Jeremiah 32:20
Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah's reference to the Exodus roots his present crisis in Israel's foundational salvation history. The Exodus (circa 1446 or 1260 BC, depending on dating) remained central to Jewish identity and theology. It demonstrated that Israel's God was not a local deity but sovereign over the mightiest empire of that era. The plagues systematically humiliated Egypt's gods—the Nile (Hapi), the sun (Ra), the frog goddess (Heqet), etc.—proving YHWH's supremacy. These events became permanent testimony, retold in Passover celebrations, enshrined in Torah, and referenced by prophets, psalmists, and eventually New Testament writers (Acts 7:36, Hebrews 11:29). Jeremiah's generation faced the theological crisis of seeing God apparently 'defeated' by Babylon's gods. By recalling the Exodus, Jeremiah affirms that God's power hasn't diminished—He who overthrew Egypt would overthrow Babylon. Indeed, Cyrus the Persian conquered Babylon in 539 BC, and Isaiah prophesied this deliverance in explicitly Exodus-like terms (Isaiah 43:16-21, 51:9-11). The 'name' God made for Himself in the Exodus endures eternally, ultimately revealed fully in Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How should remembering God's past faithfulness (like the Exodus) strengthen faith during present crises?
- What does it mean that God's 'signs and wonders' testify 'even unto this day,' and how does Scripture preserve this testimony?
- How does God's concern for making Himself 'a name' (establishing His reputation) relate to His purposes in both salvation and judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day—Jeremiah recalls the otot u-mofetim (אֹתוֹת וּמֹפְתִים, signs and wonders)—the miraculous plagues through which God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 7-12). The phrase even unto this day emphasizes that these historical acts of deliverance continued to testify to God's power centuries later. God's mighty works don't fade into irrelevance—they remain perpetual testimony to His character and covenant faithfulness. And in Israel, and among other men—God's powerful acts weren't limited to Egypt. Throughout Israel's history (conquest of Canaan, victories over enemies, prophetic miracles) and among the nations, God demonstrated His sovereignty. Even pagan nations witnessed God's power when He judged Assyria, raised up Babylon, and would later overthrow Babylon through Persia.
And hast made thee a name, as at this day—The Hebrew asah shem (עָשָׂה שֵׁם, made a name) means to establish a reputation. God's redemptive acts secured His renown among all peoples. When Rahab hid the Israelite spies, she testified that all Canaan had heard of God's mighty works and trembled (Joshua 2:9-11). God's 'name' represents His revealed character—His power, holiness, faithfulness, and covenant love. Significantly, Jeremiah prays this while Jerusalem faces destruction. Has God's name become mockery among the nations (Psalm 79:10)? No—the same God who judged Egypt would judge Babylon, and the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt would deliver them from Babylon. God's reputation endures through both salvation and judgment.