Jeremiah 15:20

KJV

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I [am] with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H5414} thee unto this people {H5971} a fenced {H1219} brasen {H5178} wall {H2346}: and they shall fight {H3898} against thee, but they shall not prevail {H3201} against thee: for I am with thee to save {H3467} thee and to deliver {H5337} thee, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Toward this people I will make you a fortified wall of bronze they will fight against you but not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and rescue you," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will make thee unto this people a fortified brazen wall; and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:20 serves as a profound divine affirmation to the prophet Jeremiah, who was often consumed by despair and opposition due to his unpopular message of judgment against Judah. In this powerful declaration, the Lord promises to transform Jeremiah into an unyielding, impenetrable "fenced brasen wall" against the relentless hostility of the people. This assurance is not based on Jeremiah's inherent strength but on God's unwavering, active presence, guaranteeing his ultimate preservation and deliverance from those who would fight against him, ensuring his prophetic mission will not be thwarted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:20 is God's direct response to Jeremiah's deep lament and complaint found earlier in the chapter. The prophet expresses profound distress, cursing the day of his birth due to the constant strife and contention he faces from everyone ([Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah's Lament")). He feels isolated and persecuted, even questioning God's faithfulness and comparing Him to a deceitful brook ([Jeremiah 15:18](/jeremiah/15-18 "Jeremiah's Complaint to God")). In light of this profound discouragement, the Lord calls Jeremiah back to faithfulness in [Jeremiah 15:19](/jeremiah/15-19 "God's Call to Repentance and Restoration") and then delivers this powerful promise of protection and empowerment in verse 20, echoing and reinforcing the initial commissioning of Jeremiah as a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall in [Jeremiah 1:18-19](/jeremiah/1-18 "Jeremiah's Initial Commission"). This divine reassurance is crucial for Jeremiah to continue his arduous prophetic ministry in the face of overwhelming rejection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry unfolded during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by pervasive idolatry, social injustice, political instability, and the looming threat of foreign invasion, primarily from Babylon. Jeremiah's message of repentance and impending judgment was deeply unpopular, directly confronting the false prophets who promised peace and the people who clung to their sinful ways. Culturally, a "wall" symbolized defense and security for ancient cities, and "brazen" (bronze) denoted exceptional strength and durability, far superior to common stone or mudbrick. To be made a "fenced brasen wall" meant to be rendered impregnable, a fortress against all human assault, a vivid and culturally resonant metaphor for divine protection in a time of intense societal and political upheaval.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 15:20 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Empowerment and Protection**, where God Himself promises to equip and defend His servant, making Jeremiah's resilience a direct manifestation of divine power, not human might. This promise of an "impenetrable wall" signifies God's active safeguarding against all opposition. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Unwavering Presence of God**, encapsulated in the phrase "for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee." This divine companionship is the ultimate guarantee of Jeremiah's safety and the success of his God-given mission, regardless of the intensity of the "fight against thee." Thirdly, it emphasizes **Perseverance in the Face of Opposition**, assuring Jeremiah that despite the relentless attacks from the people, they "shall not prevail against thee." This theme encourages steadfastness in obedience to God's call, even when it leads to conflict and suffering. Finally, it speaks to **God's Faithfulness to His Call**, demonstrating that even when His chosen servant is at his weakest or most discouraged, God remains committed to the purpose for which He called him, providing all necessary strength and protection to fulfill that mission. These themes collectively reinforce God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes, even through His suffering servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fenced (Hebrew, _bâtsar'_):** From H1219, this primitive root means "to clip off," and by extension, "to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification)." It conveys the idea of being cut off from attack, fortified, or made strong. In the context of a wall, it implies an unassailable, well-defended structure, emphasizing the impregnable nature of the protection God promises Jeremiah.
* **brasen (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** From H5178, this word refers to "copper" or "bronze," a metal known for its hardness, durability, and resistance to wear and impact in the ancient world. When applied to a wall, it signifies immense strength, solidity, and an inability to be broken or penetrated, far surpassing ordinary stone or mudbrick defenses. The imagery evokes an unyielding, metallic barrier.
* **prevail (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** From H3201, this primitive root means "to be able," encompassing both literal and moral capacity. It implies having the power to overcome, endure, or succeed. In the negative ("shall not prevail"), it emphatically declares the inability of Jeremiah's adversaries to conquer, defeat, or ultimately thwart God's purpose for him, despite their efforts to "fight against thee."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall:"** This opening clause is a powerful divine declaration of transformation and empowerment. God promises to supernaturally equip Jeremiah, not with physical armor, but with an unyielding spiritual and prophetic resilience. The metaphor of a "fenced brasen wall" signifies an impenetrable, unassailable defense, indicating that Jeremiah's strength against the hostility of his own people will be divinely endowed and absolute.
* **"and they shall fight against thee,"** This acknowledges the harsh reality of Jeremiah's ministry and the ongoing opposition he faces. It confirms that the people, including kings, priests, and false prophets, will indeed continue their efforts to resist, silence, and harm Jeremiah because of his unpopular message. This is not a threat but a prophetic statement of the inevitable conflict.
* **"but they shall not prevail against thee:"** This is the core of God's promise of ultimate victory. Despite the intensity of the "fight," God guarantees that Jeremiah's adversaries will not succeed in their attempts to defeat him, silence his message, or destroy him. Their efforts will be futile because God Himself is the source of Jeremiah's impregnable defense.
* **"for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD."** This final clause provides the foundational reason and ultimate guarantee for the preceding promise. God's personal, active, and unwavering presence ("I am with thee") is the absolute assurance of Jeremiah's safety. The twin verbs "to save" (from harm, danger, death) and "to deliver" (from the grasp of enemies, from difficult situations) underscore the comprehensive nature of God's protection. The concluding "saith the LORD" authenticates this as a direct, authoritative divine oracle.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:20 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God describes Jeremiah as "a fenced brasen wall." This vivid image transforms the prophet into an impregnable fortress, communicating absolute strength and invincibility far more powerfully than a literal description of protection. The choice of "brasen" (bronze) adds **Symbolism**, as bronze was known for its hardness and durability, signifying an unyielding and unbreakable defense. The phrase "they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee" employs **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the guaranteed opposition with the guaranteed futility of that opposition, thereby highlighting the certainty of God's protective power. Finally, the concluding "saith the LORD" is a classic example of a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending ultimate authority and veracity to the entire promise, emphasizing that these are not mere words but the immutable decree of the Almighty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:20 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His chosen servants and His sovereign power to accomplish His purposes despite intense human opposition. It speaks to the divine enablement necessary for prophetic ministry and the spiritual warfare inherent in proclaiming God's truth in a hostile world. The promise of being an "impenetrable wall" underscores that God's presence is the ultimate defense, transforming human vulnerability into divine resilience. This truth extends beyond Jeremiah to all who are called to stand for God's truth, reminding believers that their ultimate security and ability to persevere come from the Lord's active presence and power, not from their own strength or popularity. It assures that God's mission, carried out through His faithful servants, will ultimately triumph over all adversaries.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:20 offers profound encouragement and a robust framework for believers navigating opposition and discouragement in their own lives of faith and service. Just as Jeremiah faced a hostile populace, followers of Christ today often encounter resistance when they stand for biblical truth, live counter-culturally, or engage in ministry. This verse reminds us that our strength and ability to persevere do not originate from our own willpower or resources, but from the indwelling power and unfailing presence of God. When we feel overwhelmed, isolated, or attacked for our convictions, we can cling to the promise that God Himself will make us an "impenetrable wall," enabling us to withstand pressures that would otherwise crush us. Our call is to remain faithful to God's word and His leading, trusting that He is "with us to save and to deliver," ensuring that no opposition can ultimately thwart His purposes in and through our lives. This divine assurance empowers us to speak truth with courage, live righteously with conviction, and serve faithfully with resilience, knowing that the battle is the Lord's, and His presence guarantees our ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you currently feel like you are "fighting against" opposition or experiencing discouragement?**
* **How does the imagery of being a "fenced brasen wall" change your perspective on your own strength versus God's strength in facing challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more deeply rely on God's promised presence ("I am with thee") when you feel vulnerable or attacked?**
* **How does Jeremiah's experience of being preserved by God encourage you to persevere in your own faith journey, even when the outcome seems uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Was Jeremiah always strong and confident after receiving this promise?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was characterized by periods of profound despair and complaint, even after receiving powerful assurances like [Jeremiah 15:20](/jeremiah/15-20 "Jeremiah 15:20 - God's Promise of Protection"). The book of Jeremiah reveals a prophet who often wrestled with his calling, lamenting his suffering and the rejection he faced (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:7-18](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah's Complaint and Curse")). This demonstrates that God's promise of strength and protection is not a guarantee of emotional ease or absence of struggle, but rather an assurance of ultimate preservation and the successful fulfillment of His divine purpose through His servant, even amidst profound human weakness and discouragement. It highlights God's faithfulness despite human frailty.

**How does the promise of being a "fenced brasen wall" apply to ordinary believers today who are not prophets?**

Answer: While Jeremiah was a unique prophet, the underlying principles of [Jeremiah 15:20](/jeremiah/15-20 "Jeremiah 15:20 - God's Promise of Protection") are universally applicable to all believers. The "fenced brasen wall" metaphor speaks to God's divine empowerment and protection against spiritual and worldly opposition. For believers, this means that when we live according to God's will and stand for His truth, especially in a hostile world, God promises to be our ultimate defense. We are not called to fight in our own strength, but to rely on His power. This promise assures us that no opposition, persecution, or spiritual attack can ultimately prevail against those who are in Christ and faithfully pursuing His purposes, because the Lord Himself is with us to save and deliver us, just as He promised in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise to Be With Us Always").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "fenced brasen wall" and the one whom God is "with to save and to deliver." While Jeremiah was made a wall by God's power, Jesus *is* the impenetrable fortress, the very embodiment of God's unyielding truth and protective presence. He faced the ultimate opposition from the world, religious authorities, and the powers of darkness, yet they could not "prevail against" Him. His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's perfect salvation and deliverance, not just for an individual prophet, but for all humanity. In Christ, believers are united with this unassailable "wall." We are called to stand firm in Him, knowing that the victory He secured over sin and death means that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater Is He That Is In You")). Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Through His sacrifice, He became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing our eternal salvation and deliverance. Thus, the promise to Jeremiah foreshadows the comprehensive and eternal security found in Christ, in whom we are kept by God's power and are eternally safe from all that would truly harm us ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")).

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

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Psalms 124:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

Psalms 124:3

Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Acts 18:10

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Ezekiel 3:9

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.