The book of Jeremiah has 52 chapters. You should first read the entire 52 chapters quite quickly without trying to understand every verse the first time. Try to get a feel of the book, jot down impressions and also verses which resonate in your heart. Then make a plan of study for yourself, perhaps to study one to five chapters every day, or more, if you have the time.
Get a notebook and write down every day what you have learned. Write down the date you are starting, and your plan of study and how many chapters you want to complete every week.
The writings of Jeremiah are narrative, poetry and prophecy. If you are able to differentiate this writings while you read, it will help you to understand the book better. What helped me while I was reading Jeremiah was, to listen to Bible mp3. Listening to the WORD helps me to listen better and appreciate the book. Jeremiah’s methods of delivering God’s message to the people are also intriguing. He speaks, writes (Barukh helped Jeremiah to write), and acts. These methods left a powerful impression on me. It shows the creativity of God in speaking to his people.
Lastly, while reading through and writing down what you have learn, try ask questions then seek the answers in bible dictionary, commentaries and other books about Jeremiah.
Backgrounds and Outline of Jeremiah
Date of Writing: The Book of Jeremiah was written between 630 and 580 B.C.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Jeremiah records the final prophecies to Judah, warning of oncoming destruction if the nation does not repent. Jeremiah calls out for the nation to turn back to God. At the same time, Jeremiah recognizes the inevitability of Judah’s destruction due to its unrepentant idolatry and immorality.
Brief Summary: The Book of Jeremiah is primarily a message of judgment on Judah for rampant idolatry. After the death of King Josiah, the last righteous king, the nation of Judah had almost completely abandoned God and His commandments. Jeremiah compares Judah to a prostitute. God had promised that He would judge idolatry and Jeremiah was warning Judah that God’s judgment was at hand. God had delivered Judah from destruction on countless occasions, but His mercy was at its end. Jeremiah records King Nebuchadnezzar conquering Judah and making it subject to him. After further rebellion, God brought Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian armies back to destroy and desolate Judah and Jerusalem. Even in this most severe judgment, God promises the restoration of Judah back into the land God has given them.
Outline
I. Early Prophecies — Under Josiah and Jehoiakim (Chapter 1-20)
A. The commission of Jeremiah 1
B. Judah, Yahweh’s unfaithful wife 2-6
C. Judah, the hypocrite 7-10
D. Judah, breaker of the covenant 11-12
E. Five parables of judgment 13-20
II. Later Prophecies — Under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah (Chapter 21-39)
A. Captivity in Babylon predicted 21-29
B. Restoration predicted 30-33
C. Captivity anticipated 34-39
III. Prophecies after the fall of Jerusalem (Chapter 40-45)
A. Gedaliah as governor 40-41
B. Johanan’s rebellion 41-43
C. Jeremiah’s prophecies in Egypt 43-44
D. Jeremiah’s prophesy for Baruch 45
IV. Prophecies concerning foreign nations (Chapter 46-51)
A. Southwest 46-47
B. Southeast 48-49:22
C. North 49:23-33
D. East 49:34-51:64
V. The Fall of Jerusalem (Chapter 52)