Jeremiah was believed to have been about 20 years old when he was called by God to prophesy. This information is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. The prophet himself states, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations'” (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
It is interesting to note the specific timing of Jeremiah’s calling. The scripture states that it happened in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah, the son of Amon, who was the king of Judah at that time. This historical context helps us understand the political and social environment in which Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry.
During the reign of Josiah, there was a significant religious reform taking place in Judah. The king was actively working to restore true worship and eliminate idolatry from the land. This reform likely influenced Jeremiah’s calling and subsequent message to the people.
Jeremiah’s youth at the time of his calling is also worth mentioning. Being only around 20 years old, he was quite young to take on such a significant role as a prophet. This highlights the sovereignty of God in choosing and using individuals regardless of their age or experience.
The fact that Jeremiah was called at a relatively young age also adds depth to his story. It shows his vulnerability, doubts, and struggles as he navigated his calling. In the following verses, Jeremiah expresses his reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, stating, “Alas, Sovereign Lord… I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6).
However, God reassures Jeremiah, saying, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:7-8). This demonstrates that age is not a hindrance when it comes to carrying out God’s purpose.
Jeremiah was approximately 20 years old when God called him to be a prophet. His calling occurred during the reign of King Josiah in the thirteenth year of his reign. Despite his young age, Jeremiah was obedient to God’s call and became one of the most well-known prophets in biblical history. His story serves as a reminder that God can use individuals of any age to fulfill His purposes.