The Book of Jeremiah is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, who served as a messenger of God during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. Jeremiah's ministry spanned over four decades, primarily during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a time marked by the decline of the Kingdom of Judah and the impending Babylonian exile. His messages were often filled with warnings of judgment, calls to repentance, and promises of restoration, reflecting both the gravity of the situation and the hope for future redemption.
Jeremiah is often referred to as the 'weeping prophet' due to the emotional weight of his messages and the personal suffering he endured. He faced significant opposition from both political leaders and his own people, who rejected his prophecies. The book itself is a compilation of his oracles, narratives about his life, and poetic laments, making it a rich tapestry of prophetic literature that reveals God's heart for His people amidst their rebellion.