◄ Jeremiah 18:20 ►
Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
Study Bible
Should good be repaid with evil?
This phrase captures the essence of moral injustice and betrayal. In Hebrew, the word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which encompasses not only moral goodness but also welfare and prosperity. The rhetorical question highlights the absurdity and injustice of repaying kindness with harm. This reflects a universal moral principle found throughout Scripture, emphasizing the expectation of reciprocity in human relationships. The phrase challenges the reader to consider the ethical implications of their actions and the importance of integrity and gratitude.

Yet they have dug a pit for me
The imagery of "digging a pit" is a metaphor for setting a trap or plotting harm. In ancient times, pits were often used to capture animals or enemies, symbolizing deceit and treachery. The Hebrew word "כָּרוּ" (karu) implies intentional and premeditated action. This phrase underscores the betrayal Jeremiah feels from those he sought to help, reflecting the broader theme of the prophet's persecution. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the need for vigilance against the schemes of those who oppose God's work.

Remember how I stood before You
The act of "standing before" God signifies intercession and advocacy. In Hebrew, "עָמַדְתִּי" (amadti) conveys a sense of steadfastness and commitment. Jeremiah's role as an intercessor is highlighted here, as he faithfully represented the people before God. This phrase calls to mind the responsibility of believers to pray and intercede for others, even when faced with opposition. It also reflects the intimate relationship between the prophet and God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in one's spiritual calling.

to speak good on their behalf
Jeremiah's intention "to speak good" reveals his desire for the well-being and redemption of his people. The Hebrew word "לְהֵיטִיב" (leheitiv) means to do good or to benefit. Despite the people's rebellion, Jeremiah's heart was aligned with God's desire for their repentance and restoration. This phrase challenges believers to maintain a posture of grace and mercy, even towards those who may not deserve it, reflecting the heart of God who desires all to come to repentance.

to turn Your wrath away from them
The concept of "turning away wrath" is central to the message of redemption and forgiveness. In Hebrew, "לְהָשִׁיב" (lehashiv) means to turn back or to restore. Jeremiah's intercession aimed to avert divine judgment and bring about reconciliation. This phrase highlights the power of prayer and the role of the mediator in God's redemptive plan. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persist in prayer, trusting in God's mercy and His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his lamentations and deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, often resistant and rebellious against God's commands, leading to their eventual exile.

3. The Pit
Symbolic of the plots and schemes devised by Jeremiah's adversaries to harm him, representing betrayal and opposition.

4. God
The sovereign Lord to whom Jeremiah appeals, highlighting the prophet's role as an intercessor for the people.

5. Intercession
The act of Jeremiah standing before God to plead for mercy on behalf of the people, despite their intentions to harm him.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Faithfulness
Jeremiah's experience reminds us that standing for truth and righteousness may lead to opposition and betrayal. Faithfulness to God often comes with personal sacrifice.

Intercessory Prayer
Like Jeremiah, believers are called to intercede for others, even those who oppose them. This reflects Christ's love and mercy.

Responding to Injustice
When faced with evil, believers should seek God's justice and maintain integrity, trusting that God sees and will act in His time.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human schemes, God's plans prevail. Believers can find comfort in His ultimate justice and righteousness.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's life exemplifies the prophet's role as a mediator between God and people, highlighting the importance of obedience and perseverance in ministry.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's experience of betrayal and intercession challenge your understanding of faithfulness in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can you practice intercessory prayer for those who may oppose or mistreat you, following Jeremiah's example?

3. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Jeremiah 18:20 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to respond to injustice in a way that aligns with biblical principles?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice provide comfort and guidance in times of personal or communal adversity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 35:7
This verse also speaks of enemies digging a pit, illustrating the theme of betrayal and unjust treatment faced by the righteous.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you echoes Jeremiah's intercessory role despite the people's hostility.

Romans 12:21
Paul's exhortation to overcome evil with good aligns with Jeremiah's lament about good being repaid with evil.
Sermons
Jeremiah's Enemies and His Prayer Against ThemD. Young Jeremiah 18:18-23
PersecutionS. Conway Jeremiah 18:18-23
The Prophet's Prayer for Vengeance on His EnemiesS. Conway Jeremiah 18:19-23
People
Jeremiah
Places
Jerusalem, Lebanon, Sirion
Topics
Behalf, Deep, Digged, Dug, Evil, Hole, Instead, Mind, Pit, Recompense, Recompensed, Remember, Repaid, Reward, Soul, Speak, Spoke, Standing, Stood, Turn, Wrath, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 18:20

     5889   ingratitude

Jeremiah 18:20-22

     4257   pit

Library
The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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