Jeremiah 32:18–19: How can God be described as both “great in counsel” and “mighty in deed” when injustice and tragedy are still prevalent in the world? I. Understanding the Text of Jeremiah 32:18–19 “‘You show loving devotion to thousands but repay the iniquity of the fathers into the laps of their children after them, O great and mighty God whose name is the LORD of Hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.’” This passage portrays God as One whose wisdom and power exceed all human understanding. While injustice may still exist in the world, these verses highlight two core truths: God is “great in counsel,” implying perfect wisdom, and “mighty in deed,” referring to acts of true power. Both qualities remain intact despite the current reality of suffering in a fallen world. II. The Context of Jeremiah’s Prophecy Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry took place during a period of looming disaster for Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Despite the nation’s imminent upheaval, Jeremiah proclaims that God’s sovereignty and wisdom remain unshaken. Archaeological discoveries such as the Lachish Letters (found in the 1930s) provide external historical support for this tumultuous period, corroborating the biblical narrative of the Babylonian invasions. While war and disaster raised questions about divine justice, Jeremiah underscores that God’s plan endures beyond immediate circumstances. III. “Great in Counsel” in Light of Earthly Injustices 1. God’s Omniscience and Providence Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s comprehensive knowledge (Job 38–39; Psalm 139:1–16). His counsel is great because He perfectly perceives all events—past, present, and future—and orchestrates a plan that ultimately accomplishes good. Though tragedy appears to contradict divine wisdom, the scope of God’s counsel extends beyond the single generation to posterity (as hinted in Jeremiah 32:18). 2. The Reality of a Fallen World Injustice stems from humanity’s misuse of free will (Genesis 3). References in Romans 8:20–22 describe a creation subjected to futility, highlighting that suffering is not the final verdict but rather part of a larger narrative. God’s wisdom permits a season in which evil and injustice are visible, yet He weaves redemptive purposes through it. Historical records—like those verifying the biblical accounts of moral failings among Israel’s kings—further illustrate how God’s wisdom worked through weaknesses and allowed consequences for sin, ultimately revealing His greater purposes. 3. Consistency with God’s Character The reference in Jeremiah 32:18 to both compassion and accountability (showing loving devotion yet repaying iniquity) reaffirms that His unchanging righteousness demands justice in the face of wrongdoing (Psalm 89:14). While some tragedies puzzle us, God’s counsel remains consistent with His character, ensuring the final resolution aligns with ultimate justice. IV. “Mighty in Deed” Amid Suffering 1. Demonstrations of Power through History Throughout Scripture, God’s might is seen in events such as the Exodus, validated by various archaeological studies of Egyptian history that match certain timeframes for Semitic presence in Egypt. Further, the Dead Sea Scrolls preserve texts like Deuteronomy and Isaiah, confirming the consistent transmission of accounts describing God’s mighty deliverances. These recorded miracles show that God can and does intervene supernaturally. 2. Christ’s Resurrection as the Pinnacle of God’s Might The New Testament’s accounts of the Resurrection provide a central testament to God’s power (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Multiple manuscript lines (including the early papyri and later codices) attest to the consistency of this event in the historical record. Modern scholarship, drawing on sources like Josephus and Tacitus, aligns with the scriptural record that Jesus truly died and that His followers believed He rose. This ultimate display of power reaffirms that injustice and tragedy do not have the final say. 3. Ongoing Signs and Providential Care Although not everyone witnesses parting seas or resurrections daily, many attest to miraculous healings and providential rescues. Documented anecdotal cases—such as mission hospital stories in remote areas—emphasize God’s ongoing might. These modern-day accounts, while not always headline news, are consistent with biblical precedent for God’s powerful works throughout the ages. V. The Assurance of Future Justice 1. A Coming Restoration God’s might and counsel include a future resolution of injustice. The Bible describes a day when He will right every wrong (Revelation 21:4). Despite the current prevalence of evil, this aspect of eschatology points toward a renewed creation free from suffering. 2. Vindication of Righteousness Jeremiah testifies that God’s “eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men” (Jeremiah 32:19). Ultimately, no evil act escapes His notice. His planned judgment is neither rushed nor haphazard, but it is certain (Romans 2:6). Understanding this final accounting offers believers the hope that injustice is temporary, under the sovereign oversight of the One who is “mighty in deed.” 3. Human Responsibility and Divine Patience Second Peter 3:9 mentions that God’s patience aims at allowing people time to repent, underscoring a merciful dimension to any delay in final judgment. The presence of tragedy and injustice does not imply divine oversight or indifference; rather, it highlights God’s willingness to offer redemption while not permitting evil to stand forever. VI. Reconciling God’s Goodness with Present Suffering 1. The Role of Suffering in Growth Passages like James 1:2–4 show how hardship refines character. While this does not negate the severity of tragedy, it speaks to God’s capacity to transform even suffering into spiritual strength and dependance on Him. 2. Free Will and Human Agency Humanity’s choices result in much of the world’s pain. Philosophically, a God who grants genuine responsibility allows the potential for both virtue and vice. This clarifies why injustice persists yet does not undermine the truth that God remains sovereign and all-powerful. 3. Christ’s Redemptive Work Christ’s sacrifice addresses the problem of evil at its root: humanity’s broken relationship with God (Romans 5:6–11). The resurrection confirms His victory over sin and death. The continuing presence of injustice must be viewed through the lens of a redemption already purchased but not yet fully consummated. VII. Conclusion: Confidence in God’s Counsel and Power Despite the prevalence of injustice and tragedy, God’s wisdom is not diminished, nor is His power any less active. From the ancient testimonies of Scripture—supported by archaeological artifacts such as the Lachish Letters and the meticulous preservation evidenced in the Dead Sea Scrolls—to the ultimate demonstration in Christ’s resurrection, compelling evidence shows that God’s counsel remains perfect and His might undiminished. While our finite perspective confronts the reality of suffering, the biblical narrative promises that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. This hope is rooted in both God’s proven actions throughout history and His promise to bring every wrong to light and judgment. Those who trust in Him can await a future in which justice is fully realized, assured that the “great in counsel” and “mighty in deed” God will bring about the perfect resolution in His time. |
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