UNDERSTANDING JEREMIAH | VITAL STATISTICS

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Vital Statistics

@1. Purpose:

a) To urge God's people to turn from their sins and back to God. 

@2. Author:

a) Jeremiah.

@3. To Whom Written:

a) Judah (the southern kingdom) and its capital, Jerusalem. 

@4. Date Written:

a) During Jeremiah's ministry, approximately 627-586 B.C.

@5. Setting:

a) Jeremiah ministered under Judah's last five kings - Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin (Coniah), and Zedekiah. The nation was sliding quickly toward destruction and was conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C. (see 2 Kings 21-25). The prophet Zephaniah preceded Jeremiah, and Habakkuk was Jeremiah's contemporary. 

@6. Key Verse:

a) ¹⁹ Your own wickedness will correct you, And your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing, That you have forsaken the Lord your God, And the fear of Me is not in you,” Says the Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 2:19 NKJV) 

@7. Key People:

a) Judah kings (listed above), Baruch, Ebed-Melech, King Nebuchadnezzar, the Rechabites. 

@8. Key Places:

a) Anathoth, Jerusalem, Ramah, Egypt.

@9. Special Features:

a) This book is a combination of history, poetry, and biography, Jeremiah often used symbolism to communicate his message.