A Study Guide For The Book Of Lamentations An Expose’ On Hope
Much More Than A Poignant Story
Lesson 7
The Fall of Jerusalem And Logistical Problems On Every Hand Introduction:
I.
Siege.
A.
To understand the Book of Lamentations, one must come to know what it was like during the final days of Jerusalem before Nebuchadnezzar breached her walls.
1.
The days before her destruction marked the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s words about the coming famine, pestilence, and sword.
2.
They were dark days and full of terror and horror.
B.
As the armies of Babylon advanced through the land of Judah, the word went out to enter the fortified cities.
1.
One of the early words in Jeremiah declared that this would happen,
“Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say, Blow the trumpet in the land; Cry aloud and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities”, (Jeremiah 4:5).
2.
The population of the cities increased overnight. Among those streaming into the safety behind the walls were nomadic tribes such as the Rechabites, (Jeremiah 35:11). Just a few notes about the Rechabites.
a.
In the days of King Jehoiakim of Judah, son of Josiah, Jeremiah the prophet was told by the LORD to take the Rechabites into one of the chambers of the temple, put pots of wine before them, and tell them to drink.
1)
But they replied in verses 6-7:
2)
"...We will drink no wine: for Jonadab [or, Jehonadab] the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: 46
Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers."
b.
The Rechabites were nomadic people.
1)
God never told them to be nomadic and this is not why they are remembered of God.
2)
They are remembered because they had remained faithful to the traditions of their forefathers.
c.
When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came up against Judah, the Rechabites had fled to Jerusalem for safety. Please consider the following information very carefully.
1)
The Almighty told Jeremiah that the Rechabites were an example for Judah.
2)
God had sent prophet after prophet commanding His people to repent from their evil ways and return to Him.
3)
But Israel did not listen to their Creator as are most believers and preachers are not listening today.
D.
On the other hand, unlike Israel and Judah, unlike most professed believers calling themselves Christians, unlike most so called pastors, the Rechabites faithfully followed the commandment of their father.
1)
Judah rebelled against their Heavenly Father.
2)
Israel is today rebelling against Jehovah God.
3)
As a result of rebellion and refusal to obey, repent, and serve God Judah was sent into captivity.
4)
Israel has gone into captivity more than one time.
a)
She will soon have over half of her population be murdered by the millions with the help of the United States of America.