This section of scripture ends the book of Isaiah and begins the writings of the prophet Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is sometimes referred to as the “weeping prophet” since though he came from a good landowning family with a joyful early life, his writings in Jeremiah and Lamentations are sorrowful. Unlike Isaiah, who was eager to speak for the Lord, Jeremiah was more apprehensive.  On the first pages of the book he calls himself, “…only a child.” (Jer 1:6).  In the end, Jeremiah did step up to the calling of the Lord to be his mouthpiece to the people.  The Lord spoke bold words through Jeremiah.  These words spanned over the reign of five different kings of Judah (Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoichin, and Zedekiah). Here are some of the words that stood out to me in this section of scripture:

…my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.  Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror, declares the Lord. (Jer. 2:11b-12)

Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts… (Jer. 4:4a)

…they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts; they have followed the Baals, as their fathers taught them. (Jer. 9:14)

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh…the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” (Jer. 9:25-26)

No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. (Jer. 10:6)