Jeremiah 20

Jeremiah 20:1

The Obedient Servant

Here we come to the third of the four prophecies about the Servant of the LORD (Isaiah 50:4-9). In the first prophecy (Isaiah 42) we have seen Him as the Chosen One and in the second as the Rejected One (Isaiah 49). In the third we see Him as the dependent Servant, Who is obedient to death, yes, to death on the cross (Philippians 2:7-8). This is in contrast to the people where no one is obedient, where no one is listening (Isaiah 50:2). Now the people are called to follow the example of this perfect Servant and listen to Him.

In this section the names “Lord GOD” (Adonai Yahweh) are mentioned four times (Isaiah 50:4; 5; 7; 9). These names are spoken by the Servant of the LORD. Each time Adonai comes first. The name Adonai refers to exalted authority and ownership. This name is only used when utter respect must be expressed. Here we see how the Lord of glory takes the place of the perfect Servant and calls the LORD Adonai, My Lord and Master.

In Isaiah 50:4, the words of Christ Himself describe His testimony as the Sent One. The “Me” in this verse is no other Person than the “Me” in the previous verses. It is Christ Who is one with God and has become Man. No one from the people answered when God called, as it says in Isaiah 50:2, until He comes. Then there is Someone Who listens when God calls. He speaks about His obedience to Him Who sent Him, of His suffering, and of His justification.

God speaks to the prophets through special and temporal revelations, through visions and dreams. This is different with the Servant of the LORD. Here He unfolds the secret of His inner life in the days of His stay on earth and the secret source of His service and ways. What He says here breathes the joyful humbleness and humiliation of the true Disciple.

He “kept increasing in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). In the days of the fulfillment of this prophecy He says: “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16) and: “I speak these things as the Father taught Me” (John 8:28) and: “I speak the things which I have seen with [My] Father” (John 8:38) and: “The Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment [as to] what to say and what to speak” (John 12:49; John 14:10; 24).

We read in the Gospels how He sustained the weary one with a word. His words are “gracious words” (Luke 4:22). We hear them both in His public service (Matthew 11:28) and in the comfort He gives to a widow, to a sick person, to a desperate one and to one threatened by the wind and waves. In the morning, His Father teaches Him about this.

The Lord Jesus always listens to the voice of His Father. He begins the day with that (Mark 1:35) and that is His attitude all day long, He is ”prayer” (Psalms 109:4b). He is an example to us in this. It is His joy to be able to say: “He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8:29).

Only if we pay attention to His voice day by day we can fulfill His will and be able to say with the apostle that “we also have as our ambition … to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). This is the key to all service to the Lord. First follow, then be sent.

Isaiah 50:5 indicates His perfect obedience. He not only listens, but He also obeys. When the Savior’s ears are spoken of, it has to do with the perfect dedication to the will of the Father. The Lord Jesus knows all the suffering that will come upon Him, and yet He goes His way to the cross with unwavering steadfastness, without the slightest form of disobedience.

We read of Him that He says to the LORD: “My ears You have opened” (Psalms 40:6; cf. Hebrews 10:5). This indicates that He became Man in order to be able to obey and to die. Here (Isaiah 50:4) we read that the LORD says: “He awakens My ear.” This refers to His life on earth that is also characterized by obedience. Finally, there is also talk of piercing the ear of the Lord Jesus in the picture of the Hebrew slave (Exodus 21:5-6). This can be seen at the end of His service and life on earth, which is also characterized by obedience. It also indicates that He will be Slave or Servant forever (Luke 12:37).

Isaiah 50:6 refers to what people will do with Him (Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:30; Mark 15:19; Luke 22:63). The prophet describes in striking detail what the Lord Jesus endured as a Servant, especially at the end of His service on earth. He endured it without wavering (Luke 9:51), because He knows that God will help Him and that He will not be disgraced and not be ashamed (Isaiah 50:7). Just as God helped Israel (Isaiah 43:2; 5; Isaiah 44:2) and Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1; 5), so He will also help His unique Servant. Therefore, the Servant has set His “face like flint” which speaks of His perfect perseverance in dependence. He knows that He will not be ashamed, for He surrenders everything to Him Who judges righteously.

His example is an exhortation for us to imitate when we are called to endure severe opposition, so that we may steadfastly fulfill the task entrusted to us by the Lord. We can never suffer like Him, but our life and testimony can bear the features that have also been with Him in His life on earth.

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). But suffering for His sake makes everything glorious and joyful (1 Peter 4:13-14). He looked to the future with joy (Hebrews 12:2) and so may we. The Father’s purpose is to give us such confidence in Him and the assurance of His help, that we will be free from any tendency to despair under the weight of difficulties. If we walk the path of obedience, we can always be sure of help in this moment and of deliverance and victory in His time and manner.

Jeremiah 20:2

Confidence

The Lord Jesus knows that despite all the accusations of men and spiritual enemies, He will triumphantly be acquitted of every accusation (Isaiah 50:8). He does not say “He will justify Me”, but “He … is near” Who will do so. This explains His awareness of the presence of the Father, so as when He stands before Caiaphas and his gang and before Pilate and his soldiers. His vindication takes place in His resurrection (Romans 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:16).

Then He says for the second time: “The Lord GOD helps Me” (Isaiah 50:9; Isaiah 50:7). In contrast to that, all accusations and accusers will wear out like a garment on which a moth has done slowly but thoroughly its destructive work. This fate afflicts all fools and wicked people who see in Him nothing more than a Man Who assumes to be something that He would not be. Only He can say: “Which one of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46a). This concludes the Self testimony of the Messiah.

Paul, guided in this by the Holy Spirit, applies the words “who is he who condemns Me” to the believers of our time (Romans 8:33-34). One who is justified in faith is seen as ‘in Christ’. Since no accusation against Him can stand, every believer in Christ is outside of any accusation or condemnation (Romans 8:1).

Jeremiah 20:3

Confidence

The Lord Jesus knows that despite all the accusations of men and spiritual enemies, He will triumphantly be acquitted of every accusation (Isaiah 50:8). He does not say “He will justify Me”, but “He … is near” Who will do so. This explains His awareness of the presence of the Father, so as when He stands before Caiaphas and his gang and before Pilate and his soldiers. His vindication takes place in His resurrection (Romans 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:16).

Then He says for the second time: “The Lord GOD helps Me” (Isaiah 50:9; Isaiah 50:7). In contrast to that, all accusations and accusers will wear out like a garment on which a moth has done slowly but thoroughly its destructive work. This fate afflicts all fools and wicked people who see in Him nothing more than a Man Who assumes to be something that He would not be. Only He can say: “Which one of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46a). This concludes the Self testimony of the Messiah.

Paul, guided in this by the Holy Spirit, applies the words “who is he who condemns Me” to the believers of our time (Romans 8:33-34). One who is justified in faith is seen as ‘in Christ’. Since no accusation against Him can stand, every believer in Christ is outside of any accusation or condemnation (Romans 8:1).

Jeremiah 20:4

Encouragement for the Faithful Believer

The chapter begins with a declaration of the LORD and ends with that as well. In these closing words He first addresses Himself in this verse to the believer “that fears the LORD” and “that obeys the voice of His servant”. These two, fearing God and obeying His Word, belong together.

A believer can walk in dark circumstances and have no light and therefore be tempted to become desperate. Sometimes a situation seems hopeless. He can be overwhelmed by a variety of trials. Here then is an enlightening and encouraging message: “Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God”, as the Servant has done. No one has suffered like Him and see how God has finally made it well with Him because the Servant has entrusted His way to Him.

In the same way God will do with everyone who trusts in and relies on Him. True faith is tried and tested faith. It proves its reality in passing a test. God has been greatly found to be a help in distress. Faith not only accepts this as a fact, but learns to rely on God Himself and to experience the power and love of God’s almighty arm. Then darkness turns into light. The heart rejoices in the light of His presence.

Jeremiah 20:5

Threat to the Unbeliever

The words of this verse are addressed to unbelievers and their presumptuous self-confidence. They kindle a fire and walk proudly in the light of the flame they have kindled. This is what we see today – and it has been so since the cross – all around us. It will also happen in the future when the antichrist comes. They will want to walk in the light of his fire. After all, he claims to be God. And not only that, but their fire is kindled against the LORD and His Christ.

Divine retribution is the inevitable consequence. They must suffer the consequences of the fire they themselves caused. This suffering comes from the hand of the LORD, the hand which He extended to them in the Messiah in order to save them, but which was swept away by them. Their activities with all their wickedness and heartlessness are brought to a terrible end and they lie down in torment. What a contrast with the joyful peace of the believer who rests in his God.

In the age in which we live, man has kindled a huge bonfire of which the sparks go in all directions. It is a fire of which ‘science’ is the fuel. The sparks of human wisdom are seen everywhere, but how quickly they extinguish. Around us, the crowds are intoxicated and poisoned by the innumerable sparks shooting up from the fire of human inventions, which they believe gives light and warmth, while the sparks extinguish a second later.

It is a great privilege for us, as for the faithful of old, to walk in the wonderful light of the gospel. In doing so, we may be filled with confidence in God perfectly revealed in the Lord Jesus.

Jeremiah 20:7

Introduction

The subject of this chapter is the call to the faithful remnant to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus. They believe in the LORD and tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2), but do not see that the Lord Jesus is their promised Christ, Messiah. Just as the conscience of the brothers of Joseph has been awakened by and during their stay in prison, so the conscience of this faithful remnant will be awakened.

For this purpose God uses three things we find in this chapter: 1. His word (Isaiah 51:1-8 in which they are called three times to listen). 2. The tribulation by the beast coming up out of the sea and the beast coming up out of the earth (Isaiah 51:9-16; Revelation 13:1-10; Revelation 13:11-18). 3. The Assyrians, the king of the North (Isaiah 51:17-23).

The subject continues until Isaiah 52:12 and can be divided into seven sections. Each of these sections starts with an imperative, which is pronounced twice from the fourth section. 1. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:1) is related to the past. 2. “Pay attention” (Isaiah 51:4) is related to the future. 3. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:7) is related to the present. 4. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 51:9). 5. “Rouse yourself! Rouse yourself!” (Isaiah 51:17). 6. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 52:1). 7. “Depart, depart” (Isaiah 52:11).

It begins with a threefold call to listen and pay attention to the word (Isaiah 51:1; 4; 7) the LORD speaks to His people. In Isaiah 51:9 comes a fourth and first double call. This comes from the people and is addressed to God to save them from the two beasts. In Isaiah 51:17 the fifth call sounds, in which the LORD speaks again to His people to rouse themselves because of His anger by means of the king of the North. In the sixth call (Isaiah 52:1) the LORD speaks again to His people to awaken. The seventh time (Isaiah 52:11) is a kind of summary and climax with also a double call to depart. Toward this climax both chapters work.

The whole section relates to the time just before the end of exile. They must wake up and prepare to depart from Babylon and return to Jerusalem. Also here is the double bottom, in which we notice not only the immediate pre-fulfillment but also the final fulfillment related to the end time. Then Israel will return to the land from the nations and the enemies will be exterminated. They will enter the peace and joy of the realm. Besides the literal and prophetic explanation, there is also the practical application for us.

Example of Abraham and Sarah

The remnant is called to listen to the LORD (Isaiah 51:1). Listening is the hallmark of the faithful remnant. The Lord Jesus says of His sheep that they hear His voice (John 10:16; cf. Amos 3:12). In Revelation 2-3 it is said seven times: “He who has an ear (singular), let him hear.” It follows the example of the Savior Who Himself said: “The Lord GOD has opened My ear” (Isaiah 50:5). However, before the seed of the Word can germinate, the ground must be ploughed, that is to say, before they listen to the Word, they must first go through trouble and distress.

The LORD addresses Himself to the believing remnant among His people who pursue righteousness and seek Him. The unbelieving part is proud of heart and far from righteousness (Isaiah 46:12). The remnant is hungry and thirsty for righteousness. The Lord Jesus can say to them that they are “blessed” (Matthew 5:6). This longing for righteousness comes from an inner connection with Christ, Who is the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 1:30).

In the realm of peace there is no need to pursue righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), but now there is. We have to do this in the time of decay in which we live and we are urged to do so (2 Timothy 2:22a). The faithful share in the spirit of faith by abstaining from earthly pleasures to pursue the objects of their desires.

Abraham is the rock from which the stones used to build the house of Israel were hewn. Sarah is the quarry from which they were dug. The reference here is to the fact that Abraham and Sarah are loners. God has called Abraham when he was alone and was able to bless and multiply him. He can do this in the same way with the remnant, which also feels like a loner among the mass.

What is meant here as an encouragement to the people is abused by the unbelieving people to appropriate the land in disobedience (Ezekiel 33:24). The remnant is now encouraged as a loner not to participate in the worship of the image of the beast that will be common during the time of the great tribulation. Only then can the LORD give His blessing.

For the believing remnant the reference to Abraham is also meaningful in another sense. It has to do with the old age and infertile state of the marriage of Abraham and Sarah. In that state the LORD has worked through His own supernatural power in response to the faith of Abraham (Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19-21). Israel originally looked equally barren and desolate. This is the origin of the people of Israel, and the LORD calls them to remember this in the picture of the rock and the quarry. Just as the LORD did with the lonely Abraham and the barren Sarah, so He will do with the destroyed and lonely Zion (Isaiah 51:3).

The Lord Jesus was also a Loner on earth. He has pursued righteousness in a perfect way and fulfilled it, with the high point and at the same time the low point His work on the cross. The result is a tremendous fruit. An innumerable number of people have been saved by Him because He fell into the earth like the grain of wheat and died (John 12:24).

Just as joy has come to Sarah after a lengthy period of barrenness, so after a long time of trouble and abandonment Israel will know joy and gladness again. The comparison with Eden also shows that it is about the future because Israel has never known such a situation, not even in the glory days of Solomon, let alone in the days of Isaiah.

Jeremiah 20:8

Introduction

The subject of this chapter is the call to the faithful remnant to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus. They believe in the LORD and tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2), but do not see that the Lord Jesus is their promised Christ, Messiah. Just as the conscience of the brothers of Joseph has been awakened by and during their stay in prison, so the conscience of this faithful remnant will be awakened.

For this purpose God uses three things we find in this chapter: 1. His word (Isaiah 51:1-8 in which they are called three times to listen). 2. The tribulation by the beast coming up out of the sea and the beast coming up out of the earth (Isaiah 51:9-16; Revelation 13:1-10; Revelation 13:11-18). 3. The Assyrians, the king of the North (Isaiah 51:17-23).

The subject continues until Isaiah 52:12 and can be divided into seven sections. Each of these sections starts with an imperative, which is pronounced twice from the fourth section. 1. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:1) is related to the past. 2. “Pay attention” (Isaiah 51:4) is related to the future. 3. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:7) is related to the present. 4. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 51:9). 5. “Rouse yourself! Rouse yourself!” (Isaiah 51:17). 6. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 52:1). 7. “Depart, depart” (Isaiah 52:11).

It begins with a threefold call to listen and pay attention to the word (Isaiah 51:1; 4; 7) the LORD speaks to His people. In Isaiah 51:9 comes a fourth and first double call. This comes from the people and is addressed to God to save them from the two beasts. In Isaiah 51:17 the fifth call sounds, in which the LORD speaks again to His people to rouse themselves because of His anger by means of the king of the North. In the sixth call (Isaiah 52:1) the LORD speaks again to His people to awaken. The seventh time (Isaiah 52:11) is a kind of summary and climax with also a double call to depart. Toward this climax both chapters work.

The whole section relates to the time just before the end of exile. They must wake up and prepare to depart from Babylon and return to Jerusalem. Also here is the double bottom, in which we notice not only the immediate pre-fulfillment but also the final fulfillment related to the end time. Then Israel will return to the land from the nations and the enemies will be exterminated. They will enter the peace and joy of the realm. Besides the literal and prophetic explanation, there is also the practical application for us.

Example of Abraham and Sarah

The remnant is called to listen to the LORD (Isaiah 51:1). Listening is the hallmark of the faithful remnant. The Lord Jesus says of His sheep that they hear His voice (John 10:16; cf. Amos 3:12). In Revelation 2-3 it is said seven times: “He who has an ear (singular), let him hear.” It follows the example of the Savior Who Himself said: “The Lord GOD has opened My ear” (Isaiah 50:5). However, before the seed of the Word can germinate, the ground must be ploughed, that is to say, before they listen to the Word, they must first go through trouble and distress.

The LORD addresses Himself to the believing remnant among His people who pursue righteousness and seek Him. The unbelieving part is proud of heart and far from righteousness (Isaiah 46:12). The remnant is hungry and thirsty for righteousness. The Lord Jesus can say to them that they are “blessed” (Matthew 5:6). This longing for righteousness comes from an inner connection with Christ, Who is the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 1:30).

In the realm of peace there is no need to pursue righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), but now there is. We have to do this in the time of decay in which we live and we are urged to do so (2 Timothy 2:22a). The faithful share in the spirit of faith by abstaining from earthly pleasures to pursue the objects of their desires.

Abraham is the rock from which the stones used to build the house of Israel were hewn. Sarah is the quarry from which they were dug. The reference here is to the fact that Abraham and Sarah are loners. God has called Abraham when he was alone and was able to bless and multiply him. He can do this in the same way with the remnant, which also feels like a loner among the mass.

What is meant here as an encouragement to the people is abused by the unbelieving people to appropriate the land in disobedience (Ezekiel 33:24). The remnant is now encouraged as a loner not to participate in the worship of the image of the beast that will be common during the time of the great tribulation. Only then can the LORD give His blessing.

For the believing remnant the reference to Abraham is also meaningful in another sense. It has to do with the old age and infertile state of the marriage of Abraham and Sarah. In that state the LORD has worked through His own supernatural power in response to the faith of Abraham (Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19-21). Israel originally looked equally barren and desolate. This is the origin of the people of Israel, and the LORD calls them to remember this in the picture of the rock and the quarry. Just as the LORD did with the lonely Abraham and the barren Sarah, so He will do with the destroyed and lonely Zion (Isaiah 51:3).

The Lord Jesus was also a Loner on earth. He has pursued righteousness in a perfect way and fulfilled it, with the high point and at the same time the low point His work on the cross. The result is a tremendous fruit. An innumerable number of people have been saved by Him because He fell into the earth like the grain of wheat and died (John 12:24).

Just as joy has come to Sarah after a lengthy period of barrenness, so after a long time of trouble and abandonment Israel will know joy and gladness again. The comparison with Eden also shows that it is about the future because Israel has never known such a situation, not even in the glory days of Solomon, let alone in the days of Isaiah.

Jeremiah 20:9

Introduction

The subject of this chapter is the call to the faithful remnant to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus. They believe in the LORD and tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2), but do not see that the Lord Jesus is their promised Christ, Messiah. Just as the conscience of the brothers of Joseph has been awakened by and during their stay in prison, so the conscience of this faithful remnant will be awakened.

For this purpose God uses three things we find in this chapter: 1. His word (Isaiah 51:1-8 in which they are called three times to listen). 2. The tribulation by the beast coming up out of the sea and the beast coming up out of the earth (Isaiah 51:9-16; Revelation 13:1-10; Revelation 13:11-18). 3. The Assyrians, the king of the North (Isaiah 51:17-23).

The subject continues until Isaiah 52:12 and can be divided into seven sections. Each of these sections starts with an imperative, which is pronounced twice from the fourth section. 1. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:1) is related to the past. 2. “Pay attention” (Isaiah 51:4) is related to the future. 3. “Listen” (Isaiah 51:7) is related to the present. 4. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 51:9). 5. “Rouse yourself! Rouse yourself!” (Isaiah 51:17). 6. “Awake, awake” (Isaiah 52:1). 7. “Depart, depart” (Isaiah 52:11).

It begins with a threefold call to listen and pay attention to the word (Isaiah 51:1; 4; 7) the LORD speaks to His people. In Isaiah 51:9 comes a fourth and first double call. This comes from the people and is addressed to God to save them from the two beasts. In Isaiah 51:17 the fifth call sounds, in which the LORD speaks again to His people to rouse themselves because of His anger by means of the king of the North. In the sixth call (Isaiah 52:1) the LORD speaks again to His people to awaken. The seventh time (Isaiah 52:11) is a kind of summary and climax with also a double call to depart. Toward this climax both chapters work.

The whole section relates to the time just before the end of exile. They must wake up and prepare to depart from Babylon and return to Jerusalem. Also here is the double bottom, in which we notice not only the immediate pre-fulfillment but also the final fulfillment related to the end time. Then Israel will return to the land from the nations and the enemies will be exterminated. They will enter the peace and joy of the realm. Besides the literal and prophetic explanation, there is also the practical application for us.

Example of Abraham and Sarah

The remnant is called to listen to the LORD (Isaiah 51:1). Listening is the hallmark of the faithful remnant. The Lord Jesus says of His sheep that they hear His voice (John 10:16; cf. Amos 3:12). In Revelation 2-3 it is said seven times: “He who has an ear (singular), let him hear.” It follows the example of the Savior Who Himself said: “The Lord GOD has opened My ear” (Isaiah 50:5). However, before the seed of the Word can germinate, the ground must be ploughed, that is to say, before they listen to the Word, they must first go through trouble and distress.

The LORD addresses Himself to the believing remnant among His people who pursue righteousness and seek Him. The unbelieving part is proud of heart and far from righteousness (Isaiah 46:12). The remnant is hungry and thirsty for righteousness. The Lord Jesus can say to them that they are “blessed” (Matthew 5:6). This longing for righteousness comes from an inner connection with Christ, Who is the righteousness of God (1 Corinthians 1:30).

In the realm of peace there is no need to pursue righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), but now there is. We have to do this in the time of decay in which we live and we are urged to do so (2 Timothy 2:22a). The faithful share in the spirit of faith by abstaining from earthly pleasures to pursue the objects of their desires.

Abraham is the rock from which the stones used to build the house of Israel were hewn. Sarah is the quarry from which they were dug. The reference here is to the fact that Abraham and Sarah are loners. God has called Abraham when he was alone and was able to bless and multiply him. He can do this in the same way with the remnant, which also feels like a loner among the mass.

What is meant here as an encouragement to the people is abused by the unbelieving people to appropriate the land in disobedience (Ezekiel 33:24). The remnant is now encouraged as a loner not to participate in the worship of the image of the beast that will be common during the time of the great tribulation. Only then can the LORD give His blessing.

For the believing remnant the reference to Abraham is also meaningful in another sense. It has to do with the old age and infertile state of the marriage of Abraham and Sarah. In that state the LORD has worked through His own supernatural power in response to the faith of Abraham (Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19-21). Israel originally looked equally barren and desolate. This is the origin of the people of Israel, and the LORD calls them to remember this in the picture of the rock and the quarry. Just as the LORD did with the lonely Abraham and the barren Sarah, so He will do with the destroyed and lonely Zion (Isaiah 51:3).

The Lord Jesus was also a Loner on earth. He has pursued righteousness in a perfect way and fulfilled it, with the high point and at the same time the low point His work on the cross. The result is a tremendous fruit. An innumerable number of people have been saved by Him because He fell into the earth like the grain of wheat and died (John 12:24).

Just as joy has come to Sarah after a lengthy period of barrenness, so after a long time of trouble and abandonment Israel will know joy and gladness again. The comparison with Eden also shows that it is about the future because Israel has never known such a situation, not even in the glory days of Solomon, let alone in the days of Isaiah.

Jeremiah 20:10

The Salvation of the LORD Is Near

The LORD addresses His people here with “My people” (Isaiah 51:4). By calling it like that, He encourages the believing remnant. Then the people are no longer called “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not My people” (Hosea 1:9) and God’s judgment no longer rests on them. The bond between Israel and the LORD has been restored. The covenant, that is to say, the new covenant, is now made on the basis of the price paid by the Mediator. Israel will realize this only later. After a look back to the past, God’s Word already makes them look to the future. These are vistas that you get when you climb a height through God’s Word. In these vistas the state of the realm of peace is unfolded before their eyes (Isaiah 51:5-6).

The section that begins with Isaiah 51:4 speaks of the times when the restoration of Israel will culminate in a blessing for the entire world and later in the disappearance of the whole world of the old creation. The law here is not that of Sinai, but stands for the teaching that God wants to give to the nations through Israel. In this way His righteousness is brought near to the nations and the nations will place their hope in His arm, which is His power, and no longer trust in their own power (Isaiah 51:5; cf. Isaiah 40:11). “My arms” that will judge nations may indicate the government of God that He will exercise through the glorified saints (Matthew 19:28).

The power, “My arms”, which He has shown in the exercise of His judgment (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10), He will use for blessing and salvation (Isaiah 40:10) for the remaining nations, even those who are far away. Not only will sin still exist in the realm of peace, but the whole of the old creation has been affected by it. The heavens must therefore vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment affected by the moth, and the inhabitants will die like mosquitoes (Isaiah 51:6; cf. 2 Peter 3:13). None of this is fulfilled in the days of Cyrus. Those who are saved will never perish and God’s righteousness will endure forever.

For those who know God’s righteousness, the call follows not to fear the reproach of man (Isaiah 51:7), for these oppressors will perish as a garment consumed by the moth and the grub (Isaiah 51:8). The imagery shows that God uses small, despicable things to fulfill great plans. The order here is salvation and righteousness, while in Isaiah 51:6 the order is righteousness and salvation.

The faithful remnant will suffer tremendously under the power of the beast. But while people say: “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4), the LORD says: ‘They are only mortals, you need not fear them.’ Fear of people only disappears when we stand before the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:11

The Salvation of the LORD Is Near

The LORD addresses His people here with “My people” (Isaiah 51:4). By calling it like that, He encourages the believing remnant. Then the people are no longer called “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not My people” (Hosea 1:9) and God’s judgment no longer rests on them. The bond between Israel and the LORD has been restored. The covenant, that is to say, the new covenant, is now made on the basis of the price paid by the Mediator. Israel will realize this only later. After a look back to the past, God’s Word already makes them look to the future. These are vistas that you get when you climb a height through God’s Word. In these vistas the state of the realm of peace is unfolded before their eyes (Isaiah 51:5-6).

The section that begins with Isaiah 51:4 speaks of the times when the restoration of Israel will culminate in a blessing for the entire world and later in the disappearance of the whole world of the old creation. The law here is not that of Sinai, but stands for the teaching that God wants to give to the nations through Israel. In this way His righteousness is brought near to the nations and the nations will place their hope in His arm, which is His power, and no longer trust in their own power (Isaiah 51:5; cf. Isaiah 40:11). “My arms” that will judge nations may indicate the government of God that He will exercise through the glorified saints (Matthew 19:28).

The power, “My arms”, which He has shown in the exercise of His judgment (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10), He will use for blessing and salvation (Isaiah 40:10) for the remaining nations, even those who are far away. Not only will sin still exist in the realm of peace, but the whole of the old creation has been affected by it. The heavens must therefore vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment affected by the moth, and the inhabitants will die like mosquitoes (Isaiah 51:6; cf. 2 Peter 3:13). None of this is fulfilled in the days of Cyrus. Those who are saved will never perish and God’s righteousness will endure forever.

For those who know God’s righteousness, the call follows not to fear the reproach of man (Isaiah 51:7), for these oppressors will perish as a garment consumed by the moth and the grub (Isaiah 51:8). The imagery shows that God uses small, despicable things to fulfill great plans. The order here is salvation and righteousness, while in Isaiah 51:6 the order is righteousness and salvation.

The faithful remnant will suffer tremendously under the power of the beast. But while people say: “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4), the LORD says: ‘They are only mortals, you need not fear them.’ Fear of people only disappears when we stand before the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:12

The Salvation of the LORD Is Near

The LORD addresses His people here with “My people” (Isaiah 51:4). By calling it like that, He encourages the believing remnant. Then the people are no longer called “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not My people” (Hosea 1:9) and God’s judgment no longer rests on them. The bond between Israel and the LORD has been restored. The covenant, that is to say, the new covenant, is now made on the basis of the price paid by the Mediator. Israel will realize this only later. After a look back to the past, God’s Word already makes them look to the future. These are vistas that you get when you climb a height through God’s Word. In these vistas the state of the realm of peace is unfolded before their eyes (Isaiah 51:5-6).

The section that begins with Isaiah 51:4 speaks of the times when the restoration of Israel will culminate in a blessing for the entire world and later in the disappearance of the whole world of the old creation. The law here is not that of Sinai, but stands for the teaching that God wants to give to the nations through Israel. In this way His righteousness is brought near to the nations and the nations will place their hope in His arm, which is His power, and no longer trust in their own power (Isaiah 51:5; cf. Isaiah 40:11). “My arms” that will judge nations may indicate the government of God that He will exercise through the glorified saints (Matthew 19:28).

The power, “My arms”, which He has shown in the exercise of His judgment (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10), He will use for blessing and salvation (Isaiah 40:10) for the remaining nations, even those who are far away. Not only will sin still exist in the realm of peace, but the whole of the old creation has been affected by it. The heavens must therefore vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment affected by the moth, and the inhabitants will die like mosquitoes (Isaiah 51:6; cf. 2 Peter 3:13). None of this is fulfilled in the days of Cyrus. Those who are saved will never perish and God’s righteousness will endure forever.

For those who know God’s righteousness, the call follows not to fear the reproach of man (Isaiah 51:7), for these oppressors will perish as a garment consumed by the moth and the grub (Isaiah 51:8). The imagery shows that God uses small, despicable things to fulfill great plans. The order here is salvation and righteousness, while in Isaiah 51:6 the order is righteousness and salvation.

The faithful remnant will suffer tremendously under the power of the beast. But while people say: “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4), the LORD says: ‘They are only mortals, you need not fear them.’ Fear of people only disappears when we stand before the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:13

The Salvation of the LORD Is Near

The LORD addresses His people here with “My people” (Isaiah 51:4). By calling it like that, He encourages the believing remnant. Then the people are no longer called “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not My people” (Hosea 1:9) and God’s judgment no longer rests on them. The bond between Israel and the LORD has been restored. The covenant, that is to say, the new covenant, is now made on the basis of the price paid by the Mediator. Israel will realize this only later. After a look back to the past, God’s Word already makes them look to the future. These are vistas that you get when you climb a height through God’s Word. In these vistas the state of the realm of peace is unfolded before their eyes (Isaiah 51:5-6).

The section that begins with Isaiah 51:4 speaks of the times when the restoration of Israel will culminate in a blessing for the entire world and later in the disappearance of the whole world of the old creation. The law here is not that of Sinai, but stands for the teaching that God wants to give to the nations through Israel. In this way His righteousness is brought near to the nations and the nations will place their hope in His arm, which is His power, and no longer trust in their own power (Isaiah 51:5; cf. Isaiah 40:11). “My arms” that will judge nations may indicate the government of God that He will exercise through the glorified saints (Matthew 19:28).

The power, “My arms”, which He has shown in the exercise of His judgment (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10), He will use for blessing and salvation (Isaiah 40:10) for the remaining nations, even those who are far away. Not only will sin still exist in the realm of peace, but the whole of the old creation has been affected by it. The heavens must therefore vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment affected by the moth, and the inhabitants will die like mosquitoes (Isaiah 51:6; cf. 2 Peter 3:13). None of this is fulfilled in the days of Cyrus. Those who are saved will never perish and God’s righteousness will endure forever.

For those who know God’s righteousness, the call follows not to fear the reproach of man (Isaiah 51:7), for these oppressors will perish as a garment consumed by the moth and the grub (Isaiah 51:8). The imagery shows that God uses small, despicable things to fulfill great plans. The order here is salvation and righteousness, while in Isaiah 51:6 the order is righteousness and salvation.

The faithful remnant will suffer tremendously under the power of the beast. But while people say: “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4), the LORD says: ‘They are only mortals, you need not fear them.’ Fear of people only disappears when we stand before the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:14

The Salvation of the LORD Is Near

The LORD addresses His people here with “My people” (Isaiah 51:4). By calling it like that, He encourages the believing remnant. Then the people are no longer called “Lo-Ammi”, which means “not My people” (Hosea 1:9) and God’s judgment no longer rests on them. The bond between Israel and the LORD has been restored. The covenant, that is to say, the new covenant, is now made on the basis of the price paid by the Mediator. Israel will realize this only later. After a look back to the past, God’s Word already makes them look to the future. These are vistas that you get when you climb a height through God’s Word. In these vistas the state of the realm of peace is unfolded before their eyes (Isaiah 51:5-6).

The section that begins with Isaiah 51:4 speaks of the times when the restoration of Israel will culminate in a blessing for the entire world and later in the disappearance of the whole world of the old creation. The law here is not that of Sinai, but stands for the teaching that God wants to give to the nations through Israel. In this way His righteousness is brought near to the nations and the nations will place their hope in His arm, which is His power, and no longer trust in their own power (Isaiah 51:5; cf. Isaiah 40:11). “My arms” that will judge nations may indicate the government of God that He will exercise through the glorified saints (Matthew 19:28).

The power, “My arms”, which He has shown in the exercise of His judgment (Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 52:10), He will use for blessing and salvation (Isaiah 40:10) for the remaining nations, even those who are far away. Not only will sin still exist in the realm of peace, but the whole of the old creation has been affected by it. The heavens must therefore vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment affected by the moth, and the inhabitants will die like mosquitoes (Isaiah 51:6; cf. 2 Peter 3:13). None of this is fulfilled in the days of Cyrus. Those who are saved will never perish and God’s righteousness will endure forever.

For those who know God’s righteousness, the call follows not to fear the reproach of man (Isaiah 51:7), for these oppressors will perish as a garment consumed by the moth and the grub (Isaiah 51:8). The imagery shows that God uses small, despicable things to fulfill great plans. The order here is salvation and righteousness, while in Isaiah 51:6 the order is righteousness and salvation.

The faithful remnant will suffer tremendously under the power of the beast. But while people say: “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4), the LORD says: ‘They are only mortals, you need not fear them.’ Fear of people only disappears when we stand before the Lord.

Jeremiah 20:15

Call for Intervention of the LORD

The preceding call to listen with the promise of salvation must have awakened in the hearts of the faithful a longing for the promised salvation (Isaiah 51:9). They know that the arm of the LORD can work it. That is why they call upon Him to awaken in order to come to their aid. Here they ask for the revelation of His arm (Isaiah 51:5), His power (Isaiah 53:1). Did not His arm knock down Pharaoh and his gang?

Rahab is not only a poetic name for Egypt, but is also the monstrous power behind Egypt (Psalms 87:4; Psalms 89:10). The dragon refers to Pharaoh as the instrument of satan. The LORD then delivered His people and dried up the sea as a way of escape (Isaiah 51:10). This remembrance of the deliverance in the past and the certainty of the deliverance in the future bring to the triple exclamation to the arm of the LORD to awaken. Rahab is a picture of the beast in the future (Revelation 13:1-8) with the dragon (satan) in the background (Revelation 12:3-5). But the LORD will help Israel (Revelation 12:6).

It is good for the believer to remember the former mercies of the Lord. It is also necessary not only to occupy oneself with the past, but to let the power of hope do its cleansing work. This dual approach – of past and future – provides the power to pray, not only for deliverance, but above all for what serves the glory of God. This will provide an answer from God’s side that will far exceed the expectation of salvation.

Jeremiah 20:16

Call for Intervention of the LORD

The preceding call to listen with the promise of salvation must have awakened in the hearts of the faithful a longing for the promised salvation (Isaiah 51:9). They know that the arm of the LORD can work it. That is why they call upon Him to awaken in order to come to their aid. Here they ask for the revelation of His arm (Isaiah 51:5), His power (Isaiah 53:1). Did not His arm knock down Pharaoh and his gang?

Rahab is not only a poetic name for Egypt, but is also the monstrous power behind Egypt (Psalms 87:4; Psalms 89:10). The dragon refers to Pharaoh as the instrument of satan. The LORD then delivered His people and dried up the sea as a way of escape (Isaiah 51:10). This remembrance of the deliverance in the past and the certainty of the deliverance in the future bring to the triple exclamation to the arm of the LORD to awaken. Rahab is a picture of the beast in the future (Revelation 13:1-8) with the dragon (satan) in the background (Revelation 12:3-5). But the LORD will help Israel (Revelation 12:6).

It is good for the believer to remember the former mercies of the Lord. It is also necessary not only to occupy oneself with the past, but to let the power of hope do its cleansing work. This dual approach – of past and future – provides the power to pray, not only for deliverance, but above all for what serves the glory of God. This will provide an answer from God’s side that will far exceed the expectation of salvation.

Jeremiah 20:17

The Secure Future for God’s People

What follows in this verse is scarcely surpassed in Scripture in the beauty of the language and in the benevolence of the assurance given to God’s people regarding their future. It all speaks gloriously of the millennial blessing that will be enjoyed by Israel. This prospect is magnified and strengthened by the review of the trials and sufferings in which they have been.

In the midst of the great tribulation, the remnant will sing in faith a song of praise, even before the enemy is broken. It is reminiscent of King Jehoshaphat singing a song of praise before the enemy is defeated by the LORD (2 Chronicles 20:21-22) and of Paul and Silas singing a song of praise before the earthquake and salvation come (Acts 16:25-26). Thus it is with the even more glorious prospect that we may enjoy as members of the church. Our present experiences of deep trials and tribulation are relieved by hope, a hope that ‘softens every sorrow’.

Jeremiah 20:18

The LORD Is for His People

These verses continue in another way the comfort given by the LORD. Many of His people are in fear of the oppressor (Babylon). No doubt, the oppression of the antichrist, the man of sin in the coming day (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), in the time of “Jacob’s distress,” will have the same effect. At that time, this section seems to apply particularly. But if the man of sin is there, the LORD is also there with His comfort. That is why He speaks of Himself as “He who comforts you” (Isaiah 51:12). If so, why would they be afraid of a mortal man?

The tyranny of the antichrist will be short-lived. The LORD has always had His own manner and time for the deliverance of His earthly people. Fear is the cause of God being forgotten (Isaiah 51:13). Awareness of the presence and power of the LORD is the sufficient repellent of fear. Again and again the LORD reminds Israel that He is their Maker and that with His power He has extended the heavens and founded the earth. Why, then, should they always fear the threat of the oppressor, even when he is after their destruction?

The oppressor, Babylon, will soon be defeated by Cyrus, the Persian. Then the prisoners will be set free (Isaiah 51:14). This is the imminent deliverance from the Babylonian exile. This prophecy will also have its ultimate fulfillment when the Jews will be delivered in the future from the suffering of the nations because of the beast and the antichrist and they will return to their land in acknowledgment of their Savior Messiah. Here again we can see Cyrus as a picture of Christ Who will come as Victor.

The LORD shows that He has the power to do this by pointing out that He raises the sea that therefore is in His power (Isaiah 51:15). It is the picture of the sea of the nations that is raging against His people, which also refers to the beast coming up out of the sea (Revelation 13:1). Like the literal sea, He can also silence the nations (Psalms 65:7; Isaiah 17:12-13). In the end time, the Lord Jesus will judge all nations and silence them through His personal intervention at His appearance.

Isaiah 51:16 tells how the Jews will become messengers of the LORD. They will proclaim the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14). He has put His words in their mouths – prophetically the perfect tense is used here (cf. Matthew 10:19-20). The result of their preaching can be seen in the conversion of many Jews (Revelation 7:1-8) and many of the nations (Revelation 7:9-17).

He will cover them with the shadow of His hand, as He did with the Messiah (Isaiah 49:2). He does not only do this to protect them, but also to make them fit for the purpose He has in mind. That purpose is to bring heaven and earth into a state where His kingdom of righteousness and peace can be established and His people will truly be His people. Then the forces of nature, both of heaven and of earth, will no longer be used to carry out the Divine judgments, as has so often been the case and will still be before the Lord appears in glory.

The messenger of the gospel of grace proclaimed today may apply these words to himself in the certainty that the Lord will also put His words in his mouth. He is a messenger of the Lord with the Lord’s message. “To establish the heavens” means to effect a state of heavenly blessing. This happens when the gospel is accepted. “To found the earth” means laying a foundation of righteousness on which the life of faith can develop.

The testimony of the messenger is only reliable and effective if he clings to the truth of Scripture. Also, the bringer of the gospel may know himself under His protection, covered under the shadow of His hand.