God’s self—revelation in Jeremiah 16:21 highlights His desire to be recognized as the One true God who alone can rescue, judge, and restore.
In Jeremiah 16:21, Jeremiah brings forth a declaration from the LORD, incorporating the statement, "Therefore behold, I am going to make them know—This time I will make them know My power and My might; And they shall know that My name is the LORD" (v. 21). In the midst of the people’s disregard for God and their reliance on false idols, the LORD pledges to demonstrate His supreme power beyond any doubt. The promise here is emphatic—the people, who have hardened themselves against Him, will experience a revelation of God's sovereignty that leaves no question about His identity and authority. By emphasizing the phrase they shall know that My name is the LORD (v. 21), Jeremiah underscores the covenant name of God, signifying the One who is eternally self—existent, faithful in promises, and unyielding in holiness.
A key theme here is God’s willingness to show mercy, even through stern measures, so that people will return to a right understanding of who He is. Historically, Jeremiah prophesied during the final decades of the kingdom of Judah (around 627-586 BC), a tumultuous time when the people frequently turned to pagan practices. In this verse, the LORD’s intention is to graciously dismantle the people’s misconceptions, leading them to genuine repentance and renewed loyalty. His powerandmight stand as a testimony not merely of force, but of transformative purpose—God ultimately aims for His people to draw near to Him once they perceive the emptiness of lesser pursuits.
Jeremiah 16:21
21 “Therefore behold, I am going to make them know—
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Jeremiah 16:21 meaning
In Jeremiah 16:21, Jeremiah brings forth a declaration from the LORD, incorporating the statement, "Therefore behold, I am going to make them know—This time I will make them know My power and My might; And they shall know that My name is the LORD" (v. 21). In the midst of the people’s disregard for God and their reliance on false idols, the LORD pledges to demonstrate His supreme power beyond any doubt. The promise here is emphatic—the people, who have hardened themselves against Him, will experience a revelation of God's sovereignty that leaves no question about His identity and authority. By emphasizing the phrase they shall know that My name is the LORD (v. 21), Jeremiah underscores the covenant name of God, signifying the One who is eternally self—existent, faithful in promises, and unyielding in holiness.
A key theme here is God’s willingness to show mercy, even through stern measures, so that people will return to a right understanding of who He is. Historically, Jeremiah prophesied during the final decades of the kingdom of Judah (around 627-586 BC), a tumultuous time when the people frequently turned to pagan practices. In this verse, the LORD’s intention is to graciously dismantle the people’s misconceptions, leading them to genuine repentance and renewed loyalty. His power and might stand as a testimony not merely of force, but of transformative purpose—God ultimately aims for His people to draw near to Him once they perceive the emptiness of lesser pursuits.