Visions Confirming Jeremiah’s Call and Commission

1:11 Later the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” I answered, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 1:12 Then the Lord said, “You have observed correctly. This means20 I am watching to make sure my threats are carried out.”21

1:13 The Lord again asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a pot of boiling water; it is tipped toward us from the north.”22 1:14 Then the Lord said, “This means23 destruction will break out from the north on all who live in the land. 1:15 For I will soon summon all the peoples of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord. “They will come and their kings will set up their thrones24 near the entrances of the gates of Jerusalem.25 They will attack all the walls surrounding it, and all the towns in Judah.26 1:16 In this way27 I will pass sentence28 on the people of Jerusalem and Judah29 because of all their wickedness. For they rejected me and offered sacrifices to other gods, worshiping what they made with their own hands.”30

1:17 “But you, Jeremiah,31 get yourself ready!32 Go and tell these people everything I instruct you to say. Do not be terrified of them, or I will give you good reason to be terrified of them.33 1:18 I, the Lord,34 hereby promise to make you35 as strong as a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall. You will be able to stand up against all who live in36 the land, including the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and all the people of the land. 1:19 They will attack you but they will not be able to overcome you, for I will be with you to rescue you,” says the Lord.