Jeremiah 20:3

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The Lord hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magor–missabib.

Jeremiah 20:3 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah, a prophet called by God, delivered messages of judgment and warning to Judah. He faced intense opposition, often rejected and mistreated by his own people. In this passage, Pashur, a priest and chief officer in the house of the Lord, placed Jeremiah in the stocks because of the prophetic warning concerning Jerusalem. The stocks held Jeremiah overnight, as indicated by the phrase “on the morrow.”

Pashur, a representative of the religious establishment, bound the prophet, illustrating the rejection prophets frequently endured when delivering unpopular messages from God.

Meaning

When Pashur released Jeremiah, the prophet declared a new name for him: Magor-missabib, meaning “terror on every side” or “fear all around.” This renaming was a prophetic act, signifying that God was redefining Pashur’s identity and destiny in light of his opposition to God’s word. Pashur and the people of Judah would experience the very terror they sought to avoid by rejecting Jeremiah’s prophecies.

Jeremiah’s declaration demonstrates the divine authority bestowed upon him by the LORD. His words were not personal grievances but a direct message from God, symbolizing impending judgment and the fulfillment of his warnings.

Biblical connections

This passage illustrates that God’s word cannot be suppressed by human authority, and those who oppose it will face divine consequences. The renaming of Pashur foreshadows the judgment coming upon Judah, as terror on every side would characterize the nation’s experience during the Babylonian invasion.

Application

Through the renaming of Pashur, God highlights the consequences of rejecting His word. The people of Judah, represented by Pashur, attempted to silence the prophet and avoid judgment, yet their actions would bring about the very terror and destruction they feared. Rejecting God’s message does not nullify it; rather, it brings the warned judgment closer.

Despite persecution and rejection, God remained faithful and sovereign. Through Jeremiah’s ministry, God continued to warn His people and offer them an opportunity to turn back to Him. These events were part of God’s plan to bring judgment upon Judah and ultimately lead them to repentance.

Reflection

Jeremiah 20:3 reminds us of the challenges faced by those called to speak God’s truth, the consequences of rejecting His word, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness amidst adversity. Even when human authorities seek to silence divine truth, God remains in control, and His purposes will stand.