Biblical Context:
Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," served as a prophet in Judah during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. Jeremiah's messages were marked by themes of impending judgment, calls for repentance, and eventual restoration. Despite his faithfulness, Jeremiah faced intense opposition, persecution, and personal anguish.

Scriptural Reference:
The specific passage where Jeremiah curses the day of his birth is found in Jeremiah 20:14-18. This passage is a poignant expression of Jeremiah's deep despair and emotional turmoil. It reads:

"14 Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed! 15 Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, 'A son is born to you,' bringing him such joy. 16 May that man be like the cities the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear a cry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, 17 for he did not kill me in the womb, that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb forever enlarged. 18 Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, to end my days in shame?"

Analysis:
Jeremiah's lament in this passage is reminiscent of Job's lament in Job 3, where Job curses the day of his birth amidst his suffering. Jeremiah's curse reflects his profound sense of despair and the weight of his prophetic calling. Despite his obedience to God's commission, Jeremiah experiences intense personal suffering, isolation, and rejection from his own people.

The curse is structured in a series of imprecations, beginning with a curse on the day of his birth and extending to the man who announced his birth. Jeremiah's wish that he had died in the womb underscores the depth of his anguish. This lament is not a theological statement about the value of life but rather an honest expression of his emotional state.

Theological Implications:
Jeremiah's curse on his birth highlights the human aspect of prophetic ministry. Prophets, though chosen by God, were not immune to suffering and emotional distress. Jeremiah's lament serves as a reminder of the cost of faithfulness in a world resistant to God's message. It also underscores the reality of human emotions and the importance of bringing one's struggles before God.

This passage invites reflection on the nature of suffering and the role of lament in the life of faith. Jeremiah's raw honesty before God models a form of prayer that does not shy away from expressing pain and confusion. It also points to the broader biblical theme of God's presence with His people in their suffering, even when His purposes are not immediately apparent.

Historical and Literary Context:
Jeremiah's ministry occurred during a time of political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. The nation faced external threats from Babylon and internal corruption and idolatry. Jeremiah's messages of judgment were largely unwelcome, leading to his persecution by religious and political leaders.

Literarily, this passage is part of a larger section in Jeremiah 20 where the prophet wrestles with his calling. Earlier in the chapter, Jeremiah expresses his frustration with the derision he faces and the compulsion he feels to speak God's word despite the consequences (Jeremiah 20:7-9). The curse on his birth follows a moment of praise (Jeremiah 20:13), illustrating the complexity of Jeremiah's emotional and spiritual experience.

Conclusion:
Jeremiah's curse on his birth is a profound expression of the prophet's inner turmoil and the cost of his divine calling. It serves as a testament to the reality of suffering in the life of faith and the importance of honest lament before God.