Jeremiah had such a difficult task of announcing the end of the kingdom, and he often found himself weeping. He is often known as “the weeping prophet” because of texts such as: “Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (9:1; also, 13:7, 48:32, Lamentations 1:16). How sad do we often find Jeremiah.
Charles Spurgeon said of this book, “The weeping prophet wipes away our tears. I do not know that the whole of Scripture contains more delightful promises than those which fell from the lips of this son of sorrow, who has been to so many a son of consolation.” What is Spurgeon getting at? Well, for all the bad news the prophet must deliver, what sweet words of hope does he provide when he announces the new covenant, later in the book! And how much more brightly shines the good news of salvation against the dark backdrop painted by Jeremiah’s warnings! I find myself, as I read, constantly reflecting upon David’s testimony: “Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. . . . You have turned for me my mourning into dancing” (Psalm 30:4-5,11). Did you know that Charles Spurgeon also wrote hymns?
All through the night, I wept,
But morning brought relief;
That hand, which broke my bones before,
Then broke my bonds of grief.
My grief to dancing turns,
For sackcloth joy he gives;
A moment, Lord, thine anger burns,
But long thy favor lives.
Sing with me then, ye saints,
Who long have known his grace;
With thanks recall the seasons when
Ye also sought his face. –Charles Spurgeon