But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten. But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior.This phrase emphasizes God's presence and strength in the life of the believer. In the context of Jeremiah, the prophet faced intense opposition and persecution, yet he found confidence in God's powerful presence. The imagery of God as a "fearsome warrior" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities as protectors in battle. This aligns with other biblical passages where God is depicted as a warrior, such as Exodus 15:3 and Isaiah 42:13. The warrior motif underscores God's ability to defend and deliver His people, prefiguring Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail.
Jeremiah's confidence in God's protection leads to the assurance that his enemies will fail. This reflects the biblical principle that those who oppose God's servants ultimately contend with God Himself. The idea of persecutors stumbling is echoed in Psalm 27:2, where David expresses similar trust in God's deliverance. Historically, Jeremiah's adversaries, including false prophets and corrupt leaders, sought to silence him, but their efforts were ultimately thwarted by God's intervention. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame,
The failure of Jeremiah's persecutors results in their public disgrace. In the ancient world, honor and shame were significant cultural values, and public shame was a severe consequence. This phrase highlights the divine justice that vindicates the righteous and brings dishonor to the wicked. The theme of shame for the enemies of God's people is also found in Psalm 35:4 and Isaiah 41:11, reinforcing the idea that God's justice prevails. with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.
The permanence of the disgrace indicates the lasting impact of God's judgment. This eternal aspect of shame contrasts with the temporary nature of human vindication. The phrase suggests a prophetic dimension, pointing to the ultimate judgment where the wicked face eternal consequences. This aligns with New Testament teachings on the final judgment, as seen in Matthew 25:46 and Revelation 20:11-15, where the eternal fate of individuals is determined. The concept of everlasting disgrace serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of opposing God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition and persecution for his prophecies. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, depicted here as a mighty warrior who defends and supports His faithful servant, Jeremiah. 3. PersecutorsThose who opposed and sought to harm Jeremiah because of his prophetic messages. They represent the broader opposition to God's truth. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. The people of Judah were often resistant to Jeremiah's messages of impending judgment. 5. Everlasting DisgraceThe ultimate outcome for those who oppose God's plans and His messengers, highlighting the eternal consequences of rejecting God's truth. Teaching Points God's Presence as a Source of StrengthJust as Jeremiah found courage in knowing the LORD was with him, believers today can draw strength from the assurance of God's presence in their lives. The Inevitability of OppositionLike Jeremiah, Christians may face persecution for their faith. Understanding that opposition is part of the Christian journey can prepare believers to stand firm. Divine Justice and VindicationJeremiah's confidence that his persecutors would be put to shame reminds us that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring justice. Faithfulness in AdversityJeremiah's example encourages believers to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing significant challenges and opposition. Eternal PerspectiveThe concept of "everlasting disgrace" for the wicked serves as a reminder to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's ultimate judgment and reward. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeremiah's confidence in God's presence as a "fearsome warrior" inspire you in your current challenges? 2. In what ways can you relate to Jeremiah's experience of facing opposition for standing up for God's truth? 3. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 118:6, Romans 8:31, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 4:17) reinforce the message of Jeremiah 20:11? 4. What practical steps can you take to remain faithful to God's calling in the face of adversity? 5. How does the concept of "everlasting disgrace" for those who oppose God influence your perspective on justice and righteousness? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 118:6This verse echoes the confidence in God's protection, similar to Jeremiah's assurance that the LORD is with him. Romans 8:31Paul speaks of God being for us, which aligns with Jeremiah's declaration of the LORD as a fearsome warrior on his side. Isaiah 41:10God's promise to uphold and strengthen His people, reinforcing the theme of divine support and protection. 2 Timothy 4:17Paul's experience of being strengthened by the Lord in the face of opposition mirrors Jeremiah's confidence in God's presence. People Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, PashurPlaces Babylon, Benjamin Gate, TophethTopics Acted, Age-during, Ashamed, Attackers, Awesome, Champion, Confusion, Dealt, Disappointed, Disgrace, Disgraced, Dishonor, Dread, Eternal, Everlasting, Exceedingly, Fail, Failed, Fall, Feared, Forgotten, Greatly, Kept, Memory, Mighty, Overcome, Persecutors, Prevail, Prosper, Prospered, Shame, Shamed, Stumble, Succeed, Terrible, Thoroughly, Unending, Utterly, Warrior, WiselyDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 20:11 5186 stumbling
5566 suffering, encouragements in Library The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes Its Existence.
"O Lord, . . . Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed."--Jer. xx. 7. The understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in Scripture requires us to distinguish the preparation, and the formation that was the outcome of the preparation. We will discuss these two separately. The Holy Spirit prepared for Scripture by the operations which from Paradise to Patmos supernaturally apprehended the sinful life of this world, and thus raised up believing men who formed the developing Church. This will seem very …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy SpiritThe Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
"Then I said, I will not speak any more in His Name. But His word was in my heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones: and I was weary with forbearing, but I could not."--Jer. xx. 9. Altho the miracles performed for and in the midst of Israel created a glorious life-center in the midst of the heathen world, yet they did not constitute a Holy Scripture; for this can not be created except God speak to man, even to His people Israel. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 20:11 NIVJeremiah 20:11 NLTJeremiah 20:11 ESVJeremiah 20:11 NASBJeremiah 20:11 KJV
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