Jeremiah

Lore & Background

Jeremiah the prophet is central to the narrative of Judah's final years. He received the word of the LORD concerning a dearth (Jeremiah 14:1) and delivered messages to King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 21:1, Jeremiah 21:3). His ministry faced violent opposition: Pashur the priest smote him and put him in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2), and others devised plans against him (Jeremiah 18:18). The LORD's word through Jeremiah was later cited as fulfilled in the desolation of the land and the decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:21, 2 Chronicles 36:22, Ezra 1:1).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Jeremiah as a prophet whose words were directly from the LORD, often delivered in the temple or to kings (Jeremiah 19:14, Jeremiah 21:3). He is shown as a figure of lament, mourning King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:25). His prophetic authority is underscored by the fulfillment of his words regarding the seventy-year sabbath rest of the land (2 Chronicles 36:21) and the rise of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36:22, Ezra 1:1). However, the name Jeremiah also appears for other individuals: a maternal grandfather of two kings (2 Kings 23:31, 2 Kings 24:18), a warrior among David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 12:4, 1 Chronicles 12:10, 1 Chronicles 12:13), a head of a father's house (1 Chronicles 5:24), and priests in post-exilic lists (Nehemiah 10:2, Nehemiah 12:1, Nehemiah 12:12, Nehemiah 12:34). The passages do not clarify whether these are the same person or different individuals, and tradition generally distinguishes the prophet from the others.

Did You Know?

• Jeremiah's mother's name is not given in these passages, but he is the son of Hilkiah (Jeremiah 1:1).
• A different Jeremiah is the father of Hamutal, mother of two kings of Judah (2 Kings 23:31, 2 Kings 24:18).
• Jeremiah the prophet was physically assaulted by Pashur, who put him in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2).
• The word of the LORD through Jeremiah was cited as the reason for Cyrus's decree (2 Chronicles 36:22, Ezra 1:1).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." — Jeremiah "Variant:But Jehovah is truly God.He is the living God and the eternal King.Because of his indignation the earth will quake,And no nations will endure his denunciation." — Jeremiah "Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons." — Jeremiah "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?" — Jeremiah