Description
Jeremiah’s hometown
Anathoth, hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, was a small village in the hill country of Benjamin's tribal territory. It was just a few miles (about 2.5 miles or 4 km) northeast of Jerusalem.
Nestled among rolling hills and terraced farmland, Anathoth was a quiet settlement with strong ties to the priestly class. It was designated as one of the Levitical cities (Joshua 21:18), meaning many of its inhabitants were priests, including Jeremiah’s own family.
Walking to work in Jerusalem
Anathoth’s proximity to Jerusalem was important for Jeremiah’s ministry. Being so close to the capital allowed him to travel easily between his hometown and the city where his prophetic messages were most needed. Jerusalem, as the religious and political heart of Judah, was where Jeremiah confronted kings, priests, and the people about their sins and impending judgment.
The rejected prophet
However, Jeremiah’s messages were often met with hostility, even from his own relatives and neighbors in Anathoth. At one point, they plotted against his life (Jeremiah 11:21).
Despite this rejection, Anathoth remained part of Jeremiah’s story. In a symbolic act of hope, he bought a field there during Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:6-15), demonstrating his faith that God would one day restore the land.
