Jeremiah 15:15

O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Jeremiah 15:15 (KJV)

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.

Meaning

In this passage Jeremiah pours 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. This opening establishes the foundation for the entire prayer: Jeremiah appeals to God’s perfect knowledge as the basis for his requests.

Jeremiah pleads with God to remember him and visit him. To remember is not merely to recall, but to act with covenant faithfulness and favor. To visit is to attend to, care for, and intervene in his circumstances. 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.

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. This is a plea for God to vindicate His servant and to act as the righteous judge.

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. He desires to be distinguished from the wicked, not swept away with them.

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. This is not a claim of personal merit, but a plea that God would recognize the cause of his suffering and act on his behalf.

Application

This verse models a raw, honest prayer in the midst of suffering. It shows that believers may bring their complaints, fears, and desires for justice to God, while trusting in His knowledge and sovereignty. It also highlights the reality that faithful service to God can bring opposition and reproach, and that God is the ultimate refuge and vindicator of His people.