The Book of Jeremiah records the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, who served during one of the most turbulent times in Israel’s history. Jeremiah’s prophetic work began around 627 BC, during the reign of King Josiah, and continued through the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 BC. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the book, with his scribe Baruch recording many of his messages.

Called as a young man, Jeremiah was tasked with delivering God’s warning of coming judgment to the people of Judah. Despite the nation’s repeated disobedience and looming exile, Jeremiah courageously proclaimed the truth, often at great personal cost. His messages blend powerful calls to repentance with deep expressions of grief over the sin and suffering of his people, earning him the nickname “the weeping prophet.”

Yet Jeremiah’s prophecies are not only about judgment. He offers some of the Bible’s most beautiful promises of hope, including God’s pledge of a “new covenant” written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Even as Jerusalem falls and the nation is scattered, Jeremiah points forward to restoration, forgiveness, and a future return.