“We need to do something about Jeremiah,” one of the four men said.   “With what Jeremiah is telling the people, we could have a problem.  If they do what he says, we could see everybody walking out the city gates and surrendering to the Babylonian army.  Our lives would be turned upside-down.  Let’s see if… Read More »

Although, well-known, Jeremiah was not particularly well-liked.  Mostly, because he said things people didn’t want to hear.  First, their lifestyle: The people of Judah, had abandoned their worship of God and had turned to the pagan idols of the surrounding countries.  As a prophet, God revealed to Jeremiah that Jerusalem, including the temple, would be… Read More »

Jeremiah, a prophet faithful to God, often found himself in the minority when proclaiming God’s will.  When he sent a letter to the Babylonian captives, advising them to build houses, plant gardens and prepare for a lengthy time (seventy years) before God would return them to Jerusalem, he was challenged by some of the prophets.… Read More »

King Nebuchadnezzar presided over the Babylonian empire at a time when its strength and control over neighboring countries was increasing; while Judah was on the decline due to leadership that chose to disobey God. One night Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him.  He learned the meaning of the dream from Daniel; and it foretold… Read More »

Over a thousand years earlier, the Pharaoh of Egypt had a dream interpreted by Joseph; and now King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream interpreted by Daniel.  In both cases, God provided an opportunity for his will to be accomplished.

“Daniel, you’re being considered for participation in a training program for the purpose of serving in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar,” the court official said.  “You should know,” he continued, “that the king wants a person(s) that is handsome, intelligent, knowledgeable on many subjects, fluent in the language…and healthy.  To make sure you remain healthy,… Read More »

Jeremiah felt badly because his warnings to the king and the people of Judah were ignored; and Judah was punished by God for their evil practices.  God knew what was best for the people of Judah and for Jeremiah.  In a vision to Jeremiah, God revealed that the destruction of Jerusalem and the relocation of… Read More »

“King Zedekiah, sir, this is what the Lord God has told me to tell you, Jeremiah, the prophet, said: ‘If you surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life will be spared and this city will not be burned down; you and your family will be spared.’” Choices…Zedekiah had chosen to worship… Read More »

During the little over three months that eighteen year old Jehoiachin was king, God continued to permit raiding parties from Babylon to invade Judah.  In the second of three deportations, Jehoiachin, his mother and a number of court officials surrendered to the Babylonians.  They, along with about ten thousand other inhabitants of Judah were relocated… Read More »

At the time Eliakim was born, Judah was a troubled region.  A series of ungodly kings had displeased God with their pagan worship and practices; and as punishment, God allowed Egypt and Babylon to invade the territory.  Eliakim’s father, King Josiah, was killed in battle while defending Judah against the Egyptians.  His brother, Jehoahaz, was… Read More »