Jeremiah 20:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 20:2
2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 20 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, 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 13-18: Central message and teachings
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 20:2
2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
Analysis
Pashur's response to Jeremiah was violent: 'smote' (nakah, נָכָה—struck, beat) and 'put him in the stocks' (mahpeket, מַהְפֶּכֶת). The Hebrew word for stocks refers to a torture device that twisted the body into painful contorted positions—not mere confinement but intentional infliction of pain and humiliation. The location 'in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD' made the punishment public—positioned where worshipers entering the temple would see Jeremiah's shame. This was designed to discredit the prophet, showing what happened to those who spoke against temple theology. The irony is profound: a priest, supposedly serving God, tortures God's prophet at God's house for speaking God's word. This reveals how religious persecution often comes from religious people. Jesus later experienced similar treatment from religious authorities (Matthew 26:67-68), and His followers faced persecution from both Jewish and Christian religious establishments. The verse illustrates the cost of faithful prophetic ministry—not just rejection but active persecution, often from those who claim to represent God.
Historical Context
Public punishment in the stocks served multiple purposes in ancient societies: physical pain, public humiliation, and deterrence. Being confined overnight (see v. 3) meant exposure to elements, inability to attend to bodily needs, and vulnerability to mockery from passers-by. For a prophet, this punishment was especially shaming—it suggested his message came from derangement or demon-possession rather than divine revelation. Similar persecution occurred to other prophets: Micaiah imprisoned (1 Kings 22:26-27), Hanani put in stocks (2 Chronicles 16:10), Amos told to flee (Amos 7:12-13). The early church experienced identical treatment: apostles beaten and imprisoned for preaching (Acts 5:40, 16:23-24), Paul repeatedly beaten and jailed (2 Corinthians 11:23-25). Throughout church history, faithful preachers have faced violence from religious authorities threatened by biblical truth. Jeremiah's suffering anticipated Christ's and models the cost of faithful ministry in fallen world.
Reflection
- What does Jeremiah's willingness to endure torture rather than compromise his message teach about the seriousness of speaking God's truth?
- How should we respond when the cost of faithful biblical witness includes not just disagreement but active persecution?
- In what ways does religious persecution by religious people (Pashur the priest) reveal the danger of confusing institutional religion with genuine faithfulness to God?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 29:26, 36:26, 37:13
- References Lord: Jeremiah 1:19, 2 Chronicles 24:21
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 22:27, 2 Chronicles 16:10, Zechariah 14:10