Jeremiah 32:27

D. The Plan of God Jeremiah 32:26-44

Jeremiah not only prayed; he also listened. Prayer is dialogue. Too often a Christian prays but does not tarry in meditation to listen to the still, small voice speaking to the heart and mind. Jeremiah requested; God answered. After a brief but important introductory word (Jeremiah 32:27) God makes announcements regarding the present (Jeremiah 32:28-35) and future (Jeremiah 32:36-41) circumstances of His people. These announcements are followed by assurance that God is true to His Word.

1. A basic proposition (Jeremiah 32:27)

TRANSLATION

(26) And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. 1s anything too hard for Me?

COMMENTS

The reply to the prayer of Jeremiah fittingly begins with a declaration. The Lord declares Himself God, Elohim, the strong, the mighty, the God of creation and therefore the Ruler over all flesh. The contrast here between God and flesh is obviousthe exalted and powerful over against the lowly and weak. He is God of all flesh. What to mankind are baffling and perplexing problems find their solutions in Him. The purpose and plans of God can be thwarted neither by the most bitter attacks of His enemies nor the unbelief, misgivings or misunderstandings of His friends. He will not allow His actions to be circumscribed by the limits of human comprehension. He is God. Jeremiah needed to be reminded of that fact and so does every perplexed child of God today.
The declaration that the Lord is God is followed by a question: IS there anything too hard for Me?[285] At the beginning of his prayer the prophet had affirmed that nothing was too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17). But Jeremiah did not fully understand the implications of his own convictions. Had he fully comprehended the omnipotence of God he would not have seen any difficulty in the promise that God would resurrect Judah and Jerusalem from the grave of desolation. How easy it is to utter great truths without fully understanding their import. So God asks Jeremiah a question in order to make him think. It is as if God were saying, Jeremiah, you have the right convictions; but why have you not made the right deductions. If, as you say, nothing is too hard for Me, then trust Me that I can and will do all that I have promised to do. In Jeremiah 32:28-41 God makes two announcements regarding the immediate and ultimate fate of Judah and Jerusalem. Both announcements are introduced by therefore (Jeremiah 32:28; Jeremiah 32:36) which connects them logically with the basic proposition of Jeremiah 32:27. Since nothing is impossible to the Lord, therefore He destroys Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:28-35) and restores it (Jeremiah 32:36-41). Because he is GodAlmighty and Sovereignboth destruction and restoration are within His power.

[285] The same question is asked When Sarah laughed at the promise of a son in her old age (Genesis 18:14).