Overview
Jeremiah indicts Judah for idolatry and violation of the covenant and proclaims judgment through Babylon, enduring persecution and imprisonment as a result. At the same time he promises return from exile and a new covenant (31:31–34), setting forth hope beyond judgment.
Theme Judgment for covenant violation and the promise of a new covenant
Historical background
Jeremiah ministered during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. In this period the Neo-Babylonian Empire supplanted Assyria, and Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem in 597 and 586 BC, destroying the Temple. The Septuagint text of Jeremiah is shorter than the Masoretic Text and places the oracles against the nations differently; manuscripts of both traditions were found at Qumran.