Isaiah 20
After Jeremiah delivers the words of the LORD, he is arrested by the chief priest Pashhur and subjected to whipping and stocks (chains). Pashhur mocks and oppresses the prophet, but Jeremiah boldly declares that Pashhur is called “Pashhur” (meaning “terror from every side”) and cries out God’s judgment. A disaster that will come upon Pashhur and his family, as well as the destruction of Jerusalem, is foretold.
1verseIn the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it;
2verseat that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loosen the sackcloth from off your waist, and take your sandals from off your feet.” He did so, walking naked and barefoot.
3verseThe LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,
4verseso the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
5verseThey will be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.
6verseThe inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?’”
Jeremiah’s Inner Struggle and Confession (20:7-18)
In this passage, Jeremiah’s deep spiritual anguish and conflict are laid bare honestly. Although he endures ridicule and insults for proclaiming God’s word, he confesses his own situation—that he cannot hide the message and ends up crying out again. In despair and pain, he even laments that he wished he had never been born. At the same time, he struggles to hold on to hope again, trusting that God will protect him.
The Flow and Structure of the Entire Chapter
| Order | Content |
|---|---|
| Verses 1-6 | The suffering brought by prophecy and conflict with the chief priest |
| Verses 7-13 | Jeremiah’s inner confession and God’s faithful help |
| Verses 14-18 | Deep despair and lament about life |
Jeremiah 20 is composed of the prophet’s heart amid suffering, the tension between human weakness and God’s calling, and a confession of faith revealed through suffering.
Points for Reflection
- When proclaiming God’s word, how can we overcome misunderstandings and suffering—and the human heart that shakes within it?
- Even amid pain and doubt, Jeremiah holds fast to God’s faithfulness. In times of difficulty, we can think about what it is that raises me up again.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When I follow the values I believe to be true, how am I withstanding outside criticism or inner conflict?
- Just as Jeremiah spoke his feelings honestly to God, I look back to see whether I am presenting my heart sincerely before God as well.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
