Jeremiah 1

¹ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

² To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

³ It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

⁴ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

⁵ Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

⁶ Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

⁷ But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

⁸ Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

⁹ Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

¹⁰ See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

¹¹ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

¹² Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

¹³ And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof [is] toward the north.

¹⁴ Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

¹⁵ For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

¹⁶ And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

¹⁷ Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

¹⁸ For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

¹⁹ And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Overview of Jeremiah Chapter 1

Jeremiah Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, outlining his calling and the divine message he is tasked with delivering. This chapter establishes the historical context, Jeremiah’s background, and the nature of his prophetic mission.

Key Themes

• Divine Calling: The chapter emphasizes Jeremiah’s selection by God before his birth, highlighting the theme of predestination in prophetic ministry.
• Resistance and Fear: Jeremiah expresses his apprehension about speaking on behalf of God, which reflects the common human fear of inadequacy in fulfilling divine tasks.
• God’s Sovereignty: The chapter illustrates God’s control over history and His plans for nations, indicating that His will shall be accomplished regardless of human resistance.

Structure of the Chapter

1. Introduction of Jeremiah (Verses 1-3):

   The chapter begins by identifying Jeremiah as the son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth. It sets the historical context during the reigns of several kings of Judah, indicating the urgency of his prophetic message.

2. God’s Call to Jeremiah (Verses 4-10):

   God speaks directly to Jeremiah, declaring that He knew him before he was formed in the womb. This section highlights Jeremiah’s role as a prophet to the nations and outlines the dual nature of his mission: to uproot and tear down, as well as to build and plant.

3. Jeremiah’s Response (Verses 11-19):

   Jeremiah expresses his feelings of inadequacy, claiming he is too young and inexperienced. God reassures him, providing signs and affirmations of His presence and support. The chapter concludes with a warning of the challenges Jeremiah will face, emphasizing the opposition he will encounter.

Character Analysis

• Jeremiah:

  Jeremiah is portrayed as a reluctant prophet, grappling with self-doubt and fear. His initial response to God’s call reveals his humanity and vulnerability, making him a relatable figure.

• God:

  The character of God is depicted as sovereign and compassionate. He provides reassurance to Jeremiah, emphasizing His intimate knowledge of him and His unwavering support throughout his prophetic journey.

Theological Implications

• Prophetic Authority:

  The chapter underscores the concept of prophetic authority being derived from divine calling rather than human qualifications, suggesting that God’s selection is paramount in ministry.

• Human Insecurity:

  Jeremiah’s fears reflect a broader theme of human insecurity in the face of divine tasks, which invites readers to consider their own callings and the potential for divine empowerment.

• God’s Plan for Nations:

  The mention of Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations indicates that God’s plans extend beyond Israel, suggesting a universal aspect of His message and purpose.

Conclusion

Jeremiah Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for understanding the prophet’s mission and the challenges he will face. It highlights themes of divine calling, human fear, and God’s sovereignty, inviting readers to reflect on their own roles in fulfilling divine purposes. The chapter sets a tone of urgency and importance for the prophetic messages that will follow in the subsequent chapters.