Study Desk

Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the Lord .

"Therefore," says the Lord , "I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me.

I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the Lord !'

I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people. I, the Lord , have spoken!

Then the Lord said to me, "Now tell them, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: Drink from this cup of my anger. Get drunk and vomit; fall to rise no more, for I am sending terrible wars against you.'

Perhaps they will listen and turn from their evil ways. Then I will change my mind about the disaster I am ready to pour out on them because of their sins.

As for me, I am in your hands—do with me as you think best.

For these men have done terrible things among my people. They have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and have lied in my name, saying things I did not command. I am a witness to this. I, the Lord , have spoken."

For I am with you and will save you," says the Lord . "I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished."

Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my oldest child.

"I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!"

King Zedekiah had put him there, asking why he kept giving this prophecy: "This is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to hand this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will take it.

"I am the Lord , the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?

"From the time this city was built until now, it has done nothing but anger me, so I am determined to get rid of it.

"Go to King Zedekiah of Judah, and tell him, ‘This is what the Lord , the God of Israel, says: I am about to hand this city over to the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down.

Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, "I am a prisoner here and unable to go to the Temple.

"But I am afraid to surrender," the king said, "for the Babylonians may hand me over to the Judeans who have defected to them. And who knows what they will do to me!"

But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don't want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you—go wherever you like.

‘Stay here in this land. If you do, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you. For I am sorry about all the punishment I have had to bring upon you.

Do not fear the king of Babylon anymore,' says the Lord . ‘For I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power.