Jeremiah 1:1 ASV, Jeremiah 1:1-2 ASV, Jeremiah 1:2-3 ASV, Jeremiah 1:3-4 ASV, Jeremiah 1:4-5 ASV, Jeremiah 1:5-6 ASV, Jeremiah 1:6-7 ASV, Jeremiah 1:7-8 ASV, Jeremiah 1:8-9 ASV and Jeremiah 1:9-19 ASV

v.5 – “In order for Jeremiah to know that his commission was by divine decree, the Lord explained his motivation in accomplishing his purpose through him. Observe the four actions of God toward his prophet: God knew, formed, consecrated, and appointed him It was indeed encouraging for Jeremiah to know that God had specifically equipped him to carry out his commission. The knowing was not mere cognition but a sense of relationship (Amos 3:2) and approval (Ps 1:6). God's claim on his life was prior to all other relationships, as with the Servant of the Lord (Isa 49:1-5), the psalmist (Ps 139:13-16), and Paul (Gal 1:15). Jeremiah's consecration was his being set apart for a definite spiritual purpose. Here is a biblical coupling of God's foreknowledge and his sanctifying his servant. The emphasis is on the divine initiative and sovereign choice. In this respect Jeremiah was appointed a prophet for a world-wide ministry. This refutes the idea that the work of God's servants was always provincial (cf. 25:15-29; chs. 46-51). God is the Lord of the nations. Jeremiah's service, unlike that of Moses, Elijah, and Elisha, was similar to that of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and others who spoke oracles to various nations.”1

vv.11-12. “Two visions were granted Jeremiah evidently to authenticate his call. They were probably shown to him shortly after his call. Both visions are uncomplicated and are explained; both relate to judgment. The first vision was that of an almond tree (v. 11), which blossoms in January when other trees are still dormant. It is a harbinger of spring, as though it watches over the beginning of the season. So the Lord is watching to bring judgment on Israel's sins. What former prophets had said would come, was about to happen. Judgment was imminent. God was prepared to act because he was aware of world conditions. The ‘branch’ (maqqel) symbolizes judgment here, which was soon to overtake Israel (cf. Mic 6:9). God keeps his word promptly and works toward an early fulfillment (v. 12). Notice this early use of nature by Jeremiah.” 2

vv.13-14 “The word ‘again’ (senit, lit., ‘a second time’) shows that the visions are closely related (v. 13). The first deals with the time of the judgment; the second, with the direction and nature of the coming disaster. A ‘boiling pot’ can only signify calamity. It is not stated that the pot was facing toward the north but that it was ‘tilting away from the north,’ that is, facing toward the south, where its contents would be poured out. It would strike from Babylon. Though Babylon is located east of Judah, her armies--and all invading armies from Asia--would invade Palestine from the north because of the impassable Arabian desert. The first declaration of disaster in the book is found in v. 14. It will engulf the entire land of Judah. The invasion will issue in victory for the enemy.” 3

vv.17-19 “In the remainder of the chapter, Jeremiah is given strong encouragement for his hard task (v. 17), because his message would be neither welcome nor popular with his people. To fulfill his duties nothing less than utter commitment to God and to his strength would suffice. With God, Jeremiah would be invincible (v. 19). In his darkest hours these words sustained him mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He is commanded to prepare vigorously for action. He would need to rely on a triple defense (v. 18) against his fourfold enemy. Kings, officials, priests, and people--all opposed him at one time or another. Who loves a preacher of judgment (cf. 2 Tim 4:3-4)? The secret of spiritual victory is given in v. 19. Jeremiah is assured success on the condition of faith in God. He ultimately prevailed over ‘all his enemies; and his prophecies were verified, attesting him to be a true prophet of the Lord.” 4