Important themes in Jeremiah

 There are a few important themes in Jeremiah were that Jeremiah preached God's Word to the people despite persecution that he faced.   Also,  the Israelites and Judeans were unrepentant of their sins.    Jeremiah constantly preached about judgement of their sins and yet they still would not repent.   He was faithful to speak what only God revealed to him through spoken word.   Despite speaking the truth of God's Word,  he was persecuted consistently for depending on God and speaking the message he had been given.   

In Jeremiah 26,  God commanded Jeremiah to preach to the people in people's house of worship.  He preached a message of repentance calling the people to turn from their sins and back to God.   God said through Jeremiah he would relent of the coming judgement if the people repented of their sin.   After he had prophesied this message from God in 26:3-4,  the priests and prophets were enraged because of this message from God.   In verse eight, the priests and prophets grabbed ahold of Jeremiah saying, "You shall die."  They then inquired as to why he prophesied this future judgement pronounced on them by God.    Then shortly after this at the at the entry of the New Gate over the house of the Lord these same false prophets and priests threatened him with death,  "This man deserves death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears."

In the next section in verses 12-15, Jeremiah told the prophets and the priests what God called him to say to the people.   He repeated his message once again that God called the people to repent of their sins and evil ways to turn to God.   If they repent of their sins, then God will relent of judgement on the city.  Also, if they put Jeremiah to death, then they will bring innocent blood upon themselves and upon the city.   Jeremiah was also put in prison and a cistern in 37-38.

In the following section in verses 16-17,  the elders and the people cautioned them to not put Jeremiah to death.      They realized former prophet Micah prophesied in the days of Hezekiah.  The elders and people decided not to harm him because Micah feared God and depended on him.   The elder,  Ahikam the son of Shaphan protected Jeremiah.  

In Jeremiah 42,  the commanders of the forces of Judea asked for a word from Jeremiah from God for for mercy.   Jeremiah sought God's direction and what he will say to them.   At the end of ten days,  God said if they remain in the land,  then he will build them up and not pull them down.   If the people do not remain in the land and go to Egypt there will be famine and die by the sword.   They ended up going to Egypt and disobeying God.   This is another example of the people's constant disobedience against God's plans for them.