Topical Bible: Slander: Jeremiah's Enemies

◄ Slander: Jeremiah's Enemies ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is addressed multiple times in the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah, a major figure in the Old Testament, faced significant slander from his enemies. His experiences provide a profound insight into the nature of slander and its impact on God's servants.

Jeremiah's Prophetic Ministry

Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," was called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. Jeremiah's messages were often unpopular because they called for repentance and warned of impending doom due to the people's unfaithfulness to God.

Slander Against Jeremiah

Jeremiah's enemies sought to undermine his prophetic ministry through slander. They accused him of treason and disloyalty, attempting to discredit his messages from God. In Jeremiah 18:18, his adversaries conspired against him, saying, "Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor a word to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words."

This conspiracy highlights the malicious intent of Jeremiah's enemies to silence him by spreading falsehoods. Their slander was not just a personal attack but an attempt to thwart God's message to His people.

The Impact of Slander

The slander against Jeremiah had significant repercussions. It led to his persecution, imprisonment, and isolation. In Jeremiah 20:10, the prophet laments, "For I hear the whispering of many: 'Terror on every side! Report him; let us report him!' All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, 'Perhaps he will be deceived, and we will prevail against him and take our revenge on him.'"

This verse illustrates the pervasive nature of slander and how it can create an environment of fear and betrayal. Jeremiah's own friends and associates were influenced by the false reports, demonstrating how slander can erode trust and relationships.

Jeremiah's Response to Slander

Despite the slander and persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his mission. He turned to God for vindication and strength. In Jeremiah 20:11, he expresses his confidence in God's justice: "But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, for they have failed with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten."

Jeremiah's response to slander serves as a model for believers. He did not retaliate with malice but entrusted his cause to God, who is the ultimate judge. His faith in God's protection and justice sustained him through the trials he faced.

Lessons from Jeremiah's Experience

Jeremiah's experience with slander offers several lessons for believers:

1. Faithfulness to God's Call: Despite opposition, Jeremiah remained faithful to his prophetic calling. Believers are encouraged to stay true to their mission, even in the face of false accusations.

2. Trust in God's Justice: Jeremiah's reliance on God for vindication underscores the importance of trusting in divine justice rather than seeking personal revenge.

3. The Power of Prayer: Jeremiah frequently turned to prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. Prayer is a vital resource for believers facing slander and persecution.

4. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Slander is a tool often used by the enemy to disrupt God's work. Recognizing this helps believers remain vigilant and spiritually prepared.

Jeremiah's encounters with slanderous enemies remind us of the challenges faced by those who stand for truth. His unwavering commitment to God's message, despite the falsehoods spread against him, continues to inspire believers to uphold integrity and trust in God's ultimate justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 38:4
Therefore the princes said to the king, We beseech you, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man seeks not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Greater Prophets.
... Lamentations considered as an appendix to Jeremiah, and the ... of filthy lucre; our
ambition, slander, falsehood, intrigues ... of Zion over all her enemies, and the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm