- The events of this chapter cannot have been very long after those of chapter 26 (com[pare the dating in verse 1 with 26:1).
God in his compassion bids Jeremiah make one more appeal.
In what respects does it differ from that of chapter 26:
(a) in its content,
(b) in the manner of its delivery, and
(c) in its outcome? - Why do you think the princes felt they must tell the king (verse 16)?
Was it to get Jeremiah silenced (cf. Amos 7:10-13), or in the hope that the king might harken to God’s word, as Josiah had done (2 Kgs. 22:10, 11)? With verse 24, cf Is. 66:2. Do you have the impression that this was a fateful moment for the nation, and that very much depended on the king’s action?
Are there comparable decisions in your life? - Compare verses 19 and 26.
How do I describe a successful action or activity of my own?
Notes
- Verse 5. ‘I am restricted’: perhaps because of the fear of his causing a disturbance (cf. the impact of his temple sermon in chapter 26), or perhaps because of some ceremonial defilement.
- Verse 8. This verse sums up in brief the story of the following verses. Note from verses 1 and 9 the time taken to complete the scroll. The incident of chapter 45 falls between verses 8 and 9.