The Call of Jeremiah

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, who was among the priests in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin (Jeremiah 1:1). This occurred during the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah (Jeremiah 1:2). The LORD stated that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him, and before he was born, He sanctified and ordained him a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). Jeremiah responded by stating he could not speak because he was a child, but the LORD commanded him not to say he was a child, as he must go to all to whom he is sent and speak whatever he is commanded (Jeremiah 1:6-7).

The LORD put forth His hand and touched Jeremiah's mouth, stating that He had put His words in his mouth (Jeremiah 1:9). Jeremiah was set over the nations and kingdoms to root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build, and plant (Jeremiah 1:10). The LORD then asked Jeremiah what he saw, and Jeremiah described a rod of an almond tree. A second vision followed where Jeremiah saw a seething pot with its face toward the north (Jeremiah 1:11-13).

The LORD explained that out of the north an evil would break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land, as He would call all the families of the kingdoms of the north (Jeremiah 1:14-15). These kingdoms would set their thrones at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem and against the walls of the cities of Judah. The text does not say which specific northern nations these are. Judgment was pronounced against the people for their wickedness in forsaking the LORD and burning incense to other gods (Jeremiah 1:16). Jeremiah was commanded to gird up his loins and speak all that he was commanded, for the LORD made him a defenced city, an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land (Jeremiah 1:17-18).