Although Josiah, who was king when Jeremiah started his ministry, was faithful, all succeeding kings were unfaithful, and most of those responsible to instruct the people ​ — the prophets and the priests — ​ were not on the side of truth.
Ehkki Joosija, kes oli kuningas sel ajal, kui Jeremija alustas oma teenistust, oli ustav, olid kõik järgmised kuningad ustavusetud. Suurem osa neist, kes pidid inimesi õpetama – prohvetid ja preestrid –, ei toetanud tõde.