Jeremiah is one of the “major prophets” of the Old Testament. His ministry and prophecy lasted for more than 40 years.
Inspired by God, he authored the Old Testament books Jeremiah and Lamentations.
He was called by God to prophesy and speak to Judah before, during and after their fall to Babylon.
The message from God would offer hope, but also dire warnings if the Jews did not obey.
God called Jeremiah while he was still a young boy.
In fact, chapter 1 of Jeremiah tells us that God set Jeremiah apart, before he was born.
While still in his mother’s womb, God appointed him as a prophet.
God told Jeremiah to tell of Jerusalem’s coming destruction because of the people’s sins.
They were worshipping false Gods (Baals) and even offering their children as sacrifices to Baal.
Jeremiah 19:4-5 NIV
4 For they have forsaken me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned incense in it to gods that neither they nor their ancestors nor the kings of Judah ever knew, and they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. 5 They have built the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind.
Jeremiah pointed out other sins of the people, including pride, mistreatment of non-Jews, non-care of orphans and widows and lying.
Jeremiah is referred to as the “weeping prophet” because of his compassionate emotions regarding his fellow countrymen and the punishment that was to come.
Jeremiah 13:17 NIV
17 If you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.
Jeremiah foretold of the coming calamity facing Judah and Jerusalem. He further told them that they would be taken captive and held in a foreign land.
Because of his message, he faced tremendous backlash. Even his family turned against him.
Jeremiah 12:6 NIV
6 Your relatives, members of your own family—even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.
I hope this stirs your interest in Jeremiah, motivating you to read the book bearing his name and to study further to see what happened to Judah & Jerusalem.
RVH