[1] 1:1 priests . of Anathoth These priests probably belonged to the family of the priest Abiathar. Abiathar was a high priest in Jerusalem during the time David was king. He was sent away to Anathoth by King Solomon. See 1 Kings 2:26.

[2] 1:2 the 13th year . Josiah That is, 627 b.c.

[3] 1:3 exile Living away from one's home country, usually by force.

[4] 1:12 watching This is a wordplay. Shaqed is the Hebrew word for "almond wood," and shoqed means "watching."

[5] 2:5 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[6] 2:8 prophesied Or, "spoke."

[7] 2:8 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[8] 2:10 Islands of Kittim The name means the Island of Cyprus. But the name was often used for the other islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean Sea.

[9] 2:10 Kedar An Arabian tribe that lived in the desert southeast of the land of Judah.

[10] 2:13 they dug . cisterns That is, they made false gods.

[11] 2:16 Memphis and Tahpanhes Two cities in Egypt.

[12] 2:17 was leading . way This line is not in the ancient Greek version.

[13] 2:20 prostitute . green tree This means the people worshiped their false gods in these places.

[14] 3:1 If he went back to her It was against the law of Moses for a man to marry a woman he had divorced if that woman had become another man's wife. See Deut. 24:1-4.

[15] 3:1 unclean Or "unacceptable." Not pure or not fit to be eaten or used in worshiping God. See Lev. 11-15 for the Old Testament rules about clean and unclean things.

[16] 3:6 Israel Here, the name Israel means the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians about 100 years before Jeremiah's time.

[17] 3:14 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[18] 3:16 Box of the Lord's Agreement See "Box of the Agreement."

[19] 3:18 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[20] 3:22 forgive Literally, "heal."

[21] 3:24 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[22] 4:4 Change your hearts Literally, "Be circumcised to the Lord. Cut away the foreskin of your hearts." A man had the foreskin cut away from his sex organ to show that he was becoming one of God's people. Jeremiah is saying that the real circumcision must be from inside a person's heart (mind).

[23] 4:6 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[24] 4:6 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[25] 4:8 sackcloth A rough cloth made from animal hair that people sometimes wore to show sadness.

[26] 4:11 chaff The seed coverings and stems separated from the seeds of plants like wheat or barley. Farmers saved the seeds but let the wind blow the useless chaff away.

[27] 4:13 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[28] 4:15 land of Dan The people from the tribe of Dan lived near the border in the northern part of Israel. They would be the first to be attacked by an enemy from the north.

[29] 4:15 hill country of Ephraim This was the central part of the land that had been the northern kingdom of Israel.

[30] 4:16 "Report . nation Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[31] 4:23 the earth . gone Jeremiah is comparing his country to the time before people were put on the earth. See Gen. 1:1.

[32] 4:29 archer A person skilled in using a bow to shoot arrows.

[33] 4:29 hide in caves This line is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew text does not have this line.

[34] 4:31 Daughter Zion Another name for Jerusalem.

[35] 5:13 wind This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word for wind is like the word for spirit.

[36] 5:13 The word . them Literally, "And the 'He said' is not in them."

[37] 5:26 men . birds Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[38] 5:31 priests . were chosen to do Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[39] 6:1 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[40] 6:2 Daughter Zion Another name for Jerusalem.

[41] 6:2 you are like a beautiful meadow Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[42] 6:6 siege mound A large pile of dirt and rock that an army put against the wall of a city they were attacking. This made it easier for the enemy soldiers to climb over the wall into the city.

[43] 6:9 Gather Or, "glean." There was a law that a farmer must leave some grain in his field during harvest, so that poor people and travelers could find something to eat. See Lev. 19:9; 23:22.

[44] 6:18 pay . countries Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[45] 6:20 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[46] 6:20 Sheba A land south of Israel, located where part of Saudi Arabia is today. Sheba controlled the spice trade in the time of Jeremiah.

[47] 6:20 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[48] 6:22 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[49] 6:23 Daughter Zion Another name for Jerusalem.

[50] 6:26 sackcloth A rough cloth made from animal hair that people sometimes wore to show sadness.

[51] 6:26 roll in the ashes This is one way people showed that they were sad or crying for a dead person.

[52] 6:29 bellows A tool for blowing air on a fire to make the fire hotter.

[53] 6:29 lead came from the fire Workers melted metals like silver to make the metals pure. Lead was the first metal to melt, so the workers poured the lead out, leaving the other metal pure. Here, Jeremiah is saying the people are all bad-they are all lead and no silver!

[54] 7:3 I will . place This can also mean "I will live with you."

[55] 7:4 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[56] 7:4 This is . Lord Many people in Jerusalem thought the Lord would always protect Jerusalem because his Temple was there. They thought he would protect Jerusalem, no matter how evil the people were.

[57] 7:7 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[58] 7:9 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[59] 7:9 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[60] 7:12 Go . they did Shiloh was probably destroyed by the Philistines in the time of Eli and Samuel. See 1 Sam. 4.

[61] 7:15 Ephraim The second son of Joseph and the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Sometimes it is used as the name for the northern kingdom of Israel, since Ephraim was most often the leading tribe.

[62] 7:18 Queen of Heaven Probably the false goddess Astarte. She was the goddess of sex and war, worshiped by the people of Mesopotamia. They thought she was the planet Venus, which looks like a star in the sky.

[63] 7:21 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[64] 7:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[65] 7:29 cut . away This showed that Jeremiah was sad.

[66] 7:30 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[67] 7:31 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[68] 8:1 tomb A grave dug in a wall of rock or a building where a dead body is buried. It can also be a small building made to show respect for important people who had died.

[69] 8:8 scribe Originally, an educated man who was skilled in reading and writing. By New Testament times scribes had become a distinct social and political group. Because of their work in copying the Scriptures and writing down explanations of the law of Moses, many became experts in the law and were respected as teachers, lawyers, or judges.

[70] 8:13 I will take away . gave them The Hebrew of this line is hard to understand.

[71] 8:16 snorting The sound that comes from breathing very hard through the nose.

[72] 8:17 poisonous snakes This probably means one of Judah's enemies.

[73] 8:19 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[74] 9:11 jackal A kind of wild dog that stays where there are no people. Jackals usually hunt together in a pack.

[75] 9:14 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[76] 9:25 circumcise, circumcision Cutting off the foreskin of the male sex organ, which was done to every Jewish baby boy. It was a mark of the agreement God made with Abraham. Read Gen. 17:9-14.

[77] 10:2 special signs in the sky People believed that such things as comets, meteors, or eclipses of the sun and moon could be used to learn what was going to happen in the future.

[78] 10:3 chisels Sharp tools used to carve wood or stone.

[79] 10:11 Tell this message . earth This part was written in Aramaic, not Hebrew. This was the language people used often when writing to people in other countries. It was also the language spoken in Babylon.

[80] 10:14 They are stupid Literally, "They have no spirit." This might also mean "They are not alive."

[81] 10:16 Jacob's God Literally, "Jacob's share." This shows that God and Israel had a special relationship-God belonged to Israel, and Israel belonged to God."

[82] 10:18 they will learn their lesson Here, the Hebrew is hard to understand.

[83] 10:22 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[84] 10:22 jackal A kind of wild dog that stays where there are no people. Jackals usually hunt together in a pack.

[85] 11:4 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[86] 11:4 furnace Literally, "iron furnace." That is, an oven hot enough to soften iron so that it can be hammered into something useful.

[87] 11:5 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[88] 11:12 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[89] 11:13 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[90] 11:15 We are not sure of the exact meaning of verses 15-16.

[91] 11:18 men of Anathoth Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown. The people who were plotting against him there included his own relatives. See Jer. 12:6.

[92] 11:21 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[93] 12:7 house . my own property That is, the people of Judah.

[94] 12:10 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[95] 12:16 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[96] 13:1 loincloth A common undergarment in ancient Judah. It was a short skirt that was wrapped around the hips. It reached about halfway down the thighs.

[97] 13:4 Perath Probably a village near Jerusalem. This town is called Parah in the list of the cities of the land of Benjamin in Josh. 18:23. But this name also means the Euphrates River.

[98] 13:12 wineskin A bag made from the skin of an animal and used for storing wine.

[99] 13:17 Lord's flock This is a figurative name for the people of Judah. The Lord is thought of as a shepherd, while his people are seen as his flock of sheep.

[100] 13:19 Negev The desert area in the southern part of Judah.

[101] 13:20 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[102] 13:20 flock Here, the word "flock" refers to all the towns around Jerusalem, as if Jerusalem were the shepherd and the towns of Judah were her flock.

[103] 13:24 chaff The seed coverings and stems separated from the seeds of plants like wheat or barley. Farmers saved the seeds but let the wind blow the useless chaff away.

[104] 13:27 I saw . you did This is probably talking about worshiping false gods. But part of that worship was having sex with temple prostitutes.

[105] 14:1 drought A time when no rain falls, and the crops become dry and die.

[106] 14:4 No one . crops This follows the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew is hard to understand.

[107] 14:6 jackal A kind of wild dog that stays where there are no people. Jackals usually hunt together in a pack.

[108] 14:12 fast To live without food for a time of prayer or mourning.

[109] 14:12 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[110] 14:17 virgin daughter Another name for Jerusalem.

[111] 14:19 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[112] 14:20 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[113] 15:4 Manasseh Manasseh was the most evil king of Judah according to 2 Kings 21:1-16. He worshiped many gods.

[114] 15:7 pitchfork A tool with sharp points for throwing hay from one place to another.

[115] 15:9 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies.

[116] 15:12 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[117] 16:11 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[118] 16:16 fishermen . hunters This means the enemy soldiers from Babylon.

[119] 17:1 diamond-tipped pen Or, "flint-tipped pen."

[120] 17:1 horns of their altars The corners of altars were shaped like horns. This was like a place of safety for the people. If a person did something wrong, he could run to the altar. People could punish them only if they proved the person was guilty. Here, Jeremiah is saying there is no safe place for the people of Judah.

[121] 17:2 Asherah An important Canaanite goddess, the wife of the Canaanite god El and possibly Baal. People thought she could help them have children.

[122] 17:3 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[123] 17:12 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[124] 17:13 will have a very short life Literally, "he will be written in the dirt." This might mean a person's name was written on a list of people who would soon die. Or, that a person's life will soon be gone-like a name written in the sand.

[125] 17:16 shepherd God's people are sometimes called his "sheep," and the person who takes care of them is called the "shepherd."

[126] 17:19 People's Gate This might be one of the gates into Jerusalem or perhaps one of the southern gates into the Temple area used by those who were not priests.

[127] 17:21 Sabbath Saturday, the seventh day of the week and a special day for Israelites or Jews. By God's command it was set aside as a time for the people to rest and honor God.

[128] 17:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[129] 17:25 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[130] 17:26 the land where . Benjamin lives The land of Benjamin was just north of the land of Judah.

[131] 17:26 Negev The desert area in the southern part of Judah.

[132] 17:26 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[133] 17:26 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[134] 17:26 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[135] 18:2 potter Someone who makes pottery (jars, bowls, etc.) from clay. The Hebrew word also means "creator" or "a person who makes new things."

[136] 18:14 You know . themselves In Hebrew this sounds like, "Would anyone leave the Rock, Shaddai?" Rock and Shaddai are two names for God, but this could also be translated, "Does Lebanon's snow ever melt from Shaddai's mountain?" Here, this is probably Mount Hermon.

[137] 18:15 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[138] 18:21 famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow, causing people and animals to die without enough food or water.

[139] 19:1 potter Someone who makes pottery (jars, bowls, etc.) from clay. The Hebrew word also means "creator" or "a person who makes new things."

[140] 19:2 Potsherd Gate The exact location of this gate is not known, though it was probably at the southwestern part of the city.

[141] 19:2 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[142] 19:4 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[143] 19:5 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[144] 19:5 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[145] 19:13 roofs of their houses People built their houses with flat roofs that were used like an extra room.

[146] 19:14 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[147] 19:14 courtyard The large open area around a king's palace or outside the Temple.

[148] 20:1 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[149] 20:16 cities the Lord destroyed That is, Sodom and Gomorrah. See Gen. 19.

[150] 21:1 Pashhur This is not the same Pashhur as the man in Jer. 20:1.

[151] 22:4 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[152] 22:10 the king who has died This means King Josiah who was killed in battle against the Egyptians in 609 b.c.

[153] 22:10 the king . place This means Josiah's son, Jehoahaz. He became king after Josiah died. He is also called Shallum. King Neco of Egypt defeated Josiah. And Neco took Jehoahaz off the throne of Judah and made him a prisoner in Egypt.

[154] 22:24 signet ring A type of seal that was worn on the finger. See "seal."

[155] 23:5 sprout This means a new king from the family of David.

[156] 23:6 The Lord is our Goodness This is a wordplay. In Hebrew this is like the name Zedekiah, the king of Judah at the time this prophecy was probably given. But Jeremiah is talking about another king.

[157] 23:10 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[158] 23:11 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[159] 23:13 Samaria The capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. This kingdom was destroyed by God because its people did many bad things.

[160] 23:13 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[161] 23:13 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[162] 23:14 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[163] 23:14 Sodom A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Gomorrah, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[164] 23:14 Gomorrah A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Sodom, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[165] 23:16 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[166] 23:18 heavenly council The people in the Old Testament often talk about God as the leader of a council of heavenly beings (angels). Compare 1 Kings 22:19-23; Isa. 6:1-8 and Job 1 and 2.

[167] 23:27 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[168] 23:30 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God's truth.

[169] 23:33 heavy load This is a wordplay. The Hebrew word for "announcement" is like the word translated "heavy load."

[170] 23:39 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[171] 24:1 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[172] 24:1 Jeconiah Another name for King Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin was taken prisoner in the year 597 b.c.

[173] 24:10 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[174] 25:1 the fourth year . Jehoiakim This was about 605 b.c.

[175] 25:5 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[176] 25:6 Doing this only hurts yourselves This follows the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew reads, "Then I will not hurt you."

[177] 25:9 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[178] 25:30 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[179] 26:1 the first year . Jehoiakim This was 609 b.c.

[180] 26:2 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[181] 26:6 my Holy Tent at Shiloh The Holy Place at Shiloh was probably destroyed during the time of Samuel. See Jer. 7 and 1 Sam. 4.

[182] 26:17 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[183] 26:18 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[184] 26:18 empty hill Or, "high place," a term usually used for local shrines (places for worship) where people often worshiped idols.

[185] 27:1 the fourth year . Zedekiah The Hebrew has "At the beginning of the kingship of Jehoiakim." This is probably a scribal error. Verse 3 talks about Zedekiah. Jer. 28:1 mentions the fourth year, 594-593 b.c.

[186] 27:2 yoke A pole that was put across the shoulders of men, usually slaves, or animals and used in pulling or carrying heavy loads.

[187] 27:14 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God's truth.

[188] 27:16 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[189] 27:19 pillars . other things For a description of these things, see 1 Kings 7:23-37.

[190] 28:1 the fourth year . Zedekiah This was about 593 b.c.

[191] 28:1 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[192] 28:2 yoke A pole that was put across the shoulders of men, usually slaves, or animals and used in pulling or carrying heavy loads.

[193] 28:6 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[194] 29:1 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[195] 29:1 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[196] 29:23 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[197] 29:26 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[198] 29:26 crazy person Here, Shemaiah is referring to Jeremiah. See verses 27-28.

[199] 29:26 neck irons A ring made from iron. People put the rings around prisoners, necks. They often fastened a chain to the ring to control the prisoners.

[200] 29:31 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[201] 30:3 exile Living away from one's home country, usually by force.

[202] 30:3 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[203] 30:7 Jacob Another name for Israel (see Gen. 32:24-28), ancestor of the people of Israel (also called Israelites and, later, Jews). He was the father of twelve sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended.

[204] 30:8 yoke A pole that was put across the shoulders of men, usually slaves, or animals and used in pulling or carrying heavy loads.

[205] 30:9 David their king This means another king of Israel who will be great like King David.

[206] 30:10 captives People taken away like prisoners. Here, this means the Jewish people who were taken to Babylon.

[207] 30:16 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[208] 30:17 outcasts People who were thrown out of some group of people. Usually other people don't like or respect outcasts.

[209] 30:17 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[210] 30:18 city This probably refers to Jerusalem. But it might also mean all the cities of Israel and Judah.

[211] 31:5 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[212] 31:6 watchmen Usually, this means a guard who stands on the city walls watching for people coming to the city. But here, it probably means the prophets.

[213] 31:6 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[214] 31:6 hill country of Ephraim This was the central part of the land that had been the northern kingdom of Israel.

[215] 31:7 Jacob Another name for Israel (see Gen. 32:24-28), ancestor of the people of Israel (also called Israelites and, later, Jews). He was the father of twelve sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended.

[216] 31:7 The Lord saved his people Or, "Lord, save your people!" This is often a shout of victory.

[217] 31:9 Ephraim The second son of Joseph and the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Sometimes it is used as the name for the northern kingdom of Israel, since Ephraim was most often the leading tribe.

[218] 31:9 firstborn The first child born into a family. The first son was very important in ancient times and became the head of the family at the father's death. It can also mean a person of special importance.

[219] 31:15 Rachel Jacob's wife. Here, this means all the women who are crying for their husbands and children who have died in the war with Babylon.

[220] 31:22 A woman surrounding a man This line is hard to understand. It might be part of some saying that was familiar to the people in Jeremiah's time.

[221] 31:23 good home and holy mountain This was a blessing for the Temple and for Mount Zion, the mountain the Temple was built on.

[222] 31:29 parents . sour taste This means children were suffering for the things their parents did.

[223] 31:32 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[224] 31:39 measuring line A rope or chain for measuring property lines.

[225] 32:1 the tenth year . Judah This was 588-587 b.c. This was the year Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.

[226] 32:3 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[227] 32:9 shekel 2/5 of an ounce (11.5g).

[228] 32:10 deed A written record that proves who owns a certain piece of property. See Jer. 32.

[229] 32:10 sealed up Important documents were rolled up and tied with a string. Then a piece of clay or wax was put on the string. Then a person's mark was put in that clay or wax. This way, people could prove nothing in the document was changed.

[230] 32:15 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[231] 32:22 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[232] 32:29 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[233] 32:34 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[234] 32:35 Valley of Ben Hinnom This valley is also called "Gehenna." This name comes from the Hebrew name "Ge Hinnom-Hinnom's Valley." This place became an example of how God punishes wicked people.

[235] 32:35 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[236] 33:1 courtyard The large open area around a king's palace or outside the Temple.

[237] 33:11 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[238] 33:13 Negev The desert area in the southern part of Judah.

[239] 33:18 burnt offering A gift to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar.

[240] 33:26 Jacob Another name for Israel (see Gen. 32:24-28), ancestor of the people of Israel (also called Israelites and, later, Jews). He was the father of twelve sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended.

[241] 34:5 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[242] 34:11 after that In the summer of 588 b.c., the Egyptian army came to help the people of Jerusalem. So the Babylonian army had to leave Jerusalem for a short time to fight the Egyptians. The people of Jerusalem thought God had helped them, and things were back to normal, so they didn't keep their promise. They took the slaves they had set free back into slavery.

[243] 34:13 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[244] 34:15 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[245] 34:18 They . two pieces This is part of a ceremony people used when they made an important agreement. An animal was cut into two pieces. Those who were making the agreement would walk between the pieces. Then they would say something like, "May this same thing happen to me if I don't keep the agreement." See Gen. 15.

[246] 34:21 left Jerusalem In the summer of 588 b.c., the Egyptian army came to help the people of Jerusalem. So the Babylonian army had to leave Jerusalem for a short time to fight the Egyptians. See Jer. 37:5. See also the footnote to Jer. 34:11.

[247] 35:2 Recabite family A group of people descended from Jonadab son of Recab. The family was very loyal to the Lord. See 2 Kings 10:15-28 for the story of Jonadab. Also in verses 6, 18.

[248] 35:2 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[249] 35:3 Jaazaniah He was the head of the Recabite family at that time.

[250] 35:3 Jeremiah This is not the prophet Jeremiah but a different man with the same name.

[251] 35:4 man of God This is usually an honorable title for a prophet. We know nothing else about Hanan.

[252] 35:6 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[253] 35:7 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[254] 36:1 the fourth year . Jehoiakim This was about 605 b.c.

[255] 36:2 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[256] 36:5 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[257] 36:6 fast To live without food for a time of prayer or mourning.

[258] 36:10 scribe Originally, an educated man who was skilled in reading and writing. By New Testament times scribes had become a distinct social and political group. Because of their work in copying the Scriptures and writing down explanations of the law of Moses, many became experts in the law and were respected as teachers, lawyers, or judges.

[259] 36:22 ninth month That is, November-December.

[260] 37:12 the land of Benjamin Jeremiah was going to his hometown, Anathoth, which was in the land of Benjamin.

[261] 37:13 Benjamin Gate of Jerusalem This gate led out of Jerusalem to the road which went north to the land of Benjamin.

[262] 37:15 scribe Originally, an educated man who was skilled in reading and writing. By New Testament times scribes had become a distinct social and political group. Because of their work in copying the Scriptures and writing down explanations of the law of Moses, many became experts in the law and were respected as teachers, lawyers, or judges.

[263] 37:16 dungeon A deep pit in the ground, like a cave, used as a prison.

[264] 38:6 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[265] 38:7 eunuch A public official or a servant in charge of the women in a ruler's household. Originally, a man who had been castrated so that he could not have sex.

[266] 38:8-9 left him there to die Literally, "he will starve to death because there is no more bread in the city."

[267] 38:10 three Some Hebrew copies have "30."

[268] 38:14 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[269] 38:16 oath A strong declaration that one will tell the truth or keep a promise, often using the name of God or something else known to be real or important.

[270] 38:26 dungeon A deep pit in the ground, like a cave, used as a prison.

[271] 39:9 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[272] 39:10 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[273] 39:14 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[274] 39:14 Gedaliah Gedaliah was the man who Nebuchadnezzar appointed as his governor for the land of Judah.

[275] 39:15 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[276] 39:16 Ebed-Melech See Jer. 38:7-13.

[277] 40:1 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[278] 40:5 Or . Gedaliah Or, "Before Gedaliah goes back, return to him .."

[279] 40:7 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[280] 40:9 oath A strong declaration that one will tell the truth or keep a promise, often using the name of God or something else known to be real or important.

[281] 40:10 Chaldeans An important tribe in Babylon. Sometimes this name means simply "people from Babylonia." King Nebuchadnezzar was from this tribe, as were other kings of Babylon. Well educated people, they studied science, history, languages, and astronomy, but they also believed they could do magic and look at the stars to learn what would happen in the future.

[282] 40:15 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies.

[283] 41:4-5 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[284] 41:4-5 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[285] 41:4-5 shaved . cut themselves The men did this to show that they were sad about the destruction of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem.

[286] 41:6 He cried Ishmael was acting like he was sad about the destruction of the Temple.

[287] 41:9 King Asa . city King Asa lived about 300 years before the time of Gedaliah. See 1 Kings 15:22 for the story about Asa building defenses for Mizpah.

[288] 41:17-18 Chaldeans An important tribe in Babylon. Sometimes this name means simply "people from Babylonia." King Nebuchadnezzar was from this tribe, as were other kings of Babylon. Well educated people, they studied science, history, languages, and astronomy, but they also believed they could do magic and look at the stars to learn what would happen in the future.

[289] 42:2 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies. Also in verse 19.

[290] 43:3 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[291] 43:7 Tahpanhes A town in northeastern Egypt.

[292] 43:10 canopy A temporary covering used for shade. It is like a tent without sides.

[293] 43:13 memorial stone A stone that was set up to help people remember something special. In ancient Israel, people often set up stones at places where they worshiped false gods.

[294] 43:13 Sun God This was the most important god in Egypt.

[295] 44:3 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[296] 44:17 Queen of Heaven Probably the false goddess Astarte. She was the goddess of sex and war, worshiped by the people of Mesopotamia. They thought she was the planet Venus, which looks like a star in the sky.

[297] 44:19 Then the women spoke up This is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew does not have this sentence.

[298] 44:23 agreement This probably means the Law of Moses, the commands and agreement God made with the Israelites.

[299] 44:28 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies.

[300] 45:1 the fourth year . Jehoiakim This was about 605 b.c.

[301] 45:1 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[302] 46:2 the fourth year . Jehoiakim This was about 605 b.c.

[303] 46:4 armor The special clothes soldiers wore to protect themselves in war.

[304] 46:20 horsefly A large insect that often flies around cows and horses and bites them.

[305] 46:20 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[306] 46:23 locusts Insects like grasshoppers that could destroy a large crop very quickly. See Ex. 10. The law of Moses said that locusts could be eaten. See Lev. 11:21-22.

[307] 46:25 Amon For many centuries Amon was the most important god of Egypt. At the time of this prophecy, he was not worshiped as much in northern Egypt. But he was still the most important god in southern Egypt, especially around the old Egyptian capital city of Thebes.

[308] 46:27 Jacob Another name for Israel (see Gen. 32:24-28), ancestor of the people of Israel (also called Israelites and, later, Jews). He was the father of twelve sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended.

[309] 46:27 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[310] 47:2 north The Babylonian army came from this direction to attack Judah. Armies from countries north and east of Israel often came this way to attack Judah and Israel.

[311] 47:3 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[312] 47:4 Island of Crete Literally, "Island of Caphtor." Sometimes this means Crete, and sometimes it means Cyprus. The Bible says the Philistines originally came from Caphtor.

[313] 47:5 sad . cut yourselves The people did these things to show their sadness.

[314] 47:6 scabbard A holder for a sword.

[315] 48:1 This message . says See Isa. 15 for a similar message.

[316] 48:1 Mount Nebo A mountain in Moab, a country east of Israel.

[317] 48:6 tumbleweed A large weed with short roots that is easily blown away by the wind. In Hebrew this word is like the name "Aroer," an important city in Moab.

[318] 48:7 Chemosh The national god of the country of Moab.

[319] 48:9 salt This is a wordplay, and we are not sure of the exact meaning of this Hebrew word.

[320] 48:12 jars This probably means the cities in Moab.

[321] 48:13 in Bethel This means the temple that King Jeroboam built in the town of Bethel (see 1 Kings 12:28-33). It is not clear whether the people still worshiped the Lord there, but in a wrong way. Or, whether they worshiped a false god, perhaps the Canaanite god El or Baal.

[322] 48:18 Dibon A city in the country of Moab.

[323] 48:20 Arnon River An important river in Moab.

[324] 48:33 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[325] 48:33 winepress A place dug in rock used to mash grapes and collect the juice for making wine.

[326] 48:35 high place A place of worship usually on top of a hill, a mountain, or a man-made platform. Although high places were sometimes used for the worship of Yahweh, they are most often associated with pagan worship of false gods.

[327] 48:37 Everyone . cut and bleeding The people did these things to show their sadness for people who had died.

[328] 48:43 fear, deep holes, and traps This is a wordplay in Hebrew. The Hebrew words are: "Pahad, Pahat, and Pah."

[329] 48:45 Sihon's town This was Heshbon. See Num. 21:25-30.

[330] 48:46 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[331] 49:1 Milcom A god worshiped by the Ammonites.

[332] 49:1 Gad's One of the tribes of Israel. Their land was on the east side of the Jordan River, near the country of Ammon.

[333] 49:2 Rabbah of Ammon The capital city of the Ammonites.

[334] 49:6 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[335] 49:7 Teman An area in the northern part of Edom, although the name means "South."

[336] 49:8 Esau Jacob's twin brother. Also, another name for Edom. The Edomites were descendants of Esau.

[337] 49:18 Sodom A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Gomorrah, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[338] 49:18 Gomorrah A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Sodom, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[339] 49:19 elders (Old Testament) Older men who were city leaders and helped make decisions for the people.

[340] 49:27 Ben-Hadad This was the name of several of the kings of Aram-Damascus.

[341] 49:28 Kedar An Arabian tribe that lived in the desert southeast of the land of Judah.

[342] 49:32 corners of their beards Jewish men did not cut their beards as the Arabs did.

[343] 49:34 Elam A nation east of Babylon.

[344] 49:36 captive One of those who have been defeated in battle and are taken away as prisoners.

[345] 50:2 Bel One of the names of the god Marduk, the most important god of the Babylonians.

[346] 50:2 Marduk The most important god of the Babylonian people.

[347] 50:5 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[348] 50:19 Ephraim The second son of Joseph and the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Sometimes it is used as the name for the northern kingdom of Israel, since Ephraim was most often the leading tribe.

[349] 50:20 survivors People who escaped some disaster. Here, this means the Jewish people who survived the destruction of Judah and Israel by its enemy armies.

[350] 50:25 Chaldeans An important tribe in Babylon. Sometimes this name means simply "people from Babylonia." King Nebuchadnezzar was from this tribe, as were other kings of Babylon. Well educated people, they studied science, history, languages, and astronomy, but they also believed they could do magic and look at the stars to learn what would happen in the future.

[351] 50:28 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[352] 50:29 archer A person skilled in using a bow to shoot arrows.

[353] 50:37 chariot A small, two-wheeled cart pulled by horses and used in war.

[354] 50:39 ostriches Large birds that live in the desert.

[355] 50:40 Sodom A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Gomorrah, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[356] 50:40 Gomorrah A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Sodom, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[357] 51:1 Babylonians Literally, "Leb Kammai." In Hebrew this was a secret way of writing "Chaldeans."

[358] 51:2 winnow To separate grain from the hulls around it. Farmers threw the grain with the hulls into the air. The wind blew the hulls away and left the good grain.

[359] 51:3 armor The special clothes soldiers wore to protect themselves in war.

[360] 51:11 Medes People from the Medo-Persian empire, which defeated the country of Babylonia.

[361] 51:14 locusts Insects like grasshoppers that could destroy a large crop very quickly. See Ex. 10. The law of Moses said that locusts could be eaten. See Lev. 11:21-22.

[362] 51:33 threshing Putting newly harvested wheat or other grain on a hard floor and walking on it or beating it with special tools to separate the hulls from the grain.

[363] 51:33 chaff The seed coverings and stems separated from the seeds of plants like wheat or barley. Farmers saved the seeds but let the wind blow the useless chaff away.

[364] 51:41 Sheshach Jeremiah used a special code to create this name. It is like the code an army might use. It is a secret word for Babylon.

[365] 51:59 Seraiah Seraiah was a brother of Baruch, Jeremiah's secretary.

[366] 51:59 the fourth year . Zedekiah That is, 594-593 b.c.

[367] 51:60 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[368] 52:1 Jeremiah This is not the prophet Jeremiah, but a different man with the same name.

[369] 52:4 ninth year . tenth month That is, January of 588 b.c.

[370] 52:5 the eleventh year . Zedekiah That is, 587 b.c.

[371] 52:12 the 19th year . Nebuchadnezzar That is, 587 b.c.

[372] 52:13 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[373] 52:15 the people . Jerusalem This is from the ancient Greek version. The Hebrew adds, "some of the poorest people" before this line. This seems to have been accidentally copied from the next verse.

[374] 52:16 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[375] 52:17 bronze columns . Bronze Tank These verses list the things that the Babylonian army took away from the Lord's Temple. For a description of the Temple furniture, see 1 Kings 7:13-26.

[376] 52:18 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable "Holy Tent" that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Holy Tent, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[377] 52:19 firepan A small shovel used for removing ashes from an altar.

[378] 52:21 31 feet Literally, "18 cubits" (9.33 m).

[379] 52:21 21 feet Literally, "12 cubits" (6.22 m).

[380] 52:21 3 inches Literally, "4 fingers" (7.4 cm).

[381] 52:22 capital A decorated cap made of stone or wood and placed on top of each of the columns that support the roof of a building.

[382] 52:22 5 feet Or, "1.63 m." Literally, "5 cubits" which would be 8' 6" (2.6 m), but see 2 Kings 25:17.

[383] 52:22 pomegranate A red fruit filled with tiny seeds, each covered with a sweet, juicy part of the fruit.

[384] 52:25 scribe Originally, an educated man who was skilled in reading and writing. By New Testament times scribes had become a distinct social and political group. Because of their work in copying the Scriptures and writing down explanations of the law of Moses, many became experts in the law and were respected as teachers, lawyers, or judges.

[385] 52:28 Nebuchadnezzar's 7th year That is, from the middle of 598 b.c. to the middle of 597 b.c.

[386] 52:29 Nebuchadnezzar's 18th year That is, from the middle of 588 b.c. to the middle of 587 b.c.

[387] 52:30 Nebuchadnezzar's 23rd year That is, from the middle of 582 b.c. to the middle of 581 b.c.

[388] 52:31 37th year of his imprisonment That is, 561 b.c.

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.