Jeremiah the Prophet
Category: Prophetic suffering & perseverance in truth
Could avoid: Refuse God’s call, live a quiet life.
“Alas, Sovereign LORD… I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (Jeremiah 1:6)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 4:10; 1 Corinthians 1:27.
Chose: Accepted God’s commission.
“But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’” (Jeremiah 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 10:20.
Endured: Loneliness, beatings, imprisonment, rejection.
“I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” (Jeremiah 20:7)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 11:36; Matthew 5:11.
Why: God’s word burned within him.
“His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones… I cannot hold it in.” (Jeremiah 20:9)
Cross-Refs: Amos 3:8; Acts 4:20.
Result: His words preserved, foreshadowed the new covenant.
“The days are coming… when I will make a new covenant.” (Jeremiah 31:31)
Cross-Refs: Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6–13.
Baruch (Jeremiah’s Scribe)
Category: Loyal service & endurance in obscurity
Could avoid: Distance himself from Jeremiah to avoid danger.
“So Jeremiah called Baruch… and while Jeremiah dictated all the words… Baruch wrote them on the scroll.” (Jeremiah 36:4)
Cross-Refs: Romans 16:21–22; 2 Timothy 4:11.
Chose: Faithfully recorded and read God’s word.
“Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet told him to do.” (Jeremiah 36:8)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 17:14; Habakkuk 2:2.
Endured: Threats from the king, personal discouragement.
“The king burned it in the fire, piece by piece, until the entire scroll was burned.” (Jeremiah 36:23)
Cross-Refs: Acts 7:54–57; Revelation 1:9.
Why: Feared the LORD more than men.
“Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them.” (Jeremiah 45:5)
Cross-Refs: Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:19–20.
Result: Preserved the prophecy, received God’s personal promise of protection.
“I will give you your life as a prize of war wherever you go.” (Jeremiah 45:5)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 91:7; John 10:28.
Ebed-Melek the Cushite
Category: Courage in defending God’s prophet
Could avoid: Stay silent, protect his position in the palace.
“Ebed-Melek… heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern.” (Jeremiah 38:7)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42–43.
Chose: Pleaded with the king to rescue Jeremiah.
“My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah.” (Jeremiah 38:9)
Cross-Refs: Esther 4:14; Luke 23:50–53.
Endured: Risk of opposition from powerful princes.
“So Ebed-Melek took the men with him and lifted Jeremiah out of the cistern.” (Jeremiah 38:11–13)
Cross-Refs: Daniel 6:16–17; Acts 27:24.
Why: Believed God would protect him.
“But I will rescue you on that day… because you trust in me.” (Jeremiah 39:18)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 37:40; Hebrews 13:6.
Result: His life spared when Jerusalem fell.
“You will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 39:18)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 91:14–15; Revelation 3:10.
The Remnant in Exile
Category: Endurance in hope during judgment
Could avoid: Assimilate into Babylonian culture.
“This is what the LORD Almighty says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down.” (Jeremiah 29:4–5)
Cross-Refs: Daniel 1:8; Psalm 137:1–4.
Chose: Live faithfully in exile, seek the city’s peace.
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 2:12; Romans 13:1.
Endured: Displacement, false prophets, delay of return.
“Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you.” (Jeremiah 29:8)
Cross-Refs: Ezekiel 13:9; Matthew 24:11.
Why: Trusted God’s promise of restoration.
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:28.
Result: After 70 years, God brought them back.
“When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back.” (Jeremiah 29:10)
Cross-Refs: Ezra 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 1:20.