Backgound
The Book of Jeremiah contains the prophecies of the prophet Jeremiah and was written around 585-580 BC. Jeremiah’s ministry took place in the kingdom of Judah around 626-586 BC, during the final years before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon. He was born in Anathoth into a priestly family and began prophesying in the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign. Although he supported Josiah’s reforms, Jeremiah realized that the nation had not truly repented. Therefore, he continued to warn the people about God’s judgment. After Babylon defeated Egypt at Carchemish in 605 BC and attacked Judah in 597 BC, Jerusalem was eventually destroyed in 586 BC. Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” because of his suffering as he proclaimed God’s word to a hard-hearted nation, yet he remained faithful despite rejection and persecution.
The book was written based on Jeremiah’s prophecies, which he dictated to Baruch (Jer. 36:1-4). After King Jehoiakim burned the first scroll, Jeremiah dictated the prophecies again, with additional material. Most likely, Baruch compiled the final form of the book around 585–580 BC. The Book of Jeremiah emphasizes the prophet’s faithfulness as well as the certainty of God’s judgment upon people who refuse to repent.
The context of Jeremiah 15:15-21 is Jeremiah’s personal lament in the midst of suffering because of his prophetic calling. This passage comes after Jeremiah had proclaimed God’s message of judgment against Judah, which continued to rebel. He experienced rejection, insults, threats, and loneliness because he proclaimed the word of God. In verses 15–18, Jeremiah pours out his heart before God: he loves God’s word (v. 16), yet because of that word he must endure suffering and live apart from many people (vv. 17-18). Even in his suffering, he feels as though God cannot be relied upon. Verses 19-21 contain God’s response to Jeremiah: God calls him to return to Him, to continue firmly proclaiming what is true and precious, and not to follow the ways of a nation that rejects God. God then promises that Jeremiah will become “a fortified wall of bronze,” so that even though people fight against him, they will not overcome him because God is with him and will save and deliver him. Thus, the main context of Jeremiah 15:15-21 is the struggle of a suffering prophet who remains faithful to God’s word, and God’s strengthening of him so that he may remain steadfast in his calling.
Jeremiah 15:15–21
15 “You know, O LORD; remember me and take notice of me, and take vengeance for me on those who pursue me. Do not take me away because of Your patience; know how I bear reproach for Your sake! 16 When Your words came to me, I ate them; Your word became my joy and the delight of my heart, for Your name had been proclaimed over me, O LORD God of hosts. 17 I never sat in the company of revelers or joined those who made merry; because of Your hand upon me, I sat alone, for You had filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Truly, You are like a deceptive stream to me, like waters that cannot be trusted.”
19 Therefore, this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you so that you may serve Me; if you utter what is precious and not what is worthless, you will be My spokesman. Let them turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20 I will make you a fortified wall of bronze to this people; they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you,” declares the LORD. 21 “I will deliver you from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the grasp of the ruthless.”
Sermon
1. The Word of God Becomes Joy in the Midst of Suffering, (Verses 15–16)
Jeremiah was in a difficult situation. He experienced insults, rejection, and pressure because of his faithfulness in proclaiming God’s word. Yet in the midst of his suffering, there was something that remained a source of strength and joy for him: the word of God.