Jeremiah 1:2

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.

To whom the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came in the days {H3117} of Josiah {H2977} the son {H1121} of Amon {H526} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, in the thirteenth {H7969}{H6240} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427}.

The word of ADONAI came to him during the days of Yoshiyahu the son of Amon, king of Y'hudah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah,

to whom the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

Commentary

Jeremiah 1:2 serves as a crucial historical marker, establishing the precise beginning of the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. It grounds his divine commission within a specific geopolitical and temporal context, highlighting that God's communication with humanity is not abstract but occurs within real historical events.

Context

This verse introduces the prophet Jeremiah, whose long and challenging ministry spanned several decades in the turbulent final years of the Kingdom of Judah. The reference to "Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah" is highly significant. King Josiah was a righteous monarch who initiated a substantial spiritual revival and reforms in Judah, aiming to turn the nation back to God after years of idolatry and moral decline under his predecessors. Jeremiah's prophetic calling began in Josiah's thirteenth year (around 627/626 BC), a period when Josiah's reforms were gaining momentum. However, the underlying spiritual corruption of the people, despite the king's efforts, was deeply entrenched. Jeremiah's message would often be one of impending judgment, a stark contrast to the hope of revival, reflecting the deep-seated sin of Judah that even Josiah's reforms could not fully eradicate. You can learn more about King Josiah's spiritual reforms in the historical books.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: The phrase "the word of the LORD came" emphasizes that Jeremiah's ministry was not self-initiated but a direct divine mandate. God actively chose and commissioned Jeremiah, setting the stage for his prophetic declarations. This highlights God's sovereignty in raising up His messengers.
  • Historical Precision: By specifying "the thirteenth year of his reign," the verse anchors Jeremiah's prophecy firmly in history. This precision lends credibility to the narrative and underscores that God's work unfolds within specific times and places.
  • Prophetic Calling: This verse marks the very beginning of Jeremiah's prophetic journey, which would involve delivering difficult messages of warning, repentance, and judgment to a stubbornly rebellious people. The specific details of Jeremiah's divine commissioning are found in the following verses.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: davar Yahweh) is a powerful theological term used throughout the Old Testament. It signifies an authoritative and living communication directly from God, carrying His power and truth. It is not merely human opinion but divine revelation, the very utterance of the covenant God of Israel.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 1:2 reminds us that God is active in history and that He speaks to individuals at specific times and for particular purposes. Just as Jeremiah was called to deliver God's message in a challenging era, believers today are called to understand and apply God's word in their own contexts. It encourages us to pay attention to God's timing and to recognize that divine calls are often placed within complex historical realities. Understanding the historical context of a biblical book, as provided here, is crucial for grasping its full message and applying its timeless truths.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

  • Jeremiah 1:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

  • Jonah 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

  • Jeremiah 1:4 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  • 1 Kings 13:20 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:

  • Hosea 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 21:24 (2 votes)

    And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.