Jeremiah 20:9

If I say, "I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name," His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.

Study Bible

If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,”
Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," faced intense persecution and opposition for delivering God's messages. This phrase reflects his internal struggle and the temptation to abandon his prophetic calling due to the suffering he endured. Historically, prophets in ancient Israel were often met with hostility, as their messages frequently called for repentance and warned of impending judgment. Jeremiah's resolve to stop speaking in God's name highlights the human tendency to avoid conflict and suffering, yet it also underscores the divine compulsion that true prophets experience.

His message becomes a fire burning in my heart,
The imagery of fire is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing God's presence, purity, and judgment. In Jeremiah's context, the fire represents the irresistible and consuming nature of God's word. This metaphor echoes other scriptural instances where God's word is likened to fire, such as in Jeremiah 23:29, where it is described as a fire and a hammer. The fire in Jeremiah's heart signifies the intense passion and urgency of the divine message that cannot be contained.

shut up in my bones,
The phrase "shut up in my bones" conveys a sense of confinement and internal pressure. It suggests that the message of God is so deeply ingrained within Jeremiah that it affects him physically and spiritually. This internalization of God's word is reminiscent of the New Covenant promise in Jeremiah 31:33, where God declares He will write His law on the hearts of His people. The bones, being the framework of the body, symbolize the core of Jeremiah's being, indicating that the prophetic message is an integral part of his identity.

and I become weary of holding it in,
Jeremiah's weariness reflects the prophet's human frailty and the overwhelming burden of his divine mission. The struggle to suppress God's word leads to exhaustion, illustrating the prophet's deep commitment to his calling despite personal cost. This weariness is a common theme among biblical prophets, who often faced isolation and rejection. It also points to the broader biblical principle that God's servants are sustained by His strength, not their own.

and I cannot prevail.
Ultimately, Jeremiah acknowledges his inability to resist the divine compulsion to speak God's word. This admission of defeat in the face of God's overwhelming presence highlights the sovereignty and power of God in the life of His servants. It parallels the experience of other biblical figures, such as Moses and Paul, who also found themselves unable to resist God's call. This phrase underscores the idea that true prophetic ministry is not a matter of personal choice but of divine necessity, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied and proclaimed God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his lamentations and struggles with the burden of his prophetic mission.

2. Pashhur
A priest and chief officer in the temple who persecuted Jeremiah, leading to the prophet's lament in this chapter.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Jeremiah was sent to prophesy. The people were often resistant to his messages.

4. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Jeremiah often delivered his prophecies.

5. God's Word
The divine message that Jeremiah was compelled to deliver, despite opposition and personal suffering.

Teaching Points

The Irresistible Call of God
God's calling can be overwhelming and inescapable. Like Jeremiah, believers may feel a deep, burning desire to share God's truth, even when faced with opposition.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following God's call may lead to personal suffering and persecution. Jeremiah's experience reminds us that being faithful to God's message can be challenging.

The Power of God's Word
God's word is described as a fire, indicating its power to purify, illuminate, and consume. Believers are encouraged to let this fire burn brightly in their lives.

Perseverance in Ministry
Despite weariness and resistance, Jeremiah's example teaches us the importance of perseverance in sharing God's message.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak boldly and persistently, even when they feel inadequate or afraid.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's experience of feeling God's word as a "fire" relate to your own experiences of sharing your faith?

2. In what ways can you identify with Jeremiah's struggle to remain silent about God's message? How do you overcome such challenges?

3. How does the concept of God's word being a "fire" influence your understanding of its role in your life and the lives of others?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to persevere in sharing God's message, even when faced with opposition or discouragement?

5. How can the examples of Jeremiah, Paul, and the apostles inspire you to be more bold and committed in your own ministry or witness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 9:16
Paul expresses a similar compulsion to preach the Gospel, indicating that the call to speak God's word is a powerful and irresistible force.

Acts 4:20
Peter and John declare that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard, showing the unstoppable nature of God's message.

Psalm 39:3
David describes his heart burning within him, similar to Jeremiah's experience, when he tried to remain silent.