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Jeremiah Complains to the Lord

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Good News Translation (GNT)

15  Then I said, "Lord, you understand. Remember me
   and help me. Let me have revenge on those who
   persecute me. Do not be so patient with them that they
   succeed in killing me. Remember that it is for your sake
   that I am insulted.
16  You spoke to me, and I listened to every word.
   I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words
   filled my heart with joy and happiness.
17  I did not spend my time with other people,laughing and
   having a good time. In obedience to your orders
   I stayed by myself and was filled with anger.
18  Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds
   incurable? Why won't they heal? Do you intend to
   disappoint me like a stream that goes dry in the summer?"
19  To this the Lord replied, "If you return, I will take you back,
   and you will be my servant again. If instead of talking
   nonsense you proclaim a worthwhile message, you will
   be my prophet again. The people will come back to you,
   and you will not need to go to them.
20  I will make you like a solid bronze wall as far as they are
   concerned. They will fight against you, but they will not
   defeat you. I will be with you to protect you and keep you
   safe.
21  I will rescue you from the power of wicked and violent
   people. I, the Lord, have spoken."

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'Lord, you understand.'.

Commentary is a Compilation of An EasyEnglish Bible
Version and other comments

Jeremiah reminded the LORD that he had troubles because was doing the LORD's work. He wanted the LORD to deal with the people who were making him so unhappy. As Jeremiah continued to plead his case before God, he declared his great love for His word. Jeremiah 'ate' God's word; taking it in as food for the soul and receiving refreshment and nourishment from it. He had not joined the people who were having a merry time, but remained alone because the LORD had made him aware of the people's sin.

Jeremiah felt as if he had a painful wound. He felt that nothing would heal it. He felt that the LORD did not care about him now. But the LORD was now like a stream that had become dry. Jeremiah had a true trust in God and connection to His Word, yet this did not remove the crisis. This was a genuine challenge to Jeremiah's faith in God's goodness and power.

Jeremiah wanted to give up his task. But the LORD said that was a sin. Jeremiah could speak again if he would give up that sin. The LORD would make him healthy in his spirit.

The words that Jeremiah spoke should show the difference between true religion and worthless idol worship. He should not worry what people thought about him. He might not be popular because of what he said, but he should urge people to turn back to the LORD.

People would oppose Jeremiah, but the LORD would make him like a strong wall that an enemy could not break. He would be saved from the wicked and cruel people who were trying to attack him. "It is ironic that God had to tell Jeremiah to repent. For years Jeremiah had been telling the people of Israel to turn back in repentance. But he had some repenting of his own to do." (Ryken)

The people of God could return to him, but he must not move from his place to accommodate them. "The heartening promises of verses 20-21 remind Jeremiah of his opening call, almost word for word (cf. 1:18-19). They offer nothing easy. But the strength that they speak of, and the undefeated outcome, will be the glory of Jeremiah's ministry." (Kidner)

Other versions are available here

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