PILLARS OF WISDOM - FOUNDATIONAL CLASSES 11TH AUGUST 2019

TOPIC: STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE

SUB-TOPIC: JEREMIAH, EXILE AND VESSELS - PART 1
INTRODUCTION
Here are a few basics to note as we begin this study:
1. Although the Bible was not written to you, it was written for you. Several books
in the Bible initially appeared as individual historical accounts and letters
written by God’s chosen to specific audiences. However, having been inspired by
God, the Word is quite relevant for you too; recall the exhortation in 2nd
Timothy 3:16-17.
2. The Bible is full of natural mental associations with deep spiritual
connotations. Metaphors and parables are widely used. Why? 1st Corinthians 15:4:
First having an understanding of the natural, then gaining deeper insight into
spiritual concepts. God often uses metaphors to speak to us e.g. in dreams.
3. Study the Bible in context. Understanding the Biblical context helps us obtain
clarity and correct interpretation of the original message. With time, precept
is laid upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little - Isaiah
28:10.
Let us keep this verse in mind: Romans 9:20-21:: “Nay but, O man, who art thou that
repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast
thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to
make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” As we delve deeper into
this study, you will soon discover that God views you as a vessel.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND (PRE-EXILIC ERA)

Fall Flood Call of Descending Exodus Wilderness

of man Abraham to Bondage from
(Egypt) Goshen
4004 BC Settling
2348 BC 1921 BC
1706 BC 1491 BC in Canaan
BC

Fall of Split United Era of

Jerusalem/ Kingdom Kingdom Judges
Judah’s Exile Era Era

931 BC 1051 BC 1451 BC

586 BC
BC BC BC BC
In Deuteronomy 17:8-20, Moses “prophesied” about the coming of judges, and later,
kings among the Israelites. Moses passed on the leadership baton to Joshua and
died. After Joshua, there was an evident gap in leadership succession, which
somewhat gave way for sin to be the order of the day in Israel, and consequent
overpowering by enemies like the Philistines (Judges 2:8-15). God raised several
notable judges to deliver the Israelites after they cried to Him (Judges 2:16).
Samuel and his sons were the last judges in Israel (1st Samuel 7:15 and 8:1). As
prophesied, the Israelites demanded a king (1st Samuel 8:5), which led to Saul bein
g appointed as the first king.
After the reigns of Kings Saul, David and Solomon in the united Israel Kingdom, the
kingdom split by God’s divine plan (1st Kings 11:29-40 and 12:22-24). From the time
of King Solomon, the Israelites grossly disobeyed God and drifted away from the
instructions in Deuteronomy. Consequently, evil became the order of the day in the
land. God called and sent several prophets to remind the people to return to His
Ways, the first love, and how He delivered them from Egypt and gave them abundance
in Canaan, but they did not hearken. They were stiffnecked. Finally, God’s wrath
was greatly kindled against all the Israelites. The next time God spoke, it was
about His wrath and judgement, and afterwards mercy ☺.
JEREMIAH - STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK

The entire book has 52 chapters. It is a very graphic book and contains a lot of
anthromorphism (*use of human traits to describe the attributes of God). Jeremiah
was the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin
(2nd Chronicles 34:9) in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He began prophesying in
627BC, during the 13th year of the reign of King Josiah son of King Amon. His
prophetic ministry spanned the reigns of 4 other kings (Kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim,
Jehoiachin and Zedekiah); and he prophesied all the way into the exile of the
Israelites who dwelt in Judah.

Courtesy of Archaeological Bible

When we closely examine the book of Jeremiah, the first chapter is a record of how
God called Jeremiah, foreordained him to be a prophet to the nations, and gave him
such a powerful mandate. Chapter 2 sets the stage for the discussions in the book.
We are given an overview of how zealous the Israelites were to God, typical of how
we ourselves usually are immediately after salvation (verse 2-3). God also holds
accountable the fathers, priests, law-keepers, pastors and prophets (verse 8). Then
God speaks of the 2 chief evils that the Israelites committed: Forsaking God, the
fountain of the living waters; and Hewing out broken cisterns that can hold no
water. They are likened to an adulterous man who does not drink water from his own
cistern - the cistern of God (Proverbs 5:14-20). Vessels that hold no water!
God then asks a pertinent question (verse 14). A servant is an easy target for the
enemy. Let us strive to remain as sons in the Kingdom, and not servants. When you
deviate and observe traditions and idolatrous practices, you make the Word of God
of none effect. You automatically denounce your sonship in the Kingdom and become
as a servant (Galatians 4:1-10; Mark 7:9,13). God then pronounces judgement over
Judah, as a result of gross disobedience, amounting to idolatry, because of their
cold hearts towards God (Jeremiah 15:4). He asks why they did not learn from their
sister Israel (Jeremiah 7:11-12). Notice that Jesus makes reference to Jer. 7:11 in
Matthew 21:13 & John 2:14-17. God also makes judgement over the Priests,
Law-Keepers, Pastors, Prophets and Shepherds at large. Finally, God pronounces
judgement over other nations (Jer. 46-51).
God did not allow Jeremiah to marry because of the coming calamities in the land
(Jeremiah 16:1-4). Point of reflection: Has God with-held some things from you in
this life or season? Owing to the heavy prophetic messages he delivered, Jeremiah
suffered diverse afflictions. He was a weeping prophet. His first lamentations are
recorded in 2nd Chronicles 35:25, when he watched as faithful King Josiah perished.
He was also deeply grieved because his own kinsmen (from Anathoth) plotted his
death (Jer. 11:20-23). He was beaten and put in the stocks by Pashur the son of
Immer the priest (Jer. 20). Stocks were a common mode of punishment. Other Biblical
authors also speak of stocks (Acts 16:24; Job 13:27; Proverbs 7:22).

He also underwent the same predicament in King Zedekiah’s hands when he was accused
of treason and was imprisoned by being cast into a miry dungeon (Jer. 37, 38:6). He
ended up quite emotionally drained because he had clearly seen the destruction of
Judah and Jerusalem in visions. He begins lamenting in Jer. 4:19-31; continues in
Jer. 8:18-22; complains in Jer. 12:1-4. He became “Job” to his own job ☺☺. But God
answers him in his lamentations.
Jeremiah was the author of the book of Lamentations, which he wrote post 586 BC. He
greatly mourned about the captivity of Judah (Lamentations 1:4). But he also speaks
of God’s mercies which are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). God does not
cast off forever, even though He causes grief (Lamentations 3:31-32). Lamentations
4:10 is in concordance with 2nd Kings 6:28-29 and Lamentations 5:7. Children were
caught up/ consumed in the punishment of their mothers and fathers. The next
generation is often adversely affected by our disobedience to God. They bear harsh
consequences but it is up to us to make firm and bold decisions to wholly serve God
in spirit and in truth (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and John 4:23-24).
Now, what do we need to learn concerning vessels?
God views you as a vessel with capacity to hold content. Question is, what is the
content within your package? God calls us to be vessels of honour.
God’s Counsel is wholly involved in the design of vessels of honour. Notice how God
gave very specific instructions on how vessels of both the Tabernacle and Temple
should be. Although they were made out of ordinary materials, they were to be
coated with silver, gold or brass (like the wooden poles coated with gold and
resting on silver stands). In essence, we (like wood – consider tree) are often
ordinary people before we encounter God. He then redeems us (silver), refines and
tries us so that we become clothed with His glory (gold),representative of vessels
unto honour and noble use in His Kingdom (1st Cor. 3:11-15; 2nd Timothy 2: 20-21).
Vessels of honour have to go through fire. Proverbs 25:4:: You are the vessel and
God is the Finer...but the dross has to be dropped first. Distinction must be made
that there is first wilderness, and then exile follows. The Israelites had already
experienced the salvation journey and wilderness experience. Wilderness helps you
to put away the old man (Ephesians 4:22-24 & 2nd Corinthians 5:17), and take on the
full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11-28). Dross was still part of the Israelites, and
God dealt with this dross through the exile.
Vessels of honour are as clay in the potter’s hand (Jer. 18:1-6) - After pronouncin
g judgement on sinful Israelites, they go to exile. Yet God is still merciful. He
promises not to make an end in the destruction of Judah (Jer. 4:27). The vessels
have gone through much refinement; they become vessels of honour. God makes a New
Covenant with the people, and the Covenant is now open to all, both the Jews and
the Gentiles (Hebrews 10:1-17). Now, God is the Potter and we are the clay. It is
absolutely possible that a vessel can be marred while in the hands of the Potter.
But because the vessel is operating within the Perfect Will of the Potter/Maker,
Romans 8:28 applies.
Vessels of honour must have the ability to abide in God and His Word. LONGEVITY.
Like Doves.
Some characteristics of doves:
1. Focus/Vision - Doves are known for their precise flight patterns and vision.
The Holy Spirit searches and sees the deep things of God (1st Corinthians 2:10).
2. Peaceful – Doves are among the most peaceful and harmless birds in nature.
3. Consistency - Doves drink water without raising their heads, until they are
full at that time. Are you consistently drinking water from the source God has
told you to? John 8:35
4. Unity/Agreement - Both the male and female doves build the nest, and take turns
to incubate the eggs ☺☺☺. Both the males and females participate in feeding
the young ones, as both have the capability to secrete some kind of milk from
their oesophagus, called “crop milk”.
5. Make use of available opportunities and resources – They reuse nests and
usually take up the nests abandoned by other birds. Question of location.
“Where are you?” God asked fallen man. Have you abandoned your abode/home?
6. Because they are generally harmless, they usually retreat to rocks in case of
danger. Where do you turn to amid the storms and fire of this life? Turn to the
Rock, Tower of Refuge, Chief Cornerstone.
7. Fruitfulness – Doves are known to spend their lives mating. They have a very sh
ort gestation period of 18 days of eggs hatching after they are laid. The
females also usually lay 2 or more eggs simultaneously ☺. Are you bearing
fruit in the Kingdom of God? John 15
8. Environment – Doves adapt very well to all kinds of environment, but you cannot
find them in areas of extreme conditions like deserts and Antarctica
(unfruitfulness is the order of the day in these environments).

Another question: What kind of vessels did the Israelites become due to the Exile
experience?
Jeremiah is sent by God to give messages of hope to the Israelites in Jer. 29 – 33.

Consider the book of Esther, as it was written during the Exile period. Haman: What
becomes of you when you think of yourself more highly than you ought to? Romans 12:
3. In the Book of Esther, the Israelites did not have to be reminded about seeking
God to save them from the hand of evil Haman. Exile is the fastest way to send you
praying and fasting your way to breakthrough!

After the exile, the vessels that were under the Babylonian system were restored
back to the temple. Needless to say, it seemed as though a second deliverance/
salvation occurred (Ezra 5:13-17).

Question is, are you in wilderness or exile? If you haven’t experienced any of
these, prepare, for a time is coming...

God bless you all ☺ …..Teacher Atlanta Kufwafwa

Gold is symbolic of God’s kingship, glory and holiness, and silver represents redem
ption (consider lives exchanged for silver coins for example). The holy place of Go
d’s presence is lined and coated and covered with gold. The poles were made of wood
, but were covered in gold, and rested in silver stands. Is this like us (wood) coa
ted in gold (God’s own holiness) because we stand in the redemption (silver) of Yes
hua’s sacrifice? Certainly there is a clear divide: gold inside, bronze outside. So
what have we got right outside the holy place of the tabernacle? The altar, on whic
h animals were sacrificed to atone for sin, and the enormous “sea” or laver of pure
water, to cleanse and purify. Before a priest could go into the holy place, into th
e presence of God, first they needed the blood, and then the water. The atonement a
nd the cleansing from sin. To be covered and clean. The sin and uncleanness was dea
lt with at the bronze altar and the bronze sea.

SOME METAPHORS UNRAVELLED

Quite a number of metaphors are used in the book of Jeremiah. As we look at the str
ucture and patterns in the book, we shall also explore deeper meanings of these met
aphors, as the Holy Spirit leads.

Almond tree (Jer. 1:11-12) - An almond tree is mentioned in verse 11.

Faces and the heart of man (Jer. 1:8,17; 5:3b; 17:9) - The heart of man is depicted
as having many faces (not 1 face).

Wild or strange vine (Jer. 2:21) -

Jeremiah 13:26 - “Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy sham
e may appear.” Have you ever dreamt that you were (or someone else was) naked? Pict
ure of being unravelled or exposed; in other words, shame. Shame can become an alta
r. If your fear God and obey Him, to keep all His Ways, you cannot be put to shame
(Jeremiah 17:13).

Jeremiah - False prophets are symbolized as. This perfectly merges with the “head”
and “tail” explanation in both Deuteronomy 28:13 and Isaiah 9:15.

Horse (Jer. 5:8 & 8:6) - Comparable to Psalms 32:8-9. 1st Chronicles 12:32. Are you
lacking understanding, pursuing your own course? Proverbs 4:7; Isaiah 50:4; James 3
.

Water theme in Jer. 18:14 - Being rooted in God and His Word is equated to being re
freshed by “cool waters”. This is also alluded to in Psalms 46:1-4 and Isaiah 55:1.
Now, consider Revelations 3:15-16. What really is being lukewarm, and why is Jesus
associating His people with extreme temperatures of either hot or cold? One common
contention is that we either hate or love God; that being hot is associated with ha
ving great zeal for God and being cold means not loving God. BUT THIS COULD BE A MI
SLED INTERPRETATION. Even the world knows such things...You hear phrases like “that
’s a cool guy” or “she's hot”. Let us delve just a little bit deeper. Ancient Laodi
cea, to whom the message was written, was a very wealthy province of Asia in the Ro
man Empire, and greatly flourished in the textiles, banking and medical industries.
They were quite self-reliant, some “Pharisees” of sorts. Even after experiencing a
major earthquake in 60AD, Laodicea refused Nero’s offer to help them rebuild, and t
hey recovered on their own. This self-reliant attitude, particularly in wealth, is
challenged in Revelation 3:17-18. This kind of attitude is also spoken of in Lanent
ations 4:1-2 : unrefined gold.

Therefore, God used language they understood to point out this weakness that could
be some kind of a “Tower of Babel”. Laodicea had 2 other cities (Colossae and Hiera
polis) in its neighbourhood. The 3 cities were supplied by the same source of the L
ycus River, but each of them had distinct water. Hierapolis had hot water beneficia
l for therapeutic purposes and Colossae had cold water for a refreshing drink, but
Laodicea’s piped water was just lukewarm, and best suited for use in the textile in
dustry. Laodicea's lukewarm water had the same personal value that complacent membe
rs of the Laodicean church had to the cause of Christ.

If you are “hot”, you bring healing to the Body of Christ. If you are “cold”, you r
efresh the thirst for God in this generation. But woe unto you if you are lukewarm.

Question to you: Are you self-reliant? Are you busy making strategic plans (Proverb
s 6:6-11; Proverbs 30:25), or living as the birds of the air (John 3:8) with true t
reasure in the Kingdom of God? Are you avoiding the school of God, and denying Him
an opportunity to chasten and refine you? This is equated to being lukewarm. Selah.

God bless you all.

Teacher Atlanta Kufwafwa