Jeremiah 1

This chapter introduces the prophet Jeremiah and his calling from the Lord. God explains that He knew Jeremiah before he was born and ordained him to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah initially protests, claiming he is too young and unable to speak. God reassures him, touching his mouth and putting His words in it. God gives Jeremiah his powerful commission: to root out, pull down, destroy, and throw down, but also to build and to plant. The chapter concludes with two visions—an almond branch and a boiling pot facing Jerusalem—signaling impending judgment from the north.