Have you ever had someone ask for your advice, you gave it, and they chose to ignore it? Most of us will seek out the advice of others, especially if it relates to health, financial issues, or major life-changing decisions. As believers, we usually, or most certainly, should seek God’s wisdom regarding decisions as well. We seek God’s advice by going to the Bible, prayer, and mature believers. The Explore the Bible Study: Trustworthy takes you to a group who asked for God's advice but then refused to follow it.

Jeremiah 42 takes us to a time when the people of God asked for advice and protection from God. 

Leading up to this chapter, Jeremiah 37-41, describe a time when Judah’s last king, King Zedekiah (597–586 BC), sought advice from Jeremiah and asked him to pray for Jerusalem during the final Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.  Zedekiah didn’t like Jeremiah’s advice regarding repentance or disaster, so he had Jeremiah imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:1-13). Zedekiah spoke with Jeremiah one last time before Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 38:14-26). Once again Jeremiah advised Zedekiah that God told him to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, but Zedekiah refused to follow God’s advice.

Jeremiah 39 describes the siege and capture of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar’s army. They slaughtered Jewish officials, killed Zedekiah’s sons, blinded the king, and led him in chains to Babylon. They also destroyed the palace, broke down Jerusalem’s walls, and exiled all but the poorest people. However, Nebuchadnezzar allowed Jeremiah to remain.

Jeremiah 40 describes Nebuchadnezzar’s appointment of Gedaliah as governor over Judah. During this time, Judean refugees returned from surrounding countries and submitted to Gedaliah’s rule. This created unrest that eventually led to the assassination of Gedaliah. Fearing Babylonian retribution, the remaining Israelites determined to leave and flee to Egypt.

Once again, with their backs against the wall, the Israelites sought advice from Jeremiah regarding their situation. 

Jeremiah 42:1-6 introduces us to the delegation that was sent to Jeremiah. This delegation expressed a desire to seek God’s direction and promised to obey whatever God would say through Jeremiah. After 10 days of seeking the Lord, Jeremiah delivered the Lord’s response to the delegation. The message God gave Jeremiah involved two options from which to choose.

This brings us to some questions we all must answer.  

First, do we only seek God’s advice when our backs are against the wall and we have tried all other options? 

Second, when God does speak, what warnings can we learn from the people’s response, about ignoring God’s advice?

The first option God gave to Jeremiah to share was the best option. 

Option 1: Stay and Trust God—Jeremiah 42:7-12

Jeremiah summoned all those who awaited his response. His audience included the delegation, the commanders of the armies (that were left) and all the remnant that remained, “from the least to the greatest.” Jeremiah reminded the people that they had asked him to bring their petition to God. The people wanted God’s guidance in-light-of the tumultuous situation in Judah following Gedaliah’s assassination. 

Imagine you are one of those hearing God’s instructions after you have seen the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the conquest of Judah. What questions or concerns would God’s advice create? Knowing what you know about the people’s situation, had you been one of Judah’s decision makers, would you have recommended moving to Egypt after hearing God’s advice?

The Hebrew wording regarding the choice God gave stresses the deliberate decision the people needed to make because their circumstances might suggest pursuing another option. With that choice God would bless them even amid a hostile reign of a pagan king.

• God would rebuild and not demolish.
• God would plant and not uproot them.
• God would relent concerning the disaster He had brought on His people. 
• God would save them and rescue them from Nebuchadnezzar.
• God would be compassionate toward them.
• God would cause Nebuchadnezzar to have compassion, resulting in them being allowed to return to their own soil. 

God’s advice included actions that would be very difficult for them to do – not only remain but not be afraid of Nebuchadnezzar. The people had seen indescribable destruction and the exile of their loved ones, and were now facing a possible retribution by king Nebuchadnezzar. They probably feared that this time, the king would leave no survivors.

But God personally promised to save and rescue His people. The Babylonians were merely God’s instrument, and He would oversee the Jews’ protection and safety. Jerusalem’s defeat was not the defeat of God. He had judged them, but now He would protect those who remained and help them rebuild and become fruitful. The Lord would accomplish all of this if the people obeyed and trusted the Lord’s message through Jeremiah. 

Has God ever given you advice that was totally opposite of what you thought should happen? Did His choice keep you in a place or situation that you felt was hostile or difficult? How difficult would it be for you to obey God?

The people did have another option.

Option 2: Don’t Stay and Don’t Trust God—Jeremiah 42:13-18

What did God say would happen if they moved to Egypt? How was this different from what they assumed would happen if they moved to Egypt? 

If you were told that the situation would not be the way you envisioned, would you change your decision? 

God knew they would reject His advice. The people had already determined that safety would be found in Egypt. It’s interesting why they would even seek God’s advice since the decision was already made. It’s almost as if they were seeking God as an afterthought, to get His stamp of approval on the decision they had already made. 

Perhaps we are guilty of doing the same thing. 

How many times have we already made decisions, then we go to God seeking His advice, only to discover that His advice doesn’t align with our decisions?

When have you felt that God’s option wasn’t the option you desired to choose?

Trusting our own plans and judgment ultimately leads to destruction. God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), so it makes sense to trust Him. If you do decide to ignore God, you must accept responsibility and consequences.

You must accept the consequences of disobedience—Jeremiah 42:19-22 

If people today choose to do something other than what God commands, do they usually blame God for the outcome?

Jeremiah stressed his desire that they know and understand the implications of their refusal to heed God’s warning. They thought they would escape by fleeing to Egypt for a while, but in reality, the disastrous consequences of disobedience would follow them to Egypt. 

Failing to follow God’s counsel reveals a person’s true heart. People may say they believe and trust God, but the way they follow God’s advice given in His Word, by His Spirit, or through other believers truly reveals how much they truly desire to follow Him.

Obey or Ignore God

Why would someone ask for God’s counsel and then ignore it?  (Explore the Bible PSG, p. 107)

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your dependence on God when making decisions? What adjustments do you need to make to trust Him more and lean less on your own understanding? (Explore the Bible PSG, p. 108)

What should other believers’ role be in helping you as you seek God’s direction?

God’s people must never trust their own understanding over God’s commands. When we follow God’s advice and commands, we demonstrate our trust and belief in God to others. We should also understand that, while we have a choice, choosing not to follow God’s advice will result in consequences for which we will have to take responsibility.

Ultimately, we must remember that following God’s counsel reveals what we really believe about God.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

According to Pew Research, Eight-in-ten Americans say they don’t generally answer their cellphone when an unknown number calls. While we might understand this response to unknown callers, it seems that over the past few years, more and more people have begun to ignore calls and texts from even their closest friends. While we might not admit it, there are also times when God sends us a message that we choose to ignore as well. The Explore the Bible Study: Speaks, reveals what happens when one chooses to ignore God's messages.

Imagine someone receiving a written message from God and tearing it to shreds and burning it? This is what took place in chapter 36 of Jeremiah. The king of Judah, King Johoiakim, didn’t like the message that came from God’s prophet, Jeremiah. So, he tried to dispose of it. But God’s Word could not be destroyed, and the truth it declared could not be avoided. 

In the fifth year of Judah’s evil King Jehoiakim, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to record his prophetic words on a scroll. Jeremiah 36:2-3 describes the message and the reason God sends the message:

“Take a scroll, and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time I first spoke to you during Josiah’s reign until today. 3 Perhaps when the house of Judah hears about all the disaster I am planning to bring on them, each one of them will turn from his evil way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.”  (Jeremiah 36:2-3)

Jeremiah faithfully dictated the words to Baruch, his scribe, who later shared the words with all those who came to the temple (Jeremiah 36:4-10).

An official named Micaiah heard the Lord’s words and shared what he had heard with other leaders (Jeremiah 36:11-13). Baruch then read the scroll Jeremiah had dictated to these officials. After hearing what God had said through the prophet, the men determined that King Jehoiakim also needed to hear these messages (Jeremiah 36:14-18).

What we will observe in Jehoiakim’s response to God’s Word should cause us to stop and evaluate how we might respond to the messages God sends to us through His Word and His Spirit. We should also observe the consequences when a society refuses to hear and respond to God’s Word.

God’s Message Prompts a Response – Jeremiah 36:16-21

Jeremiah 36:12 names five officials to whom Micaiah, the original recipient of Jeremiah’s message, brought the news. Try to imagine what unfolds:

• The officials heard the message and were afraid. Yet they felt the king needed to hear the message.
• The officials knew that the king would likely reject the message and come after Jeremiah and Baruch, so they encouraged them to hide.
• Instead of taking the scroll to King Jehoiakim, they left the scroll under the care of Elishama the scribe. 
• Then other officials recounted for Jehoiakim the details and requested a meeting to discuss Jeremiah’s message.
• The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. 
• Jehudi retrieved the scroll from Elishama (v. 20) and brought it to the king. 
• Jehudi then read it in Jehoiakim’s hearing, as the other officials stood by. 

Jehoiakim’s response was vital because royal support for Jeremiah’s words could turn the country back toward the Lord. On the other hand, the king’s rejection of Jeremiah’s words would lead to God’s judgment.

Believers are called to deliver God’s Word faithfully. That can happen through preaching, teaching, or even a simple conversation. The nature of our delivery will vary, but God invites us to share in delivering His Word wherever and however we can.

Sadly, Jehoiakim responded even worse to the message than what was anticipated. 

Imagine standing before King Jehoiakim as he responds. Consider how you would feel.

God’s Message is Blatantly and Callously Ignored – Jeremiah 36:22-26

Whey you read what the king did to the scrolls what thoughts or feelings do you have regarding his actions? 

What would you have done if you were Jehudi and you observed the king’s actions?

How are people’s responses to God’s Word today like those of the king?

What might be some reasons people disregard the message of the Bible?

Jehoiakim responded with utter contempt for God’s Word, and the actions he took to destroy the scroll indicate further disdain for God and the prophetic message. Additionally, we see how his view of God’s message influenced the behavior of the entire audience in the room:

• His servants had no regard for God’s message. They heard the message, but they did not become terrified at the king’s actions, nor did they tear their clothes—an action that would demonstrate great distress or morning.
• Jehoiakim commanded some of his officials’ sons including his own son to seize the scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. 

Can you imagine the king of Judah sending his own son the sons of some of his officials to do the work of destroying God’s messenger? What does the fact that the officials Jehoiakim commanded to seize Jeremiah and Baruch were sons, one being his own son, communicate about the influence our response to God has on the next generation? 

People who reject God’s Word will try to silence it. The Bible challenges people to admit they’re sinners, and most people in this world just don’t want to do that. Consequently, they invest a lot of time and energy into discrediting the Bible—or they persecute the messengers. Additionally, they usually desire to bring down the next generation with them by encouraging their own children to reject the message and messengers of God.

What one must never forget, however, is that there is a price to be paid for ignoring God’s message.

There are Consequences When We Ignore God’s Message – Jeremiah 36:27-31 

Had you been Jeremiah, would you have felt like a failure or have possibly been unsure about writing another message for the king? What can you learn from the persistence of God to Jeremiah that he was to prepare the message “once again,” plus some additional words to the king?

Remember Jeremiah’s situation. He had prophesied for twenty years already and seen little spiritual response. Then, the king had sent God’s messages up in flames. After Jehoiakim burned the scroll, Jeremiah and Baruch could have fallen into utter despair. 

The “Therefore” in verse 30 introduced God’s dramatic conclusion.

• Jehoiakim would have no one to sit on David’s throne. Jehoiakim’s royal line ceased shortly after his death. His son, Jehoiachin, inherited a city under Babylonian siege and reigned only three months before he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:8-12). Zedekiah, Jehoiakim’s brother, became Judah’s last king, and his rebellion led to Jerusalem’s destruction (2 Kings 24:17–25:10). 
• Jehoiakim’s corpse would be thrown out without a proper burial, exposing it to the heat of day and the frost of night. The word thrown out is a different form of the word translated “throw” in verse 23. Jehoiakim had cast aside God’s Word, so God would cast his corpse aside. 
• Jehoiakim’s officers would also be punished. Judah’s leaders had failed miserably. The word officers likely denotes leaders who served the king.
• God’s judgment would progress from the king to his descendants, to his officers, down to the residents of the capital, and finally to the general population. The Lord had repeatedly warned them about this disaster for twenty years through Jeremiah. Tragically, they did not listen to His words. While some of the people eventually returned from exile, the nation, in general, paid a terrible price for their sin.

Are We Still Ignoring God's Message?

One might think that we are past the days when those who reject God would blatantly destroy God’s Word, but we must remember that we live in a sin-broken world. We might feel as if we are relatively protected today in our society for people becoming as angry as King Jehoiakim became. Is this because people are responding differently, or is it because the message of repentance and salvation is not being proclaimed? A July 14, 2023, CNN News Post reveals how people view God’s written word in a “modern” society. It was reported that “Swedish authorities have approved a protest involving the burning of Torahs and Bibles outside the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm.” Perhaps we aren’t as immune to people responding negatively to God’s message as we think. 

What can you learn from Jeremiah regarding sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ?

How should believers respond to those who try to destroy God’s Word?

Examine your own life to consider if you have “torn out pages in God’s Word and tossed them in the fire” because you didn’t like what God said to you. 

Consider whether or not your lifestyle reflects the actions of Jehoiakim. Are there things you are doing, saying, thinking, or not doing, saying, or thinking that communicate that you have “torn out pages in God’s Word and burned them”?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

What are some good practices or habits you were taught by family or others that you continue to practice today? For example, you might have been taught to always say “thank you.” Are these practices something you desire to see passed on to other generations? Lifeway's Explore the Bible Study: Faithful Obedience (Original title: Worthy) introduces a nomadic clan of Israelites who were known for following certain practices that had been passed down to them for almost 250 years! 

They were called the Rechabites. Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35 took place during the reign of King Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim’s rule was between 609–597 BC. This was during the first of Babylon’s attacks against Jerusalem, when the prophet Daniel was taken into exile (2 Kings 24:1-4; Daniel 1:1-6).

Jeremiah describes a time when God commanded him to have a very public discussion with the Rechabites. Jeremiah delivers a message that draws a sharp contrast between the Rechabites who faithfully obeyed the commands of their earthly father and the children of Judah who had failed to obey and honor the commands of their loving heavenly Father. 

As you examine chapter 35, consider your own faithfulness to the Lord.

Who Were the Rechabites?

The Rechabites were descendants of Rechab (or Recab or Rekab). They were related to the Kenites; thus they were related to Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro (see Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11). For over 250 years they had been together as a small clan in the nation, and their lifestyle resembled that of the Nazirites (Numbers 6:1-21). They lived in the southern deserts (1 Samuel 15:6) and in Israelite territory (Judges 4:17; Judges 5:24).

Jonadab was the main leader who instituted the separatist lifestyle. Jonadab is portrayed as a zealot who helped Jehu rid Israel of Baal-worship after the time of Ahab (2 Kings 10:15–27).  Jonadab put in place some specific commands because he desired for his clan to return to the simplicity of the nomadic life, and to be protected from “lax living and allurements to idolatry that plagued Israel in city life,” (Source: Charles L. Feinberg, “Jeremiah,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 6) . 

His people were to abstain from wine, and they were to not put down roots by building houses, sowing seeds, or planting vineyards (Jeremiah 35:6-7).

With the fall of the northern kingdom (Israel), they moved south into Judah. When the Babylonians invaded Judah, they sought refuge in Jerusalem, yet still followed the commands of Jonadab, especially with regard to the drinking of wine. 

Chapter 35 begins with the Lord instructing Jeremiah to, “Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them to one of the chambers of the temple of the Lord to offer them a drink of wine” (Jeremiah 35:2). This sets the stage for a powerful object lesson. As God directed, Jeremiah to set jars filled with wine before his guests and invited them to drink wine! Their response to this invitation would reveal the true purpose of this encounter as God provided a living illustration of loyalty in action.

A word of caution as you examine this passage. 

• First, the purpose in God’s actions is NOT to force the Rechabites to compromise their standards. God is going to use the faithful commitment of the Rechabites to their ancestors’ commands to contrast the lack of faithfulness Israel and Judah had toward the commands of God.
• Secondly, this passage is not intended to emphasize abstinence from alcohol. There are other passages that provide a more adequate defense regarding the dangers of alcohol abuse. However, we can’t ignore the fact that Jonadab’s prohibition communicates his concern related to the connection between alcohol and compromise for the Rechabites, who lived under the influence of a sin-broken society. If this passage is used to teach abstinence from alcohol, then the prohibitions related to not building houses, sowing seeds, and planting vineyards must also be treated equally.
• Thirdly, we must be careful as we contrast the faithfulness of the Rechabites versus the disobedience of the rest of Judah. Both parties were part of the larger covenant people of God. To contrast the Rechabites’ faithfulness as that of pagans worshipping their ancestors versus the people of Judah not worshipping God is not an accurate comparison.

Simply put, "Jeremiah used the occasion to contrast their faithfulness to the commands of a dead ancestor with the faithlessness of the people of Judah to the commands of the living God." (Source: F. B. Huey, Jeremiah, Lamentations, vol. 16, The New American Commentary)

With that background, let’s look at what happens, and the lessons God teaches through the faithfulness of the Rechabites. 

Unfaithfulness Condemned – Jeremiah 35:5-17

The Rechabites refused to drink wine because they were committed to a lifestyle of abstinence.  Additionally, they affirmed that they had obeyed Jonadab in every way. Notice also that their commitment to their ancestor’s instruction was absolute and included entire families: we . . . our wives . . . our sons and daughters. No one had drunk wine, and they had not built houses. They possessed no vineyard . . . field . . . or seed. 

When their circumstances changed, the Rechabites, who lived in tents in the open country, sought the safety inside the walls of Jerusalem because they faced certain capture or death from the army of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  The Rechabites were only in Jerusalem due to pressing circumstances. Otherwise, they would have remained in their tents. They had not compromised their principles, and if the siege lifted, they would resume their nomadic lifestyle. 

Then God directs His message to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, many of whom had witnessed Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites. He noted how the Rechabites had carried out their ancestors’ commands and faithfully obeyed those instructions over many generations. That very day, they had refused Jeremiah’s invitation to drink wine because of their great respect for Jonadab. 

Meanwhile, the residents of Judah could not be bothered to obey and honor their Creator and Provider. He points out their constant disobedience and their constant refusal to accept God’s warnings. Jonadab’s descendants had followed his instructions, but God’s people had failed to heed His persistent calls, “time and time again.”

If the command of a mere man, Jonadab, was respected and obeyed by his family for over two centuries, why didn’t the people of Israel and Judah obey the command of Almighty God—a command that the prophets had repeated over and over again? 

The sons of Jonadab passed the test and refused the wine. The public nature of the ceremony, the presence of their entire clan, the prominence of the prophet, and the proximity of the temple all added pressure to drink the wine. Jeremiah held up the Rechabites as an example for Judah to emulate. 

God wanted the best for His people and expected faithful obedience from them.  Sadly, the people of Judah refused to listen to God. God’s final statement in verse 17 is something we should all strive to avoid God saying about us. He emphatically stated again, “I have spoken to them, but they have not obeyed, and I have called to them, but they did not answer.”

What warning signs might God give today to believers when they aren’t obeying or are not answering Him?

But what about the Rechabites? How would God deal with them. Was following the traditions of Jonadab something that God would respect. Jeremiah 35:18-19 reveals how God would honor the Rechabites because their actions were deemed as a means to honor the covenant relationship they had with the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel.

Faithfulness Commended – Jeremiah 35:18-19

God commended the house of the Rechabites, who had provided a wonderful example of faithful obedience. God said the Rechabites would never fail to have a man to stand before me always. God promised to bless Jonadab’s line because of its faithfulness. The Rechabites’ family line would always have a place in God’s service.  “To stand before” is a technical expression which includes a sense of privilege in the very act of serving.

Remaining Faithful in a Challenging Culture

The Rechabites stood firm against assimilating into the culture of the time. They were commended by God for their faithfulness and obedience to their father. God desires His people to live in obedience and steadfastness to Him. Had the people of God in Judah honored God with their faithfulness, there would not have been a need to contrast their disobedience with the obedience to traditions exemplified in the clan of the Rechabites.

How might this be expressed today? 

When you observe professing Christians’ commitment to church traditions or healthy lifestyle traditions, how should you respond based on God’s treatment of the Rechabites? 

Should you be quick to criticize them, or should it drive you to evaluate if your commitment to the Lord is as strong as the commitments others have made to their traditions? 

While we might be quick to criticize the unwavering commitment of some professing Christians to live a life we might perceive as legalistic or “too traditional,” we should be careful to not point the finger at their commitment without first examining our commitment to Jesus Christ. If we are not obeying or listening to God when He calls for us to examine our hearts and our actions, then we are aligning ourselves with the people of Judah who refused to listen and obey God.

Back in 2000, 23-year-old Cornealious Anderson III, nicknamed Mike, was arrested for robbing a Burger King at gunpoint. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison, released on bail, and told to await orders on when to show up to serve his time. The orders never came. Due to a clerical error, Anderson never went to prison.

But instead of using his freedom to commit more crimes, Anderson started his own construction business, became a youth football coach, and volunteered at his local church. He also got married, had three children, and became a well-liked member of his community.

Thirteen years later, the state discovered their error and put Anderson behind bars for nearly one year. As the case received international coverage, an online petition for his release gained more than 35,000 signatures.

After a court hearing that lasted a mere 10 minutes, the judge conceded that Anderson was a changed man and granted him credit for the years he should have been in prison. A teary-eyed Anderson walked out of the courthouse with his wife and daughter, telling reporters that he was grateful to God. (Source: https://listverse.com/2016/01/24/10-incredible-real-life-stories-of-redemption/)

This video provides you with more of Cornealious's story.

How does this story of redemption help you understand God's redemption despite your sin?

While God’s message through Jeremiah has primarily been about judgment, the focus now shifts to the exciting days of redemption and restoration. In Jeremiah 31, God’s plan of redemption is described. As you examine Jeremiah 31:23-34, consider the way God has provided redemption for you even though you are guilty because of sin.

God’s Redemption is Restorative—Jeremiah 31:23-26

The Sovereign Lord of Armies and the Personal Covenant God of Israel spoke of the coming day when His people would be restored. 

• The redemption of God’s people after their judgement means there would come a day when they would be brought back to the land from which they were taken. In this redemption process their fortunes would be restored. 
• They would once again speak a blessing in the “land of Judah and in its cities.” It was a blessing they once spoke as they enjoyed God’s presence, and they would once again speak it upon their return. 
• God’s righteousness would characterize their towns and villages, and God’s Mountain. Judah and Jerusalem would be called a “righteous settlement and a holy mountain.” 
• God’s redemption would be available to “Judah and all its cities” including its farmers and shepherds. The blessing of God’s redemption was available to all.
• God’s redemption would restore the empty and tired soul replacing it with hope and peace.

Jeremiah was not in the best of circumstances. He had been preaching judgment, the exile of Judah’s people had already begun, and more disaster was coming. He had been ridiculed, rejected, and persecuted. Yet, this dream of the restoration of God’s people gave him a “most pleasant” sleep.

God has revealed His redemptive plan for restoration to us through His Word. How can knowing God’s redemption plan give us a “most pleasant” sleep? How can it encourage us to keep telling others about God’s redemption?

The promise of restoration should bring believers peace and pleasure. God has promised to be with His people through each challenge life brings (Matthew 28:20). Sometimes those challenges come from our own sinful choices, but the promise of restoration provides the certainty of His redemption, which is available to all who turn to Him in faith. Additionally, when we wonder if telling others about the redemption available through Christ is really making an impact, we can be sure that telling others about God’s redemption will make a difference to those who respond.

After Jeremiah awakes from this pleasant sleep, he declares some exciting news.

God’s Redemption is Productive—Jeremiah 31:27-30

God’s redemption would not only restore, but it would produce fruit. In this case, that fruit would be the multiplication of the Jewish people and their livestock. It was not men, by their own effort, that would produce this fruit. It would be God who “will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of people and the seed of animals.” It was as if God was planting fields of “people seeds” and “animal seeds,” which eventually would populate the entire land.

We can learn from Jeremiah 31:28 that God cannot and will not ignore sin. A Holy and Righteous God can’t ignore sin. Sin has consequences. Therefore, God reminds His people that there was coming a time when they would be exiled for 70 years because of their sins. God would deal with His people’s disobedience. He used strong words to describe His actions as He watched over Judah’s demise: uproot, tear them down, demolish, destroy, and cause disaster. However, the second part of the verse highlights God’s restoration. After overseeing their judgment, He would watch over them to build and to plant them.

Even though redemption would be provided and available, we are still reminded that God will and must punish sin because He is holy, and we are not. Sin and holiness cannot coexist in the presence of God. The God who pronounces judgment upon His crowning creation for their sins, also provides the only means from which man can be redeemed. Therefore, we should understand that God is not a cold-hearted God who only passes judgment for sin. His discipline and judgment for sin and His plan of redemption are indicative of His character of being a loving, yet just God.

We also see in this passage, and the first passage we examined, the beautiful picture of how God restores and makes our lives productive when He redeems us. Yet, God still reminded his people that personal responsibility for sin could not be ignored.

What does Jeremiah 31:29-30 communicate regarding how you should approach your own choices to sin? Do you expect God to restore you and make you productive without taking responsibility for your sins? 

A common saying in Judah’s last days was “the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Today, lots of people play the “blame game.” They excuse their sin by saying, “This is just the way I am” or “I had a terrible upbringing.” While our past experiences can influence our situation, God’s Word still affirms we are responsible for our actions. Jeremiah confirmed the truth of personal responsibility: each will die for his own iniquity.  He affirmed that anyone who eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge. Defiant sinners would bear the consequences of their own sins. (ETB Leader Commentary)

Finally, we see that God’s Redemption is Comprehensive—Jeremiah 31:31-34

Not only did God’s message to His people describe redemption in the context of how God would restore the Israelites to their land and make them productive again, but it pointed to another day in the future— “the days are coming.” God announced that at a time in the future, He would make a “new covenant.” 

God’s activity with His crowning, yet sin-broken creation, throughout the Old Testament pointed to the “new covenant.” Every covenant after the fall and ruin of humanity pointed toward God’s ultimate redemption plan. It was revealed as God made various covenants.

• The Abrahamic Covenant promised to Abraham and His covenant descendants a land, a nation, and a blessing to extend to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3).
• The Mosaic or Sinai Covenant gave Israel the law, the sacrifices, and the choice of blessing or curse (Exodus 19).
• The Davidic Covenant that promised an everlasting dynasty, a perfect ruler, and the Promised Messiah (2 Samuel 7).

What did the previous covenants reveal about the sin nature of man? How would the new covenant be different from other covenants?

God’s plan of redemption through these covenants is completed and perfected in this “new covenant.” Every action of God throughout history and every covenant He made revealed the complete brokenness of man, his inability to save himself through good works, and the need for redemption that was only available from the covenant God. This “new covenant” would be comprehensive in that it would be complete, and only God could provide and sustain it for eternity. 

• The new covenant is transformative from the inside out. God would change the minds and hearts of those connected to Him by the new covenant.
• The new covenant brings a new relationship with God—"I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Those connected to God by the new covenant have a personal and close relationship with God.
• This new covenant would be revealed to all mankind. No one would be without excuse before Holy God. God’s covenant would be made known and available to all mankind, but receiving it was not automatic.
• The new covenant brings true and complete forgiveness and cleansing from sin. The sacrificial system under the old covenant could only cover sin and its guilt; the new covenant brings forgiveness so complete that it could be said that God no longer remembers the sin of those connected to Him through the new covenant. The fact that God would  “forgive their [our] iniquity and never again remember their [our] sin” is truly incomprehensible in a world where everyone desires retribution for sins committed against them.

God's Provision for Your Redemption

Jesus revealed that He was the One who would institute the new covenant in Luke 22:20—"In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Jesus specifically instituted this new covenant by His death on the cross. Hebrews 8 tells us that the redemption provided by this new covenant is far superior because it was Jesus, God’s Son who provided it: “But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.”

Let’s revisit Cornealius's story. While Cornealius was out on bail, he still had a crime hanging over his head. While he was out, his life did change. He did good things and tried to make a new life. But the crime was still hanging over his head. He was still guilty of a crime. While he did good works, he couldn’t redeem himself. It took a judge declaring him “redeemed” for him to really be a free man.

And, when you are pronounced redeemed by God, you are given a new relationship with Holy God and a promise that your sins are no longer hanging over you for eternity.

Do you know of individuals who are still trying to fix their sin-broken lives through means other than receiving the redemption that the new covenant offers through Jesus Christ? How can you communicate with them the value of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ? 

Perhaps you are the one who needs to be redeemed by Christ. Consider talking with someone in your church or group, or with God Himself regarding your need to receive redemption through Jesus Christ for you sins.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

According to dictionary.com, “new normal” is used to describe a current situation, social custom, etc., that is different from what has been experienced or done before but is expected to become usual or typical. Chapter 29 of the book of Jeremiah includes a letter from the prophet to the Judean exiles, now numbering over 10,000 already living in Babylon. Those living in captivity were facing a “new normal”—living in captivity in a foreign and pagan land. The Explore the Bible Study: New Normal is an adjusted title from the original study provided by Lifeway entitled "Present." It focuses on the "new normal" that the Judean exiles were facing in Babylon.

They would be in exile for 70 years so God instructs Jeremiah to encourage the people to adjust to their new normal and gives instructions regarding how they can honor Him. These are the events taking place in Judah during this season of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry that led to the writing of the letter to those in captivity:

King Jehoiakim (609 BC)

• When Judah’s evil king Jehoiakim began his reign, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to proclaim judgment—chapter 26. Jehoiakim was one of the last kings of Judah before the Babylonian Captivity and 2 Kings 23:37 tells us that Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight, so God sent the Babylonian army to capture and enslave them. 
• Jehoiakim was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, who put him in chains and carted him off to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:6). It was at this time that Daniel and his three friends were also taken to Babylon (Daniel 1:1–2). 
• Jehoiakim was later returned to Jerusalem, although he had to act as Nebuchadnezzar’s servant for three years and pay tribute to him. Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Kings 23:36; 2 Chronicles 36:5). 
• In the eleventh year of Jehoiakim’s reign, he stopped paying tribute to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar responded by besieging Jerusalem. According to Josephus, Jehoiakim was killed during the siege, and his body was thrown over the city wall.

King Jehoiachin (Also known as King Jeconiah, 597 BC)

• Jehoiachin was the son of Jehoiakim and succeeded him as the new king in Judah. He only reigned three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9) before he, too, was taken to Babylon.
• This is the second deportation of Jews from Jerusalem in which Nebuchadnezzar took ten thousand others into exile, leaving only the poorest behind, and he raided the temple (2 Kings 24:13–14; 2 Chronicles 36:10). 
• The exiles included “King Jehoiachin, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths [from] Jerusalem.” (Jeremiah 29:2)
• Jeremiah’s letter probably arrived shortly after the exiles did, though many would not want to receive the words he wrote.

Sources: ETB Leader Commentary and GotQuestions – Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin

As we examine Jeremiah’s instructions regarding how they were to live in the context of their “new normal,” imagine he is speaking to us as well. Consider how we should live as believers in a culture where “new normals” exist. Consider how we can live our faith in the context of the “new normals” we face.

Live Fruitful and Productive Lives – Jeremiah 29:4-7

Notice Jeremiah’s opening remarks. He reminds the reader this isn’t a letter from him personally but a letter containing the instructions given to him from the “Lord of Armies, the God of Israel.” Not only does God remind the exiles that He is sovereign but that He is also in control of human events. While it was Babylon that conquered Judah and deported its population, Nebuchadnezzar merely served as God’s instrument of judgment. But, while they were living in these conditions, God had instructions for them that could strengthen their faith, their witness, and prepare them for a time when they would return from exile.

How would you live if you thought your “new normal” was only temporary? How would you live if you knew your “new normal” was going to be for a long period of time?

Notice how the Lord’s instructions regarding living fruitful and productive lives were paired together and indicated that their “new normal” wasn’t temporary. The exiles were to:

1. “Build houses and live in them” – Live denotes a longer stay.  They were not renting houses until the circumstances changed. They were building houses and planning on living in them, indicating a long period of time.
2. “Plant gardens and eat their produce” – Planting and eating also indicate a long period of time, especially if the things planted included orchards or groves of fruit trees.
3. “Find wives . . . and have sons and daughters” – Again, God is communicating that this new normal was going to last a long time. They were to marry and have children, which communicates a long period of time.
4. “Multiply there; do not decrease.” – The ETB Leader Commentary describes this command in this way: “In times of impending disaster, people might consider not marrying or having children, lest they experience more sorrow or suffering in captivity. Consequently, God’s message really carried a glimmer of hope. . . Jeremiah said to settle in and enjoy their grandchildren.”
5. “Pursue the well-being of the city . . . Pray to the Lord on its behalf.” – The exiles weren’t to become isolated or self-centered as they lived out their faith in exile. They were to be witnesses to the culture in which they lived by pursuing the well-being of the city and praying for the city. The Judeans’ welfare was now bound up with Babylon’s welfare, so praying for their enemies would serve them well.

Which of these commands would you find difficult to obey had you been a Babylonian exile? Which of these commands would be difficult to obey today? How would following these commands be a demonstration of faith in God?

Next, the Lord warns the people to not embrace quick fixes from false teachers. 

Ignore quick fixes from false teachers – Jeremiah 29:8-9

The wording Jeremiah uses indicates that the people were already hearing and being led astray by the false teachers including false prophets and diviners. 

These false teachers probably proclaimed they had a “fresh word from the Lord.” They created false teachings based on individuals’ dreams by stating that the dreams were messages from God, even when they contradicted messages from His true prophets. During this “new normal” it’s apparent that the people were grasping at anything that could to give them hope, yet Jeremiah assured them such words had no foundation in reality or in God’s truth.

In what ways might “new normals,” the circumstances we face personally or in our nation, cause us to pursue false teachings? What are some examples of teachings that try to provide quick fixes to our “new normals”? How can we know when something is false?

Today many dynamic teachers claim to speak for God, but we must always examine their messages against the truth of God’s Word. Additionally, if someone says something that sounds good, makes sense, or seems to provide a quick solution to a problem, we must filter what is being said through the truth in God’s Word. Even if it sounds like a quick fix to a difficult situation, it isn’t always biblically sound.

God didn’t leave the exiles hanging regarding the length of their “new normal.” He did promise deliverance in the future and even gave them a timeline. As believers, we know that any “new normal” is still temporary.

We have hope in spite of difficult “new normals.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14

The Lord affirmed that after seven decades in Babylon, a blessing would come. They had hope that restoration would take place because of God’s promises and their special relationship with Him.

Read verses 11-14 and consider how this picture of restoration could give you hope as you strive to adjust to the “new normals” you are experiencing in life. Which promise in this passage gives you the greatest hope?

God’s directing hand would lead His people home, just as He had led them to Babylon. God always has a plan for restoring His wayward people. His plan for the exiled people of God should give us hope as we face the perils of this life today. Whether it’s because of our own sin, or the collective sin of society, or just because we live in a broken world that is continually in turmoil, we have hope in Christ that, one day, we will be rescued. However, as we wait, we must learn to live faithfully for Christ in the “new normals” we face.

Responding to the "New Normal" with faithfulness

As we close, consider those who did live faithfully in their “new normal” as a Jewish exile in Babylon. Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were some of many who were chosen from the exiled to be trained in the ways of the Babylonians. Following three years of training they were put into the king’s service (See Daniel 1:1-6). Despite this “new normal” they remained faithful to God and their faithfulness became a witness to an entire nation.

GotQuestions.org describes Daniels faithfulness in this way:

“he exercised great integrity and, in doing so, received the respect and affection of the powerful rulers he served. However, his honesty and loyalty to his masters never led him to compromise his faith in the one true God. Rather than allowing it to be an obstacle to his success, Daniel’s continual devotion to God brought him the admiration of the unbelievers in his circle. When delivering his interpretations, he was quick to give God the credit for his ability to do so (See Daniel 2:28). 

Daniel’s integrity as a man of God gained him favor with the secular world, yet he refused to compromise his faith in God. Even under the intimidation of kings and rulers, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God. . . As a result of his devotion, Daniel found favor with man and with God (Daniel 9:20-23).”

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Daniel.html

Based on this passage, what are some ways we can encourage one another to live faithfully despite the difficult “new normals” we might face individually or as a culture? 

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

Download Word Version

LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources.