The Prophet on Trial
- 26:1 “beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim” - flashing back even earlier
than the last chapter. This is possibly the same sermon given in
more detail in Jeremiah 7.
- 26:3 “Perhaps they will listen and repent” - this was their last chance
to repent before the first visit of Nebuchadnezzar (who would have been
much happier with a diplomatic arrangement without actually bringing
troops.
- 26:8 “You must surely die!” - Jeremiah’s message was not received,
and there was no repentance.
- 26:9 “assembled against Jeremiah” - Jeremiah is now on trial for
the capital crime of treason.
- 26:12 “The LORD sent me” - Jeremiah’s defense, “I’m just the messenger.”
- 26:13 “that He might relent of the disaster” - and don’t want this
disaster either, I’m just relaying the message.
- 26:15 “I am in your hands” - Jeremiah is ready to die for his service to God.
- 26:15 “innocent blood” - Jeremiah pleads innocent.
- 26:16 “not worthy of death” - his humble defense earns the respect of
the people.
- 26:18 The elders recite the words of the prophet Micah - which Hezekiah
heeded. Micah 3:12
- 26:19 “did not the LORD relent of the disaster?” - it was postponed
for Hezekiah, but eventually came to pass. The destruction of Ninevah
was delayed when they repented, but when they reverted to wickedness,
Ninevah was destroyed.
- 26:20 “Uriah son of Shemaiah” - another true prophet and a contemporary of
Jeremiah.
- 26:23 Uriah was executed for his message.
- 26:24 “Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah” - Jeremiah had an
advocate. Jesus had a sham trial and no advocate, yet Jesus is our
advocate before the Father.