Jeremiah

Jeremiah 26:1-9

The reign of Jehoiakim started in 609_BC.  The word delivered in the courtyard is probably the sermon of chapter 7.  Jeremiah was to stand in the courtyard of the temple and deliver his message to all the people of Judah.  We can imagine the temptation to tone it down a little bit, to not be too harsh toward the people.  But there is an urgency about this word.  He was to deliver it all, as God gave it to him.  It's clear that it wasn't too late.  If they heard and turned away from their wickedness, God could still relent of His plans of destruction.  There were to ifs leading to a then;

• If what they hear doesn't move them to follow the law
• If they don't also hear the words of the prophets
• Then, the temple would become like Shiloh and Jerusalem a curse. 

Shiloh was the first religious center before Israel had kings.  It was a gathering place for the tribes.  The tabernacle was there with the Ark of the Covenant.  This meant that Yahweh's presence was there.  But Shiloh was overrun after the Battle of Aphek (1 Sam 4:1); this is when the Ark was captured by the Philistines.  This was the judgment against the family of Eli for their failure towards God. 

No one heard the truth of the message, they only heard conviction and didn't like it; not the priests, prophets or people. They were all in agreement that Jeremiah couldn't possibly be correct.  They felt safe in the temple and couldn't imagine anything happening.  In their mind this meant he wasn't speaking God's word.  So, they were seizing him with the intent of punishing him as a false prophet.   

They paraphrase Jeremiah's words but leave out the 'if' part; their fear was that speaking these words out loud could cause it to happen.  It's as if they believed the words a bigger threat than their actions.

Jeremiah 26:10-15

The officials of the royal court took their place in the setting of a judicial trial.  It was normal for this to happen at the gate.  The priests and prophets brought their charges and proposed the sentence of death.  Jeremiah essentially delivers the same message to these men.  Jeremiah surrenders to them showing he has no agenda but to deliver God's word.  But he warns them his death would bring innocent blood on them. 

Jeremiah is found innocent by these men.  It shows how difficult it was for the people to know the difference between the true prophets and false prophets.  I'm sure the surrender of Jeremiah into their hands swayed them.  

Jeremiah 26:16-18

Some of the people joined the officials in agreement that Jeremiah spoke God's word.  This was good and leaves you wondering if they would now repent and do as the Lord asked.  The elders that stepped up are local leaders, clansmen.  Micah the prophet is remembered for what he said a hundred years prior to that day.  Hezekiah is also remembered for his humble submission and fear, not for killing the messenger.  This elder heard God's warning from Jeremiah is calling for a change in Judah and Jerusalem.  These leaders could make it happen if they led the people that way. 

Jeremiah 26:19-24

The prophet Uriah stood as an example of their hatred toward God's word.  This shows the danger Jeremiah was in.  But even in a climate like this, there are faithful followers.  Shaphan steps forward in support of Jeremiah.  This keeps Jeremiah from going the way of Uriah.

©2018 Doug Ford