Jeremiah 1:18

18 And I, behold, I make you this day 1a fortified city, 2an iron pillar, and 3bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

Jeremiah 1:18 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city
Or, "as" one; so read the Targum, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions; which is inexpungible, and cannot be taken: and an iron pillar;
which cannot be removed out of its place: and brasen walls;
which cannot be broken down. All these metaphors show the safety and security of the prophet, being surrounded by the power of God; his constancy, immovableness, and invincibleness in the work of the Lord, having such a spirit of power, fortitude, and of a sound mind, that nothing was able to move and shake him, or to deter him from the execution of his office; and that he should stand inflexible against the whole land;
of Judea, and all the inhabitants of it: against the kings of Judah;
in successive reigns, as Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, or Jechonias, and Zedekiah: against the princes thereof;
who desired he might be put to death, ( Jeremiah 38:4 ) : against the priests thereof;
who all of them dealt falsely, and were given to covetousness, ( Jeremiah 8:10 ) : and against the people of the land;
who were grievously addicted to idolatry, and all manner of wickedness.

Jeremiah 1:18 In-Context

16 And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands.
17 But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.
18 And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.
19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you."

Cross References 3

  • 1. [Isaiah 50:7]
  • 2. Revelation 3:12
  • 3. Jeremiah 15:20; [Jeremiah 6:27]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.