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Jeremiah 1

19 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet, despite his youth, and is shown visions of impending judgment on Jerusalem and the northern nations, with assurance of divine protection.

Summary

Jeremiah introduces himself as a son of Hilkiah from Anathoth, noting the call of the LORD during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. The Lord declares He knew Jeremiah before birth and appointed him to deliver a message to the nations. Jeremiah expresses his fear of speaking as a child, but God assures him he will speak the words placed in his mouth. God confirms Jeremiah’s prophetic mission by touching his mouth and instructs him to speak against Judah and foreign kingdoms. Jeremiah reports two visions: an almond tree rod symbolizing swift judgment, and a seething pot pointing to northern enemies. The Lord declares that these northern peoples will rise against Jerusalem, but He will protect the city and punish the wicked who worship other gods. Jeremiah is told to rise and proclaim the message without fear, for God is with him as a defensive pillar.

Outline
  1. Divine calling and identity of Jeremiah
  2. Visions of judgment and protection
  3. Instruction to proclaim the message with confidence
Themes
Divine sovereignty and foreknowledgeProphetic authority despite human limitationsJudgment and deliverance of Israel
Keywords
prophetLORDJerusalemnorthrodpotdefensejudgmentwitnessspeech
People
JeremiahHilkiahJosiahAmonJehoiakimZedekiahthe LORD
Places
AnathothBenjaminJerusalemthe north
Things
rod of an almond treeseething potdefensive cityiron pillarbrass walls
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 1:5: God’s preordainment of Jeremiah’s prophetic role before birth.
  • Jeremiah 1:10: Reveals Jeremiah’s commission to root out, destroy, build, and plant among nations.
  • Jeremiah 1:17: God’s promise of protection and empowerment for Jeremiah’s mission.
Questions
  • Why does God emphasize Jeremiah’s youth and fear, and how does this shape our understanding of divine empowerment?
  • What is the significance of the almond tree rod and the seething pot in Jeremiah’s visions?
  • How does Jeremiah’s role as a prophet to the nations contrast with his message to Judah?
  • In what ways does Jeremiah’s assurance of divine protection impact his mission and the reception by the people?
  • How might Jeremiah’s experience reflect the broader experience of prophetic witnesses in Israel?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both a sense of impending judgment (negative) and divine assurance of protection (positive).