Jeremiah • Jeremiah son of Hilkiah
Jeremiah the Prophet
Biblical EraJeremiah the Prophet was the prophet of destruction. He rebuked Judah for its sins, foretold the destruction of the Temple and the exile to Babylon, and also prophesied return and consolation. He lived through great suffering and relentless persecution.
Biography
Jeremiah the Prophet was the prophet of destruction. He rebuked Judah for its sins, foretold the destruction of the Temple and the exile to Babylon, and also prophesied return and consolation. He lived through great suffering and relentless persecution.
Life Story
Childhood
He came from a priestly family in Anathoth, in the territory of Benjamin.
Teachers
The prophets of his generation.
Students
Baruch son of Neriah, who wrote down his book.
Family
He was commanded not to take a wife or father children.
Key Events
His prophetic calling, the scroll of rebuke, the muddy pit, imprisonment, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the flight to Egypt.
Miracles
He prophesied with precision concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile to Babylon.
Influence
His prophecies of redemption and the new covenant became a foundation of Israel’s hope.
Death
He was taken by force to Egypt by the remnant, and according to tradition was stoned there.
Writings
Book of Jeremiah
Prophecy
Prophecies of rebuke and consolation on the eve of destruction.
Book of Lamentations
Lamentations
Laments over the destruction of Jerusalem.
His Way and Views
Torah Study
He rebuked the people for abandoning the Torah.
Halacha
He warned against making covenants with the nations.
Faith
Uncompromising faith in God even in the hour of destruction.
Ethics
Repentance and moral rebuke.
Character
Sensitive, long-suffering, and courageous.
Public Role
He rebuked kings and the people alike, at the cost of his own suffering.
Famous Quotes
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might."
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved."
Famous Stories
Jeremiah was commanded to buy a field in Anathoth during the siege, as a sign that the people would return from exile and once again buy fields and vineyards in the land.
He was cast into a muddy pit by the king’s officials because of his prophecies of destruction, and was drawn out from there by Ebed-melech.
Students
Timeline
Beginning of his prophecy
Destruction of Jerusalem
Passing in Egypt