Overview of Jeremiah: Thematic Analysis

Jeremiah’s God

The prophet Jeremiah had a constant mindset that God was always in control. For Jeremiah, the sovereignty of God was of most importance when trying to understand the events around him. He knew that God was the creator of the earth and knew that as that creator, nothing happened that he did not allow to happen, Jer. 4:23-26, 18:1-11. Jeremiah emphasized the sovereignty of God by emphasizing the sins of Israel and relating it to the holiness of God; this made the message of repentance focused upon the character of God, rather than being man-centered.

God’s Covenant

Jeremiah the writer understood that the people of God were to be in covenant with the holy and sovereign God. Jeremiah tried time and time again to call the nation of Israel back to God, knowing that the nation had become a whore by their sins.

Jeremiah learning from Moses

Jeremiah knew that his message came directly from the mouth of God for the people to turn back to God. Like Moses’ message preached to the Lord’s people in Deut. 1:9 and 18:18, Jeremiah called the people to return back to God and repent of their sins. Although in full authority from God, the people would not repent and come back to God in covenant.

God’s Hope for His People’s Future

Although his message was of wrath and judgment, Jeremiah still gave his hearers the hope of their God in Jer. 29:11. Jeremiah wanted the Lord’s people to see the mercy and grace of a God who always promised his people and that they still could repent. Later on, Jeremiah gives the hope of the Messiah in 23:5-6, 33:15-16, following the example of his predecessor, Isaiah, Isa. 4:2, 11:1, 10.

Key Doctrines

Sin- Israel’s sin and life in disobedience to God. Jer. 2:1-13, 23-37; 5:1-6; 7:16-34; 11:1-17; 17:1-4; 18:1-17; 23:9-40.

Judgment- 4:3-18; 9:3-26; 12:14-17; 15:1-9; 16:5-13; 19:1-15; 24:8-10; 25:1-38; 39:1-10; 44:1-30; 46:1-51:14.

Restoration- for Israel if they turn from their sin. Jer. 23:3-8; chapters 30-33.[1]