Jeremiah

Description: (Prophet)

Jeremiah, also referred to as the "weeping prophet,” was a Hebrew prophet and reformer, considered one of the major prophets in the canonical collection of Hebrew scriptures called the ‘Hebrew Bible,’ which is the textual source for the Christian ‘Old Testament.’ According to Jewish tradition, Jeremiah, assisted by his scribe and disciple Baruch ben Neriah, wrote the ‘Book of Jeremiah.’ Jeremiah is regarded as the second of the latter prophets in the ‘Hebrew Bible’ and also the second of the prophets in the Christian ‘Old Testament.’ According to the superscription to the book, Jeremiah started his mission as a prophet during the 13th year of the 7th century BCE, when the king of Judah was Josiah (around 627 BC). He completed his mission during the 11th year of King Zedekiah’s rule, which ended in 586 BC, at a time when Jerusalem went into exile (in the 6th month). The actions taken by Jeremiah and also the issues he faced including his imprisonment are detailed in the book. Judaism considers him the second of their major prophets and the book as part of its canon. According to Jewish tradition, Jeremiah was also aided by Baruch ben Neriah in authoring the ‘Books of Kings’ and the ‘Book of Lamentations.’ The latter includes poetic laments and mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah is also considered a prophet in the Abrahamic monotheistic religions of Christianity and Islam and finds a place in both the ‘New Testament’ and Islamic tradition.

Overview

Born In Israel
Alternative names Weeping prophet
Parents Hilkiah

Did you know

What is the main theme of the Book of Jeremiah? The main theme of the Book of Jeremiah is the consequences of disobedience to God and the call to repentance. Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and warns of the destruction that will come if people do not turn back to God.
What are some key prophecies in the Book of Jeremiah? Some key prophecies in the Book of Jeremiah include the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, the prophecy of the exile of the Israelites to Babylon, and the prophecy of the restoration of Israel.
How is Jeremiah's role as a prophet portrayed in the Bible? Jeremiah is portrayed as a reluctant prophet who is called by God to deliver difficult messages to the people of Israel. Despite facing opposition and persecution, Jeremiah remains faithful to his calling and continues to speak God's word.
What are some significant events in the life of Jeremiah? Some significant events in the life of Jeremiah include his call to prophethood, his warnings to the people of Israel about the impending destruction of Jerusalem, his imprisonment by King Zedekiah, and his purchase of a field in Anathoth as a symbol of hope for the future.
How does the Book of Jeremiah emphasize the importance of true worship? The Book of Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of true worship by condemning the empty rituals and insincere sacrifices of the people of Israel. Jeremiah calls for a genuine commitment to God and a transformation of the heart rather than outward displays of religion.
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