Jeremiah 1:4

“Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying.] Not in the days of Jehoiakim, but in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, (<240102>Jeremiah 1:2). The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions read, “unto him”.”

“Jeremiah's call to the prophetical office. unto me--other manuscripts read "to him"; but English Version probably represents the true Hebrew text; this inscription was doubtless made by Jeremiah himself.”

“This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh; and this even when resisting the divine call (see Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 20:7, Jeremiah 20:14-18). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Then - When he was first called to his office. Jeremiah 1:5”

“1:4-5 In his first message from the Lord, Jeremiah learned three important truths about God: his knowledge of all things, including individuals; his ability to choose individuals for specific tasks even before they come into existence; and his willingness to extend his authority to the people he calls. • God set Jeremiah apart to perform a special task and granted him the official status of a prophet when he appointed Jeremiah to that task. • Jeremiah’s ministry extended to the nations. Although he traveled away from the kingdom of Judah only three times (see 13:4-7; 43:7-8), his written materials have been read worldwide.”

“the word: Jer 1:2; Eze 1:3, Eze 3:16 Jeremiah 1:5”

“The Call and Consecration of Jeremiah to be a Prophet of the Lord. - The investiture of Jeremiah with the prophetic office follows in four acts: the call on the part of the Lord, Jer 1:4-8; Jeremiah's consecration for his calling in Jer 1:9-10; and in two signs, by means of which the Lord assures him of certain success in his work and of powerful support in the exercise of his office ( Jer 1:11-19). The call was given by a word of the Lord which came to him in this form: Jer 1:5. "Before I formed thee in the womb I have known thee, and before thou wentest forth from the belly have I consecrated thee, to be prophet to the nations have I set thee. Jer 1:6. Then said I, Ah, Lord Jahveh! behold,…”