Jeremiah 16:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet declares, I will reveal to them ... my hand and ... my power, as the apostle Paul likewise instructs that the turning of the Gentiles to the faith in Christ was not achieved through clever human rhetoric, but through the display of the Spirit and power (1 Cor. 2:4).

Behold, I will reveal my hand and my might to them this time, and they shall recognize that my name is the Lord. The hand of God, through which He has fashioned everything, and whose strength the apostle attests to when he says, ‘Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God’ (1 Cor. 1:24), is made manifest among the Gentiles through the suffering of the Son. He proclaimed with great beauty, I will reveal myself to them this time; I will make it unmistakably clear, rather than through shadows, symbols, and prophecies as before. I will present it in such a manner that they will be thoroughly convinced and will come to know my name, hearing from the Son, ‘Father, I have manifested your name to men’ (John 17:6).

When humanity fabricates deities for themselves that are not true gods (Jer. 20:21). ‘For this reason, I will reveal my might to them during this period, and I will demonstrate my strength so that they will come to recognize that my name is Lord.’ Long ago, God declares, I will predict their future and instruct them in advance about the nature of my power; for I will enact this transformation through a few humble individuals.