And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him into Egypt.
Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt. He had been put on the throne by Pharaoh of Egypt (2 Kings 23:34). This explains the readiness with which he got the Egyptians to give up Urijah to him, when that prophet had sought an asylum in Egypt. Urijah was faithful in delivering his message, but faulty in leaving his work; so God permitted him to lose his life, while Jeremiah was protected in danger. The path of duty is often the path of safety.