Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 20 - Verse 3

Jeremiah's encounter with Pashur in this verse highlights the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience to God. Pashur, a priest in Judah, had imprisoned Jeremiah for prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. When Pashur released Jeremiah from the stocks, the prophet declared that God had changed Pashur's name to Magormissabib, meaning "terror on every side." This renaming symbolized the impending doom and suffering that would come upon Pashur and his fellow countrymen due to their rejection of God's message of warning. Jeremiah's words served as a reminder of the seriousness of ignoring God's commands and the inevitable judgment that follows. Through this encounter, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of heeding God's word and the consequences of turning away from His truth.

Jeremiah's encounter with Pashur in this verse is significant in both its historical context and theological implications. Pashur, a priest in Jerusalem, had put Jeremiah in stocks for prophesying about the destruction of the city by the Babylonians. When Pashur releases Jeremiah the next day, the prophet responds with a message from the Lord, changing Pashur's name to Magormissabib, meaning "terror on every side." Through this name change, God conveys a powerful message about the consequences of disobedience. Pashur's actions symbolize the opposition faced by the prophets of God, as well as the judgment that awaited those who rejected His word. The renaming of Pashur serves as a warning to all who would seek to silence or persecute God's messengers, highlighting the importance of heeding the true word of the Lord.