An important step in Biblical literacy is to learn to read a
Bible book the way the original readers would have read it. The original
readers of Jeremiah were displaced people. They lost all they owned as they were
taken captive to foreign lands. While in captivity they learned that all they
loved was destroyed, the City of Jerusalem, the Palace, and especially the
Temple of the Lord. With news of the destruction of these things the people
would basically have lost all hope (except for certain people like Daniel who
had rock-solid faith and a living relationship with the Creator).
When the book of Jeremiah is read with the eyes of its
original readership some of its organization becomes clearer. Its book ends
have already been mentioned. Now it is time to look at Peak.
The first 23 chapters lay down an undeniable case for
"why" all the tragedies have taken place. Chapter 24 is pivotal in
that is states clearly that God's protective presence left the land and moved
to the captives (good figs, bad figs). Chapters 25-29 show more of the
"why" and "how' of the tragedies.
When the original readers get to chapter 30 through 33 the
dark clouds are transformed into crystal blue sky. Hope is restored. The view
is glorious. And the promises are absolute. This is clearly the Peak of
Jeremiah. Israel's broken relationship with their God will be restored. The people will all return to the land. The
covenantal blessings will be received in abundance. Fields will produce abundantly, animals will thrive. And a New
and Better Covenant will be ratified that will prevent all these tragedies from
ever happening again.
What glorious promises these are. Captive people of Israel forever rejoice!
