Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) commences this reading with a stern reminder to the House of David of the conditional nature of their relationship with Hashem (1 Melechim [Kings] 2:4): “…‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack … More Yirmiyahu 22–29

Yirmiyahu 13 opens last week’s reading with an analogy.  Yirmiyahu allows a brand new linen loin cloth to rot.  The loin cloth represents the house of Israel, which is placed close to the body much the way Hashem has kept Israel close to Himself.  But the house of Israel, especially the tribe of Yehudah, has … More Yirmiyahu 13-21

Yirmiyahu, in chapter 7, delivers a condemnation of Israel’s idolatry from the gates of the Temples.  Yet again, it is not enough to offer sacrifices, one must be faithful and just as well.  Neither the priests, nor the prophets, nor the people have done either, and idolatry has run rampant.  Given the times, it’s hardly … More Yirmiyahu 7-12

As we begin to examine the prophecies of Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah), we should start by examining the man himself.  Yirmiyahu began his prophecies during the reign of Yosiyahu (Josiah), and continued them into the Babylonian Exile.  Naturally, his writings chiefly concern the conquest of Yehudah (Judah) and the Exile. By trade, Yirmiyahu was not a trained, … More Yirmiyahu 1-6