*Jeremiah 1:1-9
The book of Jeremiah introduces the prophet and his calling to pronounce judgement on Judah for its wickedness.
- Introduction of Jeremiah:
- The passage introduces Jeremiah as the son of Hilkiah, of the priests residing in Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin.
- It provides the historical context by stating that Jeremiah received his prophetic call in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Josiah, son of Amon, over Judah.
- God’s Call to Jeremiah:
- Jeremiah recounts how the word of the Lord came to him, declaring, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
- Despite Jeremiah’s protests of inadequacy due to his youth and inexperience, God reassures him by stating, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
- Commissioning as a Prophet:
- God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and imparts His words to him, appointing him over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.
- Jeremiah is commissioned to proclaim God’s message faithfully, regardless of the opposition he may face, and to fulfill the divine purpose for which he was chosen.
Jeremiah 1:1-9 teaches us that God has a purpose for our lives, no matter how young or unqualified we may feel. When God called Jeremiah, he was afraid and thought he wasn’t ready, but God assured him that He would give him the words and strength he needed. This reminds us that when God calls us to do something, we don’t have to be afraid—He will help us. We should trust Him, step out in faith, and remember that He can use us in amazing ways.
Jeremiah 1:1-9 (WEB)
1:1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. 2 The LORD’s word came to him 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, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. 4 Now the LORD’s word came to me, saying,5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.Before you were born, I sanctified you.I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.”7 But the LORD said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you. 8 Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says the LORD.9 Then the LORD stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. Then the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.