Introduction
Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles by the command of God. He wrote the letter around 598 BC. Babylon had already invaded Judah and Jerusalem twice (605 and 598 BC) and taken captives each time. There would be another invasion and deportation later.
This letter was delivered by way of Elasah, a diplomat who carried correspondence between Zechariah and Nebuchadnezzar.
The First Letter, vv. 1-23
A. The Person and place, v. 1: Jeremiah writes this letter from Jerusalem.
B. The Parties and Purpose, vv. 1-23: Jeremiah writes to the Jewish exiles in Babylon for two purposes:
1. To Comfort and Instruct, vv. 4-14
a. Build, plant, marry, raise children; you will be there for 70 years, vv. 4-7, 10.
b. After 70 years, God will bring you back to Judah and prosper you, vv. 11-14.
c. Don’t believe the lying prophets who say differently, vv. 8-9.
2. To Condemn, vv. 15-23: Jeremiah warns the exiles about two groups of people who will be punished by God.
a. First group, vv. 15-19: Those in Judah living sinful lives will be punished severely by God.
b. Second group, vv. 20-23: Those lying and immoral prophets in Babylon, like Ahab and Zedekiah, will be punished severely by God.
The Second Letter, vv. 24-29
A. The Person and Place, v. 24: Shemaiah, a false prophet in Babylon, writes this letter.
B. The Parties and Purpose, vv. 25-29: Shemaiah tells Zephaniah in Jerusalem that Zephaniah will:
1. Replace the high priest Jehoiada, vv. 25-26
2. Silence Jeremiah the prophet, vv. 27-29: put him in the stocks and neck irons.
The Third Letter, vv. 30-32
A. The Person and Place, v. 30: Jeremiah in Jerusalem writes a letter in response.
B. The Parties and Purpose, vv. 31-32: Jeremiah tells the exiles that God will judge Shemaiah and his family for his lying and wickedness.
Conclusion
We must be wise in discerning which prophet preaches the truth. We must test the spirits, 1 John 4:1-2.