Jeremiah 1:1-2, 17-19

These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah. He belonged to the family of priests who lived in the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. The LORD spoke his word to Jeremiah during the thirteenth year that Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah.

“Jeremiah, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything I command you to say. Don’t be afraid of the people, or I will give you good reason to be afraid of them. Today I am going to make you a strong city, an iron pillar, a bronze wall. You will be able to stand against everyone in the land: Judah’s kings, officers, priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you, because I am with you to protect you!” says the LORD.