Jeremiah Imprisoned

Jeremiah preached an unpopular message during a time when the Israelites hoped to hold off the impending invasion of Babylon. Jeremiah saw Nebuchudnezzar as an agent of God who had been appointed to bring judgement on the disobedient people of Judah. His recommendation, based on his knowledge of God's plan for Judah, was that the people surrender, resettle in Babylon, build their lives there and pray for Nebuchudnezzar. Jeremiah fully believed that God would deliver them and return them to the Promised Land, but he knew the exile was unavoidable. Because no one wanted to hear that, Jeremiah was imprisoned in a dungeon. He was relocated to the palace courtyard at his own request, but continued to speak of doom and gloom, which angered court officials. This brought about his near death by starvation, as he was imprisoned in a cistern. What a lonely life. Jeremiah was the only prophet specifically forbidden to marry and was ostracized by all of the people. He carried a heavy burden in his heart, knowing what was to come for his countrymen. No wonder he is called the "weeping prophet".

Tomorrow's reading: Ez. 3:16-4:17; Jer. 27-28:17, 51:59-64