Jeremiah 1:1-10 - Yahweh Appoints Jeremiah As A Prophet To The Nations
1 The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah. He was one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 Jehovah (YHWH) spoke his word to Jeremiah. This happened when King Josiah, son of Amon, was in his thirteenth year as king of Judah. 3 Jehovah also spoke when Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, was king of Judah. It was during the eleven years that Zedekiah, another son of Josiah, was king of Judah. Jehovah continued to speak to Jeremiah until the people of Jerusalem were taken away into captivity in the fifth month of the year.
4 Jehovah spoke his word to me, Jeremiah, He said:
5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.
6 I, Jeremiah, said: Lord Jehovah, I do not know how to speak. I am only a child!
7 Jehovah said to me: 'Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go wherever I send you. You must say whatever I command you to say. 8 Do not be afraid of people. I am with you. I will rescue you, says Jehovah.
9 Then Jehovah stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. Jehovah said to me: I have put my words in your mouth. 10 Today I have appointed you in charge of nations and kingdoms. You will uproot and tear down. You will destroy and overthrow. You will build and plant.