PASSHUR: The first person named in book besides
Jeremiah.
Jer 20:2
BEATEN: The traditional 40 stripes less one (based on
Deu 25:3)?
AND PUT IN THE STOCKS: A great humiliation. The stocks
were intended not only for restraint but also for torture. The stocks, which
were used for false prophets (cf 2Ch 16:10), held the feet, hands, and neck so
that the body was almost doubled up (cf Jer 29:26). The Hebrew word "mahpeket"
means "causing distortion". Cp, generally, Joseph in Gen 39:20, and Paul in Act
16:24.
AT THE UPPER GATE OF BENJAMIN AT THE LORD'S TEMPLE: The
northern gate of the upper temple court. It was one of the most conspicuous
places in the city.
Jer 20:3
PASSHUR: Which may sig something like
"tranquility".
MAGOR-MISSABIB: Sig "fear round about": cp Jer 20:10;
Psa 31:13.
Jer 20:7
DECEIVED: Or perhaps "persuaded". Prob Jeremiah
deceived, or persuaded, himself that he would not be allowed to suffer any
serious persecution or discomfort because of the message he brought. (Does he
have in mind Jer 1:8: "I am with you and will rescue you"?)
Jer 20:14
Vv 14-18: Prob to be read after v 9, and placed here as a sort
of postscript. The back-and-forth struggles of Jeremiah. His natural thoughts
when placed in the stocks (v 2).
Jer 20:18
Was I born to see trouble and sorrow? YES! That is the very
reason why you were born. Trial is not proof that God does not exist; it is
proof that He DOES exist! Trial is one means by which God prepares
character.