Jeremiah 15:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Be their Lord and guide. What could this mean, he asked? What troubled him most was his ignorance of past events. In other words, if their curses are justified, affirm their declarations. If I failed to come to You during their time of distress, I do not say it was because I merely complained, but rather because I did not plead on their behalf in light of the impending judgment. Let them not only voice their grievances so that I may face punishment, but also so they may receive blessings. May their curses be realized, and may their share be favorable. Essentially, unless You affirm that when You commanded the invasion of adversaries, I earnestly prayed for them and sought their welfare.

The Lord declares, “I will not forsake you for good.” This was the message given to the prophet Jeremiah, as God assured him of support following the fulfillment of His proclamations. The Lord vindicated His words through action, bringing shame upon the adversaries who persecuted Jeremiah due to their wickedness and arrogance. Thus, the prophecy was realized through the deeds of the Chaldeans, the enemies of His people, but only after the prophetic words had come to pass.

The Lord inquires, "Is not your conclusion for good? Have I not approached you during times of turmoil, distress, and suffering at the hands of the adversary?" This can be reflected in the life of Jeremiah, who was summoned to prophesy amidst extreme anguish and at the onset of captivity, enduring harsh treatment from those who disbelieved. In response to Jeremiah's lamentation, "Woe to me, my mother, for you have borne me a man of strife and contention with the whole earth," the Lord assures him, "Do not focus on the now, but rather on what is to come, for your ending and your ultimate fate shall be favorable.

O Lord, may You be their rectifier; if I do not approach You during their fury and in their moments of suffering for the sake of the adversary, that is, as I hear them speak ill; I have frequently called upon You on their behalf. Then the Prophet once more utters words on behalf of God.