"Let my persecutors be shamed, but do not let me be shamed; let them be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed; bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction!" (vs. 18)
Jeremiah has a problem. He has been given a prophetic message from the Lord concerning Judah's military defeat and national exile. As he faithfully discharges this ministry, he is mocked and abused for the content of his message. He is accused of being unpatriotic and treasonous. The only way for him to be eventually vindicated is for his words to come true - but that will mean the destruction of his people!
He says earlier in this chapter: "See how they say to me, 'Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come!' But I have not run away from being a shepherd in your service, nor have I desired that fateful day. You know what came from my lips, it was before your face" (vs. 16-17). Jeremiah has neither flinched from his duty of being a faithful prophet and speaking the words of God, nor has he hoped for the day of destruction that will consume Jerusalem but confirm his words. He is between a rock and a hard spot as he faces the call of God and the pressure of his society.
In response, he hopes, not for the punishment of the nation, but for the destruction of his detractors. Jeremiah would rather see his attackers be attacked than Judah as a whole or God to be mocked. He wants to be vindicated, so he prays for those who persecute him and slander him to face "double destruction." A very human wish, and a good reason not to attack a true prophet of the Lord!
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