Jeremiah 20:7-13
The word of God cannot be silenced in the life of the faithful servant, even when obedience brings suffering and rejection.
7 Yahweh, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded. You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day. Everyone mocks me.
8 For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, “Violence and destruction!” because Yahweh’s word has been made a reproach to me, and a derision, all day.
9 If I say, I will not make mention of him, or speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones. I am weary with holding it in. I can’t.
10 For I have heard the defaming of many, “Terror on every side! Denounce, and we will denounce him!” say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall. “Perhaps he will be persuaded, and we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him.”
11 But Yahweh is with me as an awesome mighty one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they won’t prevail. They will be utterly disappointed, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which will never be forgotten.
12 But Yahweh of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to you.
13 Sing to Yahweh! Praise Yahweh, for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evildoers.
The word of God cannot be silenced in the life of the faithful servant, even when obedience brings suffering and rejection.
To reveal Jeremiah’s internal struggle with the burden of prophetic ministry while affirming his continued trust in the LORD who ultimately vindicates His servant.
Jeremiah 20:7–13 follows the persecution Jeremiah experiences at the hands of Pashhur in Jeremiah 20:1–6. After being beaten and placed in the stocks, Jeremiah responds with a deeply personal lament. This section forms part of Jeremiah’s series of “confessions,” where the prophet openly expresses his anguish and reliance upon God.
Pashhur, Terror on Every Side, and the Fire Shut Up in Jeremiah’s Bones
The LORD’s word brings Jeremiah persecution, ridicule, and anguish, yet it burns with irresistible force within him, and the LORD remains his mighty warrior against those who oppose the truth.