Jeremiah 1:1-2
The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Jeremiah was not just a priest, but specifically one "in Anathoth," a small town near Jerusalem. This detail grounds his prophetic calling in a seemingly ordinary, even provincial, background, emphasizing that God chose to speak through someone from a quiet place, not just the grand religious centers.
This is the title of the book, introducing Jeremiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. It sets the stage for his prophecies, which will span from the days of King Josiah's reforms through the tragic fall of Jerusalem. The verse grounds us in who Jeremiah is and where he comes from before he begins to deliver God's powerful, often difficult, message.
Jeremiah isn't just any prophet; he's introduced with a specific lineage and location. What does his background as a priest from Anathoth reveal about his calling?
Jeremiah is introduced not just as a prophet, but as 'the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.' This isn't just genealogy; it's a statement of his pedigree and place.
A Priest's Calling
Being a priest meant he was part of the lineage of Aaron, set apart to serve God. This background equipped him with knowledge of the Law and temple rituals. It suggests a readiness for ministry, even before his prophetic call.
Anathoth: A Humble Beginning
Anathoth was a priestly city within the tribe of Benjamin, located a few miles from Jerusalem. While not the prestigious capital, its priestly inhabitants were expected to uphold God's covenant. Jeremiah's origins here suggest he came from a community familiar with religious tradition, yet perhaps also one susceptible to the same spiritual drift as the rest of the nation.
The book begins with 'The words of Jeremiah.' But were they truly his words? Let's uncover the source of his message.
The phrase 'The words of Jeremiah' can initially sound like it's about his personal opinions or stories. However, the context of prophetic literature and the commentaries make it clear: these are divine messages.
Divine Authority
While the book bears Jeremiah's name, the underlying message is from God. The Hebrew word for 'words' here can encompass more than just spoken utterances; it can refer to acts, messages, or pronouncements. The commentaries emphasize that Jeremiah was a mouthpiece for God, not the originator of the message.
A Heavy Responsibility
Jeremiah's role was to faithfully deliver what the Lord commanded. This wasn't a matter of personal choice or opinion, but a solemn duty. The weight of this divine commission would become evident as he faced opposition and delivered difficult truths to a rebellious people.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The term referring to the supreme Being of Israel, who entered into covenant relationship with His people. It is the personal, proper name of God in the Hebrew Bible, revealing His eternal, self-existent nature.
dābār · Hebrew Noun
A formal, historical declaration of an oracle or divine message received by a prophet from God. It carries the authority of the speaker, who is the Creator Himself.
Jeremiah's prophetic ministry began during a critical period of attempted religious reform under King Josiah but spanned through decades of decline, foreign invasions, and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem, making him a witness to and announcer of God's judgment on Judah.
c. 660 BC
Josiah Becomes King of Judah
Josiah ascends to the throne of Judah at a young age and later initiates a significant religious reformation, purging idolatry and restoring the Temple.
c. 641 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Called to Be a Prophet
Jeremiah, a priest from Anathoth, receives his prophetic calling from God. This marks the beginning of his ministry during Josiah's reign, a time of attempted spiritual renewal.
622 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During Temple renovations, a scroll of the Law is discovered, leading to Josiah's intensified reforms and a renewed covenant with God. Jeremiah's ministry likely supported and informed these efforts.
609 BC
Death of King Josiah
Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo while confronting the Egyptian forces. His death marks a turning point, ushering in a period of political instability and spiritual decline.
Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel is called by God and told he is being sent to rebellious people, emphasizing the difficult task of a prophet.
Isaiah 6:1-8This passage describes Isaiah's prophetic call, which, like Jeremiah's, includes a vision and a moment of commissioned service, highlighting the divine nature of the prophetic calling.
Moses, also a priest, initially hesitated when called by God, mirroring Jeremiah's reluctance and God's reassurances, demonstrating God's faithfulness in empowering His servants.
This account of Samuel's call shows God speaking to a young servant, similar to how Jeremiah, despite his lineage, was chosen and addressed directly by the Lord.
clarkeJeremiah 1:1: "The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:"
The words of Jeremiah - These three verses are the title of the Book; and were probably added by Ezra when he collected and arranged the sacred books, and put them in that order in which they are found in Hebrew Bibles in general. For particulars relative to this prophet, the times of his prophesying, and the arrangement of his discourses, see the introduction. Eleventh year o…
ellicottJeremiah 1:1: "The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:"
I. (1-3) The first three verses contain the title prefixed to the collection of prophecies by some later editor. This title would seem, from its unusual fulness, to have received one or more additions—Jeremiah 1:1 giving the general title, Jeremiah 1:2 the commencement of Jeremiah’s prophetic work, Jeremiah 1:3 the period of his chief activity and its conclusion. Strictly spea…
The verse highlights that Jeremiah was not just a priest, but specifically one "in Anathoth," a small town near Jerusalem. This detail grounds his prophetic calling in a seemingly ordinary, even provincial, background, emphasizing that God chose to speak through someone from a quiet place, not just the grand religious centers.
This is the title of the book, introducing Jeremiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. It sets the stage for his prophecies, which will span from the days of King Josiah's reforms through the tragic fall of Jerusalem. The verse grounds us in who Jeremiah is and where he comes from before he begins to deliver God's powerful, often difficult, message.
This is the title of the book, introducing Jeremiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. It sets the stage for his prophecies, which will span from the days of King Josiah's reforms through the tragic fall of Jerusalem. The verse grounds us in who Jeremiah is and where he comes from before he begins to deliver God's powerful, often difficult, message.
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605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, beginning the process of exiling key figures and treasures to Babylon. This event signifies the growing threat from the Babylonian empire.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Babylon deports more of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin, further weakening the kingdom. Jeremiah's prophecies reflect the increasing despair and impending judgment.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem and ultimately destroys the city and the Temple, completing the final deportation of the Judean people. This is the culmination of the judgment Jeremiah had long proclaimed.
"The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign." — The verse highlights that Jeremiah was not just a priest, but specifically one "in Anathoth," a small town near Jerusalem. This detail grounds his prophetic calling in a seemingly ordinary, even pr…
