1. The first three verses serve as an introduction to the life of Yirmiyahu and to the content of the book. From the word דברי we learn that it is a book filled with many different types of words, visions, prophecies, rebuke and stories. (Malbim)

2.* The book includes words directed to the other nations as well as to the Jews, and stories about Yirmiyahu himself. (Radak)

1. He was the High Priest in the time of Yoshiyahu, the one who found the Torah scroll. (Radak)

(See Melachim II, chapter 22. The students should reread this chapter as a review.)

2.* He began to bring the news of the impending doom, and his son continued his

2.* We are told this information to emphasize that Yirmiyahu was not from Jerusalem itself. In this way he would not show any favoritism to this city, nor soften the harsh words of prophecy to it, as he might have, if it had been his hometown. (Malbim)

1. The prophet mentions only the major kings, and omits the kings that ruled for a short time. (Abarbanel)

2. This entire period lasted 40 years, the same length as the prophecy of Moshe Rabbeinu. (Abarbanel)

1. Before Yirmiyahu was created in his mother's womb, Hashem recognized him as fitting to be a prophet. (Metzudat David)

* According to the Rambam, all prophets were likewise recognized at an early stage for their potential mission. This, together with study, enabled them to be prophets. This fact is emphasized in regard to Yirmiyahu in particular, in order to offset his later refusal (see verse 6). Hashem wanted to strengthen him, and remind him that he was destined for this mission even before he was born. (Radak)

2. His parents took special care, and even before he was born he was guarded, and so was born in holiness. (Rashi)

1. He was too young to have the audacity to speak in front of people older and greater than himself. (Malbim)

2. He was not familiar with the proper way of speaking publicly, and had no experience in presenting himself as an orator. (Metzudat David)

3. He was concerned that he would not be able to rebuke the people publicly because of his young age. (Radak)

* Moshe Rabbeinu rebuked the people only when he was already close to the time of his death, and after proving himself to the people with many miracles. Yirmiyahu felt uncomfortable about beginning his prophecy with words of rebuke. (Rashi)

1. This was said in response to his fear that he was too young to appear before people older and greater than himself. A person who is a messenger of someone great has no reason to consider his audience. Such a person relies on the greatness of the sender. (Malbim)

3. Hashem will formulate the words for Yirmiyahu. Therefore he does not have to concern himself with his oratorial abilities. (Metzudat David)

1. Hashem promises to save him from those who may try to harm him or ridicule him. (Metzudat David)

2. This is said in response to Yirmiyahu's third concern, "הנה לא ידעתי דבר". (Malbim)

1. In this prophetic vision Yirmiyahu saw Hashem place the prophecy in his mouth. (Metzudat David)

2.* In this vision he saw an angel place something in his mouth. This was in order to enable him to speak without fear. (Radak)

1. In this verse there is a greater emphasis on destruction than on construction. Yirmiyahu's prophecy focuses more on the bad things that are to happen to the nations and Israel, than on the good. (Radak)

2. He was able to repertinent information: he did not say it was simply a tree, or focus on its color or size. (Me'am Lo'ez, Abarbanel)

1. The מקל שקד represents the evil that will befall the Jewish nation very soon, like an almond branch which blossoms very quickly. (Radak)

* This vision showed Yirmiyahu why Hashem chose him, even though he was so young. The evil is coming very soon, so there is no time to waste. (Abarbanel)

2. According to Chazal, it takes twenty-one days for the fruit of the almond tree to develop. This is symbolic - it is the same as the three-week period between the seventeenth of Tammuz and the nintof Av. (Rashi)

1. When cooking, one puts different types of food into a pot, and then boils them up together. Likewise, the Jews gathered in Jerusalem because of the siege, and it was there that the enemy attacked them. (Metzudat David)

2. The pot represents Jerusalem. The enemies will gather around this "pot" to partake of the "food" that is in it. (Abarbanel)

1. Hashem will encourage Babylonia and all the neighboring kingdoms to come and attack Jerusalem. (Metzudat David)

2.* Hashem is calling to the nations to act as judges between Hashem and His people. (Malbim)

1. These countries will set up their armies at the gates of Jerusalem, and besiege the city. (Metzudat David)

2.* It is as if the kings are setting up their courts around the city, in order to judge the people of the city. (Malbim)