Introduction to Jeremiah

The Prophet Jeremiah had written two books in the Bible namely, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. And the book of Jeremiah is one of the five major prophetic writings. His name means “Yahweh will exalt.” His contemporaries were prophets such as  Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel, and Ezekiel. Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah had a turbulent ministry. He had to go through many sufferings just to get the truths of God across. He served God through a very critical period in the history of the Jews. He warned of the fall of Jerusalem, but his warning went unheeded by God’s people.  Though he went through a torrid time, he courageously spoke for God pointing to the direction that would lead to their redemption and restoration.   

Jeremiah hailed from Anathoth located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, about two miles south of Jerusalem. He was the son of a priest named Hilkiah and according to Jeremiah 1:6 was called to serve God while he was still a youth. Aware that being called by God was a serious matter, he responded in trepidation, saying that he could not speak for he was still a youth. But when God calls, He also empowers. So God’s gracious assurance to his excuse in Jeremiah 1:6-7 was: “…Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.”

In Jeremiah 1:2-3 we are told that his ministry began in the reign of “Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.” He also served “…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 exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month.” Jeremiah had a lengthy ministry of approximately 40 years.

In total the book of Jeremiah has 52 chapters. And this prophet communicated God’s words to the people in different forms. He communicated with parables, sermons, and even object lessons.  There is plenty we can glean from this lengthy book. We shall take our time to slowly chew and digest the many tough but profitable messages of this long book and consider its implication for our lives. Let’s be ready for God’s personal word to us through this book. As we do, we must accept God’s invitation in Jeremiah 33:3. We will call on Him and see Him answer us and tell us great and mighty things, which we do not yet know. Our constant prayer will be for Him to enable us to see what He wants to do in us and through us.