We learn quite a bit about Jeremiah in these first few verses of his book. He was born to a family of priests in Anathoth, a small village near Jerusalem. He probably descended from a priest King Solomon banished to Anathoth for supporting a rival for the throne (1 Kings 2:26). His prophetic ministry spanned about forty years—he spent his life serving God.

• These verses name the three principal kings of Jeremiah’s time. In total, the prophet spoke the word of the Lord during the reigns of five kings. Who has been or is influential in your life? How hard would it be to “speak your truth” to the powerful people you know? How good are you at receiving it if other people speak their truth to you?

• Jeremiah’s heritage (a priestly family that stood apart from the ruling monarchy) seems to have shaped his ministry. He spoke with firm integrity, unmoved by what Judah’s rulers wished he would say. In what ways have your family history and life experiences shaped you? How might God use your unique qualities and experiences?