Jeremiah 15:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 15:21
21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 15 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, love. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 15:21
21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Analysis
God responds to Jeremiah's complaint: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth.' The condition 'if thou return' doesn't mean Jeremiah had apostatized but that he needed to return to proper spiritual perspective. The promise: restoration to prophetic ministry ('stand before me'). The second condition: 'take forth the precious from the vile'—separate valuable truth from worthless complaint or discouragement. Then he'll be 'as my mouth'—God's spokesman. This shows even faithful servants need recalibration when discouragement distorts perspective.
Historical Context
Even great prophets experienced spiritual crises requiring divine correction and recommissioning. God's gentle rebuke and renewed commission demonstrate His patience with struggling servants.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'return' when we haven't abandoned God but have lost proper perspective?
- How do we 'take forth the precious from the vile' in our thinking and ministry?
- What does being God's 'mouth' require in terms of spiritual preparation and perspective?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H6299 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- Redemption: Jeremiah 50:34, Genesis 48:16
- Evil: Psalms 27:2, 37:40, Matthew 6:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 29:5, 29:20, 54:17, Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 1:10