Jeremiah 18:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 18:20
20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 18 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, fellowship. 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 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 18:20
20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Analysis
Jeremiah protests the injustice: "Shall evil be recompensed for good?" The rhetorical question expects a negative answer—it's morally outrageous that good deeds receive evil payment. "For they have digged a pit for my soul"—the imagery depicts hunters setting traps for prey. Despite Jeremiah's faithful ministry, his audience plots his destruction.
"Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them"—powerful intercessory language. Jeremiah reminds God (and himself) that he faithfully interceded for his persecutors, seeking to avert divine judgment through their repentance. Like Moses (Ex 32:11-14, 30-32) and Samuel (1 Sam 7:5-9, 12:23), Jeremiah fulfilled the prophetic role of standing between God and people, pleading for mercy.
This verse anticipates Christ, the ultimate Intercessor who prayed for His executioners (Luke 23:34) and continually intercedes for His people (Heb 7:25, Rom 8:34). While Jeremiah's intercession proved insufficient to save Judah, Christ's intercession perfectly accomplishes salvation for all who come to God through Him. The pattern: God's servants suffer unjustly while serving others' spiritual good, pointing to the Suffering Servant who bore sins of many (Isa 53:12).
Historical Context
Prophetic intercession was a standard role—Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Daniel, and others stood between God and people, pleading for mercy during judgment. Priestly and prophetic offices both included intercessory functions. Jeremiah's intercession for Judah appears throughout his prophecy (Jer 14:7-9, 11-22, 15:1, 18:20), though God eventually forbade further intercession because judgment was sealed (Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11).
Reflection
- How do you respond when good deeds receive evil payment—with bitterness or continued faithfulness?
- What does it mean to stand before God interceding for those who oppose or hurt you?
- How does Christ's perfect intercession for sinners, including His enemies, transform your approach to prayer and forgiveness?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H2534 - Wrath, anger
Cross-References
- Judgment: Psalms 106:23
- Evil: Psalms 35:12, 119:95
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 18:22, Psalms 35:7, 57:6, Proverbs 26:27, Ecclesiastes 10:8