Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 1

The Inscription.This introduction gives us important information about the prophet Jeremiah, including his family background and the time period of his prophecies. Jeremiah was chosen by God as both a priest and a prophet during a critical time in Judah’s history. He served as God’s messenger for about forty years, warning the people and calling them to repentance. Despite his faithful efforts and the support of King Josiah, the people remained unrepentant, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and their captivity in Babylon.v. 1: Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth . Anathoth was a city of priests located about three miles from Jerusalem. While Hilkiah shares a name with the high priest in Josiah’s time, Jeremiah’s father was likely a different Hilkiah. The name Jeremiah means "raised up by the Lord

v. 2: Jeremiah began his ministry in the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign . This was a time when Josiah was working to reform Judah by removing idols and restoring true worship (2 Chronicles 34:3 ). Jeremiah’s prophetic calling came at a perfect time to assist the young king in this good work. The word of the Lord

v. 3: Jeremiah continued to prophesy during the reigns of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, each of whom ruled for eleven years, until the fall of Jerusalem and the people’s captivity . This marked the fulfillment of many of Jeremiah’s warnings. His ministry lasted about forty years, the same period as Moses led Israel in the wilderness. Just as Moses taught the people before they entered the Promised Land, Jeremiah served as a teacher before they were exiled to the wilderness of foreign nations. Ezekiel’s prophecy of forty days representing forty years of Judah’s sin highlights the seriousness of their refusal to repent despite Jeremiah’s persistent warnings (Ezekiel 4:6 ).

Jeremiah's Call to the Prophetic Office.This part tells how Jeremiah was chosen by God to be a prophet from a very young age. God had a special plan for him even before he was born. Jeremiah felt unworthy and too young for this big responsibility, but God promised to help him, give him the right words, and protect him. God’s call for Jeremiah is a reminder that God can use anyone He chooses, and He gives strength for the work He assigns.v. 4-5: God revealed to Jeremiah that his calling as a prophet was planned before his birth. The word of the Lord

v. 6: Jeremiah responded with humility and fear. Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth” . He felt too young and not skilled enough to speak to important people. This shows that even those God calls may feel weak or unprepared, and it is right to be humble before such a calling.

v. 7-8: God encouraged Jeremiah not to be afraid because of his age or the people he would face. But the Lord

v. 9: God gave Jeremiah the words he needed. Then the Lord

v. 10: God gave Jeremiah authority to speak to nations and kingdoms. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant . Jeremiah’s words would have great power—not political power, but the authority that comes from speaking God’s truth. He would warn people, call them to turn from evil, and give hope for restoration. God would fulfill His word, and Jeremiah simply had to trust and obey.

Charge Given to Jeremiah.In this passage, God begins to teach Jeremiah through visions about the serious task ahead of him. Jeremiah’s main message would be to warn Judah and Jerusalem about the coming judgment because of their sins, especially idolatry. God uses vivid images to help Jeremiah understand the urgency and certainty of His plans. Along with these warnings, God also encourages Jeremiah to be bold and faithful, promising His protection and support.v. 11-12: God shows Jeremiah a vision of a rod from an almond tree. The word of the Lord

v. 13-14: In another vision, Jeremiah sees a boiling pot tilting from the north. And the word of the Lord

v. 15: God explains that He will call powerful nations to execute His judgment. “For behold, I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the Lord

v. 16: God reveals the reason for this judgment: the people’s sins. “And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands” . The people abandoned God, turned to idols, and worshipped worthless things they created. This rebellion against God is the cause of their coming destruction.

v. 17: God urges Jeremiah to be brave and faithful in his mission. “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them” . Jeremiah is told to prepare himself with courage and determination. He must deliver God’s message fully and without fear, trusting in God’s authority rather than worrying about the reactions of people.

v. 18-19: God promises to protect Jeremiah from opposition. “And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land… They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord