Jeremiah 20:16

May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon,

Study Bible

May that man
This phrase refers to the man who brought the news of Jeremiah's birth, which Jeremiah curses in his lament. In the broader context of Jeremiah 20, the prophet is expressing deep anguish and frustration over his calling and the persecution he faces. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can denote a person or individual, emphasizing the personal nature of Jeremiah's lament.

be like the cities
The cities referenced here are those that faced divine judgment and destruction. Historically, this could allude to cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed due to their wickedness. The imagery of cities being overthrown serves as a powerful metaphor for complete and utter devastation.

the LORD overthrew
The Hebrew root for "overthrew" is "הָפַךְ" (haphak), which means to overturn or destroy. This action is attributed to the LORD, indicating divine judgment. The use of this term underscores the severity of the curse Jeremiah is pronouncing, as it invokes the image of God's righteous judgment.

without compassion
The phrase "without compassion" highlights the totality and finality of the judgment. The Hebrew word for compassion is "רַחֲמִים" (rachamim), which is often associated with mercy and tender love. The absence of compassion in this context emphasizes the irreversible nature of the divine judgment that Jeremiah wishes upon the man.

May he hear a cry in the morning
The "cry" in the morning suggests a sudden and unexpected calamity. In ancient times, the morning was often a time of peace and new beginnings, so a cry at this time would be particularly jarring. This phrase conveys the idea of perpetual distress and alarm.

and a shout of battle at noon
The "shout of battle" at noon signifies ongoing conflict and turmoil. Noon, being the height of the day, represents a time when one might expect calm and productivity. Instead, Jeremiah wishes for continuous strife and warfare, symbolizing relentless adversity. The historical context of battles often occurring during daylight hours adds to the intensity of this imagery.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who is speaking in this passage. He is expressing deep anguish and frustration over his calling and the persecution he faces.

2. The Man
Refers to the person who announced Jeremiah's birth, whom Jeremiah curses in his lament. This is part of a broader expression of his despair.

3. The Cities the LORD Overthrew
This likely refers to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed by God due to their wickedness, as described in Genesis.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as having the power to overthrow cities and bring judgment.

5. Outcry and Battle Cry
Symbolic of distress and impending doom, representing the consequences of divine judgment.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Prophetic Calling
Jeremiah's lament highlights the heavy burden of being a prophet. Serving God can lead to personal suffering and requires perseverance.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The reference to the cities overthrown by God serves as a reminder of His righteous judgment against sin. It calls believers to live in holiness and reverence.

Expressing Lament to God
Jeremiah's raw honesty in his lament shows that it is permissible to bring our deepest pains and frustrations before God. He is big enough to handle our emotions.

The Consequences of Sin
The imagery of outcry and battle cry underscores the inevitable consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a warning to turn back to Him.

Hope Amidst Despair
Even in his lament, Jeremiah's words can lead us to seek hope in God's ultimate justice and mercy, trusting that He hears our cries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's lament in this passage reflect the challenges faced by those who are called to speak God's truth today?

2. In what ways can the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a warning for contemporary society?

3. How can believers find comfort in God when they feel overwhelmed by their circumstances, as Jeremiah did?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in a way that honors God and avoids the consequences of sin?

5. How can we balance expressing our honest emotions to God with maintaining faith and hope in His promises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah provides a backdrop for understanding the severity of the curse Jeremiah invokes.

Lamentations 3
Jeremiah's lamentations echo similar themes of despair and seeking God's justice amidst suffering.

Isaiah 13
The prophecy against Babylon includes similar imagery of destruction and divine judgment.