Jeremiah 1:8
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah faced extraordinary opposition throughout his ministry—more than perhaps any other prophet. His own family plotted against him (Jeremiah 12:6), hometown attempted murder (Jeremiah 11:21), priests beat and imprisoned him (Jeremiah 20:1-2), false prophets opposed him publicly (Jeremiah 28), officials threw him in a muddy cistern to die (Jeremiah 38:6), and the remnant ignored his counsel and dragged him to Egypt (Jeremiah 43). Yet he survived it all, protected by God's promise. Several times, officials or foreign powers specifically spared him (Babylonian command to treat him well, Jeremiah 39:11-12; Ebed-melech rescuing him, Jeremiah 38:7-13). This pattern of divine protection despite human hostility demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promise. The principle extends to all believers—God promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and to complete the work He begins (Philippians 1:6), though He doesn't promise absence of suffering (John 16:33).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'faces'—human authorities, hostile groups, or intimidating circumstances—tempt you toward fear rather than faithful obedience to God's calling?
- How does the promise of God's presence and deliverance enable courage to speak truth that provokes opposition rather than seeking approval?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's reassurance 'Be not afraid of their faces' addresses the prophet's real concern—not lack of eloquence but fear of human opposition. The Hebrew phrase 'be not afraid' (al-tira, אַל־תִּירָא) is emphatic prohibition—a command, not suggestion. 'Their faces' (mippeneihem, מִפְּנֵיהֶם) refers to hostile expressions, threatening presence, or intimidating authority—the human opposition Jeremiah would face from kings, priests, princes, and people. The reason given for courage is foundational: 'for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.' The promise 'I am with thee' (itti anokhi, אִתְּךָ אָנֹכִי) echoes God's assurance to Moses (Exodus 3:12), Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and later to New Testament believers (Matthew 28:20). This divine presence isn't abstract comfort but active protection—'to deliver thee' (lehatsilekha, לְהַצִּילֶךָ) promises rescue from danger. The phrase 'saith the LORD' (neum-YHWH, נְאֻם־יְהוָה) is the prophetic authentication formula—this isn't human optimism but divine oath. Jeremiah's subsequent ministry validated this promise: though he suffered persecution, imprisonment, and attempts on his life, he survived when many died, outlasting all his opponents and seeing prophecy fulfilled.