During which significant event in Israel's history did Jeremiah function as a prophet?

Jeremiah served as a prophet during the fall of Jerusalem, which was a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This event marked the culmination of a prolonged period of prophetic warnings about the consequences of the nation's disobedience to God, particularly regarding idolatry and injustice. Jeremiah’s ministry began in the late 7th century and continued into the early 6th century BCE, spanning the critical years leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE.

Jeremiah witnessed the siege of the city by the Babylonians and the resultant devastation. His prophecies provided both warning and hope; he called the people to repentance while also foretelling the impending judgment. His writings reflect the profound emotional and spiritual turmoil of the time as he lamented the loss and destruction while also offering a message of eventual restoration. This context positions him uniquely within the narrative of the fall of Jerusalem, making it the significant event of his prophetic ministry.