Verse Summary

This verse introduces Pashhur, who was a priest and had an authoritative role in the temple. He hears Jeremiah's prophecies, which were likely in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes of the leadership and people of Judah.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes Pashhur's role as a priest and how his status might have influenced his reaction to Jeremiah's prophecies. He highlights the conflict between the prophet and the religious authorities, illustrating how truth can often be at odds with established power.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that Pashhur's chief position in the temple indicates a leadership role that should concern itself with the truth. The confrontation serves to paint a picture of the struggle between divine revelation and human authority, setting the stage for a deeper conflict.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke discusses the character of Pashhur, suggesting he might represent those who oppose God’s message. His reaction to Jeremiah signals a broader theme of rejection faced by prophets throughout scripture, illustrating the difficulty of delivering uncomfortable truths.

Thematic Connections

This verse reflects several recurring themes in the Bible, such as:

• Divine Authority vs. Human Authority: The tension seen here echoes throughout scripture, especially in contexts where God’s messengers are opposed by established leaders.
• Prophecy and Rejection: The rejection of Jeremiah’s prophecies sets a precedent for how God’s word is often received.
• Leadership Accountability: Leaders in scripture are held accountable for how they respond to God’s message, a theme reiterated in various passages.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 20:1 can be connected to several other Bible verses that enhance our understanding. Notable cross-references include:

• Jeremiah 1:17: A call to courage in proclaiming God’s word.
• Lamentations 3:34-36: Discusses God's justice in relation to leaders.
• Matthew 5:11-12: Jesus speaks of the blessings associated with being persecuted for truth.
• Luke 4:24: Jesus referencing that no prophet is accepted in his hometown, echoing Jeremiah's experiences.
• Acts 7:51: Stephen discusses the rejection of prophets by the Jewish leaders.
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: A caution against hearing only what one desires to hear, akin to Pashhur's response to Jeremiah.
• Micah 2:6: The same concept of false prophets, paralleling the environment faced by Jeremiah.
• Romans 10:16: Talks about the general trend of rejection toward God’s messengers.
• John 7:45-49: Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus, illustrating ongoing opposition to divine truth.
• Hebrews 11:32-38: A summary of the suffering faced by prophets and genuine messengers throughout scripture.

Application and Reflection

This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when standing for truth in the face of opposition. Reflecting on Jeremiah's plight can provide the faithful with insights into enduring faithfulness amidst societal and personal adversity.

Using Cross-References in Study

To further explore the connections between verses and themes, individuals can utilize tools such as:

• Bible concordance
• Cross-reference Bible study guides
• Bible reference resources for in-depth scripture analysis
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials for thorough understanding

By employing these tools, believers can enhance their study of scripture, discovering how verses relate to one another and deepening their understanding of biblical themes.