Jeremiah 15:20

Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD.

Study Bible

Then I will make you
This phrase indicates a divine action and transformation. The Hebrew root here is "שׂוּם" (sum), meaning to set, place, or appoint. God is actively involved in shaping Jeremiah's role and destiny. This divine appointment underscores the sovereignty of God in the lives of His prophets, emphasizing that it is God who equips and prepares His servants for their tasks.

a wall to this people
The imagery of a wall suggests protection, separation, and strength. In ancient times, city walls were crucial for defense against enemies. Here, God is promising to make Jeremiah a protective barrier for the people, symbolizing his role as a steadfast prophet amidst opposition. This metaphor highlights the resilience and steadfastness required of God's messengers.

a fortified wall of bronze
Bronze, in biblical times, was a symbol of strength and durability. Unlike stone or wood, bronze is resistant to corrosion and damage. By describing the wall as "fortified" and made of "bronze," God assures Jeremiah of an extraordinary level of protection and resilience. This imagery reassures believers of the divine strength available to them when they stand firm in their faith.

they will fight against you
This phrase acknowledges the reality of opposition. The Hebrew verb "לָחַם" (lacham) means to fight or wage war. Jeremiah is forewarned of the struggles he will face, reflecting the broader biblical theme that God's servants often encounter resistance. This serves as a reminder that spiritual battles are an inherent part of the Christian journey.

but will not overcome you
Despite the promised opposition, there is a divine assurance of victory. The Hebrew root "יָכֹל" (yakol) means to prevail or overcome. This promise is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, encouraging believers that, with God, they are more than conquerors. It reinforces the idea that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper.

for I am with you
This phrase is a profound declaration of God's presence. The Hebrew "אִתְּךָ" (ittach) signifies companionship and support. God's presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage for Jeremiah. This assurance is echoed throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God is always with them, providing comfort and guidance.

to save you and deliver you
The dual promise of salvation and deliverance emphasizes God's comprehensive protection. The Hebrew words "לְהוֹשִׁיעֲךָ" (lehoshiacha) and "וּלְהַצִּילֶךָ" (ulehatzilecha) convey rescue and liberation. This highlights God's role as both Savior and Deliverer, assuring believers of His ability to rescue them from any peril.

declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew "נְאֻם־יְהוָה" (ne'um-YHWH) is a divine proclamation, affirming that these promises are not mere human words but the authoritative declaration of the Almighty. It serves as a reminder of the trustworthiness and unchanging nature of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He faced significant opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, often resistant and rebellious against God's messages delivered through Jeremiah.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises protection and deliverance to Jeremiah despite the opposition he faces.

4. Fortified Wall of Bronze
A metaphor used by God to describe the strength and resilience He will provide to Jeremiah against his adversaries.

5. Opposition
The adversaries and challenges Jeremiah faces from his own people, who reject his prophetic messages.

Teaching Points

Divine Protection and Strength
God equips His servants with the strength needed to withstand opposition. Just as Jeremiah was made a "fortified wall of bronze," believers today can trust in God's protection and empowerment.

Faithfulness in the Face of Opposition
Jeremiah's example teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, even when facing resistance or persecution.

God's Presence as Assurance
The promise "for I am with you" is a powerful assurance that God's presence accompanies His people, providing comfort and courage.

The Inevitability of Spiritual Conflict
Believers should expect spiritual opposition but can be confident that, like Jeremiah, they will not be overcome because of God's deliverance.

The Role of Prophetic Voices
Jeremiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of speaking truth, even when it is unpopular, trusting in God's ultimate plan and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's promise to make Jeremiah a "fortified wall of bronze" encourage you in your current challenges or opposition?

2. In what ways can you relate to Jeremiah's experience of facing resistance when standing for God's truth?

3. How does the assurance of God's presence ("for I am with you") impact your daily walk with Him, especially in difficult times?

4. What other biblical figures faced similar opposition and how did they rely on God's strength to overcome?

5. How can you apply the lessons from Jeremiah 15:20 to encourage others who are facing spiritual battles or persecution?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:18-19
This passage echoes God's initial promise to Jeremiah, where God assures him of His protection and presence, making him a fortified city and iron pillar.

Matthew 10:22
Jesus speaks of the persecution His followers will face, yet assures them of His presence and ultimate victory, similar to God's promise to Jeremiah.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul speaks of God's grace being sufficient and His power made perfect in weakness, paralleling the divine strength given to Jeremiah.