Jeremiah 11:18

Jeremiah’s lament

18 The LORD informed me and I knew. Then he helped me see what they were up to.

Jeremiah 11:18 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 11:18

And the Lord hath given me knowledge of it
Either of what he had been declaring as the sins of these people; and of what he had been prophesying concerning punishment for their sins; what he had said was not of himself, did not arise from any pique or resentment in him against them; but it was of God, that knows all things, and had made known these things to him; and he had only faithfully related them as he had received them; or else of the malicious designs of the men of Anathoth to take away his life, after mentioned: and I know it;
and am sure of it; having it by divine revelation, and from that God that cannot lie, and will not deceive: then thou shewedst me their doings.
Some versions, as the Septuagint, Syriac; and Arabic, take the former words to be a prayer of the prophet's, "O Lord, make me know, or show me, or teach me, that I may know"; and these signify that his prayer was answered. The Lord showed him the sins of these people, and what punishments they deserved, and would be inflicted on them; or rather what they were doing in the dark, and what schemes they were contriving and attempting to put in execution against his life; but God was careful of it, and would not suffer them to do him any harm; and therefore made all known unto him; see ( Psalms 105:15 ) .

Jeremiah 11:18 In-Context

16 The LORD named you, "A blossoming olive tree, fair and fruitful"; but with the blast of a powerful storm he will set it ablaze, until its branches are completely consumed.
17 The LORD of heavenly forces who planted you has announced disaster for you, because the people of Israel and Judah have done evil and made me angry by worshipping Baal.
18 The LORD informed me and I knew. Then he helped me see what they were up to.
19 I was like a young lamb led to the slaughter; I didn't realize that they were planning their schemes against me: "Let's destroy the tree with its fruit; let's cut him off from the land of the living so that even any knowledge of him will be wiped out."
20 LORD of heavenly forces, righteous judge, who tests the heart and mind, let me see your revenge upon them, because I have committed my case to you.
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