What happensPermalink
Pashhur, a priestly official who prophesies falsely, beats Jeremiah and puts him in the stocks. Jeremiah foretells his exile and death in Babylon, now named as Judah’s conqueror. Jeremiah then accuses God of deceiving him: speaking has brought mockery. Yet when he tries to remain silent, the word burns within him until he must speak. Surrounded by enemies watching for his failure, he trusts God as a “dread warrior” who will vindicate him. He praises God, then plunges again into anguish, cursing the day he was born.
Why it mattersPermalink
Jeremiah’s suffering reveals the cost of speaking God’s unwelcome word. The burning word that compels him also brings fierce opposition. His movement from praise back to despair leaves the anguish unresolved. Faith in God’s protection and protest over his painful calling stand together in this deeply troubled prayer.
Key versePermalink
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.