intention to secure his inheritance or property rights, which was a common practice among the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's Promises
Jeremiah's actions demonstrate his faith in God's promise of restoration despite the current circumstances. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises even when they seem distant or unlikely.

Obedience Amidst Uncertainty
Jeremiah's journey to claim his portion reflects obedience to God's instructions. Christians are called to act in obedience, trusting God's plan even when the future is uncertain.

The Importance of Heritage and Legacy
The act of claiming his portion highlights the value of heritage and legacy. Believers should consider how they are stewarding their spiritual and physical inheritances for future generations.

Perseverance in Adversity
Jeremiah's life is a testament to perseverance. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and duties, even when facing opposition or hardship.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's decision to claim his portion in the land of Benjamin reflect his faith in God's promises? How can we apply this faith in our own lives today?

2. In what ways does the concept of land and inheritance in the Bible relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ? How can this understanding impact our daily walk with God?

3. What challenges did Jeremiah face in his obedience to God's call, and how can his example inspire us to remain obedient in our own lives?

4. How does the theme of perseverance in Jeremiah's life encourage us to handle adversity in our personal and spiritual journeys?

5. Reflect on the importance of heritage and legacy in your life. How can you ensure that you are leaving a godly legacy for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 32
This chapter provides context for Jeremiah's actions, as he had previously purchased a field in Anathoth, demonstrating faith in God's promise of restoration.

Genesis 12
The concept of land and inheritance is significant throughout the Bible, beginning with God's promise to Abraham, which underscores the importance of land as a divine gift and a symbol of God's covenant.

Hebrews 11
The faith of the patriarchs in God's promises, including land, is highlighted, drawing a parallel to Jeremiah's faith in God's future restoration of Israel.
The Servant of God Accused of TreasonA.F. Muir Jeremiah 37:11-16
Jeremiah PersecutedG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Jeremiah 37:11-21
People
Babylonians, Benjamin, Coniah, Hananiah, Irijah, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jehucal, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Josiah, Maaseiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Shelemiah, Zedekiah, Zephaniah
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Egypt, Jerusalem
Topics
Benjamin, Forth, Heritage, Jeremiah, Jerusalem, Leave, Midst, Order, Portion, Possession, Property, Purpose, Receive, Separate, Share, Started, Taking, Territory, Thence
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 37:11-16

     7775   prophets, lives

Library
Zedekiah
'Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned as king ... whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king'--JER. xxxvii. 1. Zedekiah was a small man on a great stage, a weakling set to face circumstances that would have taxed the strongest. He was a youth at his accession to the throne of a distracted kingdom, and if he had had any political insight he would have seen that his only chance was to adhere firmly to Babylon, and to repress the foolish aristocracy who hankered after alliance with the rival power
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The World's Wages to a Prophet
'And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's arm, 12. Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people. 13. And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans. 14. Then said Jeremiah, It is false;
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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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