The Role of Jeremiah in Judah and Israel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The role of Jeremiah in Judah and Israel - Essay ExampleThis was a very difficult period in Jewish history. The Jews were creation mercilessly persecuted and were subject to great abuse. No one knew what would become of them. It might be expected that large number were ready to listen to a real seer who could lead them away from misfortune, but this wasnt exactly the case. No one really listened to Jeremiah very much. He knew a lot, and had a lot of gravity and respect, but a couple of(prenominal) people followed him. This is an excellent description of the way he came to be what he was and how people viewed himJeremiah witnessed the fall of the Assyrian conglomerate and the death of King Josiah. Though the people deeply mourned the death of their beloved King Josiah, the chief griever was the prophet Jeremiah, for he knew very well that with the untimely passing of this last pious king, the end of Judea as an independent state was unavoidable. Indeed, after Josiahs death the p eople soon reverted to idolatry. Jeremiah was shocked by the new retrograde of his people and strove hard to stem the tide of spiritual depravity which was threatening to undermine their high clean standards.The book of Jeremiah reveals an introspective person, a prophet struggling and often overcome by the role into which he has been placed by God. He doesnt quite know who is or how he can best perform God and in what capacity exactly. He doesnt even especially want to be a prophet. Jeremiah made many efforts to warn the people of Israelwhich they did not listen toand also made beseechers to God to mete out the people mercy. In fact, he did this so much that he was ordered by God to pray no more for this people (Jer. 716, 1411). Sometimes Jeremiah engages in what may seem alike strange behaviour, acting out parables, for example by walking about in the streets with a pair about his neck and trying to get people to pay attention to him. Others engage in compete acts that par ody and critique his. He is taunted, put in jail, and at one point