Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten
This phrase highlights the physical persecution faced by Jeremiah, a prophet called by God. The Hebrew root for "beaten" is "נכה" (nakah), which implies a violent striking or smiting. This act of violence against Jeremiah underscores the resistance and hostility that God's messengers often faced when delivering His messages. Historically, prophets were not only spiritual leaders but also social critics, and their messages often challenged the status quo, leading to such harsh treatment. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand firm in one's faith amidst opposition.

and put in the stocks
The "stocks" were a form of punishment and public humiliation. The Hebrew word used here is "מהפכת" (mahpeketh), which refers to a device that restrained the body in a painful position. This punishment was not only physically excruciating but also intended to disgrace the individual publicly. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, this act symbolizes the rejection of God's word by the people and their leaders. It serves as a powerful illustration of the suffering that can accompany the proclamation of truth, yet it also highlights the prophet's steadfastness and commitment to his divine mission.

at the Upper Gate of Benjamin
The "Upper Gate of Benjamin" was a significant location in Jerusalem, likely situated near the northern part of the city, associated with the tribe of Benjamin. Gates in ancient cities were central places of commerce, legal proceedings, and public gatherings. By placing Jeremiah in the stocks at this location, Pashhur, the priest responsible for this act, intended to maximize the prophet's humiliation and discredit his message. This setting emphasizes the public nature of Jeremiah's persecution and the widespread rejection of his prophetic warnings.

at the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and religious life. Ironically, this place, which should have been a sanctuary of truth and justice, becomes the backdrop for Jeremiah's suffering. This juxtaposition highlights the spiritual corruption and apostasy of the religious leaders of the time. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of religious institutions losing sight of their divine purpose and becoming instruments of oppression rather than beacons of God's truth and love.

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 in the face of persecution.

2. Pashhur
The priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD who opposed Jeremiah and ordered his punishment.

3. The Upper Gate of Benjamin
A significant location in Jerusalem, likely a place of public visibility, where Jeremiah was put in the stocks, symbolizing public humiliation.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, highlighting the religious context of the conflict.

5. The Stocks
A device used for punishment and humiliation, indicating the severity of the opposition Jeremiah faced.
Teaching Points
Perseverance in Faith
Jeremiah's experience teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition and humiliation.

The Cost of Discipleship
Following God's call may lead to suffering and persecution, but it is a part of the Christian journey that brings spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

Public Witness
Jeremiah's public punishment at the Upper Gate of Benjamin serves as a reminder that our faith is often displayed in the public arena, where we must remain steadfast.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Despite the trials Jeremiah faced, God's sovereignty and purpose were at work, encouraging us to trust in God's plan during our own challenges.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
The conflict between Jeremiah and Pashhur highlights the tension that can exist between true prophetic voices and established religious authorities, urging discernment and faithfulness to God's word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's experience of persecution challenge your understanding of what it means to be faithful to God's calling?

2. In what ways can you relate to Jeremiah's situation of facing opposition for standing up for your beliefs?

3. How can the account of Jeremiah in the stocks encourage you to persevere in your own trials and challenges?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah about the cost of discipleship and the importance of remaining faithful to God's message?

5. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty during difficult times, as demonstrated in Jeremiah's life, to your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah's Call and Commission (Jeremiah 1)
Jeremiah's initial calling by God, where he is assured of divine protection despite the opposition he will face.

Persecution of Prophets (Matthew 5:11-12)
Jesus speaks about the persecution of prophets, connecting Jeremiah's experience to the broader theme of suffering for righteousness.

Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:22-24)
Similar to Jeremiah, Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for their faith, demonstrating the recurring theme of suffering for God's message.
The Behavior of the Wicked Towards the TruthA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:1-3
A Changed Name and a Dreadful DoomD. Young Jeremiah 20:1-6
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Beat, Beaten, Benjamin, Blows, Chained, Doorway, Framework, Gate, Higher, Jeremiah, Lord's, Pashhur, Pashur, Prophet, Putteth, Smiteth, Smote, Stocks, Struck, Temple, Upper, Wood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:2

     5313   flogging
     5323   gate

Jeremiah 20:1-2

     5434   officer
     7775   prophets, lives

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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