Jeremiah 20:11
But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
Jeremiah 20:11
Here the mood shifts to confident trust in the Lord. Jeremiah declares that “the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one,” a striking paradox: God’s presence is both mighty and fearsome to opponents. The imagery of enemies stumbling and being put to shame contrasts human plans with divine vengeance. The context is a courtroom of fear and accusation, but Jeremiah’s trust reframes the narrative: God’s defense ensures the prophet’s ultimate vindication. The verse asserts God’s protection over the faithful even when persecution intensifies. It also signals the reversal of embarrassment into honor; those who oppose God and His messenger will not prosper, and their lasting shame will persist. The broader prophetic pattern is that of a divine justice that outlasts human schemes.
This verse centers on God’s protective, sovereign nature. It affirms that God is a “mighty terrible one” to those who persecute justice and righteousness. Theologically, it reinforces the hope that God upholds his messengers and judges those who contend against His purposes. It also highlights the legitimacy of prophetic suffering as part of God’s redemptive plan. The idea of perpetual shame for the wicked offers a sobering reminder of ultimate accountability. For believers, it cultivates courage, not recklessness, as the prophet trusts in divine protection rather than personal power. It also invites readers to evaluate their own fears: who or what threatens you, and how does trust in God’s defense shape your response?
Practical cues for today:
- When facing ridicule, remember that God’s protection trumps human strength.
- Seek communal support; share burdens with trusted faith communities to endure opposition.
- Respond with dignified, principled courage rather than retaliatory aggression.
- Use the threat as motivation to pursue justice and truth more faithfully.
- Pray for discernment about when to speak and when to endure quietly, trusting God to expose wrongdoing in His timing.
Examples: a journalist reporting corruption while facing backlash, a city council member pushing for accountability, or a student challenging a discriminatory policy. Jeremiah’s confidence shows that divine backing gives steadiness in the face of intimidation, turning persecution into an arena where God’s justice shines.
Cross-References: Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 1 Samuel 17:45-47