10/26/2024 – Day 125 – Jeremiah – Chapters 27 – 31 / Post 1 of 2
“As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish by sword, famine, and plague” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “until through him I have destroyed it.
Commentary today from “The Apologetics Study Bible:
“The Lord used one nation to punish another; He is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (27: 5-6; Amos 9:7)…”
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“They will be brought to Babylon and will remain there until I attend to them again.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “Then I will bring them up and restore them to this place.” Jeremiah 27:22
Commentary:
“Here Jeremiah uttered a prophecy that would come true in the near future (52:17; see 2 Kings 25:13). The people could test him in this to determine if he was a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18: 21-22; Jeremiah 28:9; 32:7; 44: 29 – 30). When this prophecy was fulfilled, they could conclude that he was a true prophet of Yahweh and that his long-term prophecies would also come true. Indeed, the temple articles were eventually returned (Ezra 1: 7 – 11; 5: 13-15). Some critics assume that this prophecy was written down after the fulfillment had already occurred (vaticinium ex eventu, a prophecy after the even). Such skepticism is grounded on the assumption that prophecy is impossible, either because God does not know the future, or because He cannot communicate with humans, or even that he does not exist. In these cases, ones’ worldview or presuppositions exclude fulfilled prophecy. No amount of evidence to the contrary will be convincing.”
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“For this is what the LORD says: ‘When 70 years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm My promise concerning you to restore you to this place.” Jeremiah 29: 10
Commentary:
“The Neo-Babylonian Empire lasted somewhat less than 70 years (605 – 539 B.C.). Consequently, some critics content that Jeremiah’s prediction cannot be made to fit any literal 70-year period. Some interpreters consider this is a symbolic number representing the ‘complete’ period of Judah’s punishment, or a round number representing the span of a lifetime or some period shorter than might be expected. But it is also possible that the number 70 refers precisely to the time from the fall of Jerusalem to the rebuilding of the second temple (587 – 516 B.C.). When some critics are shown that there a fitting events 70 years apart, they conclude that this is a ‘prophecy’ written after the event (see note on 27:22). However, when Daniel referred to Jeremiah’s prediction, he clearly referred to the date at which he thought of it (Daniel 9:2). So Scripture says that Jeremiah wrote it, Daniel read about it, and then it happened. The prophecy was given before the event.”
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Questions for fellowship generation, the lifelong sanctification process:
- What does the text reveal about God’s character?
- How has this reading generated prayer for you and/or us?
- What themes stand out to you in this bible study?
- How does our reading fit into the bigger picture (creation, the fall, restoration, etc.)?
- What verse(s) jumped out at you like never before? Is it explainable at this point?
- Do you have any questions you would like to put before the group as to how to interpret any particular verse(s) in our reading. Let scripture testify to scripture: Share with us where you sense contradiction between passages elsewhere.
- What did you find convicting and inspiring at the same time? Share with us how the Spirit of God is working within you as a messenger, both within and outside of our fellowship group.
- Share with the group how our study is calling or confirming to you a new mission to glorify God in our times.
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Soli Deo Gloria!