Jeremiah 15:15
O Lord, thou knowest, remember me, and visit me, and reuenge me of my persecutors, take mee not away in thy long suffering: know that for thy sake I haue suffered rebuke. Jeremiah 15:15 (KJV)
The following passage, often attributed to Jeremiah, reflects the sentiments expressed in the book, though it does not appear verbatim in the biblical text:
Context: The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. It contains the prophecies and messages of the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time of great national crisis. Jeremiah faced opposition, persecution, and rejection as he faithfully delivered God’s messages.
Jeremiah’s Prayer: In this passage Jeremiah is pouring out his heart to the Lord. He acknowledges God’s omniscience, saying, “O LORD, thou knowest.” Jeremiah is confident that God is aware of his situation and intimately acquainted with his struggles.
Remembrance and Visitation: Jeremiah pleads with God to remember him and visit him. He desires God’s presence, comfort, and intervention in his life. Despite the challenges he faces, Jeremiah knows that God is the only one who can truly help and bring relief.
Revenge on Persecutors: Jeremiah asks God to avenge him of his persecutors. The prophet had faced intense opposition from the people of Judah, including false prophets and kings who rejected his message. Jeremiah trusts in God’s justice and appeals to Him to deal with those who have mistreated him.
Longsuffering: Jeremiah expresses a concern that God might “take him not away in thy longsuffering.” Here he pleads for God not to delay His judgment on the wicked for too long, fearing that if God’s patience continues he himself may be taken away before justice is served.
Suffering for God’s Sake: Jeremiah reminds God that he has suffered rebuke for His sake. Despite the hardships and reproach he endured, Jeremiah remained faithful to God and proclaimed His word. He wants God to be aware of his loyalty and the sacrifices he has made in carrying out his prophetic duty.
