Jeremiah 18:18-20
Chapter 18
18
Jeremiah’s Confessions: Persecution
Then, they said: “Come, let us plot against Jeremiah, for even without him, there will be priests to interpret the teachings of the law; there will always be wise men to give counsel and prophets to proclaim the word. Come, let us accuse him and strike him down instead of listening to what he says.”19
Hear me, O Lord! Listen to what my accusers are saying.
20
Is evil the reward for doing good? Why do they dig a grave for me? Remember how I stood before you to speak well on their behalf so that your anger might subside.
Commentaries
Jeremiah’s Confessions: Persecution.
A very realistic description of how the prophet’s words impact his listeners; because he makes them uncomfortable and uneasy, he becomes the target of persecution and rejection. His enemies fail to realize that Jeremiah’s condemnation is accompanied by his intercession on their behalf. Silencing the prophet’s voice is like shutting off the flow of God’s mercy. Throughout the conflict, the Lord supports Jeremiah, just as he promised (1:8).