Jeremiah 26 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Jeremiah's Fifteenth Prophecy (Early in the Reign of Jehoiakim)

For Jeremiah 26:1-8 see intro. to Jeremiah 7-10. This chapter gives us a sketch of the difficulties and dangers under which Jeremiah had spoken the preceding prophecies.

1-6. The prophet warns the people.

Like Shiloh] see on Jeremiah 7:12. A curse] i.e. a subject of their cursing, as being contemptible.

A prophet speaking without God's command was to be put to death (Deuteronomy 18:20). This was the charge against Jeremiah, and the alleged proof was that God could not permit such a calamity to fall on Jerusalem.

7-15. The charge against Jeremiah, and his defence.

The princes] apparently heads of prominent houses, who had taken up their quarters in Jerusalem.

16-24. The princes and people, not being prejudiced against Jeremiah, as were the prophets and priests, gave a fair decision.

The elders] for their action in criminal procedure cp. Deuteronomy 21:2. in civil, Ruth 4:2.

Micah] the minor prophet: see Micah 3:12. The king and the people listened to his warnings.

20-23. An instance of the illtreatment of a prophet. This part of the narrative was probably introduced later. It would have been dangerous for any of those present to have made such an attack upon the reigning king.

Ahikam] father of Gedaliah, who, when appointed governor by Nebuchadnezzar, stood the prophet's friend (Jeremiah 39:14; Jeremiah 40:5).