The opening line marks the arrival of a distinct message from the Lord to Jeremiah. In the order of the book it stands within the chapters running up to chapter 20, which follow a fairly chronological sequence. It belongs together with chapters 15 and 17 as a connected reading. It belongs also with chapters 3-21 as a whole, whose burden is severe denunciation of sin joined with deep sorrow of heart over the people's transgression and moving appeal to return to God, an appeal met with almost complete unresponsiveness from the mass of the people.
The opening line marks the arrival of a distinct message from the Lord to Jeremiah. In the order of the book it stands within the chapters running up to chapter 20, which follow a fairly chronological sequence. It belongs together with chapters 15 and 17 as a connected reading. It belongs also with chapters 3-21 as a whole, whose burden is severe denunciation of sin joined with deep sorrow of heart over the people's transgression and moving appeal to return to God, an appeal met with almost complete unresponsiveness from the mass of the people.