◄ Jeremiah 20:15 ►
Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, "A son is born to you," bringing him great joy.
Study Bible
Cursed be the man
The word "cursed" in Hebrew is "אָרוּר" (arur), which signifies a solemn invocation of divine judgment upon someone. In the context of Jeremiah, this curse reflects the prophet's deep anguish and despair. Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," faced immense persecution and personal suffering. This phrase underscores the intensity of his emotional turmoil, as he laments the very announcement of his birth. It is a hyperbolic expression of his distress, not a literal wish for harm upon the messenger.

who brought my father the news
The act of bringing news, especially of a birth, was traditionally a moment of joy and celebration in ancient cultures. The Hebrew word for "news" is "בְּשֹׂרָה" (besorah), which can also mean "good news" or "glad tidings." In this context, however, the announcement becomes a source of regret for Jeremiah. This reflects the prophet's profound sense of isolation and the burden of his prophetic mission, which has turned what should have been a joyful occasion into a source of lament.

saying, 'A son is born to you,'
The birth of a son in ancient Israel was often seen as a blessing and a continuation of the family line. Sons were particularly valued for their role in providing for the family and carrying on the family name. The Hebrew word for "son" is "בֵּן" (ben), which is a term of endearment and significance. Jeremiah's lamentation here is deeply personal, as he questions the very purpose of his existence given the suffering he endures. It highlights the tension between cultural expectations of joy at a son's birth and the personal reality of Jeremiah's life.

bringing him great joy
The phrase "great joy" in Hebrew is "שִׂמְחָה גְדוֹלָה" (simchah gedolah). Joy, or "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), is a central theme in the Hebrew Scriptures, often associated with God's blessings and favor. However, Jeremiah's use of this phrase is deeply ironic. The joy that should accompany the birth of a son is overshadowed by the prophet's profound sense of despair and the heavy burden of his calling. This contrast serves to emphasize the depth of Jeremiah's suffering and the cost of his prophetic ministry.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is expressing his deep anguish and despair in this passage. He is known for his prophecies of judgment and his personal struggles with his calling.

2. The Messenger
The unnamed man who brought the news of Jeremiah's birth to his father. In this context, he becomes a symbol of the unwanted circumstances of Jeremiah's life.

3. Jeremiah's Father
Though not named in this verse, he is the recipient of the news of Jeremiah's birth, which initially brought him joy.

4. Jeremiah's Birth
The event being referenced, which is ironically lamented by Jeremiah due to the suffering he has experienced in his prophetic ministry.

5. The City of Anathoth
Jeremiah's hometown, which provides context for his early life and the initial joy surrounding his birth.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Despair in Ministry
Even the most faithful servants of God, like Jeremiah, can experience deep despair and question their purpose. This reminds us that feelings of discouragement are not uncommon in the Christian walk.

The Sovereignty of God in Our Lives
Despite Jeremiah's lament, God's purpose for his life was established before his birth. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand our circumstances.

The Importance of Honest Prayer
Jeremiah's raw honesty before God is a model for us. We are encouraged to bring our true feelings and struggles to God in prayer, knowing He can handle our deepest emotions.

The Joy and Pain of God's Calling
The initial joy of Jeremiah's birth contrasts with his later suffering, illustrating that God's calling can bring both joy and challenges. We should be prepared for both as we follow God's will.

The Role of Community in Times of Despair
Jeremiah's lament highlights the need for support and encouragement from others. As believers, we should seek to be a source of comfort and strength for those in despair.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's lament in 20:15 reflect the broader theme of suffering in the life of a believer?

2. In what ways can we find comfort in God's sovereignty when we face despair, as seen in Jeremiah's life?

3. How can the honesty of Jeremiah's prayer life inspire us to approach God with our own struggles?

4. What are some practical ways we can support others in our community who are experiencing despair or questioning their purpose?

5. How do other biblical figures, like Job or John the Baptist, provide additional insights into the joys and challenges of God's calling?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:5
This verse highlights God's calling of Jeremiah before his birth, providing a contrast to Jeremiah's lament in 20:15. It underscores the divine purpose in Jeremiah's life despite his personal despair.

Job 3:3
Similar to Jeremiah's lament, Job curses the day of his birth, reflecting a common biblical theme of lament in the face of suffering.

Luke 1:14
The announcement of John the Baptist's birth brings joy, contrasting with Jeremiah's lament and highlighting the varied responses to God's calling.
Sermons
The Sorrow and Joy of God's ServantA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:7-18
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
Is Life Worth Living?S. Conway Jeremiah 20:14-18
The Prophet Cursing the Day of His BirthD. Young Jeremiah 20:14-18
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Baby, Bore, Born, Boy, Child, Curse, Cursed, Glad, Happy, Making, Male, Man-child, News, Saying, Tidings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:14-15

     5231   birthday
     6233   rejection, experience

Jeremiah 20:14-18

     5067   suicide
     5945   self-pity
     8615   prayer, doubts

Jeremiah 20:15-18

     5831   depression

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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