Jeremiah 1:18

18 Today I have made you like a city that has a high wall around it. I have made you like an iron pillar and a bronze wall. Now you can stand up against the whole land. You can stand against the kings and officials of Judah. You can stand against its priests and its people.

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 I will judge my people. They have done many evil things. They have deserted me. They have burned incense to other gods. They have worshiped the gods their own hands have made.
17 "So get ready! Stand up! Tell them everything I command you to. Do not let them terrify you. If you do, I will terrify you in front of them.
18 Today I have made you like a city that has a high wall around it. I have made you like an iron pillar and a bronze wall. Now you can stand up against the whole land. You can stand against the kings and officials of Judah. You can stand against its priests and its people.
19 They will fight against you. But they will not overcome you. I am with you. I will save you," announces the Lord.
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