Jeremiah 15:11

Jeremiah 15:11 offers a profound word of assurance from the LORD to the prophet Jeremiah, and by extension, to the faithful remnant in Judah, amidst a period of intense national judgment and personal suffering. This verse stands as a beacon of hope, promising divine care and even favor from unexpected sources during times of great distress.

Context of Jeremiah 15:11

The Book of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's ministry during the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, a time marked by widespread idolatry, moral decay, and impending Babylonian invasion. Just prior to this verse, the LORD has pronounced severe judgments on Judah, including famine, sword, captivity, and dispersal, declaring that He would no longer pity the nation (Jeremiah 15:1-9). Jeremiah himself is lamenting his difficult calling and the opposition he faces because of his prophetic message (Jeremiah 15:10). In this bleak backdrop, verse 11 provides a specific, contrasting promise of well-being and favor for Jeremiah and the righteous few who remain faithful, distinguishing their destiny from the broader national calamity.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Assurance Amidst Despair: The phrase "Verily it shall be well" (Hebrew: ʾākhēn, meaning 'surely' or 'truly') underscores the certainty of God's promise. Even when all seems lost, God's specific word to His faithful servant stands firm.
• The Remnant Concept: This verse speaks directly to the "remnant," a recurring biblical theme that refers to a preserved, faithful group of people whom God sets apart and protects even when the larger community faces judgment. This concept is vital for understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in passages like Isaiah 10:21 and Romans 9:27.
• Favor from Adversaries: Perhaps the most striking aspect is the promise, "I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well]." This signifies God's sovereign power to work in surprising ways, turning the hearts of those who might otherwise be hostile into sources of favor or even advocacy for His people. This divine intervention is a testament to God's control over all circumstances and people, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:7.
• Protection in Affliction: The promise is specifically for "the time of evil and in the time of affliction," assuring divine protection and provision not just in good times, but precisely when hardship is most severe.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "entreat thee [well]" is a combination of pāgaʿ (to meet, encounter, intercede) and lĕṭōbhāh (for good, favorably). This phrase implies that the enemy will not just leave them alone, but will actively engage with them in a beneficial or favorable manner. It suggests a surprising and divinely orchestrated turn of events where God's people receive positive treatment from those who are typically against them.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 15:11 offers immense encouragement for believers facing opposition, persecution, or difficult circumstances today. It reminds us that:

1. God sees and cares for His faithful ones: Even when the world around us is in turmoil, God's promise of well-being for His "remnant" remains true.
2. God's sovereignty extends over all: He can turn the hearts of even our adversaries to work for our good, demonstrating His power in unexpected ways. This echoes Joseph's experience of finding favor in Egypt.
3. Hope is found in God's specific promises: While general conditions may be dire, we can cling to God's particular assurances for those who walk in faithfulness. This verse encourages steadfastness and trust in God's unique plan for His people, even in the "time of evil and in the time of affliction."