Old Testament Questions and Answers

Divinity Digest, Witness Dingani
QN: “Jeremiah ministered during the time when there were too many political parties in Judah”. Highlight the difficulties he faced as a result of this and examine whether or not prophets in Zimbabwe today face similar difficulties. (25)

Comment overview
The prophet Jeremiah is known by so many Biblical readers, he prophesied in Judah. His message is well-known to be the message of doom because he was always prophesying destruction concerning Israel, this is evidenced by his symbolic actions, similes and metaphors.

Because of his message Jeremiah was never accepted in his home town, this is evidenced by the rejection by his relatives, this is indicated in Jeremiah 20: 10, however, one should note that some accepted Jeremiah for instance King Zedekiah went for consultation.

Answers

Jeremiah ministered during the time when there were too many political parties, this include the following:

(a) Pro-Babylonians

(b) Anti-Babylonians

(d) Anti-Egyptians

Jeremiah faced so many problems because of his message. The Anti-Babylonians were not in favour of going to exile specifically in Babylon perhaps they were aware of the punishment to encounter, this include the likes of Hananiah, Pashur and etc. As a result Jeremiah faced so many difficulties, this include being arrested. Jeremiah was arrested by Pashur perhaps because of his message which he delivered since he started to prophesy, this is recorded in Jeremiah 20: 1. All this indicates that Jeremiah faced difficulties due to so many political parties during his days in Judah.

The scroll of Jeremiah which was written by the secretary Baruch was also burnt, this scroll had message of doom. This occurred when the secretary Elishama reported Jeremiah to the kings, this is recorded in Jeremiah 36: 21. All this indicates that Jeremiah experienced difficulties because of his message.

NB: There are so many points which can be added, for instance:

(a) Humiliated in front of everyone. Jeremiah 28: 11

(b) Rejected by his own friends and relatives. Jeremiah 20: 10

Zimbabwean context

In Zimbabwean context, it is recorded that some prophets face such difficulties, it is prudent to note this was common during the Smith Regime. Isabel Mukonyora and Dillon wrote that Johane Masowe was arrested for preaching without proper documents. Authors believe that Samuel Mutendi was arrested for criticising the Smith Regime. In 2015 Nehanda radio newspaper interviewed Nehemiah Mutendi and claimed that his father was once arrested for criticising the oppression of the blacks by the whites as it was his mission. All this indicates that Zimbabwean prophets once faced difficulties just like Jeremiah where being arrested is concerned.

Some prophets in Zimbabwe have faced persecutions, especially the white church garments. In 2014 the media recorded that the Government was to drive away all white church garments who gather in the outskirts of towns. As a result some Apostolic churches experienced this especially in Victoria Falls, this was even recorded by Bulawayo24.com and Newsday newspaper in 2015 which stated that all Apostolic churches which gather along Bulawayo road were driven away by the local council. This simply indicates that prophets in Zimbabwe also experience rejection just like Jeremiah when he was persecuted.

NB: There are so many points which can be added.

The however part

There are some prophets who are not necessarily facing difficulties just like Jeremiah. Some prophets in Zimbabwean context face challenges of negative publicity.

Question demands

Examine

Witness Dingani is an author, columnist, youth coach, radio host, cricketer. He is the founder of charity organisation “Dingani Charity Organisation”. In 2016 he was nominated as the most influential youthful figures in Zimbabwe and was voted on the 8th position out of 15 people by the Pan-Zimbabwe society. Questions by schools can be submitted through his mobile number +2363777896159 or e-mail address: [email protected]. Readers can follow the Questions and Answers on Sunday News every week.