Jeremiah
Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet active in Judah during the late seventh and early sixth centuries BC, called by God to confront the nationโs persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. He repeatedly warned that Jerusalem and the temple would be destroyed by Babylon as divine judgment, a message that led to his persecution, imprisonment, and public rejection. Amid these oracles of doom, Jeremiah also announced the promise of a new covenant in which God would forgive sins and write his law on the hearts of his people rather than on tablets of stone. This prophecy is cited in the New Testament as foundational to the redemptive work of Christ and the inauguration of the church under the new covenant.
Video from BibleProject
Jeremiah Overview
Jeremiah warns of judgment but promises God will make a new covenant with his people.
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Biography
- Born
- c. 650 BC, Anathoth, Judah
- Occupation
- Prophet, Priest
- Tribe
- Levi (priestly family)
- Father
- Hilkiah
- Era
- Divided Kingdom / Exile (c. 627-586 BC)
- Nationality
- Judean
Family
Did You Know?
Jeremiah was forbidden by God from marrying or having children, a living sign that the coming Babylonian invasion would bring death and exile to entire families across Judah.
While Jerusalem was under siege, Jeremiah purchased a field in his hometown of Anathoth for seventeen shekels of silver as a symbolic act guaranteeing future restoration after the exile, then sealed the deed in a clay jar.
King Jehoiakim personally cut and burned Jeremiahโs scroll of prophecies column by column in his winter palace fireplace, prompting the prophet to dictate an expanded second edition that included a specific curse against the king.
An Ethiopian official named Ebed-Melech rescued Jeremiah from a muddy cistern where he had been left to die, using old rags and worn-out clothes to prevent the ropes from cutting into the prophetโs armpits.
Jeremiahโs scribe Baruch received his own personal oracle of protection from God, promising that his life would be spared wherever he went, an unusual divine assurance given to a non-prophet.
Key Passages
Jeremiah's Call
Jeremiah 1:4-10
God tells Jeremiah He knew him before birth and appointed him as prophet to the nations - revealing that divine calling precedes human existence and that God equips those He sends.
4hen the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
The New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jeremiah's prophecy of a covenant written on hearts rather than stone tablets is the Old Testament's clearest anticipation of the gospel - internal transformation replacing external law.
31ehold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Commentary
Finding Purpose: Jeremiah's Calling
Jeremiah felt unprepared and unqualified. God called him anyway.
Commentary by Bible Navigator.
This commentary is for inspirational and educational purposes only. It is not professional counseling, therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for professional help. If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out to a licensed professional or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).