Attend to me, O LORD. Hear what my accusers are saying! Attend to me, O LORD.This phrase reflects a plea for divine attention and intervention. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, he often faced opposition and persecution from his own people. The prophet's call for God to "attend" to him underscores his reliance on divine justice and support. This echoes the sentiments found in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms, where the psalmists frequently call upon God to hear their cries (e.g., Psalm 17:1, Psalm 86:6). The use of "O LORD" signifies a personal relationship with Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is seen as both a personal protector and a national deity. Hear what my accusers are saying! Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. Jeremiah appeals to Him for justice and protection against his adversaries. 3. Accusers The people who opposed Jeremiah, likely including false prophets, priests, and political leaders who rejected his message and sought to harm him. 4. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. During his ministry, Judah was facing impending judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. 5. Prophetic Ministry The context of Jeremiah's plea is his role as a prophet, tasked with delivering God's messages, often of judgment, to a rebellious people. Teaching Points God Hears Our CriesJust as Jeremiah called upon the Lord to hear him, we can be assured that God listens to our prayers, especially when we face opposition for standing for His truth. Perseverance in Faith Jeremiah's example teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and calling, even when we face adversity and false accusations. Righteousness and Opposition Being faithful to God's message may lead to opposition. We should not be surprised by this but rather see it as a confirmation of our alignment with God's will. Trust in Divine Justice Jeremiah's appeal to God for attention and justice reminds us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when human systems fail us. Prayer as a First Response Jeremiah's immediate turn to prayer in the face of accusation highlights the importance of making prayer our first response in times of trouble. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah's plea to God in this verse reflect his relationship with God, and how can we cultivate a similar relationship in our own lives?2. In what ways can we identify with Jeremiah's experience of facing opposition for standing up for God's truth today? 3. How do the additional scriptures connected to this verse enhance our understanding of how to respond to persecution and opposition? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that prayer is our first response when we face challenges or accusations? 5. How can we balance the desire for justice with the call to love and pray for our enemies, as seen in the teachings of Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 17:1-2Similar to Jeremiah's plea, the psalmist asks God to hear his righteous plea and vindicate him against his enemies. 1 Kings 18:36-37 Elijah's prayer for God to hear him, demonstrating the prophet's reliance on God amidst opposition. Matthew 5:11-12 Jesus speaks about the blessing of being persecuted for righteousness, which connects to Jeremiah's experience of opposition for speaking God's truth. Acts 7:59-60 Stephen's prayer for his accusers, showing a New Testament example of responding to persecution with a plea to God.
People JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, Lebanon, SirionTopics Accusers, Attention, Cause, Contend, Contending, Ear, Forward, Hearken, Heed, Listen, O, Opponents, Plea, Saying, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 18:18 5193 tongue Library The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. "Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every … Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Hindrances to Mourning The Ninth Commandment John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord; Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Of the Decrees of God. Degrees of Sin Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 18:19 NIVJeremiah 18:19 NLT Jeremiah 18:19 ESV Jeremiah 18:19 NASB Jeremiah 18:19 KJV Jeremiah 18:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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