Jeremias 20:9-18

9 Then I said, I will by no means name the name of the Lord, and I will no more at all speak in his name. But it was a burning fire flaming in my bones, and I am utterly weakened on all sides, and cannot bear .

10 For I have heard the reproach of many gathering round, , Conspire ye, and let us conspire together against him, all his friends: watch his intentions, if perhaps he shall be deceived, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall be avenged on him.

11 But the Lord was with me as a mighty man of war: therefore they persecuted , but could not perceive ; they were greatly confounded, for they perceived not their disgrace, which shall never be forgotten.

12 O Lord, that provest just , understanding the reins and hearts, let me see thy vengeance upon them: for to thee I have revealed my cause.

13 Sing ye to the Lord, sing praise to him: for he has rescued the soul of the poor from the hand of evil-doers.

14 Cursed be the day wherein I was born: the day wherein my mother brought me forth, let it not be blessed.

15 Cursed be the man who brought the glad tidings to my father, saying, A male child is born to thee.

16 Let that man rejoice as the cities which the Lord overthrew in wrath, and repented not: let him hear crying in the morning, and loud lamentation at noon;

17 because he slew me not in the womb, and my mother became not my tomb, and her womb always great with me.

18 Why is it that I came forth of the womb to see troubles and distresses, and my days are spent in shame?

Jeremias 20:9-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 20

This chapter gives an account of the usage that Jeremiah met with from many for his prophecies, and the effect it had upon him. He was smitten and put in the stocks by Pashur the priest, who released him the next day, Jer 20:1-3; upon which he prophesies again of the delivery of the city of Jerusalem, with all its riches, and of the whole land, to the Chaldeans; and particularly that Pashur should be a terror to himself and all his friends; and that both he and they should be carried captive into Babylon, and die, and be buried there, Jer 20:4-6; and then he complains of his being mocked at by the people for the word of the Lord; which he therefore determined to make no more mention of, but was obliged to it; and of the defamations of him, and snares that were laid for him, Jer 20:7-10; under which he is supported with the consideration of the Lord's being with him, and that his enemies should not prevail, but be confounded; and appeals to him, and calls for vengeance from him on them; and, in the view of deliverance, not only praises the Lord himself, but calls upon others to join with him in it, Jer 20:11-13; and yet, after all, the chapter is concluded with his cursing the day of his birth, and the man that brought his father the news of it, Jer 20:14-18.