Jeremiah’s Fourth Confession: Jeremiah 17:14–18
Jeremiah Praying for Judah
The Text: Jeremiah 17:14–18
14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise.
15 See how they say to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come!”
16 But I have not run away from being a shepherd in your service, nor have I desired the fatal day. You know what came from my lips; it was before your face.
17 Do not become a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster;
18 Let my persecutors be shamed, but do not let me be shamed; let them be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed; bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction!
Introduction
Jeremiah’s confessions represent a profound series of personal lamentations that reveal the prophet’s inner spiritual and emotional landscape. The fourth confession stands as a particularly poignant moment of vulnerability, in which the prophet reveals his deepest struggles, fears, and ultimate trust in God. This prayer provides a unique insight into Jeremiah’s ministerial challenges and his complex relationship with divine calling.
Jeremiah presents his plea for personal vindication, divine healing, and judgment upon his persecutors. It is deeply personal, reflecting his vulnerability while also affirming trust in God’s justice and provision..
Historical Background
The fourth confession emerges during a tumultuous period in Judah’s history. This was a period of extreme political instability, marked by the rapid expansion of the Babylonian Empire and its threat to Judah’s sovereignty. His prophetic messages warned of imminent judgment due to the nation’s persistent idolatry and moral corruption.
Jeremiah’s messages often called for repentance and submission to Babylon as part of God’s judgment, leading to fierce opposition from political and religious leaders, as well as the general population. In this specific context, Jeremiah faced personal attacks, likely including threats to his life, as he delivered unpopular messages of judgment and impending exile. His fourth confession reflects this environment of hostility, as he seeks vindication from God against those who opposed his prophetic mission.
By the time of this confession, Jeremiah had already faced significant opposition. His messages of doom and calls for repentance were unwelcome, and his critics sought to silence him. His fourth confession reflects his deep frustration with his persecutors, whom he saw as unjustly opposing the word of God. Yet, amid his suffering, Jeremiah reaffirmed his trust in God’s power to heal and vindicate him.
Jeremiah’s Confession, Jeremiah 17:14–18
V. 14: “ Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise.”
Jeremiah begins with a deeply personal plea for healing and salvation. The Hebrew word rāphâ means “healing.” In Jeremiah’s prayer, the word for healing implies comprehensive restoration. Jeremiah recognizes that only God can provide true restoration. His words suggest both physical and spiritual healing, acknowledging that his strength must come from divine intervention. The phrase “for you are my praise” underscores Jeremiah’s unwavering devotion to God, despite his hardships.
V. 15 “See how they say to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come!’”
Jeremiah addresses the mockery of his opponents, who question the fulfillment of his prophecies. This reflects the skepticism and hostility Jeremiah faced. His words underscore the tension between the divine message and human disbelief, a recurring theme in prophetic ministry.
Jeremiah faces a direct challenge to his prophetic ministry. His enemies mock him, doubting the fulfillment of his prophecies. Their taunts reveal their unbelief and impatience regarding Jeremiah’s warnings of judgment. The people’s cynicism reflects the tension between prophetic announcement and perceived delay in the fulfillment of the message Jeremiah was preaching.
V. 16 “But I have not run away from being a shepherd in your service, nor have I desired the fatal day. You know what came from my lips; it was before your face.”
Jeremiah defends his faithfulness as a prophet, asserting that he has not abandoned his prophetic calling. Jeremiah calls himself “a shepherd.” This expression is unique among the prophets. This means that Jeremiah not only preached a message of judgment, but he also attempted to provide for and care for his people.
Unlike false prophets who preached for personal gain, Jeremiah remained steadfast, speaking only what God commanded. He also clarifies that he does not take pleasure in pronouncing judgment. The “fatal day” is a reference to “the Day of the Lord.” The people of Israel believed that “the Day of the Lord” would be a day when Yahweh would come and defend Israel against its enemies. Jeremiah says that “the fatal day” will be the time when Yahweh will come to fight against his own people.
The expression “You know what came from my lips” emphasizes the sincerity of Jeremiah’s message: he spoke only what God had given him to say. Jeremiah contrasts his obedience with the resistance of his contemporaries, affirming his sincerity and faithfulness in carrying out God’s commands.
V. 17 “Do not become a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster.”
Jeremiah appeals to God as his refuge and defender. Jeremiah expresses his dependence on God for protection, acknowledging that only God can shield him from the terror of opposition. This verse is a reaffirmation of his trust in divine justice.
V. 18 “Let my persecutors be shamed, but do not let me be shamed; let them be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed; bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction!”
Jeremiah asks for his enemies to face consequences while seeking personal vindication. This imprecatory prayer calls for God’s judgment on his adversaries. Jeremiah pleads for their punishment, reflecting the Old Testament principle of divine retribution. His language is strikingly bold, conveying his profound anguish and deep-seated desire for justice.
The Relevance of the Confession for Today’s Ministers
Jeremiah’s fourth confession remains profoundly relevant for ministers, missionaries, and believers who experience opposition while serving God.
Honest Communication with God
Jeremiah demonstrates the value of bringing personal struggles, doubts, and frustrations before God in prayer. Ministers today can draw on this model to foster a deep and authentic relationship with God, even amid challenges.
Resilience in the Face of Opposition
The prophet’s perseverance in the face of hostile circumstances encourages leaders to remain steadfast in their calling, even when facing criticism or skepticism.
Dependence on God’s Healing and Justice
Jeremiah’s plea for healing and vindication reminds ministers to rely on God for strength, guidance, and resolution, rather than seeking self-reliance or retribution.
Integrity and Faithfulness
His defense of his ministry highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and obedience to God’s mission, regardless of external pressures.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Jeremiah’s assurance of God as his refuge serves as a reminder that ultimate justice and protection lie in God’s hands.
Conclusion
Jeremiah’s plea for healing and salvation reminds Christians that their ultimate source of strength is God. In times of emotional, spiritual, or even physical distress, turning to God in prayer is essential.
Jeremiah’s fourth confession offers a timeless example of the struggles, faith, and resilience required in ministry. Its lessons resonate with the realities of modern leadership, offering hope and inspiration to those who face adversity while striving to fulfill their divine call.
The Confessions of Jeremiah
Jeremiah’s First Confession (Jeremiah 11:18–23)
Jeremiah’s Second Confession (Jeremiah 12:1–6)
Jeremiah’s Third Confession: Jeremiah 15:10–21
NOTE: For a comprehensive collection of studies on the prophet Jeremiah, read my post Introduction to the Book of Jeremiah.
Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
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