Jeremiah 20:13

KJV

Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068}, praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3068}: for he hath delivered {H5337} the soul {H5315} of the poor {H34} from the hand {H3027} of evildoers {H7489}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sing to ADONAI! Praise ADONAI! For he rescues those in need from the clutches of evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible

Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.

American Standard Version

Sing unto Jehovah, praise ye Jehovah; for he hath delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil-doers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 20:13 erupts as a profound declaration of praise from the prophet, emerging directly from a period of intense personal lament and persecution. It serves as a vibrant testament to the Lord's immediate and decisive intervention, celebrating His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power to rescue the vulnerable from the oppressive grasp of their adversaries, thereby transforming deep despair into a resounding declaration of divine deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands in stark and striking contrast to the preceding verses in [Jeremiah 20](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Lament and Praise"). Immediately before this declaration of praise, Jeremiah expresses deep anguish, bitterness, and a profound sense of betrayal concerning his prophetic calling. He recounts being mocked, slandered, and imprisoned by Pashhur, the chief governor of the temple, for his unwelcome prophecies, as detailed in [Jeremiah 20:1-6](/jeremiah/20-1-6 "Jeremiah 20:1-6 - Pashhur Persecutes Jeremiah"). His subsequent lament in [Jeremiah 20:7-12](/jeremiah/20-7-12 "Jeremiah 20:7-12 - Jeremiah's Complaint") reveals a soul pushed to its absolute limits, questioning why he was ever born and even wishing for death. The abrupt shift to exultant praise in verse 13 is not a logical progression but a spiritual breakthrough, demonstrating a radical turn from profound despair to renewed trust in God's active intervention. This highlights the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of faith in the face of suffering, where moments of intense struggle can suddenly give way to overwhelming gratitude for divine rescue.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of its last kings (Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) and culminating in the Babylonian exile. This era was characterized by pervasive political instability, rampant spiritual apostasy, social injustice, and the looming, then actual, threat of Babylonian invasion. Prophets like Jeremiah often faced severe opposition, not only from the general populace but also from the religious and political authorities who rejected their messages of repentance and impending judgment. Jeremiah's imprisonment by Pashhur was a direct consequence of his prophetic pronouncements, reflecting the deep-seated cultural hostility towards those who challenged the status quo and exposed national sins. The "evildoers" in this context would have included the corrupt officials, false prophets, and those in positions of power who oppressed the poor, exploited the vulnerable, and actively sought to silence faithful messengers of God, embodying the systemic injustice prevalent in Judahite society.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 20:13 powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Deliverance**, underscoring God's active and decisive intervention to rescue His afflicted servants. Despite feeling abandoned and surrounded by enemies, Jeremiah experiences or anticipates the Lord's rescue, echoing the consistent biblical portrayal of God as a mighty deliverer, as seen in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Deliverer"). Another critical theme is **Praise Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating that true worship is not contingent upon favorable circumstances but is an act of faith and defiance against despair. Jeremiah's call to "Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD" illustrates that praise can be a powerful spiritual weapon and a declaration of God's unchanging character, even when personal feelings are overwhelmed by suffering, a sentiment powerfully echoed in [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Rejoicing in the Lord Amidst Despair"). Finally, the verse highlights **God's Care for the Vulnerable**, specifically "the poor" (Hebrew: *'ebyôwn*), who represent not only the economically destitute but also the afflicted, oppressed, and defenseless. God is consistently depicted as the champion of the marginalized and the one who hears the cry of the needy, as affirmed in passages like [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor") and [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22-23 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Oppress the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root (H1984) means "to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate." In this context, it denotes a joyous, public, and often boisterous celebration of God's character and deeds. It is a command to enthusiastically laud the Lord, reflecting a profound shift from Jeremiah's prior lament to an unbridled expression of worship and exultation for divine intervention.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H5337), this word signifies "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense." Its usage here implies rescue, preservation, or recovery, emphasizing a decisive and active act of salvation. It speaks to God's powerful intervention to extricate someone from danger or oppression, highlighting His role as a rescuer who actively intervenes on behalf of the afflicted.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From a primitive root (H5315), this term properly refers to "a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality." It is used very widely in a literal, accommodated, or figurative sense (bodily or mental) to mean the entire being—the life, self, or person. Here, it refers to Jeremiah's very existence, his inner self, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's rescue from the threat of death or utter despair.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to "the open hand" and is used in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. Here, it functions figuratively to denote power, dominion, control, or destructive influence. To be delivered "from the hand of evildoers" means to be freed from their oppressive power, authority, or destructive influence, emphasizing the complete cessation of their ability to harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD":** This opening imperative is a dual call to worship, urging both personal and communal exultation of Yahweh. "Sing" (H7891, *shîyr*) implies melodic vocal expression, while "praise" (H1984, *hâlal*) denotes a more fervent, even boisterous, celebration, often involving public declaration. The repetition of "the LORD" (H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*) underscores that the singular object of this praise is the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, whose character and actions warrant such a profound response, especially in light of the preceding despair.
* **"for he hath delivered the soul of the poor":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the praise, introduced by the causal conjunction "for" (Hebrew: *kî*). "He hath delivered" (H5337, *nâtsal*) signifies a completed and decisive act of rescue, a snatching away from imminent danger. "The soul" (H5315, *nephesh*) refers to the entire being—the life, self, or person—of the individual, emphasizing that the deliverance is comprehensive, affecting one's very existence. "The poor" (H34, *'ebyôwn*) refers to the afflicted, the needy, the oppressed, which in this immediate context, is Jeremiah himself, experiencing God's intervention in his desperate situation of persecution and near-death.
* **"from the hand of evildoers":** This final phrase specifies the source of the threat from which deliverance was granted. "From the hand" (H3027, *yâd*) is a common idiom signifying from the power, control, or destructive grasp of. "Evildoers" (H7489, *râʻaʻ*) refers to those who are wicked, who cause harm, or who are morally corrupt. In Jeremiah's case, these were his persecutors, like Pashhur, and those who sought his demise. The deliverance is complete and decisive, freeing the vulnerable from the oppressive power and malicious intent of those who inflict harm.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 20:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most striking is the dramatic **Contrast** it presents with the preceding verses, moving abruptly from profound lament and despair ([Jeremiah 20:7-12](/jeremiah/20-7-12 "Jeremiah's Complaint and Anguish")) to an exuberant declaration of praise. This sudden shift creates a powerful sense of divine intervention and the transformative power of faith. The verse employs **Imperative** commands ("Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD"), directly calling for an act of worship, making the reader an immediate participant in the prophet's exultation. **Repetition** of "the LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes the singular focus of this praise and highlights the covenant faithfulness of God as the unchanging object of worship. The phrase "the hand of evildoers" is a powerful **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the power, authority, or oppressive control of the wicked, rather than merely a physical limb. This vivid imagery underscores the tangible threat from which deliverance has been granted. The verse functions as an **Exclamation** of faith, a sudden and spontaneous outpouring of gratitude that transcends logical progression, revealing a deep, intuitive trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and protective care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 20:13 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and His particular care for the afflicted. It affirms that even in the darkest valleys of human experience, when despair seems absolute, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, intervening decisively on behalf of His servants. This verse underscores the biblical truth that praise is not merely a response to prosperity but a radical act of faith that acknowledges God's character and power regardless of immediate circumstances. It highlights God's justice in delivering the oppressed from the schemes of the wicked, showcasing His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate triumph over evil. This deliverance is not just physical but often spiritual and emotional, liberating the "soul" from the crushing weight of persecution and despair, demonstrating God's intimate concern for the whole person.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Psalm 107:6](/psalms/107-6 "Psalm 107:6 - Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 20:13 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual lesson for believers navigating their own seasons of trial and despair. It teaches us that authentic faith does not deny suffering or suppress lament, but it ultimately anchors itself in the unchanging character and delivering power of God. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, mocked for our convictions, or threatened by those who oppose righteousness, this verse calls us to shift our focus from our immediate pain to the eternal faithfulness of the Lord. It reminds us that our praise is not merely a mood-dependent emotion but a deliberate act of worship that can transform our perspective, acknowledging that God is actively working, even when we cannot perceive it. By intentionally choosing to "sing unto the LORD" and "praise ye the LORD," we declare our trust in His sovereignty, anticipating His deliverance and finding strength in His presence, knowing that He champions the cause of the vulnerable and hears the cries of the oppressed. This act of praise becomes a powerful spiritual discipline, fostering resilience and deepening our reliance on God's unfailing love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, even when my circumstances are difficult or I feel overwhelmed by despair?**
* **In what specific ways have I experienced God's deliverance in my life, and how can remembering those instances strengthen my faith today?**
* **How does Jeremiah's sudden shift from lament to praise challenge my own understanding of how to respond to suffering and injustice?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jeremiah suddenly shift from deep lament to praise in this verse?**

Answer: Jeremiah's abrupt shift from profound despair and lament in the preceding verses, such as [Jeremiah 20:7-12](/jeremiah/20-7-12 "Jeremiah's Complaint"), to exultant praise in [Jeremiah 20:13](/jeremiah/20-13 "Jeremiah's Praise") is a powerful demonstration of the dynamic nature of faith and the reality of divine intervention. It's not necessarily a logical or gradual transition but a spiritual breakthrough. This sudden change suggests either a fresh, immediate experience of God's deliverance from a specific threat (perhaps from Pashhur's imprisonment or a plot against his life), or a renewed, profound conviction of God's unwavering faithfulness despite his ongoing suffering. It highlights that even in the midst of the most intense personal anguish, the prophet's ultimate trust rests in the Lord, who is able to deliver His soul from the "hand of evildoers." This pattern of lament followed by praise is common in the Psalms, reflecting the believer's journey through suffering to renewed hope in God's character and action (e.g., [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust")). It serves as a powerful reminder that God's deliverance can break through at any moment, transforming our perspective and prompting spontaneous worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 20:13, with its triumphant declaration of deliverance for "the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah's personal experience of rescue foreshadows the grander, cosmic deliverance accomplished by the Messiah. Jesus himself embodied the "poor" and the "afflicted" in the most profound sense, identifying with humanity in its weakness and suffering, as described in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Jesus Became Poor for Our Sake"). He was persecuted by "evildoers"—the religious and political authorities of His day—who conspired against Him, mocked Him, and ultimately delivered Him to death on a cross, as vividly recounted in [Matthew 27:27-31](/matthew/27-27-31 "Matthew 27:27-31 - Jesus Mocked by Soldiers"). Yet, through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, Christ delivered humanity's "soul" from the ultimate "hand of evildoers": sin, death, and the power of Satan, triumphing over them at the cross ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory ensures that all who believe in Him are snatched from spiritual bondage and granted eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Therefore, the call to "Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD" becomes a perpetual anthem for the church, celebrating the definitive deliverance wrought by the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, the hope of deliverance from all forms of evil is not merely a prophetic anticipation but a glorious, accomplished reality, inviting all creation to join in an eternal song of praise.

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

Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

Psalms 35:9

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Psalms 35:11

¶ False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

Psalms 69:33

For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

Psalms 72:4

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 109:30

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.