Observations from the Book of Jeremiah

November 07th, 2026 by G.

Now that we’re all done with Jeremiah and it’s too late to tell you what to think about it, lets talk about it anyway.

There is something very human about the king throwing the scriptures in the fire because he was mad about the message that was being delivered. I recall a couple times when it’s just been too hot out and I wanted to chuck the thermometer in frustration. There is also something very divine about God having Jeremiah recreate the scripture that was burned, but better and longer and in more depth.

My gut is that Jeremiah being drawn out of the well by a cord made of old rags and dirty clouts has some kind of deep symbolic meaning but I don’t know what. Or maybe it’s just one of those odd details that’s included just because that is how it happened.

There is also something very human about Zedekiah not having the courage to surrender. I am no paragon of bravery but I have done some things that seem very brave because I didn’t have the courage to stop doing them.

Jonadab
- This is a story that deserves more attention from Latter-Day saints. There was a group of Israelites, a family, a clan, a tribe, that have preserved a specific family injunction for over 200 years. Here’s what I see a significant about this
- They were supposed to live like nomads and specifically never drink alcohol, and they did. In Jeremiah 35, which you probably didn’t read because it wasn’t in the officially assigned reading, the Lord tests them by having Jeremiah call them to the temple and offer them lots of free booze, which they turn down. Explain that they have this commandment from their ancestor to live in a particular way, which they have followed faithfully for 200 years. Here’s what I see as significant about this.

1. 1. We should have the courage and conviction to seek and enduring family mission and enduring family identity. We talk about maternal families but sometimes seem averse to the idea of having something about our family that is distinct from everybody else’s. But that is clearly not a gospel requirement, bland uniformity is not the key to the the kingdom of heaven.
  2. Not drinking alcohol is a great way to keep your family together over time. Alcohol is a solvent of promises and commitments and ties.
  3. How many LDS theoretically aspire to be an eternal family but don’t even aspire to have any concrete way to have beliefs and practices the last 200 years or 100 years or to the next generation. They say they want something that lasts with their lips but the way their family is structured is far from that.

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November 07th, 2026 05:41:38

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