Jeremiah 20:12,13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But, O Lord, that triest the righteous That triest their faith and patience, in order to the farther purification of their souls, and the increase of these and all their other graces; or, who takest cognizance of them, and of every cause in which they are interested; and who dost not judge in their favour with partiality, but searchest the reins and the heart; let me see thy vengeance on them See note on Jeremiah 11:20. For unto thee have I opened my cause As to a just judge, who wilt not fail to do me justice. Sing unto the Lord The prophet here rises higher, from prayer to praise. The clouds of darkness and doubt which enveloped his mind are dispersed, and his complaints silenced and turned into thanksgivings. He has now an entire confidence in that God whom (Jer 20:7) he was distrusting, and stirs up himself to praise that name which he had almost resolved (Jer 20:9) no more to make mention of. And it was the lively exercise of faith in the word and promise of God that made this happy change in his mind, that scattered the gloom which surrounded it, and turned his sorrow into joy. For he hath delivered the soul of the poor, &c. He means especially himself, his own poor soul: he hath delivered me formerly when I was in distress, and now of late out of the hand of Pashur; and he will continue to deliver, 2 Corinthians 1:10; from the hand of evil-doers So that they have not yet gained, and will not be able to gain, their ends.