the words of Jeremiah. Although the book of Isaiah has more chapters, Jeremiah's prophecy contains more words. Jeremiah wrote during the turbulent reigns of the last five kings of Judah before and into the Babylonian captivity.

Before I formed thee. Contrary to the “recapitulation theory” proposed by modern evolutionists and promoted by modern abortionists, Jeremiah was known by God before he was even conceived in the womb, illustrating the truth that the human embryo is fully human from the very moment of conception.

sanctified thee. Like John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) and Paul the Apostle (Galatians 1:15)—no doubt among many others—Jeremiah had actually been ordained by God for specific service even before he was born.

my words. Jeremiah thus makes the explicit claim that his words were verbally inspired by God. Almost his entire book (with the exception of a few narrative sections, such as in Jeremiah 28 and others) consists of words spoken directly by God through His prophet. The same phenomenon is true in the other prophetical books.

an almond tree. The almond tree is the first to bloom after winter, thus signifying an early fulfillment of God's warnings through the prophet.

hasten my word. “Hasten” could well be translated “watch over.” God would assure that whatever He has said in His word is absolutely true and His promises will surely be fulfilled.

seething pot. The boiling pot facing north signified imminent judgment on Judah coming from the north (Jeremiah 1:14).

Out of the north. This is Jeremiah's first prophecy of the coming invasion of Judah by the armies of Babylonia, which actually incorporated the other, now subjugated, “kingdoms of the north” (Jeremiah 1:15), such as Assyria, Syria, etc.

fight against thee. Jeremiah 1:17-19 calls Jeremiah to arms, as it were, fighting against Judah in the name of the Lord and with His protection.