Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of five kings in Judah: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoachin, and Zedekiah. His ministry spanned the most significant period of revival in Old Testament history and the deepest crisis his country faced.

Jeremiah was one of the Old Testament's most fascinat- ing figures. His turbulent humanity is seen clearly in his struggle with his prophetic role and his confrontations with God. Through his struggles, Jeremiah remained a faithful spokesman for God. He encountered crises, threats, and unrelenting pressures. Yet, he remained a stalwart, determined witness of God's Word.

Jeremiah's message was not popular. He was a prophet of renewal and hope, but he maintained that Judah's re- newal lay on the far side of captivity and Exile by the Babylonians. His urgings that his people surrender to the enemy brought the charge of treason against him. His people could not see the scope and depth of his true pat- riotism and loyalty to God. He grieved for his people-and remained a lonely, misunderstood, majestic witness for the God who had called him and who sustained him