Jeremiah 26:24

4. Jeremiah's deliverance (Jeremiah 26:24)

TRANSLATION

(24) But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah in order to prevent his being given into the hand of the people to slay him.

COMMENTS

Jeremiah had one very influential supporter during his trial. Ahikam son of Shaphan is credited with having influenced the court in favor of tolerance with respect to the prophet. Ahikam's father, Shaphan, had served as secretary of state under Josiah (2 Kings 22:8). Ahikam himself was deputed by Josiah to consult with the prophetess Huldah concerning the law book which had been found in the Temple (2 Kings 22:14). The son of Ahikam, Gedaliah, befriended Jeremiah on several occasions (Jeremiah 36:10; Jeremiah 39:14; Jeremiah 40:5). Gedaliah was later appointed governor of the land by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 40:5). From all of this one would conclude that Ahikam was a devoutly religious man as well as a man of quite some political influence. Here he courageously defends Jeremiah. His prestige is such that the enemies of the prophet could not carry out their scheme to get rid of Jeremiah. What a wonderful thing it is when there are God-fearing men in high places!