Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the prophet Jeremiah stands as a prominent figure who faced significant opposition and malice from his contemporaries. His life and ministry, as recorded in the Book of Jeremiah, provide a vivid account of the hostility he encountered from various groups, including political leaders, false prophets, and even his own kin.Jeremiah's Call and Mission Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings. His mission was to deliver God's messages of impending judgment due to the nation's persistent idolatry and moral decay. From the outset, God warned Jeremiah of the resistance he would face: "They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to rescue you," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 1:19). Opposition from Political Leaders Jeremiah's prophecies often put him at odds with the political authorities of his time. King Jehoiakim, for instance, reacted with hostility to Jeremiah's messages. When Jeremiah dictated a scroll of his prophecies to Baruch, Jehoiakim brazenly cut the scroll with a knife and burned it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). This act of defiance exemplified the malice directed towards Jeremiah, as the king sought to silence the prophet's warnings. False Prophets and Religious Leaders Jeremiah also faced significant opposition from false prophets and religious leaders who contradicted his messages. These individuals, motivated by self-interest and a desire to maintain their influence, spread false assurances of peace and prosperity. In Jeremiah 23:16, the LORD warns, "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD" . The false prophets' malice was evident in their attempts to undermine Jeremiah's credibility and lead the people astray. Plots Against Jeremiah's Life The malice against Jeremiah extended to plots against his life. In Jeremiah 11:18-19, the prophet reveals a conspiracy against him: "Because the LORD revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time He showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me" . This passage highlights the treachery and danger Jeremiah faced, as his adversaries sought to eliminate him to silence his prophetic voice. Rejection by His Own People Perhaps most poignantly, Jeremiah experienced rejection and malice from his own people, including his family and hometown. In Jeremiah 12:6, the LORD tells him, "Your brothers, your own family—even they have betrayed you; they have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you" . This personal betrayal added to the prophet's suffering, as those closest to him turned against him. Imprisonment and Persecution Jeremiah's ministry was marked by periods of imprisonment and persecution. He was cast into a cistern, left to die in the mud, and later imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard (Jeremiah 38:6, 13). These acts of malice were attempts to suppress his prophetic voice and discourage him from fulfilling his divine mandate. Throughout his life, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his mission, despite the malice and opposition he faced. His experiences serve as a testament to the challenges prophets often encounter when delivering God's truth in a world resistant to divine correction. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 26:8-11Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, You shall surely die. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 38:1 Library "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Of Scoffing and Derision. The Providence of God Of a Private Fast. The Method of Grace Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... Resources What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is it necessary to rebuke another believer? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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