1 Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who [was] also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.
2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that [were] in the high gate of Benjamin, which [was] by the house of the LORD.
3 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib.
4 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends: and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thine eyes shall behold [it]: and I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
5 Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
7 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].
10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
11 But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
13 Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
14 Cursed [be] the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
15 Cursed [be] the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
16 And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;
17 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb [to be] always great [with me].
18 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
Overview of Jeremiah Chapter 20
Jeremiah Chapter 20 presents a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Jeremiah, illustrating the intense conflict between divine calling and societal rejection. The chapter captures the emotional turmoil and persecution faced by Jeremiah as he delivers God’s message to a resistant audience.
Key Themes
- Persecution of the Prophet: Jeremiah faces severe opposition from the priest Pashhur, symbolizing the broader rejection of prophetic voices.
- Divine Calling vs. Personal Struggle: Jeremiah grapples with his role as a prophet, expressing feelings of despair and frustration.
- The Power of God’s Word: Despite his struggles, Jeremiah acknowledges the compelling nature of God’s message that compels him to speak.
- Hope Amidst Despair: The chapter concludes with a note of hope, highlighting God’s presence and support even in times of distress.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Conflict with Pashhur (Verses 1-6)
The chapter opens with Pashhur, the chief officer in the house of the Lord, hearing Jeremiah’s prophecies. In response, he strikes Jeremiah and puts him in stocks, a physical manifestation of the rejection of God’s message.
- Pashhur’s Reaction: Pashhur’s actions represent the institutional resistance to prophetic truth. His authority is challenged by Jeremiah’s message of impending judgment.
- Jeremiah’s Response: After his release, Jeremiah delivers a prophetic message to Pashhur, declaring that he will face judgment and that his name will be changed to “Terror on Every Side,” emphasizing the consequences of opposing God’s will.
2. Jeremiah’s Lament (Verses 7-10)
Jeremiah expresses deep anguish over his calling. He feels deceived by God, as the burdens of prophecy weigh heavily on him.
- Feelings of Deception: Jeremiah accuses God of seducing him into a life of suffering, highlighting the emotional toll of prophetic ministry.
- Isolation and Mockery: He describes how he has become a target for ridicule, indicating the loneliness that often accompanies prophetic work.
3. The Compulsion to Prophesy (Verses 9)
Despite his pain, Jeremiah acknowledges that he cannot contain the word of God within him. This internal struggle illustrates the irresistible nature of divine inspiration.
- The Fire in His Bones: Jeremiah likens God’s word to a fire in his bones, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of speaking out despite personal cost.
4. The Hopeful Conclusion (Verses 11-13)
Jeremiah shifts from lament to a declaration of faith in God’s presence and deliverance. He recognizes that God is with him like a mighty warrior.
- Divine Protection: Jeremiah expresses confidence that God will vindicate him against his enemies, showcasing a shift from despair to hope.
- Call to Praise: He concludes with a call to praise, emphasizing the importance of worship even in the midst of trials.
5. Final Reflection (Verses 14-18)
The chapter ends with Jeremiah cursing the day of his birth, reflecting profound despair. This lamentation highlights the psychological toll of his prophetic mission.
- Existential Crisis: Jeremiah’s wish that he had never been born underscores the weight of his prophetic burden and the isolation he feels.
- God’s Sovereignty: Even in his lament, there is an underlying acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty over life and death.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Chapter 20 serves as a powerful testament to the struggles faced by prophets and the complexities of divine calling. It encapsulates themes of persecution, personal anguish, and ultimately, the unwavering hope found in God’s presence. The chapter invites readers to reflect on the cost of faithfulness and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
