Old Testament
Jeremiah 1:2
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To whom the word of the LORD came during the reign of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, in the 13th year of his rule.
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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.
What Jeremiah 1:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse introduces the prophet Jeremiah and sets the historical context for his ministry. It specifies that Jeremiah received God's message during the reign of King Josiah, who was known for his religious reforms in Judah. The mention of the 13th year of Josiah's reign indicates that Jeremiah began his prophetic work around 627 BC, a time when Judah was facing moral and spiritual decline. Josiah's efforts to restore true worship and eliminate idolatry were significant, but the nation still struggled with deep-rooted issues. This verse highlights the importance of divine communication and the role of prophets in guiding the people back to God. It serves as a reminder that God speaks to His people through chosen individuals, especially during critical times in history. Jeremiah's calling is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the messages of warning and hope that will follow throughout his prophetic career.
How to apply Jeremiah 1:2 to your life
Understanding the context of Jeremiah's calling encourages us to recognize the importance of listening to God's voice in our lives. Just as God spoke through Jeremiah during a tumultuous time, we too can seek guidance and clarity in our own challenges, trusting that God is still active today.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Call of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1–19)
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Jeremiah
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 1:2
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 1:2 mean?
Jeremiah 1:2 introduces the prophet Jeremiah and indicates that he received God's message during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, specifically in the 13th year of Josiah's rule. This sets the historical context for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, highlighting the spiritual challenges facing Judah at that time.
What is the significance of King Josiah in Jeremiah 1:2?
King Josiah is significant in Jeremiah 1:2 because he was known for his religious reforms aimed at restoring true worship in Judah. His reign marked a critical period when Jeremiah began his prophetic work, addressing the moral and spiritual decline of the nation.
What does the phrase 'the word of the LORD came' mean in Jeremiah 1:2?
The phrase 'the word of the LORD came' in Jeremiah 1:2 signifies that God communicated directly with Jeremiah, entrusting him with messages for the people of Judah. This highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people.
What historical context does Jeremiah 1:2 provide?
Jeremiah 1:2 provides historical context by placing Jeremiah's prophetic ministry during the reign of King Josiah, around 627 BC. This period was marked by Josiah's efforts to reform Judah's worship practices amid widespread idolatry and moral decline.
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