◄ Jeremiah 20:10 ►
For I have heard the whispering of many: "Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!" All my trusted friends watch for my fall: "Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him."
Study Bible
For I have heard the whispering of many
The Hebrew word for "whispering" is "דִּבָּה" (dibbah), which often implies a secretive or slanderous report. In the context of Jeremiah's life, this reflects the constant undercurrent of opposition he faced. The prophet was surrounded by those who sought to undermine his message and his character. Historically, prophets often faced resistance, as their messages were countercultural and challenged the status quo. This phrase highlights the loneliness and isolation Jeremiah felt, as even those around him were plotting against him.

'Terror on every side!
The phrase "terror on every side" is translated from the Hebrew "מִגּוּר מִסָּבִיב" (magor missabib). This expression captures the pervasive fear and danger that surrounded Jeremiah. It is both a literal and metaphorical description of the threats he faced. In a broader biblical context, this phrase is used to describe situations of extreme peril and divine judgment. Jeremiah's use of this phrase underscores the intensity of the opposition and the spiritual warfare he was engaged in.

Report him; let us report him!
The call to "report" is from the Hebrew "נַגִּידָה" (nagidah), which means to declare or announce. This reflects the active efforts of Jeremiah's adversaries to bring accusations against him. In the ancient Near Eastern context, public denunciation could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment or death. This phrase reveals the malicious intent of those who sought to silence Jeremiah's prophetic voice.

All my friends are waiting for me to slip
The term "friends" here is translated from "אֲנָשִׁים שְׁלוֹמִי" (anashim shelomi), meaning "men of my peace" or "trusted companions." This indicates a deep betrayal, as those who should have been supportive were instead anticipating his downfall. This reflects a common biblical theme where true loyalty is tested in times of trial. Jeremiah's experience is reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced betrayal, such as David and Jesus.

saying, 'Perhaps he will be deceived
The word "deceived" comes from the Hebrew "יֵפָתֶה" (yepatheh), which implies being led astray or enticed. This suggests that Jeremiah's adversaries hoped he would falter in his mission or message, thus discrediting him. The notion of deception is a recurring theme in scripture, often associated with the work of the enemy to thwart God's plans. Jeremiah's steadfastness in the face of such hopes for his failure is a testament to his faith and commitment to God's calling.

so that we may prevail against him
The desire to "prevail" is from the Hebrew "וְנִתְקַבְּרָה" (venitkabbrah), meaning to overpower or conquer. This reflects the adversaries' intent not just to silence Jeremiah, but to completely defeat him. In the spiritual context, this is indicative of the battle between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. Jeremiah's perseverance in the face of such opposition serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful amidst trials.

and take our revenge on him
The concept of "revenge" is captured by the Hebrew "וְנִקְּחָה נִקְמָתֵנוּ" (venikkachah niqmatenu), which implies retribution or vengeance. This reveals the personal animosity and vindictiveness of Jeremiah's enemies. Biblically, vengeance is often contrasted with God's justice, reminding believers that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord. Jeremiah's reliance on God for vindication is a powerful example of trusting in divine justice rather than seeking personal retribution.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. Friends and Enemies
The verse refers to those around Jeremiah, including his friends, who are waiting for him to fail. This highlights the betrayal and isolation Jeremiah experienced.

3. Terror on Every Side
This phrase captures the atmosphere of fear and danger surrounding Jeremiah, as he was constantly under threat from those who opposed his message.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. The people of Judah were often resistant to Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment.

5. Prophetic Ministry
The broader context of Jeremiah's role as a prophet, which involved delivering God's messages despite personal cost and societal rejection.
Teaching Points
Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Jeremiah's experience teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and calling, even when faced with betrayal and hostility.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following God's call may lead to isolation and persecution, but it is a path that ultimately leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment.

Trust in God's Vindication
Despite the threats and plots against him, Jeremiah trusted in God's justice and deliverance. We, too, can rely on God to vindicate us in His time.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Jeremiah's struggles remind us that spiritual warfare is real, and we must be prepared to face opposition as we live out our faith.

The Importance of Community Support
While Jeremiah faced betrayal, the broader biblical account emphasizes the value of supportive, godly community to encourage and uphold us in difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's experience of betrayal and opposition challenge your understanding of what it means to follow God's call in your life?

2. In what ways can you relate to the feeling of "terror on every side" in your own spiritual journey, and how can you find peace in God's promises?

3. How do the experiences of other biblical figures who faced persecution (e.g., David, Jesus, Paul) provide encouragement and perspective for your own challenges?

4. What practical steps can you take to persevere in your faith when facing opposition or betrayal from those close to you?

5. How can you cultivate a supportive community that encourages and strengthens you in your walk with God, especially during times of trial?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 31:13
This verse echoes the sentiment of being surrounded by whispers and threats, similar to Jeremiah's experience, highlighting the common theme of facing opposition for righteousness.

Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus speaks about the blessing of being persecuted for righteousness, which connects to Jeremiah's experience of suffering for delivering God's truth.

2 Timothy 3:12
Paul reminds believers that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face persecution, a reality Jeremiah knew well.
Sermons
The Sorrow and Joy of God's ServantA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:7-18
The Name Magor-Missabib Wrongly AppliedD. Young Jeremiah 20:10-13
Evil WatchersJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 20:10-18
Existence RegrettedD. Pledge.Jeremiah 20:10-18
Pathetic ExperiencesJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 20:10-18
The Best ChampionJohn Trapp.Jeremiah 20:10-18
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Deceived, Defaming, Denounce, Fall, Familiar, Friends, Let's, Perhaps, Persuaded, Prevail, Report, Revenge, Saying, Slip, Terror, Waiting, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:10

     5689   friendlessness
     5963   sympathy
     5977   waiting
     6702   peace, destruction
     8493   watchfulness, believers
     8796   persecution, forms of

Jeremiah 20:7-10

     5945   self-pity

Library
The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes Its Existence.
"O Lord, . . . Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed."--Jer. xx. 7. The understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in Scripture requires us to distinguish the preparation, and the formation that was the outcome of the preparation. We will discuss these two separately. The Holy Spirit prepared for Scripture by the operations which from Paradise to Patmos supernaturally apprehended the sinful life of this world, and thus raised up believing men who formed the developing Church. This will seem very …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
"Then I said, I will not speak any more in His Name. But His word was in my heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones: and I was weary with forbearing, but I could not."--Jer. xx. 9. Altho the miracles performed for and in the midst of Israel created a glorious life-center in the midst of the heathen world, yet they did not constitute a Holy Scripture; for this can not be created except God speak to man, even to His people Israel. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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