Jeremiah 11:20
But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause. But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
The verse belongs to the section of Jeremiah's prophecies in chapters 2-11, which some hold was written down by Baruch after Jehoiakim burned the first scroll. It stands among the prophecies of chapters 3 through 21 that denounce sin, express sorrow of heart over the people's transgression, make touching appeals to return to God, and meet utter lack of response from the mass of the people. In its chapter setting, Israel had broken the covenant made when God brought them out of Egypt and had forfeited its blessings. It belongs to the announcement of that forfeiture, that the branches of their olive tree would be broken off. The chapter marks the old covenant as having become old in Jeremiah's time, about 600 years before Christ, with the promise of a new covenant following in Jeremiah 31.
When God makes known the enmity and plots of opposers, it is a peculiar comfort to appeal to Him as the heart-searching and righteous Judge, declaring that suffering is for well-doing and not for evil-doing, and to reveal the cause to Him and refer the whole matter to Him. The verse assures that God knows His servants and can protect them against all the devices of persecutors, and that He will plead their cause and execute vengeance on their enemies. That appeal must be kept with a right spirit, not being overcome with evil, but by patient continuance in praying for enemies and showing them kindness, seeking if possible to overcome evil with good.