Jeremiah 25:3

From the thirteenth yere of Iosiah the sonne of Amon king of Iudah, euen vnto this day (that is the three and twentith yeere) the word of the Lord hath come vnto me, and I haue spoken vnto you, rising early and speaking, but yee haue not hearkened. Jeremiah 25:3 (KJV)

From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.

Historical Context: Jeremiah was a prophet who lived during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel. The book of Jeremiah records his prophecies and messages from God to the people of Judah. This verse indicates that Jeremiah had been receiving the word of the Lord and faithfully proclaiming it for about ten years, beginning in the thirteenth year of King Josiah and extending through the reigns of subsequent kings, including Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, until after the fall of Jerusalem (cf. Jeremiah 1:2; 2 Kings 23:29‑30; Jeremiah 26:1).

Josiah’s Reign: The thirteenth year of Josiah’s reign marks the start of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry. Josiah was a righteous king who initiated religious reforms and sought to bring the people of Judah back to God’s law (2 Kings 22‑23). Jeremiah began his ministry during this time and continued to prophesy until the twenty‑23 year of Josiah’s reign, after which he served under the later kings.

Faithfulness of Jeremiah: Jeremiah emphasizes his faithfulness in delivering God’s message. He declares that he rose early each day and spoke to the people on behalf of the Lord, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his prophetic role despite facing resistance, opposition, and rejection.

Lack of Response: Yet the people did not listen or hearken to his words. This persistent refusal echoes a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah, where Judah’s people continually disregarded the prophet’s warnings and pleas, persisting in disobedience.