What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:20? The anger of the LORD “The anger of the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:20a) • God’s wrath is always righteous—never capricious. It responds to sin, here especially the deception of false prophets (Jeremiah 23:9-18; cf. Romans 1:18; Nahum 1:2). • Scripture shows that divine anger is an expression of holiness: He defends His name and His people (Isaiah 42:8; Deuteronomy 32:21-22). • For believers today, this reminds us that grace never nullifies God’s moral standards (Hebrews 12:28-29). will not turn back “…will not turn back…” (Jeremiah 23:20a) • The phrase underscores resolve: God does not abandon judgment once it has begun (Ezekiel 7:8-9; Lamentations 3:37-38). • His constancy reassures us that He keeps every word, whether promise or warning (Numbers 23:19; Revelation 15:3). • Practical takeaway: sin cannot be managed by delay or denial; repentance is the only safe response (Proverbs 28:13). until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart “…until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart.” (Jeremiah 23:20a) • God’s plans are comprehensive; nothing is left half-finished (Isaiah 46:10; Philippians 1:6). • “Purposes” here include purging corruption from Judah and restoring a remnant (Jeremiah 24:5-7). • The cross references highlight that His redemptive and disciplinary goals are intertwined (Hebrews 12:10-11; Ephesians 1:11). • Application: even severe providences serve a benevolent, sovereign design for His people’s good and His glory (Romans 8:28). In the days to come “In the days to come…” (Jeremiah 23:20b) • A prophetic time marker: near-term fulfillment in Judah’s exile and long-term echoes in the Messiah’s reign (Jeremiah 30:24; Hosea 3:5). • It reminds us that history is linear, moving toward appointed endpoints set by God (Acts 17:31). • Encouragement: what seems delayed to us is perfectly timed by Him (2 Peter 3:9). you will understand this clearly “…you will understand this clearly.” (Jeremiah 23:20b) • Hindsight would reveal both the justice and mercy in God’s actions (Jeremiah 31:18-19). • Revelation of truth is ultimately a gift from God (Proverbs 2:6; John 16:13). • For believers, the Spirit illuminates Scripture and history so that we discern God’s hand and grow in reverent trust (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). summary Jeremiah 23:20 assures us that God’s holy anger is real, purposeful, and unwavering until His redemptive objectives are met. Though judgment may seem harsh, it is guided by a heart committed to justice, restoration, and ultimate clarity for His people. Recognizing this steadies our faith: God finishes what He starts, times events perfectly, and eventually makes His ways plain to all who seek Him in humility and obedience. |
    |