Topical Bible: Jeremiah: The Prophet: A Priest

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jeremiah, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, is a significant figure in biblical history, known for his prophetic ministry during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. He is often referred to as "the weeping prophet" due to the deep emotional expressions found in his writings. Jeremiah's role as a prophet is well-documented, but his identity as a priest is equally important, providing context to his ministry and message.

Priestly Lineage and Early Life

Jeremiah was born into a priestly family in Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin. His father, Hilkiah, was a priest, which positioned Jeremiah within the Levitical tradition. This background is crucial as it influenced his understanding of the covenant, the law, and the religious practices of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible introduces Jeremiah's calling: "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin" (Jeremiah 1:1). This priestly heritage provided Jeremiah with a unique perspective on the spiritual and moral decline of Judah.

Prophetic Calling and Ministry

Jeremiah's prophetic calling came at a young age, during the reign of King Josiah. The Lord appointed him as a prophet to the nations, a task that would require him to confront kings, priests, and the people of Judah with messages of impending judgment and calls for repentance. The Lord's words to Jeremiah highlight his divine appointment: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

Despite his priestly background, Jeremiah's ministry was marked by conflict with the religious establishment. He often found himself at odds with other priests and prophets who proclaimed peace and security, contrary to the warnings of judgment that God had given him to deliver. His priestly identity did not shield him from persecution; rather, it intensified the opposition he faced, as he was seen as a traitor to his own class.

Role and Message

Jeremiah's dual role as prophet and priest is evident in his deep concern for the spiritual state of the nation. He lamented the people's idolatry and the corruption of the priesthood, which had strayed far from the covenantal ideals. His messages often included calls for genuine repentance and a return to the covenantal faithfulness that the priests were supposed to uphold.

Jeremiah's priestly insight is reflected in his use of temple imagery and his understanding of the sacrificial system. He warned that the mere presence of the temple would not save the people from judgment, emphasizing that true worship required obedience and a contrite heart. This is poignantly expressed in his temple sermon: "Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ But if you really change your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, if you no longer oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever" (Jeremiah 7:4-7).

Suffering and Perseverance

Jeremiah's life was marked by suffering, much of which stemmed from his faithfulness to his prophetic calling. He endured imprisonment, beatings, and public humiliation. Despite these hardships, Jeremiah remained steadfast, driven by a profound sense of duty to God and his people. His priestly compassion is evident in his laments and intercessions for Judah, even as he delivered messages of judgment.

Legacy

Jeremiah's legacy as both a prophet and a priest is enduring. His writings, including the Book of Jeremiah and Lamentations, continue to speak to the themes of covenant, judgment, and hope. His life exemplifies the challenges and responsibilities of those called to speak God's truth, regardless of personal cost. Through his priestly and prophetic roles, Jeremiah stands as a testament to the power of faithfulness and the enduring call to return to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 1:1
The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... "Both prophet and priest," says Jeremiah, "are profane; yea, in My house have I
found their wickedness, saith the Lord." "I have seen," he says in God's name ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... appointed thee priest, instead of Jehoiada the priest, to be ... takes on himself to
be a prophet, that thou ... therefore why hast thou not curbed Jeremiah of Anathoth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... which centuries later filled another priest's home in ... thou, child, shalt be called
the prophet of the ... and predestination, with which Jeremiah engaged himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

The Last King of Judah
... Through Jeremiah the Lord had declared of the wicked men who presumptuously dared
to stand before the people in His name: "Both prophet and priest are profane ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. )
... Yea, prophet and priest go a ... 19-22, another prayer of the people (akin to that following
the drought, 7-9) which some take to be later than Jeremiah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 oracles on the edge.htm

The Two Boy Kings.
... But the Lord had not allowed His word to be destroyed, and when Josiah was having
the temple repaired the high priest found the ... Jeremiah the prophet made a ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... There is no reason to doubt that the verses are Jeremiah's, and nothing ... to the greatest
13 All are greedy of gain, Right on from prophet to priest Every one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

(As to Whether a Priest May Minister after a Lapse. )
... (As to whether a priest may minister ... himself, while he said: "The sacrifice for God
is a broken spirit." [2752] For the prophet, seeing his ... [2748] Jeremiah 8:4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi as to whether a.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest; and seeing ... Then was
fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

False Civilization
... It was, moreover, a Rechabite priest, we are told"'one of the sons of the Rechabim
spoken of by Jeremiah the prophet'"who when the Jews were stoning St. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon vi false civilization.htm