Jeremiah 20 Commentary
It’s been coming, probably even long overdue. The Priest Pashhur cannot take it anymore. Jeremiah is beaten and detained overnight at the Temple. The prophet’s piercing messages have finally earned Jeremiah a beating and imprisonment.
After his release and undeterred by the beating, the prophet delivers yet another prophecy. This time it is detailed and specific. Babylon is mentioned by name. The killing of priests by the Babylonians is also predicted. Sadly, we shall see these words come to pass right here on these pages.
Jeremiah holds the distinction of being among the few select that the LORD has allowed to see the fruit of their labor. But the prophet has words about his beating. Is this what the LORD meant by protection and deliverance? The prophet feels deceived and he says it.
When the saint boasts in his or her heart about the LORD’s protection, and things happen the Jeremiah way, you have more questions than answers. With the LORD’s protection comes perfection of execution. But it appears here the LORD takes a nap and the enemy takes advantage of the rare window and attacks the prophet. If not, what do I make of this beating or failure?
Everyone is laughing. Jeremiah is a public joke.
But he won’t stop it. The message of the LORD is a like a fire within him. He just has to release it. He must release it – a difficult job the prophet has.
Their laughing won’t last. Right in these pages, the LORD would sweep through and the wise won’t be so wise. The powerful won’t be so powerful. Even kings will need the prophet for God’s word when the going gets tough. Let the saint know the meaning of patience. Let the saint know what it means to wait upon the LORD.
But who says it is easy? So Jeremiah ends with a statement on his sad situation. The LORD has given him an impossible assignment. Why was he even born, anyway? Only for this? Let the saint get encouragement from this book. Regardless, the LORD remains in control, always.
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