Naturally of a timid and shrinking disposition, Jeremiah longed for the peace and quiet of a life of retirement, where 420 he need not witness the continued impenitence of his beloved nation. His heart was wrung with anguish over the ruin wrought by sin. "O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears," he mourned, "that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them." Jeremiah 9:1, 2.

Jeremias var af naturen frygtsom og tilbageholdende og længtes efter at kunne trække sig tilbage i stilhed, så han ikke længer behøvede at være vidne til sit kære folks fortsatte ubodfærdighed. Hans hjerte krympede sig i vånde over den ulykke, som synden forvoldte. Han sagde klagende: "Ak, var mit hoved vand, mine øjne en tårekilde! Så græd jeg dag og nat over mit folks datters slagne. Ak, fandt jeg i ørkenen et herberg for vandringsmænd! Så drog jeg bort fra mit folk og gik fra dem." Jer. 9,1-2.