The Tanakh Podcast

Jeremiah is instructed not to marry nor to bear children. Why? Because the future will simply be carnage and suffering. Today we discuss the connection between children and a world of hope.

Today, as we approach Rosh Hashannah we discuss our chapter in the light of the piyut, "Unetane Tokef", which seems to draw on the language and imagery of Jeremiah ch.15.

In the shadow of a debilitating famine, Jeremiah pleads with God to rescind his harsh actions, and refuses to stand down, even after God instructs him "Do not pray." In this regard, Jeremiah is following one of the most important prophetic traditions. Please contribute to our work via our Patreon account https://www.patreon.com/user?u=51407457 Sign up for my weekly Parashat Hashavua mailing at www.alexisrael.org

In our chapter, Jeremiah is instructed to engage in two symbolic acts: 1. Purchase a loincloth. Wear it until it is sweaty and dirty. And then place it in a cleft in Wadi Prat until it decomposes. 2. Fill jars with wine But what do these symbols mean?

In Chapter 11 and 12 we hear how the people of Anatot want to murder Jeremiah. Today we discuss 3 responses by Jeremiah to the threats on his life.

In Chapter 11 Jeremiah calls the people to express alliegance with God's covenant. Many suggest that here he is expressing support in the religious revolution of King Josiah who returned to God after years of Judah following idolatry. The chapter records how this return to and renewal of the ancient covenant of Israel was, tragically, extremely short-lived. The people returned to their idol worship.

This chapter intersperses depictions of God's greatness with statements belittling and making a parody of the idols that the nations serve, encouraging Israel to remain true to their faith.

Jeremiah can no longer countenance the corruption and deception of Jerusalem. He expresses a desire to escape to the wilderness. In today's podcast we discuss the wilderness as a counterpoint to a society of luxury and decadence, insensitivity and exploitation.

In this chapter, we speak of three themes: 1. Jeremiah imagines the destruction of king and country and depicts it all in graphic detail, as if he can see it, as if it brings him to tears. 2. Teshuva: When a man falls, he rises up! So why don't my people repent?! Learn from the bird migration. They know when to return! 3. The Loss of wisdom. The guardians of Torah in society - priests and prophets - have failed in their moral guidance.

What happens when society is thoroughly corrupt, but worships God in a false sense that the Temple of the Lord will protect Jerusalem? Here, Jeremiah stands at the Temple gates and tries to convince the people of their hypocrisy.