Yirmiyahu vs. The Maccabees

This week we finally came to ירמיהו. We first began by learning the historical background so we could understand further about the politics of that time and how it contrasted to ישעיהו. We began around 640-609 BCE, around the reign of Yosheyahu. Assyria was no longer the superpower, so Egypt and Babylonia were vying for control. ירמיהו's main focus during this period was on telling the people how to avoid destruction and eventually switched to warning them that Babylonia was bring the destruction. Over the next few years, ירמיהו's primary focus was on a religious revival- to try to bring the Jewish people closer to Hashem.

Over the next few years the different kings caused many terrible things to happen. Yosheyahu received a message from ירמיהו telling him NOT to attack Egypt, but Yosheyahu did not listen and attacked anyway. In the end he repented, but he didn't actually submit to Hashem, which implied that he did not believe in Hashem's control. Yehoachaz and Yehoyakim both had issues with Egypt- Yehoachaz was imprisoned by Egypt and Yehoyakim was a vassal state to Egypt until Babylonia took over. After three years, the people finally rebelled and Babylonia attacked. This began the final exile that was predicted many times by both ירמיהו and ישעיהו. During Yehoyachin's reign began the first wave of exile, and during Tzidkiyahu's reign (the last real king) was the final exile and the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. This all took place around 627-586 BCE.

We learn that ירמיהו was an interesting Navi. He is told by Hashem when he finds out that is to be one of G-d's messengers that he was destined for this even before he was born. He responds saying that he isn't sure he can properly interpret Hashem's visions. However, Hashem gives him confidence, replying that He will be with him and that He is choosing him as a Navi. Hashem sends ירמיהו a vision, thereby confirming that ירמיהו can, in fact, interpret visions.

ירמיהו's first two visions were interesting. He sees and almond branch, which Hashem then indicates is meant to convey that Hashem will speedily fulfill his word- it is a play-on words of שקד, which means both almond and speedy. His second vision is of an open boiling pot facing North. This is meant to indicate that the "bad" will come from the North and wreak havoc on the cities.

ירמיהו's mission was similar to other Navi's. He is supposed to tell the people of their sins, that they should stop, and that Hashem is upset with them. He should only convey the TRUE word of Hashem, unlike the many false prophets of the time, who reassured the people that nothing was wrong. Hashem will always be with him, guiding along his path. He warns ירמיהו that the people will not believe him and will try to attack him, but to no avail, for Hashem will stand by him.

ירמיהו's mission was not an easy one. Imagine having to stand up for what you believe in when the whole world is against you. With Chanukah right around the corner, this comes to an astoundingly close comparison to what it must have been like for the Maccabees. They were so little in numbers, so outnumbered, constantly persecuted, and yet they still stood up for what they believed in. They must have known that Hashem stood by them as well, as He does with all those who truly believe in the Torah and will stand up for what they believe in.