Jeremiah isn't written linearly. The narrative goes forward and then goes back, and here in chapter 25, it happens again. For me, however, I see why the change is taking place. God, in the previous chapter, spoke of the good people going to Jerusalem. Now, we are given the prophecy about how long those people will have to stay in exile. It is also a reminder that God tried to warn his people before this took place. Yes, God is saying, "I told you so," but in this case, God isn't doing it to brag but to give directions, and though it is a long way off, hope.
Seventy years is as long as many people live. This means that most of those who were exiled will die away from the land God promised. To me, it is a reminder that in this world, in our exile as it were, we may die before seeing God's promises fulfilled. Yet Jesus tells us that in this world we would have trouble, but he has overcome the world (John 16:33). He will make all things right. Yes, in this world life may be hard, but a better day is coming; it just may not be in this lifetime.
Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash
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