A Rhetorical Analysis of Jeremiah 7:1-15

Abstract

This article is a rhetorical study of Jeremiah 7:1-15. It attempts to show that a rhetorical analysis of Jeremiah helps the reader to understand the different parts of the speech correctly, to discover what was mentioned and what was not mentioned in it, and to identify the target audience and the methods of persuasion used by the prophet. This is not merely a literary analysis of Jeremiah's speech, but primarily a critical examination of how Jeremiah planned to deliver his words to the audience. My analysis concludes that Jeremiah's speech is planned and well organised, and that all its parts logically interconnect. Jeremiah uses many traditions from the past, and on the basis of these traditions, presents new arguments.

Jeremiah as the model city: ‘Iron pillar’ as temple language in Jeremiah 1.18

“…Though physically he is weak, he stands as the strong ‘iron pillar’. Michael Avioz (2006: 184) notes that Jeremiah reminds the people of the temple’s true purpose. Jeremiah needs to persuade the people gathered at the temple that it is indeed an important place, and before coming to pray there, or to offer sacrifices, they must make sure that their hands are clean and must mend the error of their ways.…”