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Jeremiah 1

Jeremiah 1 introduces the prophet Jeremiah and describes his calling and commission from God. It establishes his lineage, the time of his ministry, and the divine purpose for which he was chosen. God assures Jeremiah of His presence and protection, despite the challenges Jeremiah will face in delivering a difficult message to the people of Judah. The chapter sets the tone for Jeremiah’s role as a prophet who would speak both of judgment and restoration.

Jeremiah 1:1-10 (NKJV)
1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who 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, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
6 Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.”

God calls Jeremiah, a young priest from Anathoth, to be His prophet, beginning during King Josiah’s reign. God declares His knowledge of Jeremiah from before his birth, appointing him as a prophet to carry a difficult message. Though Jeremiah feels inadequate due to his youth, God reassures him, promising His presence and protection. God’s touch on Jeremiah’s mouth symbolizes divine empowerment, filling him with His words. Jeremiah’s mission is to confront sin in Judah and other nations with authority to "root out" and "build," signifying judgment and the promise of renewal.

Jeremiah 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.”
12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”

The almond tree, known for blossoming early, represents God’s watchfulness and readiness to fulfill His word. Just as the almond tree quickly responds to the season’s changes, God will swiftly bring His prophetic messages through Jeremiah to pass. This vision reassures Jeremiah of God’s active involvement and the certainty of His plans.

Jeremiah 1:13-16 (NKJV)
13 And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and it is facing away from the north.”
14 Then the Lord said to me: “Out of the north calamity shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land.
15 For behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord; “They shall come and each one set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around, and against all the cities of Judah.
16 I will utter My judgments against them concerning all their wickedness, because they have forsaken Me, burned incense to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands.”

The boiling pot facing from the north symbolizes imminent disaster. God reveals that a northern kingdom, later identified as Babylon, will bring judgment upon Judah. This calamity is God’s response to Judah’s persistent idolatry and abandonment of His covenant. The image emphasizes God’s sovereignty, as He uses foreign nations to execute His judgment on His people for their unfaithfulness.

Jeremiah 1:17-19 (NKJV)
17 “Therefore prepare yourself and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, lest I dismay you before them.
18 For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.
19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.”

God commands Jeremiah to be resolute and not fear opposition, promising him divine strength. God likens Jeremiah to a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, underscoring his resilience amid hostility. Though he will face resistance from Judah’s leaders and people, God assures Jeremiah that he will be protected and ultimately vindicated. This divine backing equips Jeremiah with the courage needed for his prophetic mission.

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