Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Jeremiah 40
Jeremiah freed.
Overview.
Jeremiah 40:1-42:18 described events in the aftermath of the Babylonian invasion including revolt.
Jeremiah was among captives, carried away to Babylonia. But the guard commander freed him to choose to remain in Judah or to go with him to Babylonia. Jeremiah decided to remain in Judah at Ramah, a transit place for captivities to Babylonia. He was under the custody of Gedaliah, newly appointed governor of Judah with whose family Jeremiah had long been friendly (26: 24, 36:10).
Gedaliah obeyed to God, Jeremiah’s prophecy to surrender to Babylonia. He took cared of his people who came to him. There was peace in the land of Judah for three years.
The revolt against Gedaliah was plotted by a member of Judean royal family and super patriot, Ishmael to assassin Gedaliah. Military leaders came to him to warn of the plot. But Gedaliah was a trusting character so he does not believe them and refused to kill Ishmael.
Babylonian commander of imperial guard, Nebuzaradan talked to Jeremiah about what God was doing and why disaster came to Judean people (v.2-3). He must have known Jeremiah’s prophecy against Judah.
Reflection.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
