Jeremiah 41-42

Jeremiah 41-42

Chapter 41: Ishmael kills Sedaliah

Ishmael (of royal seed) executes his conspiracy against Gedaliah and his companions. Ishmael also attempts to carry away the Jews who were with him as captives to the Ammonites. Johanan recovers them, and proposes fleeing with them into Egypt.

Chapter 42: Jeremiah promises peace if they obey

Johanan and the remnant of the people desire Jeremiah to ask counsel of God what they should do. Jeremiah says they will be safe in Judah, but face destruction in Egypt. Jeremiah expresses his disapproval of their hypocrisy in asking advice they have no intention of following.

Jeremiah 39-40

Jeremiah 39-40

Chapter 39: Jerusalem is taken captive

In the ninth year of Zedekiah, Jerusalem is broken up by the Babylonian forces. Zedekiah is blinded, and his sons killed. Jeremiah is spared, and sent home to dwell among his people. Ebed-melech is also spared.

This is where I find the story of Zedekiah VERY interesting;

“And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men or war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night… But the Chaldeans’ army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho… they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon… where he gave judgment upond him… the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah  before his eyes… Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon…” (Jeremiah 39:4-7)

Why is this so interesting? Because we can learn more about this story in the Book of Mormon..

In Omni 1:15-16, we read; “…it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out of Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them…” (Omni 1:15-16)

We also learn from another book in the Book of Mormon that “Mulek” one of Zedekiah’s sons was actually not slain and fled with this same group of people that we know now as the Americas. (see Heleman 6:10 and 8:21)

Chapter 40: Gedaliah, Governor of the Jews

                Jeremiah puts himself under the jurisdiction of Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, who has been made the governor of Judah. Johanan acquaints the governor of a conspiracy against him, but no one believes him. Jeremiah is freed.

Jeremiah 37-38

Jeremiah 37-38

Chapter 37: Jeremiah Prophesies of Egypt

                Zedekiah succeeds Coniah, the son of Jehoiakim, in Judah. Zedekiah does evil in the sight of the Lord. The kings send a message to Jeremiah, and Jeremiah replies, foretelling the return of the Chaldean army, who will take and burn the city. Jeremiah, in attempting to leave Jerusalem, and retire to his possession in the country is seized as a deserter and cast into a dungeon.

Chapter 38: Jeremiah in the dungeon

The princes of Judah, taking offense at Jeremiah on account of his predicting the destruction of Jerusalem, cause him to be cast into a deep and miry dungeon. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian, gets the king's permission to take him out. Jeremiah advises the king, who consulted him privately, to surrender to the Chaldeans. The king promises that he will not put Jeremiah to death, and requires the consultation secret.

Jeremiah 35-36

Jeremiah 35-36

Chapter 35: Blessings for Obedience

The Lord commands Jeremiah to go and test the obedience of the Rechabites by essentially tempting them with wine. However after having wine placed before them they tell Jeremiah and those that are with him; “…We will drink no wine: for… our father commanded us… Ye shall drink no wine…” (Jeremiah 35:6) So even after being tempted they resisted and obeyed the commandment of the Lord. This is something we should learn from… even after temptation and perhaps peer pressure or pressure from the world to do something that goes against God’s commandments… WE CAN HAVE THE STRENGTH TO SAY NO!

The Lord commends and blesses the Rechabites, who obey the Lord by staying sober and not partaking of any wine.  Their obedience is contrasted with Judah and Jerusalem.

Chapter 36: Roll or Book

Word comes to Jeremiah in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim. Using Baruch as his scribe, Jeremiah writes down his prophecies. Baruch reads them publicly upon a fast day in the temple, where the princes hear him, and decide to tell the king of what they are preaching while at the same time advising both Jeremiah and Baruch to hide. Jehoiakim has the roll thrown into the fire, and orders Jeremiah and Baruch to be seized. The Lord conceals them and then later commands Jeremiah to rewrite the roll, and denounces the burning of the roll.

Jeremiah 33-34

Jeremiah 33-34

Chapter 33: The Seed of David

                Word comes to Jeremiah in prison. Israel and Judah will be restored to the favour of God, so all the world shall be astonished. A Lord of righteousness shall gown from the branch of David, ensuring happiness and stability under his government.The Lord assures us; “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Chapter 34: The Jews will be scattered

                Words comes to Jeremiah while Zedekiah is fighting against Babylon. Judah will be given to the Babylonians, yet Zedekiah shall die in peace. A further prophecy, reproving the Jews for their conduct towards their Hebrew slaves, whom they released in times of danger, but compelled to return to bondage when they thought the danger over. God threatens them with the sword, pestilence, and famine, and with the return of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 31-32

Jeremiah 31-32

Chapter 31: Israel shall be gathered

                The northern kingdom will be restored. Rachel is represented rising from her tomb, lamenting, but then being consoled by the thought of future restoration. Ephraim repents, and is reconciled. Peace and prosperity returns to the posterity of Jacob. There shall no more be sour grapes, because they shall all know the Lord.

                We learn about forgiveness of the Lord because in verse 30 it reads; “But everyone shall die for his own iniquity…” (Jeremiah 31:30) and then later we read; “…I [God] will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34). So here we learn that not only can we be forgiven of our sins, but that we cannot be punished for the sins of others!

Chapter 32: The Lord will gather Israel

                Word comes to Jeremiah in the tenth year of the reign of Zedekiah, during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is imprisoned, and God tells him to redeem a field in Anathoth through his cousin Hanameel. The contract is delivered to Baruch. The contract is used by God as a sign that the Jews will once more possess their land after the Babylonian captivity. An everlasting covenant will be made.

Jeremiah 29-30

Jeremiah 29-30

Chapter 29: Prophesying Falsely

                Message to captives: build houses, have children and settle. The captivity will last for seventy years. Jeremiah speaks against two false prophets, Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and Zedekaih, the son of Maaseiah, who prophesied a speedy end to the captivity. He also rebukes Shemaiah the Nehelamite, who complains about Jeremiah’s message.

Chapter 30: Christ will Reign

                In the Last Days a Promise of Restoration is made. David will be restored unto Judah. Peace and propersity. David (Christ) their King will rule over them

Jeremiah 27-28

Jeremiah 27-28

Chapter 27: All Nations to serve Babylon

Word comes to Jeremiah in the reign of Jehoiakim. The Lord tells Jeremiah to put bands and yokes upon his neck, and to send them to the neighboring countries who want Judah to join in on a war against Babylon. Submission to Babylon is advised . We are advised not listen to false prophets and dreamers. Those who submit will be allowed to live in their own land. Zedekiah is advised not to go to war against the Babylonians.

Chapter 28: Hananiah Prophesies Falsely

                Word comes to Jeremiah in the reign of Zedekiah. Hananiah breaks Jeremiah’s yoke, and says that in the same way, the Lord shall break the yoke of the Babylonians. The Lord replies that a yoke of wood may be broken, but not the yoke of iron which will be imposed. Hananiah dies as a punishment for his rebellion against the Lord.

Jeremiah 25-26

Jeremiah 25-26

Chapter 25: The Last Days: War

Word comes to Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. Because Judah has not hearkened to the prophets, it will be captive in Babylon for seventy years. After these seventy years, the king of Babylon will himself be punished. All nations are made to drink of a cup of wine, become drunken, spew, fall and rise now more. The dead shall not be lamented or buried. These nations that will fall and rise no more will be a result of wars in the last days.

The Lord sends his servants “…the prophets…but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.” (Jeremiah 25:4)

Chapter 26: Not worthy of death

                Word comes to Jeremiah in the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim. Jeremiah makes a call to repentance in the court of the temple. The priests and people take objection to this, but the memory of Micah, who persuades Hezekiah to repent, stays their hands. Jeremiah is protected by Ahikam the son of Shaphan. Another prophet, Urijah, prophesies against the city. He flees to Egypt, but Jehoiakim’s men bring him before the king and slay him.

                The prophets speak out to the evil people saying: “Therefore not amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God…” (Jeremiah 26:13) Essentially telling the people that if they repent and do not hurt the messengers of God (the prophets) that God will kindle his anger.

Being a Menace to Society: 25 and Single in the LDS Church

Being a Menace to Society:

                I just turned 25 years old today and got to thinking about my current status of being “single”. So, what is it like to be 25 years old and not married? Well depends on whether you are part of the world or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you are part of the world, you are still young and have PLENTY of time to get married. No rush, No worries!

However, I, being a member of the LDS faith can now be classified as a “menace to society”! Brigham Young once said… “Any young man who is unmarried at the age of twenty five is a menace to society”.

                But wait… did he REALLY say that? I searched the web and came back empty handed! Sure the quote exists, but it uses any age from 21-30 in place of “25”, however it does seem as if “25” is the most popular age used in the quotes… the problem? There is never a source to any of the quotes!

                I did find one interesting piece of the “puzzle”… On May 31, 1963, speaking at the Commencement Exercises as President of Brigham Young University, Ernest Wilkinson stated:

                "Of the men graduating tonight, 62 per cent are married; 38 per cent unmarried. Of the 472 women graduating, 23 per cent are married; 77 per cent single. As to the single men, I need merely to repeat the admonition attributed to Brigham Young, “Every man not married and over twenty-five is a menace to the community.” I asked Dr. Lyman Tyler yesterday if he would document this for me, but he said he had been trying to document it for years; he had given up, so you will have to accept it either on faith, or as apocryphal."

                So there you have it! It might have never been said by Brigham Young, but is it encouraged in the LDS church to be married by that age? Not exactly, but the principle is the same…. MARRIAGE is important and is not something that should be put off forever!

                Upon careful research I found a little more into the statement,  and something that can actually be verified as being true! George Q. Cannon, a church apostle, said in 1878: “I am firmly of the opinion that a large number of unmarried men, over the age of 24 years, is a dangerous element in any community.…”

                So wait, I have already been a menace for a year?!?! So confusing! But now I can really reflect on how it is to be 25, Single and LDS. Let me tell you that the feeling is not great. The church pushes marriage so much, because without marriage so many blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be forfeited. While being single in the LDS church is not easy, and makes the entire experience an extreme test of faith… I must remember that…

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace… He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the workthat God maketh from the beginning to the end… I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him… for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-17)

For now I just have to stay positive and know that God has a purpose for everything, and sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to go. But in the end God will reward those who were faithful in this life or the next.

Jeremiah 23-24

Jeremiah 23-24

Chapter 23: False Prophets

Woe to those that have scattered the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. A king shall arise from the branch of David, and he shall be called the King of Righteousness (Jesus Christ). Jeremiah writes; “Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man…” (Jeremiah 23:9) The priests and prophets of Judah are wicked, and divine vengeance is hanging over them. The people should not listen to their false promises: they will face destruction if they do.

Jeremiah continues to write about the land being filled with evil and “…swearing…” (Jeremiah 23:10) which goes to show that keeping your words clean is important to God. Jeremiah writes that “…both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness…” (Jeremiah 23:11) The so called prophets of the Lord have “…caused my [God’s] people Israel to err.” (Jeremiah 23:13) But the Lord counsels the people that are hearing the false prophets; “…Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say… unto them… Ye shall have peace; and they say unto you everyone one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” (Jeremiah 23:16-17)

The world today is filled with prophets/pastors who say that as long as you profess the name of the Lord you shall be saved. It doesn’t matter what you do! But in reality, it does matter what you do! If you don’t make proper choices, like following all of God’s commandments, your calling of the Lord in your heart is in vain.

Jeremiah tells us that “…in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.” (Jeremiah 23:20). Jeremiah was right! We are in the latter days and we are seeing it happen, perfectly, all around us. I hear you can’t do wrong, and if for some reason you do… confess the name of God in your heart, accept Him as your Savior and you will be freed from sin! Do you realize what kind of lies are being taught? The people are being misled and because of the false teacher/preacher/pastor/prophet they are causing the Lord’s people to err.

So if there are so many False Prophets, how do we know which ones are TRUE messengers of God? Well this is where we get into a very unique LDS Doctrine. In the past God has called prophets, like Jeremiah for instance, but God knew that they would not believe him, so He gave Jeremiah “fruits” to prove that he was a messenger of God. Jesus speaks of these False Prophets and gives a formula for proving their truthfulness… “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17)

Jesus tells us that good prophets (men who are called of God, and given His authority to act and speak in His name) will bring forth good fruits, and bad or FALSE prophets will show forth evil or rotten fruit. It goes on to say “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruity… Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:18,20)

In the LDS church, we have a church that was RESTORED. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the RESTORE church of Jesus Christ. God restored HIS church through the hand of Joseph Smith and continues on this day with a living Prophet and Apostles. No other church on earth has this, the Authority and power of God is back on the earth! How can you know this to be true? God gave Joseph Smith a “Fruit” to prove that he was truly called of God. This fruit is known as the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the Ancient record of the people of the Americas, which was buried for thousands of years! God told Joseph Smith the location of this ancient buried record and had him translate it from an ancient language. The Book of Mormon is the fruit. If anyone wants to know the truth of these statements they must read the Book of Mormon and ask God themselves to manifest the truthfulness of this message.

A FREE copy of the Book of Mormon can be ordered here: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon

Chapter 24: Jews shall be scattered and cursed

A vision after Jeconiah had been taken away captive: good figs and bad figs. The good figs symbolize those the Lord shall preserve in captivity, and the bad figs Zedekiah, his princes, the residue of Jerusalem, and those that dwell in Egypt. A scattering of people will occur.

Jeremiah 21-22

Jeremiah 21-22

Chapter 21: Judged by Works

Vision when Zedekiah was king  he was given advice to submit to Nebuchadnezzar’s forces and live, rather than fight against them and die. Those who stay in the city shall die, but those who go out and submit to the Chaldeans shall live.

God instructs us that He will “…punish you according to the fruit of your doings…” (Jeremiah 21:14) or in other words, we will be judged for our works!

Chapter 22: Pastors will be confounded

The king of Judah must execute judgment and righteousness and protect the needy. If he does not, his house shall become desolation. All nations shall marvel at the desolation. Shallum (Jehoahaz) the son of Josiah will die a captive. Coniah (Jeconiah) the son of Jehoiakim will be given to them that seek his life, and his seed will be forever excluded from the throne.

“Woe unto him…. That useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work.” (Jeremiah 22:13)

This shows us that we must not steal and must also not expect anything for free. This reminds me a lot of people who think that they deserve a handout instead of a hand-up. We should never mistreat our neighbor.

In the last days hate will be preached and false teachers will arise, of these Pastors God said; “The wind shall eat up all thy pastors… surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.” (Jeremiah 22:22)

Jeremiah 19-20

Jeremiah 19-20

Chapter 19: Eating Flesh?

                Judah and Jerusalem will be broken as a potter’s vessel, because they have forsaken the Lord. The Lord will cause evil to fall upon them and the land will be made desolate, and the people will eat the flesh of their children.

                “…I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and stratness…” (Jeremiah 19:9) Because of their evil the will be forced to resort as a last means of survival to eat those who have perished.

Chapter 20: Jeremiah is smitten

Pashur, governor of the temple, smites Jeremiah and places him in the stocks. When Jeremiah is taken from the stocks, he curses Pashur, and tells him he will die in captivity. Jeremiah resolves to prophesy no more, but the word of the Lord is in his heart like a burning flame, and he is not able to stop prophesying.  He prophesies that all Judah shall be taken captive to Babylon. In a very Job-like manner, Jeremiah curses the day he was born.

Jeremiah 17-18

Jeremiah 17-18

Chapter 17: Keep the Sabbath Day

Judah is fatally inclined to idolatry. The happiness of the man that trusts in the Lord is contrasted with the man that trusteth in man.

“…Cursed be the man that trusteth in man… and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5) God alone knows the deceit and wretchedness of the heart of man. A comparison is made between a bird's hatching the eggs of another species, which will soon forsake her, and the vanity of them is ill-acquired riches. Jeremiah talks of his sincerity, and prays that the evil intended him by his enemies may revert on their own heads. “Let them be confounded that persecute me…” (Jeremiah 17:18)

God will always fight our battles for us, if we follow His commandments. Therefore if someone is persecuting you, for what you believe… the Lord will protect you, by confounding them!

Jeremiah tells us that the people “…say unto me, Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now.” (Jeremiah 17:15) Those who believe in the Word of God and know when something is from God, because they can feel His spirit, will know and accept the Book of Mormon as Word of God. The “Word” of God is not limited to the “Bible”, the Bible is indeed part of the Word of God, but is not His complete record or Word.

 “…hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein.” (Jeremiah 17:24)

                In Jeremiah 17:22-27 we read about the importance of the keeping the Sabbath Day holy. The Lord speaks to us through the writings of Jeremiah saying that we must not do any work on the Sabbath Day. This means that we should not be working to make money or make others work. We can however serve or do things that relax us and put us closer to God.

Chapter 18: Repent and God will Repent

                The house of Israel is like clay in the hands of a potter. The inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem are invited to repent; their refusal is as unnatural as someone preferring the snowy Lebanon or barren rock to a fruitful plain, or other waters to the cool stream of the fountain. Those who continue to do in evil in the sight of the Lord will be punished, and those who repent will have the anger and wrath of God withheld from them. A conspiracy is formed against Jeremiah, who appeals to God, and curses his enemies. The Jews will be scattered.

Jeremiah 15-16

Jeremiah 15-16

Chapter 15: Jerusalem shall be destroyed

                The sword, famine and captivity are promised, as punishment for the sins of Manasseh, son of Hezekiah (Jews). Widows shall mourn and languish. Jeremiah complains about being made to deliver such un-welcomed messages, for which too he is un-welcomed. Jeremiah pleads his sincerity, and asks pardon. God promises to protect him. Jerusalem will be destroyed.

Chapter 16: The Restoration

Due to the evils which threaten, Jeremiah is forbidden to marry or have a family, or to share in the joys and sorrow of his neighbors, which will be forgotten in the calamities that their sins will bring on them. The utter ruin of the Jews is foreseen and Israel will be rejected for serving false gods. Fishers and hunters will appear to bring them back to the truth of the gospel (missionaries) and the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be Restored for the last time.

Jeremiah 13-14

Jeremiah 13-14

Chapter 13: Israel and Judah shall not

The Lord tells Jeremiah to place his girdle in the hole of a rock at the Euphrates. After a couple of days, it is marred. The Lord tells Jeremiah that after this manner will He mar the pride of Judah. The house of Israel and Judah cleaved unto me as a girdle cleaves unto a man, but is now good for nothing. The elite of Judah will destroy each other in drunkenness. Give glory to the Lord, before he changes light to darkness.

The Lord Counsels: “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken.” (Jeremiah 13:15) In other words… DON’T BE PRIDEFUL!

Chapter 14: The Lord will not hear thy prayers

Jeremiah surveys the famine, and admits iniquities on behalf of his people, providing a model of repentance. The Lord tells Jeremiah not to pray for his people. False prophets are rebuked. Jeremiah prays on behalf of the people once more.

Jeremiah 11-12

Jeremiah 11-12

Chapter 11: The Lord heareth not

The Lord reminds Judah of the consequences of breaking the Mosaic covenant. Judah is a green olive tree which will be burnt, and its branches broken. The Lord will punish by sword and famine the men of Anathoth who seek Jeremiah’s life.

Chapter 12: Learn the ways of Israel

The wicked take root and grow. The Lord has left His heritage, which has been spoiled (by Israel). His people have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns. After they have been plucked from the land, they will be restored to their heritage; however this promise is conditional upon obedience.

                Because in the group of the Israelites there exist Pastors who the Lord says have “…destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” (Jeremiah 12:10)

Jeremiah 9-10

Jeremiah 9-10

Chapter 9: Sinful people will be punished

Jeremiah says: “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” (Jeremiah 9:1) The people will be scattered among the heathen, and given wormwood and gall for sustenance. Let not the wise or the mighty glory in their powers. Let he who glories glory in the Lord. The circumcised will be punished alongside the uncircumcised – Israel is uncircumcised in its heart.

The sinful people of Jeremiah’s time and the modern world: “…they bend their tongues like their bow for lies; but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

Chapter 10: Learn not thy heathen!

                The house of Israel acts idolatrously, consulting the heavens, worshipping trees, making graven images. False gods have not made the heavens and the earth. The Lord both suffers and is also full of destructive anger.

Jeremiah 7-8

Jeremiah 7-8

Chapter 7: Repent!

                Jeremiah told to stand at the temple gates and order those entering to repent. The Lord says that the temple has “…become a den of robbers...” (Jeremiah 7:11). The people have rejected the prophets and reject their words, the words of God. The Lord will do to the temple what he did to Shiloh. The people perform offerings in an unacceptable foreign manner. There are high places in Judah. The voice of mirth shall go from Judah and Jerusalem.

Chapter 8: Calamities shall fall on Jerusalem

                The bones of the kings, princes and priests of Judah shall be exhumed and left for dung upon the face of the earth. “Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed time; and the turtle and the crne and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 8:7) The land will become barren. The people will proclaim that they are wise but the Lord questions this; “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain… they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” (Jeremiah 8:8-9) Serpents and cockatrices shall bite. 

Jeremiah 5-6

Jeremiah 5-6

Chapter 5: Sin= Less or No Blessings

                Judah’s iniquities are recounted. It will be destroyed by a strange nation whose tongue is unknown. Their “…prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them…” (Jeremiah 5:13) They continue to serve strange gods. The Lord calls out to Judah; “Hear now this, O foolish people and without understanding; which have eyes and see not; which have hears and hear not: Fear ye not me? Saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence…” (Jeremiah 5:21-22) The people of Judah did not listen to the Lord. Because they have strayed from His path and committed sin the Lord calls out; “…your sins have withhoden good things from you.” (Jeremiah 5:25) Because of evil and sin, the Lord can and will hold blessings that could be yours. If we are not willing to the live the Gospel and follow the Lord’s commandments he is not bound to bless us.

In Doctrine and Covenants we read “I, the Lord am bound wjem ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10) So if we strive to do what is right and generally do what is right, we are entitled to more blessings from the Lord and He will not have to withhold those blessings from us. However, in the case of Judah they have strayed from the Lord and therefore the Lord will not protect it.

Chapter 6: Jerusalem shall be destroyed

Jerusalem will be made desolate, because they did not hearken unto the word of the Lord.

“To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? …behold the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.” (Jeremiah 6:10)

 In the Last days, like Jerusalem the people will become ashamed of the word of the Lord and will no longer listen. Because of this Jerusalem with be destroyed and punished for its transgressions by a nation from the north. This nation is cruel and will have no mercy. Repent.

Jeremiah 3-4

Jeremiah 3-4

Chapter 3: Gathering of Israel

                Israel is compared to an adulterous husband. In the days of Josiah, the Lord speaks about the high places in Israel, and about how Israel was punished. Judah, far from taking Israel’s as a cautionary tale, played the harlot also, and pretended to turn to the Lord.

It mentions that people “…committed adultery with stones and with stocks [wood].” (Jeremiah 3:9). Essentially people were having sexual relations with objects.These people were abusing the power of procreation for their own pleasure. An appeal is made for Israel to acknowledge transgressions, and be restored. In the last days the Lord shall gather all nations and bring them to Jerusalem. However, we learn that not everyone in a family will be gathered to Zion; “…I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” (Jeremiah 3:14) This means that everyone in the family will need to be righteous in order to make it to Zion in the last days.

Chapter 4: Repent!

                The Lord appeals to the men of Judah and Jerusalem to circumcise their hearts. Mourn and repent – an evil is coming from the north. It mentions the people who are not following he Lord as “…foolish, they have not known me, they are sottish [drunken: in the habit of drinking far too much alcohol] children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” (Jeremiah 4:22) The land will be spoiled. “…all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the Lord…” (Jeremiah 4:26) and the “…heavens above be black…” (Jeremiah 4:38). This will be the state of the world at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

Jeremiah 1-2

Jeremiah 1-2

Chapter 1: Jeremiah Foreordained

                Jeremiah is the son of Hilkiah, of the priests of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. He prophesied from the days of Josiah to the captivity. The Lord tells Jeremiah that he was ordained to be a prophet and that he knew him before he was born.

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

This tells us two things; God can preordain someone and you must be ordained of God to be a Prophet, you can’t just assume that role. Secondly, we learn that there IS a life before this earth life, where we lived with God… because he knew us before we are placed in the womb.

 Jeremiah is anxious he is a child, and cannot speak. The Lord touches his mouth, so he will be a prophet unto the nations. The Lord’s plans are compared to the branch of an almond tree – comes to fruit quickly. Jeremiah sees a boiling pot facing the north – an evil shall break forth from the north against the inhabitants of Judah. Jeremiah will be protected as he prophesies.

Chapter 2: The Jews reject everything

                Although pious when it first entered the Promised Land, Israel has forsaken the Lord and gone after other gods. Its own retreat from God will be its punishment. From a right seed, Israel has become a degenerate vine. They say to stock [wood], “…Thou art my father…” and to a stone, “…thou hast brought me forth [birthed]…” (Jeremiah 2:27)  Israel sinfully presumes itself to be innocent.

                The people of Israel say: “…Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. Why gladdest thou about so much to change thy way? …” (Jeremiah 2:35-36)

                We need not to forget that God has His ways and we cannot turn our backs on what we know… sinning with knowledge and then think that God will forgive us, because we are “innocent” and that we have made a mistake. Surely God will forgive, but if we knowingly sin and then just thnk we will ask for forgiveness and that will be the end, we are slapping God in the face.

Summary of Isaiah

Chapter by Chapter:
Isaiah 1-2: Zion and the Restoration/Temples in the Last Days
Isaiah 3-4: Judah and Jerusalem are Punished/Zion Shall be Cleansed
Isaiah 5-6: The Apostate of Israel/Isaiah Sees the Lord
Isaiah 7-8: Ephraim and Sariah Wage War/Turn to God for Guidance
Isaiah 9-10: A Child is Born/Few People Shall be Left
Isaiah 11-12: The Lord Shall Raise an Ensign/In the Last Days God will be among us
Isaiah 13-14: The End of the World/Lucifer is Cast Out!
Isaiah 15-16: Moab shall be Laid Waste/Messiah Shall Sit on David’s Throne
Isaiah 17-18: Israel is Scattered/The Scattered People
Isaiah 19-20: The Lord Will Smite Egypt/Assyria Shall Overrun Egypt
Isaiah 21-22: Babylon is Fallen!/A Nail in a Sure Place
Isaiah 23-24: Tyre Shall be Overthrown/Men Shall Change the Scriptures
Isaiah 25-26: Tyre shall be overthrown/Men Shall Change the Scriptures
Isaiah 27-28: Israel Shall Fill the Earth/Revelation
Isaiah 29-30: The Book of Mormon/Rejection of Prophets
Isaiah 31-32: The Lord will Defend his People/The Messiah – The Restoration
Isaiah 33-34: The Stakes of the Church/The Second Coming
Isaiah 35-36: Babylon is Fallen!/A Nail in a Sure Place
Isaiah 37-38: Hezekiah and Isaiah/Hezekiah’s Life is added to
Isaiah 39-40: Hezekiah reveals his truth/Run and Not be Weary
Isaiah 41-42: Be Not Affraid/Isaiah Speaks to the Lord
Isaiah 43-44: Jesus is our only Redeemer/Why worship objects?
Isaiah 45-46: Come unto Christ/Idols are not to be compared to God
Isaiah 47-48: Babylon and Chaldea shall be destroyed/The Lord reveals His purposes
Isaiah 49-50:  Messiah = Light unto the Gentiles/Isaiah shall have a tongue of power
Isaiah 51-52: The Lord shall gather Zion/Zion shall return
Isaiah 53-54: The Atonement of Jesus Christ/Zion and Her Stakes in the Last Days
Isaiah 55-56: Salvation if Free/Keep the Commandments
Isaiah 57-58: No peace for the wicked/The Law of the Fast
Isaiah 59-60: Israel is separated from God/Israel shall be Restored
Isaiah 61-62: In the Last Days, God will restore His Church/Lifting the Gospel Standard
Isaiah 63-64: We shall accept Jesus as our Father/Salvation at the Second Coming
Isaiah 65-66: The Millennium/All wicked shall be destroyed

Current Scripture:  Summary of Isaiah

Summary of Isaiah:

The Book of Isaiah is the first of the Latter Prophets in the Hebrew Bible, preceding Ezekiel, and Jeremiah.The first 39 chapters prophesy doom for a sinful Judah and for all the nations of the world that oppose God, while the last 27 prophesy the restoration of the nation of Israel and a new creation in God's glorious future kingdom.

The prophet Isaiah, whose name means "Jehovah is salvation," was the son of Amoz (Isaiah 1:1), not to be confused with the prophet Amos. He prophesied during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. During the span of Isaiah's ministry, Judah underwent great periods of change. His call came in the last year of King Uzziah's reign, about 740 BC. Uzziah was, generally speaking, a good king and had brought to Judah a degree of wealth and power which she had not known since the time of Solomon. With these accomplishments, however, came sin, corruption, oppression and religious formalism. While gaining materially, Judah had deteriorated spiritually. Uzziah was succeeded by his son Jotham, who also sought to encourage the worship of Jehovah but who failed, as had his father, to break down the high places of idolatrous worship. Ahaz followed Jotham and set about to replace the true worship with devotion to heathen idols.