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Jeremiah 20

18 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah 20 recounts his persecution by the chief governor Pashur and his struggle with the mocking of his prophecies, culminating in a plea for divine vindication and praise.

Summary

Jeremiah 20 begins with Pashur, a high priest and chief governor, learning that Jeremiah prophesied and striking him and placing him in stocks (v.1‑2). The next day, Jeremiah confronts Pashur, accusing him of not bearing the true name given by the LORD and delivering a prophetic threat of terror, captivity, and slaughter for Judah and for Pashur’s household (v.3‑6). Jeremiah laments the mockery he faces, feeling deceived by the LORD’s words that have become a public ridicule (v.7‑8). He acknowledges the relentless pressure from the community, yet insists that the LORD is his true protector, promising the persecutors’ downfall (v.9‑11). In a cry for vengeance, he asks God to punish those who oppose him and praises God for delivering the poor (v.12‑13). The chapter ends with a personal lament over his birth, cursed by the day of his birth and the men who announced his birth, reflecting deep sorrow for his earthly suffering (v.14‑18).

Outline
  1. 1. Pashur’s attack and Jeremiah’s prophetic warning (1‑6)
  2. 2. Jeremiah’s lament and conviction of persecution (7‑11)
  3. 3. A plea for divine vengeance and praise (12‑13)
  4. 4. Personal lament over birth and life’s sorrow (14‑18)
Themes
oppression and persecutionfaithful endurancedivine vindicationpersonal lament
Keywords
prophecypersecutionvictimhooddivine justicelament
People
JeremiahPashur the priestthe king of Babylon
Places
the house of the LORDhigh gate of BenjaminBabylon
Things
stocksterrorswordcaptivityburning fire
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 20:4: Jesus reveals the LORD’s threat of terror and captivity
  • Jeremiah 20:9: Illustrates Jeremiah’s inner struggle and the burning fire of the word
  • Jeremiah 20:13: Shift to praise and hope amid oppression
Questions
  • What does Jeremiah’s reference to the ‘true name’ of God imply about his relationship with Pashur?
  • How does the imagery of a burning fire in Jeremiah’s heart convey his spiritual struggle?
  • In what ways does Jeremiah’s lament serve as a model for faith under oppression?
  • What is the significance of the shift from accusation to praise in verse 13?
  • How does Jeremiah’s personal lament reflect the broader themes of suffering and hope?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both deep sorrow and hopeful praise, reflecting a tension between persecution and faith.