Verse 1-3. The words of Jeremiah] These three verses are the title of the Book; and were probably added by Ezra when he collected and arranged the sacred books, and put them in that order in which they are found in Hebrew Bibles in general. For particulars relative to this prophet, the times of his prophesying, and the arrangement of his discourses, see the introduction.

Eleventh year of Zedekiah] That is, the last year of his reign; for he was made prisoner by the Chaldeans in the fourth month of that year, and the carrying away of the inhabitants of Jerusalem was in the fifth month of the same year.

Jer. 1:1-10 Jeremiah's early call to the work and office of a prophe is stated. He was to be a prophet, not to the Jews only, but to the neighbouring nations. He is still a prophet to the whole world, and it would be well if they would attend to these warnings. The Lord wh formed us, knows for what particular services and purposes he intende us. But unless he sanctify us by his new-creating Spirit, we shal neither be fit for his holy service on earth, nor his holy happiness in heaven. It becomes us to have low thoughts of ourselves. Those who ar young, should consider that they are so, and not venture beyond their powers. But though a sense of our own weakness and insufficiency shoul make us go humbly about our work, it should not make us draw back when God calls us. Those who have messages to deliver from God, must no fear the face of man. The Lord, by a sign, gave Jeremiah such a gift a was necessary. God's message should be delivered in his own words Whatever wordly wise men or politicians may think, the safety of kingdoms is decided according to the purpose and word of God.

Jer. 1:11-19 God gave Jeremiah a view of the destruction of Judah an Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. The almond-tree, which is more forward in the spring than any other, represented the speedy approach of judgments. God also showed whence the intended ruin should arise Jeremiah saw a seething-pot boiling, representing Jerusalem and Juda in great commotion. The mouth or face of the furnace or hearth, wa toward the north; from whence the fire and fuel were to come. The northern powers shall unite. The cause of these judgments was the sin of Judah. The whole counsel of God must be declared. The fear of God is the best remedy against the fear of man. Better to have all men ou enemies than God our enemy; those who are sure they have God with them need not, ought not to fear, whoever is against them. Let us pray tha we may be willing to give up personal interests, and that nothing ma move us from our duty __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew