Jeremiah 26:11-15

B. The Trial Jeremiah 26:11-24

The proceedings at the New Gate were similar to those in any court of law. Formal charges were lodged against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:11) and then the prophet was allowed to speak in his own defense (Jeremiah 26:12-15). A legal precedent was cited which seems to justify acquittal (Jeremiah 26:16-19). But then a counter-precedent which would demand the death of the prophet was submitted to the court (Jeremiah 26:20-23). The account closes with an explanation of how Jeremiah escaped death at the hands of his adversaries (Jeremiah 26:24).

1. Indictment and defense (Jeremiah 26:11-15)

TRANSLATION

(11) And the priests and the prophets said unto the princes and unto all the people, saying, A sentence of death for this man! For he has prophesied against this city as you have heard with your own ears.
(12) Then Jeremiah said unto all the princes and unto all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the things which you heard. (13) And now amend your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will relent concerning the calamity He has spoken against you. (14) And as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do to me as it is good and right in your eyes. (15) But you surely know that if you proceed to put me to death you will surely be bringing upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants innocent blood; for truly the LORD did send me unto you to speak in your presence all these words.

COMMENTS

The false prophets and priests open the formal trial proceedings with their accusation against Jeremiah. They demand a judgment of death. Apparently they feel that Jeremiah has prophesied falsely in the name of the Lord and therefore was worthy of the death penalty (Deuteronomy 18:20). They could not conceive of such threatening prophecy coming from the Lord. To declare that the Lord would destroy the Temple was blasphemy, a capital crime! It seemed to be an open and shut case. Everyone in the court had heard Jeremiah's sermon.

It is to the credit of the princely tribunal that they gave Jeremiah an opportunity to defend himself. Laetsch calls Jeremiah's defense a masterpiece of brevity and convincing argumentation. He does not retract any statement he has made nor does he make any apology. In his defense he makes four points: (1) The Lord sent me with this message (Jeremiah 26:12). (2) If you repent of your sins no calamity will befall you (Jeremiah 26:13). (3) You may do with me as you please (Jeremiah 26:14). He seems to be saying here that he is willing to die for what he has done if the court deem that an appropriate punishment. (4) If I am executed you will be guilty of shedding innocent blood (Jeremiah 26:15). Jeremiah closes his defense as he had begun, by affirming in no uncertain terms the divine origin of his message. This may have been Jeremiah's finest hour. The court could not help but be impressed by the unshaken conviction of this man of God.