Jeremiah 20:1-18
Q.1. How was Jeremiah rewarded by Pashur the Priest? What prophecy did the Prophet deliver to Pashur? – (Jer.20:1-6)
Pashur was a Priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord, who took offence at the preaching of Jeremiah. He had the prophet beaten and placed in stocks, to further ridicule him (Jer.20:1-2). Upon his release Jeremiah told Pashur that God had a new name for him – Magor-missabib (Jer. 20:3). It meant, TERROR ON EVERY SIDE – For thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I am going to make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; and while your eyes look on, they will fall by the sword of their enemies. So, I will give over all Judah to the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away as exiles to Babylon and will slay them with the sword (Jer.20:4). Not only would all the treasure of the city and its kings be plundered, but Pashur would live and die in captivity, and be known by the people as a false prophet (Jer.20:5-6).
Q.2. Did Jeremiah enjoy his prophetic duties? Would the prophet compromise? How did he manifest his humanity? – (Jer.20:7-18)
Jeremiah has recorded the depth of despair he felt, as he was torn between his people and his commitment to be faithful to God – 7 O Lord, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; Everyone mocks me. 8 For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, because for me the word of the Lord has resulted in reproach and derision all day long (Jer.20:7-8). He described his inner wrestling, and the outward plots against him (Jer.20:9-10). Nevertheless, he knew that the One with him was an all-conquering champion, and his persecutors would not prevail (Jer.20:11 c.f. Jer.1:17-19). He called on God to punish them and declared his conviction that he would win through (Jer.20:12-13). Yet he left his readers in no doubt about the anguish of his call, as he cried out – 15 Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, saying, “A baby boy has been born to you!” and made him very happy … 18 Why did I ever come forth from the womb to look on trouble and sorrow, so that my days have been spent in shame? (Jer.20:15 & 18 c.f. 1 Kgs.19:3-4 & 9-10). We may have times when we know despair, but for Jeremiah, this distress lasted his whole life.