◄ Jeremiah 20:13 ►
Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.
Study Bible
Sing to the LORD!
The Hebrew word for "sing" is "שִׁירוּ" (shiru), which is a call to vocalize joy and worship. In the context of ancient Israel, singing was a communal activity, often accompanied by instruments, and was a primary means of expressing devotion and gratitude to God. This phrase is an imperative, urging believers to lift their voices in acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. Singing to the LORD is an act of worship that transcends mere words, engaging the heart and spirit in a profound expression of faith.

Praise the LORD!
The Hebrew word for "praise" is "הַלְלוּ" (halelu), from which we derive "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise Yahweh." This phrase is a call to glorify God, recognizing His majesty and power. In the historical context, praising God was not only a personal act but also a public declaration of His deeds and character. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's role in our lives and the world, reinforcing the community's faith and trust in Him.

For He rescues the life of the needy
The word "rescues" comes from the Hebrew "נָצַל" (natsal), meaning to deliver or save. This phrase highlights God's role as a deliverer and protector, particularly for those who are vulnerable or oppressed. The "needy" refers to those who are poor, afflicted, or in distress, emphasizing God's compassion and justice. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a defender of the marginalized, and this verse reaffirms His commitment to their well-being. It is a powerful reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, offering hope and assurance of His saving power.

from the hands of the wicked
The "hands" symbolize power and control, and the "wicked" refers to those who act in opposition to God's will, often oppressing or harming others. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the wicked were those who violated the covenantal laws and moral codes established by God. This phrase underscores the reality of evil in the world and the ongoing struggle between righteousness and wickedness. However, it also affirms God's ultimate authority and ability to deliver His people from evil forces. It serves as a reassurance that, despite the presence of wickedness, God's justice will prevail, and He will protect and vindicate His faithful ones.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance amidst persecution.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. He is the one who rescues and delivers His people.

3. The Needy
Represents those who are oppressed, marginalized, or in distress. In this context, it can refer to Jeremiah himself or the faithful remnant of Israel.

4. Evildoers
Those who oppose God's will and persecute His people. In Jeremiah's time, this included corrupt leaders and false prophets.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah prophesied. It was a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline.
Teaching Points
Praise in Persecution
Even in the midst of trials, believers are called to praise God. Jeremiah's example shows that worship is an act of faith and trust in God's deliverance.

God as Rescuer
The LORD is portrayed as a rescuer of the needy. This highlights His compassion and justice, encouraging believers to trust in His timing and methods of deliverance.

The Power of Worship
Worship can shift our focus from our circumstances to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It is a powerful tool for spiritual resilience.

Trust in God's Justice
While evildoers may seem to prevail temporarily, God's justice will ultimately prevail. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and not lose heart.

Community Support
The call to praise is often communal. Believers should support one another in worship and prayer, especially during times of hardship.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's response to persecution in Jeremiah 20:13 inspire you to handle your own challenges?

2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise into your daily life, especially during difficult times?

3. How does understanding God as a rescuer influence your perspective on current global or personal injustices?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How did it impact your faith journey?

5. How can you support others in your community who are facing persecution or hardship, in light of Jeremiah 20:13?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 34:17
This verse speaks of the LORD hearing the cries of the righteous and delivering them from their troubles, echoing the theme of divine rescue.

Isaiah 41:10
Offers reassurance of God's presence and strength, similar to the deliverance theme in Jeremiah 20:13.

Acts 16:25-26
Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison, and God delivers them, paralleling Jeremiah's call to praise amidst adversity.
Sermons
The Sorrow and Joy of God's ServantA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:7-18
The Name Magor-Missabib Wrongly AppliedD. Young Jeremiah 20:10-13
Evil WatchersJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 20:10-18
Existence RegrettedD. Pledge.Jeremiah 20:10-18
Pathetic ExperiencesJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 20:10-18
The Best ChampionJohn Trapp.Jeremiah 20:10-18
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Delivered, Doers, Evil, Evildoers, Evil-doers, Free, Hands, Melody, Needy, Poor, Praise, Rescues, Sing, Soul, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:13

     6738   rescue

Library
The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes Its Existence.
"O Lord, . . . Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed."--Jer. xx. 7. The understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in Scripture requires us to distinguish the preparation, and the formation that was the outcome of the preparation. We will discuss these two separately. The Holy Spirit prepared for Scripture by the operations which from Paradise to Patmos supernaturally apprehended the sinful life of this world, and thus raised up believing men who formed the developing Church. This will seem very …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Revelation of the Old Testament in Writing.
"Then I said, I will not speak any more in His Name. But His word was in my heart as a burning fire, shut up in my bones: and I was weary with forbearing, but I could not."--Jer. xx. 9. Altho the miracles performed for and in the midst of Israel created a glorious life-center in the midst of the heathen world, yet they did not constitute a Holy Scripture; for this can not be created except God speak to man, even to His people Israel. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

One Thing is Needful;
or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL UNTO WHICH IS ADDED EBAL AND GERIZZIM, OR THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE, by John Bunyan. London: Printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688.[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. According to Charles Doe, in that curious sheet called The Struggler for the Preservation of Mr. John Bunyan's Labours, these poems were published about the year 1664, while the author was suffering imprisonment for conscience …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

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

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

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

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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