‏ Jeremiah 26:1-9

CHAPTER 26

Jr 26:1-24. Jeremiah Declared Worthy of Death, but by the Interposition of Ahikam Saved; the Similar Cases of Micah and Urijah Being Adduced in the Prophet's Favor.

The prophecies which gave the offense were those given in detail in the seventh, eighth, and ninth chapters (compare Jr 26:6 here with Jr 7:12, 14); and summarily referred to here [Maurer], probably pronounced at one of the great feasts (that of tabernacles, according to Ussher; for the inhabitants of "all the cities of Judah" are represented as present, Jr 26:2). See on Jr 7:1.

2. in the court--the largest court, from which he could be heard by the whole people.

come to worship--Worship is vain without obedience (1Sa 15:21, 22).

all the words--(Eze 3:10).

diminish not a word--(De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Ac 20:27; 2Co 2:17; 4:2; Re 22:19). Not suppressing or softening aught for fear of giving offense; nor setting forth coldly and indirectly what can only by forcible statement do good.

3. if so be--expressed according to human conceptions; not as if God did not foreknow all contingencies, but to mark the obstinacy of the people and the difficulty of healing them; and to show His own goodness in making the offer which left them without excuse [Calvin].

5. prophets--the inspired interpreters of the law (Jr 26:4), who adapted it to the use of the people.

6. like Shiloh--(see on Jr 7:12, 14; 1Sa 4:10-12; Psa 78:60).

curse--(Jr 24:9; Is 65:15).

8. priests--The captain (or prefect) of the temple had the power of apprehending offenders in the temple with the sanction of the priests.

prophets--the false prophets. The charge against Jeremiah was that of uttering falsehood in Jehovah's name, an act punishable with death (De 18:20). His prophecy against the temple and city (Jr 26:11) might speciously be represented as contradicting God's own words (Psa 132:14). Compare the similar charge against Stephen (Ac 6:13, 14).