Analysis Of The Prophet Jeremiah

There come moments in life, where one needs to stand up for a belief, knowing that opposition will likely be a returning outcome. Facing criticism, cynical jeers, rejection by peers, and ridicule become expected side effects. The prophet Jeremiah faced more than a moment, or even a short season of this. He endured forty years of such circumstances, resulting in a Book highlighting palpable emotions and experiences. Noticeably unique from other Biblical texts, through the biographical emphasis, or “confessions” contained within the book, (CITE), Jeremiah strongly focuses on its title character, and his challenges throughout. Living a somewhat inconceivable life, Jeremiah lead through continuous adversity upon accepting the call from the

Not many fit a profile of exceptional strength and courage. Gideon was a farmer, weakest in his clan. Jonah was a seeming coward who ran the opposite direction of where God called him to go. Moses, one of the greatest leaders of the Hebrew Bible, also had great doubt in his ability and worth for such a lofty calling of leading the Israelites out of slavery. Fascinatingly, the parallel’s between Jeremiah and Moses are quite astounding. Both initially rejected the call, feeling unsuitable for the assignment (HB, Jer. 1.6, Ex. 3). God reassures both Jeremiah (HB, Jer. 1.10), and Moses (HB, Ex 3. 10,12) He chose them. Additionally, both prophets shared feelings of insecurity in the area of their ability to speak. Jeremiah alluded to his age as the factor, while Moses was thought to have a speech impediment, yet God touches both of their mouths to give them the words to say, as His spokesperson for those periods of time (HB, Jer. 1.9, Ex. 4.12). Furthermore, God promises protection and strength the each prophet in the midst of adversity (HB, Jer. 1.17-19, Ex 3.12). So why are prophets chosen, to be the spokesperson for God to the Israelites, who are not the most naturally eloquent, strong, or courageous? Why, when others were punished for their doubt, were Jeremiah, and Moses, not struck down when they initially rejected the call? Why were these two characters included in the Hebrew Bible? Perhaps it was for the purpose of protecting the Israelites from assuming these prophets were more than human. Through having prophets who are relatable to readers through their weaknesses, and strengths, their emotions, and their reactions to situations, it increases the identifiability of the story. How many times in life do tasks present themselves, seemingly beyond ones natural abilities and comfort zones, yet it is the right thing to do? Both Jeremiah and