Introduction

The book of Jeremiah is an example of the consequences of the hardness of the heart toward the Word of God and the salvation that is found in Christ. It shows Judah and her leader’s astonishing disregard for the Word of God which leads ultimately to their exile. However, Jeremiah also shows the mercy of Yahweh, even in the midst of His judgment, promising a new covenant that is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In this way, Christians can further recognize the great gift they have been given in their regeneration and forgiveness of sins. 

The History of Jeremiah

Before getting into the theological themes of Jeremiah, it is helpful first to consider its textual and historical context. Textually, the book of Jeremiah is the second book in the major prophets, following the prophet Isaiah and before Ezekiel. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah focuses on Israel’s continual covenant unfaithfulness and God’s subsequent just judgment. However, it does not leave the reader there, speaking at length on the hope of the salvation of God and detailing the new covenant to come. It is also textually relevant to make mention that Jeremiah also has a strong connection to the New Testament, with the fulfillment of its promises of redemption found in Jesus.

Historically, Jeremiah finds itself at a low spot in Israel’s history, though it seems the Old Testament is consistently full of Israel descending lower and lower into their depravity. However, this is seen at a high point during the time of Jeremiah when, though Jeremiah pleaded with Zedekiah, the king of Judah, to surrender peacefully to Babylon, Zedekiah refused. This led to Judah being overtaken by Babylon, and even Jerusalem being taken, which is prophesied in chapter twenty-one and mentioned explicitly in chapter thirty-nine. This conquest of Babylon led to Judah entering into exile in Babylon and began their dispersion into the nations. This is one of the most clear, practical examples of the judgment of God on His people playing out in history.

The Hard-Heartedness of Israel

As mentioned previously, the depravity of Judah is seen clearly in the book of Jeremiah, especially in their responses to Jeremiah’s prophecy. In chapter thirty-six, when the prophecy is read to the king and his court, their reaction is extremely irreverent. As the prophecy was read, the king would cut off the scroll and “throw them into the fire in the fire pot” (Jer. 36:23), even when pleaded with not to burn the prophecy. As they heard the prophecy, they were not afraid, nor did they “tear their garments” (Jer. 36:24). This is a frightening level of disrespect for the Word of God.

Another theme seen in Jeremiah is the way that King Zedekiah handled the Word of Yahweh secretly. He continuously speaks to Jeremiah in secret and swears to him concerning Yahweh in secret. The prophecy was meant to be spoken to the people and obeyed, yet Zedekiah handles it in secret.

Lastly, Chapter forty-two shows another clear example of Juah’s blatant denial of the word of Yahweh. Yahweh says to Israel, “O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt’. Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day…” (Jer. 42:19). The “insolent people” of Judah respond, saying that Jeremiah is lying. And within a few verses of the command, the people of Judah came “into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the LORD,” (Jer. 43:7). 

The people of Judah seem to do everything wrong with the Word of Yahweh. God told them exactly what was coming so that they may be saved, yet their hearts are so hard that they cannot hear it. Even more than ignoring the Word of God, as was just seen, they at times hear the command of God and do the opposite, entering into the land of Egypt that God had explicitly commanded them not to do. 

What is even more striking is the response of the leaders of Judah to the Word of Yahweh. The king was meant to exercise godly leadership over God’s people. He was meant to lead God’s people in the way of Yahweh. Instead, Jeremiah shows leaders who think their way is better. Jeremiah shows leaders who lessen the Word of God and raise their own word as a higher standard. It shows leaders who are so hardened to the Word of God that they lead their people to their own destruction.

How many times do Christians interact with those who have hardened hearts to the Word of God? Jeremiah is a great example of continued perseverance in the midst of almost everyone around him telling him that he is wrong about who God is. Jeremiah stands for the Word, even when it seems everyone around him is against him. How many times do us Christians do the same as the leaders of Judah, hearing the Word of God in Scripture, yet believing we know better? The book of Jeremiah is a sobering reminder of the destruction that can come when that happens. Yet, thankfully, God did not leave Judah or Christians without hope. 

The Salvation of Christ

In the midst of Judah’s hardened rebellion against God and God’s just judgment on them for it, God Himself reveals the hope of their salvation. This is seen most explicitly in the promise of the New Covenant seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34. In these verses, God promises four aspects of a new covenant between Him and His people. First, Yahweh says He will “put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.” Secondly, He promises that, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Third, He says, “No longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.”  Lastly, fourth, He promises to “forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:33-34.) 

The fulfillment of this is seen explicitly in the finished work of Jesus Christ. In Christ, through the regeneration of the Spirit, the law of Yahweh literally dwells within His people. Where Israel could not keep the commands of God, the regeneration of the Spirit renews our hearts so that we can keep God’s commandments. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, Jesus purchased our redemption so that we can stand justified before a holy God. In this way, God can be our God and we can be His people with nothing standing between us. Because of our union to Christ and the new, regenerated heart the people of God are given, we all stand unified together. All the people of God know God and are united with one another, from the least to the greatest. Lastly, because we are justified by Christ’s perfect work and not our own, every last sin of the one in Christ is totally forgiven. No sin of anyone in Christ can be used against him. In these ways, Christians today experience the reality of the new covenant.

Conclusion

Because of Jesus’ work, the Christian’s old hardness of heart is not just forgiven, but it is softened! The Christian experiences the joy of the soft heart, with the ability to obey the commands of God. The Christian enjoys the mercy of God in the forgiveness of sin found the finished work of Christ for them. When we find ourselves in a moment of low disobedience, disbelieving the Word of God, we can run back to Him with no condemnation. This is the reality Jeremiah dreamed of and seemingly gave his life for. Therefore, we must not forget the mercy of God through the great work of Christ in our lives, living our lives as Paul says in Romans 12:1 as “living sacrifice[s], holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”