Jeremiah
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A movie of the life of Jeremiah with some good representations of Scripture, but also added material that has no Biblical basis (96 minutes).
Description
From DVD Cover
“Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves, in order to relay God’s message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning others of the destruction of the Holy City, he continues fearlessly with his mission. When his prophecy is fulfilled, he experiences firsthand, Jerusalem’s destruction by the Babylonians.”
Considerations
The film accurately depicts Jeremiah’s priestly background and his reluctance as a prophet of the Lord. It also shows the rejection he experienced from his relatives, although Scripture doesn’t mention his own father rejecting him as is shown in the film. There are a few phrases that appear to be taken directly from Scripture. It shows the close relationship that must have existed between Jeremiah and Baruch. It accurately portrays the judgment of king Zedekiah, his sons, and army officials after the fall of Jerusalem.
Limitations
The sequence of events at the start of the film depicting God’s calling of Jeremiah is disconcerting. Jeremiah is shown as a youth of about 14 when God calls him (Jer 1:5-10). God is shown leading and speaking to him through a young girl (angel) of about 10. She touches his mouth and puts God’s Word in him. According to Scripture, God speaks to him three more times in chapter 1. In the film these other three times are separated from his initial calling by at least 16 years. Twice the Lord is shown speaking to him through an old man (angel) and the third time the old man and young girl appear momentarily to encourage him to prophesy. Scripture does not refer to God speaking to Jeremiah through any angel or person but says that “the word of the Lord came to me,” and “the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth.”
In the film there is a secondary story of Jeremiah’s love for a young woman, which has no basis from Scripture. Jeremiah ministered for 40 years, yet in the film all the events seem to happen within a short time. Part of the problem is that Jeremiah’s appearance changes little from the start of his prophecy until the destruction of Jerusalem (he appears to stay about 35 years old). The film only includes a few phrases that are directly from Scripture. Several of the scenes are not very realistic. Nebuchadnezzar’s army was not very impressive as there were only a few warriors. Other scenes also suffered from lack of people. In addition, the temple and city of Jerusalem were not representative of what is stated in Scripture.
Guidelines for Use
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
All four movies from The Bible Series can be purchased for $30 from Amazon.com
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
LUBE s.r.l. 1998
Current copyright owner
Trimark Home Video
Other Information
Reviewed by
VMS Staff: Vernon W.
Date
April 2007
