but only with justice
Here, the request is for correction to be administered with fairness and righteousness. Justice in the biblical sense is deeply rooted in God's character, as He is the ultimate judge who knows the hearts of men (1 Samuel 16:7). The plea for justice rather than wrath reflects an understanding of God's nature as both just and merciful. This aligns with the prophetic tradition where God's justice is often tempered with mercy (Micah 6:8). The historical context of Jeremiah's ministry, during a time of impending judgment on Judah, underscores the need for just correction rather than destructive punishment.

not in Your anger
This phrase highlights a concern for the severity of divine wrath. Anger, when attributed to God, often signifies His righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. Jeremiah, aware of the consequences of God's anger, seeks correction that is not driven by wrath, which can lead to destruction. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's anger is contrasted with His mercy (Psalm 103:8-10). The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies, where deities were often seen as capricious, contrasts with the biblical portrayal of God as slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6).

or You will bring me to nothing
The phrase expresses a fear of annihilation or complete ruin if God's correction is administered in anger. This reflects the human frailty and the recognition of God's power to give life and take it away (Job 1:21). The historical context of Jeremiah's time, with the looming Babylonian exile, underscores the reality of destruction that could result from divine wrath. Theologically, this plea acknowledges human dependence on God's mercy for survival and restoration. It also connects to the New Testament theme of salvation through Christ, who bore God's wrath on behalf of humanity, ensuring that believers are not brought to nothing but are given eternal life (John 3:16).

Jeremiah begins by inviting God to step in and deal with his sin. That kind of openness shows:

• Humility—he admits he needs help, echoing Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God… lead me in the everlasting way.”

• Trust—the prophet believes God’s discipline is for his good, much like Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.”

• Submission—by calling God “LORD,” he places himself under covenant authority, as Proverbs 3:11-12 urges the child of God not to despise the LORD’s correction.

Revelation 3:19 adds the same note: “Those I love, I rebuke and discipline.” Jeremiah’s plea says, “Father, do for me what I cannot do for myself.”

Jeremiah doesn’t ask for leniency that ignores sin; he asks for justice—God’s measured, righteous dealings.

• God’s justice is never arbitrary (Psalm 119:75, “I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous”).

• Justice in discipline keeps God’s promises intact (Ezra 9:13 acknowledges God punished “less than our iniquities deserve”).

• In that framework, discipline becomes instruction, as Psalm 25:8-9 notes: “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.”

So the prophet wants God to correct him in a way consistent with His character—firm, fair, and ultimately restorative.

There’s a holy fear here. Jeremiah knows unchecked divine wrath consumes. He echoes David’s cry in Psalm 6:1, “O LORD, rebuke me not in Your anger,” and Psalm 38:1, “nor discipline me in Your wrath.”

• God’s anger is real (Nahum 1:2), yet He tempers it with mercy (Habakkuk 3:2, “In wrath remember mercy”).

• Jeremiah counts on the LORD’s covenant mercy highlighted in Lamentations 3:31-33—He “does not afflict willingly.”

The prophet is not questioning God’s right to be angry; he’s pleading for mercy to accompany judgment.

Left to itself, divine wrath would erase him, because:

• Human frailty can’t endure God’s full anger (Psalm 103:13-14, “He remembers that we are dust”).

• Isaiah 57:16 says God won’t contend forever, lest “the spirit grow weak before Me.”

• Even when God promises to discipline Israel, He assures, “I will correct you with justice… but I will not let you go entirely unpunished” (Jeremiah 30:11).

Jeremiah owns the truth that anything short of mercy would crush him; he needs God’s gentleness to stand.

Jeremiah 10:24 models a believer’s balanced plea: “Lord, I welcome Your discipline because I trust Your love. Apply it justly, temper it with mercy, lest my frail life collapse.” Scripture consistently shows that God corrects His children (Hebrews 12), He does so justly (Psalm 119:75), and He remembers our weakness (Psalm 103:14). Our hope, like Jeremiah’s, rests in a Father who is perfectly just and endlessly merciful.

Lest thou bring me to nothing.--Literally, lest thou make me small; but the English Version is an adequate expression of the meaning.

Parallel Commentaries ...