Jeremiah 11:20

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

But, O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, that judgest {H8199} righteously {H6664}, that triest {H974} the reins {H3629} and the heart {H3820}, let me see {H7200} thy vengeance {H5360} on them: for unto thee have I revealed {H1540} my cause {H7379}.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot, righteous judge, tester of motives and thoughts, I have committed my cause to you; so let me see your vengeance on them.

O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

But, O Jehovah of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, I shall see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

Jeremiah 11:20 is a powerful and deeply personal prayer from the prophet Jeremiah, expressing his plea for divine justice amidst persecution. It highlights his profound trust in God's righteous character even as he faces severe threats.

Context of Jeremiah 11:20

This verse is found within a section of Jeremiah's prophecy where God reveals a "conspiracy" among the people of Judah to reject the covenant and, specifically, a plot against Jeremiah's life. Chapters 11 and 12 detail God's judgment against a disobedient Judah for breaking the covenant (see Jeremiah 11:3). Jeremiah, who faithfully delivered God's challenging messages, became a target of animosity. In Jeremiah 11:19, he describes being like a lamb led to the slaughter, unaware of the plots against him until God revealed them. This verse, therefore, is a cry from a prophet under immense pressure, seeking the intervention of the all-knowing and just God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Righteous Judgment: Jeremiah appeals to God as the ultimate arbiter of justice. He recognizes that the LORD judges righteously, meaning His verdicts are always fair and true, based on perfect knowledge.
  • God's Omniscience and Inner Knowledge: The phrase "that triest the reins and the heart" profoundly emphasizes God's ability to discern the deepest motives, intentions, and emotions of every individual. He sees beyond outward appearances into the very core of a person's being.
  • Prophetic Suffering and Vindication: Jeremiah, a suffering prophet, pours out his distress to God. His plea for "vengeance" is not a personal desire for retribution but a request for God to act justly on his behalf, trusting that God alone can truly right the wrongs committed against His faithful servant. This echoes the broader theme of God's people seeking divine intervention against injustice, as seen in Romans 12:19.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: By declaring "unto thee have I revealed my cause," Jeremiah demonstrates complete reliance on God. He lays his entire situation before the Almighty, confident that God understands his plight and will act according to His perfect will and timing.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD of hosts" (KJV): This title, derived from the Hebrew YHWH Sabaoth, signifies God as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler over all creation. It underscores His immense power and authority, assuring Jeremiah that the one he appeals to is fully capable of executing justice.
  • "reins and the heart": In ancient Hebrew thought, the "reins" (Hebrew: kilyah, kidneys) were considered the seat of the deepest emotions, conscience, and inner thoughts, while the "heart" (Hebrew: lev) represented the mind, will, and moral character. Together, they convey the idea of God's complete and penetrating knowledge of a person's innermost being, including their secret motives and hidden intentions. This concept is also found in Jeremiah 17:10 and 1 Samuel 16:7.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 11:20 offers comfort and instruction for believers facing injustice or persecution today. It reminds us that:

  • God is the ultimate righteous Judge: When we feel wronged, we can trust that God sees and knows the truth of every situation, even the hidden motives of those who oppose us. We do not need to take vengeance into our own hands.
  • We can bring our deepest grievances to God: Like Jeremiah, we are invited to lay our "cause" before the Lord, knowing He understands our pain and will respond in His perfect timing and wisdom.
  • God's knowledge is complete: The assurance that God "triest the reins and the heart" means no injustice or hidden sin escapes His notice. This is a source of both comfort for the righteous and a warning for the wicked.

This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign justice, allowing Him to be our vindicator and relying on His perfect judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 20:12

    But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

  • Jeremiah 17:10

    I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

  • Psalms 7:9

    Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

  • Jeremiah 17:18

    Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

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