◄ Jeremiah 1:1 ►
These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.
Study Bible
These are the words of Jeremiah
Jeremiah is recognized as one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. His writings are a collection of prophecies, narratives, and laments. The phrase indicates the beginning of a prophetic book, similar to other prophetic introductions (e.g., Isaiah, Ezekiel). Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to convey God's messages to the people of Judah, often focusing on themes of judgment and restoration.

son of Hilkiah
Hilkiah is identified as Jeremiah's father, suggesting a priestly lineage. This connection is significant as it places Jeremiah within the Levitical tradition, which was responsible for religious duties and temple service. Hilkiah may also be linked to the high priest who found the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign (2 Kings 22:8), though this is not definitively confirmed.

one of the priests in Anathoth
Anathoth was a Levitical city allocated to the descendants of Aaron, located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. This setting emphasizes Jeremiah's priestly background, which would have influenced his understanding of religious law and temple practices. The mention of Anathoth also highlights the tension Jeremiah faced, as his messages often opposed the religious establishment.

in the territory of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and its territory bordered Judah. This geographical detail situates Jeremiah within the southern kingdom, which was the focus of his prophetic ministry. The location is significant as it underscores the political and social context of his prophecies, particularly during the turbulent times leading up to the Babylonian exile. Benjamin's proximity to Jerusalem also meant that Jeremiah was closely connected to the events and leadership in the capital.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
The prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance and faithfulness amidst persecution and rejection.

2. Hilkiah
Jeremiah's father, identified as a priest. This indicates Jeremiah's priestly lineage, which is significant in understanding his background and the authority with which he spoke.

3. Anathoth
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as a Levitical city. It was a place designated for the priests, which further emphasizes Jeremiah's priestly heritage.

4. Territory of Benjamin
One of the tribes of Israel, located near Jerusalem. This location is significant as it places Jeremiah in close proximity to the political and religious center of Judah.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Heritage
Just as Jeremiah's background as a priest influenced his ministry, our own heritage and upbringing can shape our calling and service to God. Reflect on how your background can be used for God's purposes.

God's Sovereignty in Calling
Jeremiah's life demonstrates that God calls individuals according to His purpose, regardless of their personal qualifications or circumstances. Trust in God's sovereignty and respond to His call with obedience.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Jeremiah faced significant opposition, yet he remained faithful to God's message. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges or rejection.

The Importance of Place
Anathoth, as a Levitical city, was a place of spiritual significance. Consider how your current place or community can be a platform for ministry and service.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's priestly background influence his role as a prophet, and how can our own backgrounds influence our service to God?

2. In what ways does Jeremiah's calling reflect God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

3. What challenges did Jeremiah face in his ministry, and how can his perseverance inspire us in our own spiritual journeys?

4. How does the location of Anathoth contribute to Jeremiah's identity and mission, and what significance does your own location have in your life and ministry?

5. How can we remain faithful to God's calling in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Jeremiah's life and ministry? Consider other biblical figures who faced similar challenges.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah's Calling (Jeremiah 1:4-10)
This passage details Jeremiah's divine calling and commission, emphasizing God's sovereignty and purpose for Jeremiah's life.

Priestly Lineage (1 Chronicles 6:60)
Anathoth is listed as a city given to the descendants of Aaron, connecting Jeremiah to the priestly line and highlighting his role as both prophet and priest.

Prophetic Role (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
This passage speaks of God raising up prophets to speak His words, which aligns with Jeremiah's role as a mouthpiece for God.
Sermons
A Protracted MinistryA.F. Muir Jeremiah 1:1-3
Introductory Statements Concerning Jeremiah's Parentage and Period of His MinistryS. Conway Jeremiah 1:1-3
People
Amon, Anathoth, Benjamin, Hilkiah, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Zedekiah
Places
Anathoth, Jerusalem
Topics
Anathoth, An'athoth, Benjamin, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Jeremiah, Priests, Territory
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 1:1

     7413   priesthood, OT

Jeremiah 1:1-10

     7758   preachers, call

Library
May the Fifteenth God is Wide-Awake
"Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree." --JEREMIAH i. 7-19. And through the almond tree the Lord gave the trembling young prophet the strength of assurance. The almond tree is the first to awake from its wintry sleep. When all other trees are held in frozen slumber the almond blossoms are looking out on the barren world. And God is like that, awake and vigilant. Nobody anticipates Him. Wherever Jeremiah was sent on his prophetic mission the Lord would be there before …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Writings of Jerome.
The following is a list of the writings arranged under various heads, and showing the date of composition and the place held by each in the Edition of Vallarsi, the eleven volumes of which will be found in Migne's Patrologia, vols. xxii. to xxx. The references are to the volumes of Jerome's works (i.-xi.) in that edition. I. Bible translations: (1) From the Hebrew.--The Vulgate of the Old Testament, written at Bethlehem, begun 391, finished 404, vol. ix. (2) From the Septuagint.--The Psalms as used …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Out of Sectarian Confusion
I was still a Methodist. The Methodist did not license women to preach; but when the preachers found out that God was using me in the salvation of souls and that I was not especially interested in building up any certain denomination, I had an abundance of calls. God had already begun talking to my brother Jeremiah about the sin of division, and he was beginning to see the evils of sectarianism. The winter after I was healed, he had attended the Jacksonville, Illinois, holiness convention, and had …
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things, and those who do not Finish them when Begun.
(Admonition 35.) Differently to be admonished are they who do not even begin good things, and those who in no wise complete such as they have begun. For as to those who do not even begin good things, for them the first need is, not to build up what they may wholesomely love, but to demolish that wherein they are wrongly occupied. For they will not follow the untried things they hear of, unless they first come to feel how pernicious are the things that they have tried; since neither does one desire …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Servant's Inflexible Resolve
'For the Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set My face like a flint.'--ISAIAH l. 7. What a striking contrast between the tone of these words and of the preceding! There all is gentleness, docility, still communion, submission, patient endurance. Here all is energy and determination, resistance and martial vigour. It is like the contrast between a priest and a warrior. And that gentleness is the parent of this boldness. The same Will which is all submission …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

That Sometimes Some Laudably Desire the Office of Preaching, While Others, as Laudably, are Drawn to it by Compulsion.
Although sometimes some laudably desire the office of preaching, yet others are as laudably drawn to it by compulsion; as we plainly perceive, if we consider the conduct of two prophets, one of whom offered himself of his own accord to be sent to preach, yet the other in fear refused to go. For Isaiah, when the Lord asked whom He should send, offered himself of his own accord, saying, Here I am; send me (Isai. vi. 8). But Jeremiah is sent, yet humbly pleads that he should not be sent, saying, Ah, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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