Chapter 1: Yirmiyahu is appointed as a prophet

(19 Pesukim)

1.      His background: (1:1-3)

• His name and lineage: Yirmiyahu was the son of Chilkiyahu [who was the son of Shafan[1], who had found the Torah scroll in the house of God in the days of Yoshiyahu[2]]. [He was also descendent of Rachav the harlot, mentioned in the book of Yehoshua[3]].
• A Kohen: Yirmiyahu was a priest.
• His place of dwelling: He lived in the city of priests known as Anasos, which was located in the land of Binyamon.
• The era of his prophecy: Yirmiyahu began to prophesize in the days of Yoshiyahu the son of Amon who was the king of Judah. The prophecy took place in the 13^th year of his reign. His prophecies lasted throughout the reign of Yehoyakim, the son of Yoshiyahu, who was the king of Judah, up until the 11^th year of reign of Chizkiyahu the son of Yoshiyahu the king of Judah. He prophesied until the citizens of Jerusalem were exiled in the fifth month. [Thus, the prophecies of Yirmiyahu continued throughout the remaining years of reign of King Yoshiyahu counting from the 13^th year, and through the reign of his son, Yehoyakum, and through the reign of his son Tzidkiyahu, until the eleventh year of his rule, when the people were exiled and his reign ended.[4]]

2.      Hashem appointing Yirmiyahu as a prophet: (1:4-10)

• An appointment from the womb: Hashem spoke to Yirmiyahu and said to him, prior to you being formed in your mother’s womb I have already made Myself known to you [as I showed Adam that you would be a prophet in this generation[5]], and prior to leaving your mother’s womb I have sanctified you, as I have appointed you as a prophet for the nations [i.e. the Jewish people who are acting like the idolatrous nations, or alternatively, as a prophet to the gentile nations to prophesize their downfalls[6]]. [When Hashem told Moshe that He would raise up a prophet like him in the future, this was a reference to Yirmiyahu, as both gave reproof to the Jewish people and both delivered prophecies for forty years.[7]]
• The initial rejection: At first, Yirmiyahu rejected the appointment of becoming a prophet stating that he is a mere lad, [and is incomparable to Moses who performed many miracles and merited to lead the Jewish people, and only chastised them close to his death[8]]. Hashem however rejected his claim of invalidation due to being a young lad and instructed Yirmiyahu to follow through with all of the messages and instructions that he is given [on behalf of the Jewish people and Gentile nations[9]]. Hashem reassured him not to fear as he will be with him to save him from any danger and harm.
• Hashem touches the mouth of Yirmiyahu: Hashem then sent his hand and touched the mouth of Yirmiyahu and told Yirmiyahu that he has now placed His words on his mouth and has now appointed him over the [gentile[10]] nations and kingdoms to destroy and eradicate [them], and to [help the Jewish people[11]] build and plant [if they will listen to Hashem’s voice[12]].

3.      The prophecy of the staff of an almond tree: (1:11-12)

• The word of Hashem came to Yirmiyahu and asked him; What do you see Yirmiyahu? And Yirmiyahu replied that he sees the staff [i.e. branch] of an almond tree. Hashem replied to him, you have seen well, as I am vigilant to perform the prophecy in the very near future. [This was symbolized by the almond, as the almond tree is the fastest to produce its blossom. It takes 21 days from blossom until the fruit is ready to be eaten. This corresponds to the 21 days between 17^th of Tamuz when the city walls were breached and the 9^th of Av when the temple was burned.[13]]

4.      The prophecy of the swollen pot: (1:11-19)

• The word of Hashem came to Yirmiyahu a second time and Hashem asked him; What do you see Yirmiyahu? And Yirmiyahu replied that he sees a boiling pot which is boiling [and releasing steam] towards the north.
• A prophecy of the conquering of Israel and destruction of the temple: Hashem responded to Yirmiyahu stating that this prophecy is a hint that from the north [i.e. Bavel[14]] will open the evil upon all the residents of the land of Israel. As I will call upon the nations which dwell to the north of Israel to lay siege to the gates and walls of Jerusalem and to all the cities of Judea. All this is in retribution for the evil that the Jewish people have done to Me that they have forsaken Me and offered incense for other deities and prostrated towards their idols.
• A promise to Yirmiyahu that he will remain safe upon saying his prophecy: Now, Yirmiyahu gird your loins and get up and speak to the Jewish people that which I have told you to tell them. Do not fear them as if you do fear them, then you will get injured before they. I have appointed you today like a strong fortified city and like a pillar of fire and wall of copper against all those who desire to harm you, including kings and ministers who will unsuccessfully try to fight against you, to stop you from saying the prophecy, as I will be with you.

[1] Radak 1:1

[2] Radak 1:1

[3] Rashi 1:1

[4] Rashi 1:3; Radak ibid

[5] Rashi 1:5

[6] Rashi 1:5; Metzudos David 1:5

[7] Rashi 1:5

[8] Rashi 1:6

[9] Rashi 1:7

[10] Rashi 1:10; Metzudos David 1:10

[11] Rashi 1:10

[12] Rashi 1:10; Mahriy Karo ibid

[13] Rashi 1:12

[14] Rashi 1:14