11 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:
11 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.
11 The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin,
11 The Message of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah of the family of priests who lived in Anathoth in the country of Benjamin.
11 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin,
11 These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests from the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:1
Commentary on Jeremiah 1:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 1:1-10)
Jeremiah's early call to the work and office of a prophet is stated. He was to be a prophet, not to the Jews only, but to the neighbouring nations. He is still a prophet to the whole world, and it would be well if they would attend to these warnings. The Lord who formed us, knows for what particular services and purposes he intended us. But unless he sanctify us by his new-creating Spirit, we shall neither be fit for his holy service on earth, nor his holy happiness in heaven. It becomes us to have low thoughts of ourselves. Those who are young, should consider that they are so, and not venture beyond their powers. But though a sense of our own weakness and insufficiency should make us go humbly about our work, it should not make us draw back when God calls us. Those who have messages to deliver from God, must not fear the face of man. The Lord, by a sign, gave Jeremiah such a gift as was necessary. God's message should be delivered in his own words. Whatever wordly wise men or politicians may think, the safety of kingdoms is decided according to the purpose and word of God.