Jeremiah 26:1-24

Jeremiah 26. Destruction of the Temple Foretold: Jeremiah's Peril (608 B.C.). Jeremiah is told to proclaim in the Temple (cf. Jeremiah 19:14; probably at some festival) a perilous message (keep not back a word, Jeremiah 26:2), in the hope that it may produce a change (Jeremiah 18:8). Unless the people obey Yahweh, He will destroy the Temple, like that of Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:14) and make the city (an example of) a curse (Jeremiah 29:22). The priests and prophets declare that Jeremiah must die for this blasphemy (Deuteronomy 18:20); it is incredible to them that Yahweh can have given such a word as this (Jeremiah 26:7). Accordingly, the case is referred to the secular authorities, who hear it in the new gate. Jeremiah reasserts the Divine origin of his message, and warns them of their guilt, if they slay him. The princes and people acquit him on the ground of his sincerity (Jeremiah 26:10). This decision is confirmed by the century-old precedent of Micah of Moresheth, who also announced the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple (the mountain of the house, Jeremiah 26:18), a fate averted by the repentance of Hezekiah (Jeremiah 26:17). The writer of this narrative has added (Jeremiah 26:20) an account of the similar charge brought against another prophet, Uriah of Kiriath-jearim (7 m. W. of Jerusalem), which issued, however, in his extradition from Egypt, his execution, and his exclusion from the family grave (cf. 2 Kings 23:6). The closing reference to Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24) seems to refer back to an important influence contributory to Jeremiah's escape.

Jeremiah 26:4. law: i.e., the oral teaching of the prophets; cf. Isaiah 1:10.

Jeremiah 26:8. Omit and all the people, since they are friendly in Jeremiah 26:11 ff.

Jeremiah 26:10. the new gate: Jeremiah 36:10; perhaps that of 2 Kings 15:35; gates were usual courts of justice, cf. Thomson, p. 27.

Jeremiah 26:15. innocent blood: Jonah 1:14; Deuteronomy 21:8; 2 Kings 21:16.

Jeremiah 26:18. Hezekiah: 720- 693; this result of Micah's preaching is not otherwise known.

Jeremiah 26:22. Elnathan: one of the princes, Jeremiah 36:12; Jeremiah 36:25.

Jeremiah 26:24. Ahikam: 2 Kings 22:12 ff.; cf. Jeremiah 39:14; Jeremiah 40:5 f. for the friendship of his son Gedaliah with Jeremiah.