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Jeremiah 45

5 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah’s message to Baruch mixes lament and warning, predicting the destruction of earthly works and personal peril.

Summary

In Jeremiah 45, the prophet delivers a letter to Baruch, who has expressed deep sorrow over God’s added grief. God addresses Baruch’s lament, declaring that the structures and plants he has built will be broken and uprooted, symbolizing the destruction of the nation. He warns Baruch against seeking personal gain, telling him that while his life will be spared, it will be a prey wherever he goes. The passage illustrates God’s judgment on the land of Judah and the personal consequences of human actions.

Outline
  1. Jeremiah’s letter to Baruch in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign
  2. God’s response to Baruch’s lament and proclamation of judgment on the land
  3. Warning against personal self‑interest and the fate of Baruch’s life
Themes
divine judgmenthuman lamentprophetic warning
Keywords
JeremiahBaruchLordgriefsorrowjudgmentdestroyplantbuilding
People
JeremiahBaruchJehoiakimJosiah
Places
Judahthe whole land
Things
buildingplantgriefsorrow
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 45:1: Introduction of the prophetic message
  • Jeremiah 45:4: God’s declaration of destruction and judgment
Questions
  • What does the lament “Woe is me now” reveal about human experience with divine suffering?
  • How does the promise of destruction of physical works reflect the spiritual state of Judah?
  • In what ways does God’s warning to Baruch about personal gain apply to contemporary faith practices?
  • What might “prey in all places” mean for those who live in places of conflict?
  • How can believers balance personal lament with trust in divine providence?
Sentiment

mixed
contains both sorrow and warning