Series:   Jeremiah / Lamentations for Beginners
1 of 9 ›

Introduction to Jeremiah / Lamentations

By: Mike Mazzalongo     Posted: July, 2025
In this opening lesson, we will examine the prophet Jeremiah's background as well as his call to ministry and the historical, political, and thematic elements of his time. There will also be some introductory material about Jeremiah's companion book of Lamentations.
Sources

Primary Biblical Sources (NASB 1995)

1. Jeremiah's Call and Ministry – Jeremiah 1:1-19

2. Judah's Spiritual Decline

  • Idolatry and Unfaithfulness – Jeremiah 2:13, 5:23-31
  • False Prophets – Jeremiah 23:16-17
  • Superficial Religious Practices – Jeremiah 7:1-11

3. Political Background

  • Assyria's Decline and Babylon's Rise – Jeremiah 46:2
  • Judah's Trust in Egypt – Jeremiah 2:18, 42:14-17
  • Babylon's Invasions – Jeremiah 25:8-11, 39:1-10, 52:12-16

4. Key Themes in Jeremiah

  • Judgment for Sin – Jeremiah 26:6, 17:23
  • Call to Repentance – Jeremiah 3:12-14, 26:3
  • Hope and Restoration – Jeremiah 30:10-11, 31:31-34

5. Lamentations Overview and Themes

  • Grief Over Jerusalem's Fall – Lamentations 1:1
  • God's Faithfulness in Judgment – Lamentations 3:22-23
  • Repentance and Hope – Lamentations 3:40, 5:21

Historical and Theological Sources

6. Merrill, Eugene H., Mark F. Rooker, and Michael A. Grisanti. The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament. B&H Academic, 2011.

  • Background on Assyria, Babylon, and the political landscape during Jeremiah's time.

7. Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. InterVarsity Press, 2000.

  • Cultural and historical insights into Judah's alliances and religious practices.

8. Thompson, J.A. The Book of Jeremiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Eerdmans, 1980.

  • Detailed scholarly commentary on Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and themes.

9. Longman III, Tremper. How to Read Lamentations. IVP Academic, 2009.

  • Discussion on lament as a biblical literary form and its significance.

10.Smith, Gary V. Interpreting the Prophetic Books: An Exegetical Handbook. Kregel Academic, 2014.

Back to top ↑