Jeremiah, a prophet, was born during King Josiah’s reign in the southern kingdom of Judah. He lived during the darkest time of history when Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon (modern-day Iraq) continuously tried to conquer, subject, and eventually destroyed Judah and the city of Jerusalem. Today’s scripture finds Jeremiah languishing in prison for angering the king by speaking God’s truth. He has been lamenting to the Lord that the city will fall and that God will do nothing to help. God responds to this lament with a promise of redemption and healing for God’s people through a new covenant.
