◄ Jeremiah 20:3 ►
The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, "The LORD does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib.
Study Bible
The next day
This phrase indicates a specific time frame, emphasizing the immediacy of the events following Jeremiah's imprisonment. In the Hebrew context, the passage of time often signifies a transition or a divine intervention. The "next day" suggests that God's timing is precise and purposeful, highlighting His sovereignty over human affairs.

when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks
Pashhur, a priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, represents the religious authority of the time. His decision to release Jeremiah from the stocks, a form of public humiliation and punishment, underscores the tension between true prophetic voices and established religious institutions. The act of releasing Jeremiah signifies a temporary relief from persecution but also sets the stage for a prophetic declaration.

Jeremiah said to him
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often faced opposition and suffering for his messages. His response to Pashhur is not one of personal vengeance but a declaration of God's judgment. This highlights the role of a prophet as a mouthpiece for God, delivering messages that are often unpopular but necessary for spiritual correction.

'The LORD does not call you Pashhur
The use of "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes the divine authority behind Jeremiah's words. The name "Pashhur" means "freedom" or "prosperity," which is ironic given the judgment pronounced. This renaming signifies a divine redefinition of identity, where God sees beyond human titles and positions to the true nature of a person's actions and heart.

but Magor-missabib.'
The name "Magor-missabib" translates to "terror on every side." This prophetic renaming serves as a pronouncement of judgment and a forewarning of the consequences of opposing God's will. It reflects the biblical theme that those who reject God's messages and persecute His messengers will face divine retribution. This name change is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of aligning oneself against God's purposes and the inevitable fulfillment of His prophetic word.

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. Pashhur
A priest and chief officer in the temple who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies and had him put in stocks. His name means "freedom" or "prosperity," but Jeremiah renames him to reflect his future.

3. Magor-missabib
The name given by Jeremiah to Pashhur, meaning "terror on every side." This name signifies the judgment and calamity that would come upon Pashhur and his associates.

4. The Stocks
A device used for punishment and humiliation, where Jeremiah was placed by Pashhur for prophesying against Jerusalem.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah, demonstrating His sovereignty and authority over the events and people involved.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Persecution
Jeremiah's experience teaches us to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing opposition or persecution. Our identity and mission in Christ should not be swayed by external pressures.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The renaming of Pashhur to Magor-missabib highlights God's control over human affairs and His ability to bring justice. We can trust that God sees and will address wrongs in His timing.

The Power of Prophetic Words
Jeremiah's words, though initially rejected, carried the weight of divine authority. This reminds us of the importance of speaking truth, grounded in Scripture, even when it is unpopular.

Identity in Christ
Just as Pashhur's identity was redefined by God, believers are given a new identity in Christ. We are called to live according to this new identity, reflecting God's character and purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's response to persecution challenge or encourage you in your own faith journey?

2. In what ways can you relate to the concept of "terror on every side" in your life, and how can you find peace in God's promises?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty and justice impact your view of current events or personal challenges?

4. What are some practical ways you can remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing opposition or misunderstanding?

5. How does your identity in Christ redefine your purpose and actions in daily life, similar to how Pashhur's identity was redefined by God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:17-19
God’s promise to Jeremiah that he would face opposition but would be delivered. This connects to Jeremiah's experience with Pashhur, showing God's faithfulness.

Psalm 31:13
David speaks of being surrounded by terror, similar to the judgment pronounced on Pashhur, illustrating a recurring theme of divine justice.

Acts 5:40-42
The apostles rejoice after being persecuted for their faith, paralleling Jeremiah's endurance and faithfulness despite suffering.
Sermons
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
Magor-Missabib; Or, the Fate of a False ProphetA.F. Muir Jeremiah 20:3-6
People
Benjamin, Immer, Jeremiah, Magormissabib, Pashur
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Topheth
Topics
Bringeth, Cause-of-fear-on-every-side, Forth, Jeremiah, Loose, Lord's, Magor, Magormissabib, Magor-missabib, Missabib, Morrow, Pashhur, Pashur, Pass, Rather, Released, Stocks, Terror
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 20:3-6

     5044   names, giving of

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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