John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 1:8

"Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 1:8 (ASV)

We may learn from this verse that Jeremiah, when he observed the heavy and hard conflicts he had to undertake, was greatly disturbed, for he did not have enough courage to firmly and boldly assail such numerous and violent enemies. He indeed saw that he had to deal with a degenerate people, who had almost all departed from the law of God. Since they had for many years shaken off the yoke and were petulantly exulting in their freedom, it was difficult to bring them back to obedience and to a right course of life.

Therefore, it appears that the Prophet was restrained by this difficulty, so that he did not venture to undertake the prophetic office. But God applied a suitable remedy to his fear; for what does He say? Fear not their face. It appears, then, that when Jeremiah said that he was a child, he had in view, as I have already hinted, the difficulty of the undertaking; he could hardly bear to carry on such severe contests with that rebellious people, who had now become hardened in their wickedness.

Therefore, we see how he refused, in an indirect manner, the burden laid on him, for he did not venture openly, ingenuously, and in plain words to confess how the matter was. But God, who penetrates the hearts of men and knows all their hidden feelings and motives, heals his timidity by saying, Fear not their face.

Now this passage shows that corruptions had so prevailed among the chosen people that no servant of God could peaceably perform his office. When prophets and teachers have to deal with a teachable people, they have no need to fight; but when there is no fear of God and no regard for Him, indeed, when men are led away by the violence of their lusts, no godly teacher can exercise his duty without being prepared for war. This, then, is what God intimates when He bids His Prophet to be courageous, for He saw that there would be as many enemies as those who professed to be the children of Abraham.

The reason for boldness and confidence that is added should also be noticed: For I am with thee to deliver thee. By these words, God reminds the Prophet that there would be sufficient protection in His power, so that he did not need to dread the fury of his own nation. It was, indeed, at first, a formidable undertaking when Jeremiah saw that he had to carry on war, not with a few men, but with the whole people. But God sets Himself in opposition to all men and says, I am with thee, fear not.

Therefore, we see that due honor is then given to God when, being content with His defense, we disregard the fury of men and do not hesitate to contend with all the ungodly, indeed, even if they rise up in a mass against us. And if their forces and power were the strongest, we should still feel assured that the defense of God alone is sufficient to protect us. This is the full meaning of the passage. It now follows.