Jeremiah 15:11

KJV

The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well] in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} said {H559}, Verily {H3808}{H518} it shall be well {H2896} with thy remnant {H8281}{H8293}; verily {H518} I will cause the enemy {H341} to entreat {H6293} thee well in the time {H6256} of evil {H7451} and in the time {H6256} of affliction {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said, "I promise to release you for good, I promise to make your enemies appeal to you when calamity and trouble come.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD said: “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress.

American Standard Version

Jehovah said, Verily I will strengthen thee for good; verily I will cause the enemy to make supplication unto thee in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:11 delivers a profound divine assurance to the prophet Jeremiah, and implicitly to the faithful remnant of Judah, amidst a period of severe national judgment and personal distress. It stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His chosen ones, promising their well-being and even surprising favor from adversaries during times of intense evil and affliction, distinguishing their destiny from the broader calamity facing the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:11 arrives at a critical juncture in the book, immediately following a series of devastating divine pronouncements against Judah and Jerusalem. Chapters 14-15 detail the Lord's unyielding resolve to bring judgment upon His people due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion. Specifically, [Jeremiah 15:1-9](/jeremiah/15-1-9 "Jeremiah 15:1-9 - God's Unwavering Judgment and Refusal to Relent") describes the four dreadful judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence—that will consume the land, emphasizing God's refusal to relent, even at the intercession of revered figures like Moses and Samuel. In [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah 15:10 - Jeremiah's Lament Over His Calling"), Jeremiah himself laments his painful calling, wishing he had never been born due to the universal opposition and suffering his prophetic message brings. It is against this backdrop of national despair and personal anguish that verse 11 shines as a direct, contrasting word of comfort and specific promise to Jeremiah, and by extension, to the faithful few who would endure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's prophecy is the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, primarily during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). This was a tumultuous era marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah, caught between these geopolitical forces, repeatedly vacillated between alliances and rebellion, often looking to Egypt for help rather than trusting in the Lord. Spiritually, the nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to covenant rituals, largely rejecting Jeremiah's calls for repentance. The "time of evil and in the time of affliction" directly refers to the impending Babylonian invasions and subsequent exile, which would bring unprecedented devastation to Judah. In this context, the idea of an "enemy" (Babylon, God's chosen instrument of judgment) being caused to "entreat thee well" would have been a shocking and counter-intuitive promise, highlighting God's sovereign control even over hostile empires and their leaders.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 15:11 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all circumstances, including the actions of nations and individuals, even adversaries. This is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 27:5-7](/jeremiah/27-5-7 "Jeremiah 27:5-7 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the crucial biblical concept of the **Remnant**, a faithful minority preserved by God amidst widespread apostasy and judgment. This theme is vital for understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return to the Mighty God") and later developed in the New Testament by Paul in [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Romans 9:27-29 - The Remnant of Israel"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Divine Assurance Amidst Suffering**, providing a beacon of hope and a specific promise of well-being to those who remain loyal to God, even when the broader community faces severe consequences. This assurance is not a promise of escape from trouble, but of God's presence and provision within it, even turning the hearts of enemies, as exemplified in [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. When "the LORD said," it signifies a divine utterance rooted in His very being and covenant relationship with His people, lending absolute authority and certainty to the promise, especially in contrast to the fleeting nature of human circumstances.
* **well (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, meaning "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... well(-favoured)." This word encompasses not merely a lack of harm, but a comprehensive state of flourishing, prosperity, favor, and general well-being. It implies a holistic goodness that God intends for His remnant, contrasting sharply with the "evil" and "affliction" mentioned later in the verse, underscoring that God's good purposes prevail even in dire circumstances.
* **enemy (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, meaning "hating; an adversary; enemy, foe." This term designates those who are inherently hostile and opposed. The surprising element of the promise is that God will actively cause this adversary, this hater, to act favorably towards His servant, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over human wills and circumstances, and His ability to turn even the intentions of foes to His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the promise. "The LORD said" highlights the authoritative and covenantal nature of the declaration, signifying a decree from the sovereign God. The word "Verily" (Hebrew: `lôʼ` or `ʼim`, used here as an emphatic particle of affirmation) underscores the truthfulness and certainty of the statement, leaving no room for doubt. The promise of "it shall be well" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_, encompassing flourishing and favor) is specifically directed to "thy remnant"—referring primarily to Jeremiah himself as a faithful representative, and by extension, to the small, faithful group of people who would survive the impending judgment and uphold God's covenant. This is a promise of comprehensive divine favor for those who remain loyal.
* **"verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well]":** The repetition of "verily" (or "surely") reinforces the divine commitment and the extraordinary nature of the subsequent promise. The astonishing part is God's active intervention: "I will cause the enemy to entreat thee." The Hebrew word for "entreat" (H6293, _pâgaʻ_) means "to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity; cause to entreat, make intercession." This suggests not just a passive non-aggression, but an active, favorable interaction, or even intercession on the part of the enemy. This is a powerful testament to God's sovereign ability to manipulate circumstances and even the hearts of hostile individuals or nations for the good of His people, turning their animosity into unexpected benevolence.
* **"in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.":** This final phrase specifies the challenging context in which this divine favor will manifest. "Evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) refers broadly to calamity, distress, and moral wickedness, while "affliction" (H6869, _tsârâh_) denotes tightness, trouble, anguish, or tribulation. The promise is not that the remnant will escape these difficult times, but that *within* them, amidst the very circumstances of hardship and opposition, God will ensure their well-being and cause their adversaries to act favorably towards them. This highlights God's power to provide and protect even in the most hostile environments.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with divine authority and profound impact. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, immediately signaled by the phrase "The LORD said," which establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the pronouncement, elevating it beyond human speculation. The repeated use of "Verily" (or "Surely") acts as **Emphasis** and **Affirmation**, reinforcing the truth and reliability of God's promise, particularly given the dire circumstances. A striking device is **Paradox** or **Irony**, seen in the phrase "I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well." This is profoundly counter-intuitive; enemies are expected to inflict harm, not to show favor. This paradoxical statement highlights God's supreme **Sovereignty** and His ability to work in unexpected ways, turning hostile forces into instruments of His benevolent will for His faithful ones. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the promised "well-being" and "entreaty" with the "time of evil and in the time of affliction," emphasizing that God's favor is not conditional on easy circumstances but is present precisely in hardship, making His intervention all the more remarkable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:11 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even when the broader nation faces judgment. It underscores the biblical doctrine of the remnant, demonstrating that God always preserves a faithful core through whom His purposes will be sustained, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan despite widespread apostasy. This divine assurance reveals God's sovereign control over all human affairs, including the hearts and actions of adversaries, turning potential harm into unexpected favor. The verse teaches that God's care is not limited to times of peace but is particularly evident and powerful in seasons of intense trial, reminding believers that their ultimate well-being rests in God's hands, not in the absence of trouble, but in His unfailing presence and provision within it.

* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "The Remnant of Israel Shall Return")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him")
* [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Paul's Teaching on the Remnant of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by turmoil, opposition, and personal struggles, Jeremiah 15:11 offers immense spiritual solace and practical guidance. It reminds us that even when external circumstances are dire—a "time of evil and affliction"—God's specific promise of well-being for His faithful "remnant" remains steadfast. This encourages believers to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's sovereign power, recognizing that He can orchestrate events in astonishing ways, even turning the hearts of those who oppose us into instruments of favor. It calls us to steadfastness in our faith, knowing that our ultimate security and flourishing are not dependent on human alliances or favorable conditions, but on the unwavering commitment of the Lord. This verse nurtures resilience, prompting us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the enduring reality of God's protective and benevolent hand, assuring us that His good purposes for His faithful ones will prevail, even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "remnant" in Jeremiah 15:11 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness to His people today, especially in challenging times?**
* **In what "time of evil and affliction" are you currently finding yourself, and how does the promise of God causing "the enemy to entreat thee well" speak to your situation and encourage your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing opposition or unexpected challenges, believing He can work even through your adversaries?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "remnant" referred to in Jeremiah 15:11?**

Answer: The "remnant" (Hebrew: _shêrûwth_) in Jeremiah 15:11 primarily refers to Jeremiah himself, as the immediate recipient of the divine word, and by extension, to the faithful minority within Judah who remained loyal to God amidst the widespread apostasy and impending judgment. This concept is a significant biblical theme, representing those whom God preserves and through whom His covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled, even when the majority of the nation faces divine discipline. It signifies a preserved, chosen group, not necessarily large in number, but faithful in heart, through whom God continues His redemptive plan, ensuring that His purposes are never entirely thwarted by human rebellion.

**How can an "enemy" be caused to "entreat well"?**

Answer: The phrase "I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well" highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all people and circumstances. It means that God has the power to supernaturally influence the hearts and actions of even hostile individuals or nations to act favorably towards His people. This is not about the enemy becoming a friend, but about God using their actions, even against their own intentions or character, to bring about good for His faithful ones. Biblical examples include Joseph finding favor with Potiphar and the prison warden in [Genesis 39:2-4](/genesis/39-2-4 "Genesis 39:2-4 - Joseph Finds Favor in Egypt"), or the Israelites receiving favor from the Egyptians during the Exodus in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Israelites Plunder Egyptians"). It demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted, and He can use any means, even surprising ones, to protect and provide for His own, turning potential harm into unexpected blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's promise to Jeremiah and the faithful remnant, Jesus Himself is the quintessential "remnant"—the perfectly faithful Son of God, the true Israel, through whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He experienced the "time of evil and affliction" more profoundly than any prophet, enduring the cross, the ultimate act of hostility from both human and spiritual enemies ([Luke 23:33-34](/luke/23-33-34 "Luke 23:33-34 - The Crucifixion and Jesus' Prayer")). Yet, even in this deepest affliction, God caused His "enemy" (death, sin, and Satan) to "entreat Him well" in a paradoxical way, as His suffering and death became the very means of salvation and triumph over these adversaries ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His resurrection, Christ emerged from the "time of evil" not merely well, but gloriously victorious, securing eternal well-being for all who are united with Him. Thus, the promise of favor from the enemy in affliction is fulfilled in Christ's triumph, and extended to His followers, who, through Him, can also experience divine favor and perseverance even amidst persecution, knowing that God works all things for their good ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Psalms 106:46

He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Psalms 37:11

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Ecclesiastes 8:12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: