Jeremiah 26

Jeremiah 26:1

Jeremiah’s Seventeenth Prophecy (see book comments for Jeremiah).

In the beginning: i.e. before the siege, in the third year of Jehoiakim. See note on Jeremiah 27:1.

The first edition of the Prophets (Naples, 1485-6), the first edition of the entire Hebrew Bible (Soncino 1488), and the second edition (Naples, 1491-3), introduce the word hazi = half, here, to indicate that the second half of Jeremiah commences here.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Jeremiah 26:2

in the court. This was Jeremiah’s most public utterance. Compare Jeremiah 7:2.

cities. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), for their inhabitants.

diminish not a word. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32). App-92. The importance of this is seen from the note on Jeremiah 26:18.

Jeremiah 26:3

every man. Hebrew. ’ish.

evil. Hebrew. ra’a’.

repent Me. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Jeremiah 26:4

If ye will not hearken. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:14. Deuteronomy 28:15). App-92.

My law. Reference to Pentateuch (Ex. 20).

Jeremiah 26:5

both = even. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, omit this “even”.

rising up early, &c. See note on Jeremiah 7:13.

Jeremiah 26:6

Shiloh. See note on Jeremiah 7:12.

a curse. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for the subject of cursing. Compare Jeremiah 29:22.

Jeremiah 26:8

unto. One school of Massorites (App-30) reads “concerning”.

Thou shalt surely die. This was in accordance with Deuteronomy 18:20, as they would not believe that Jehovah could send such a message. A reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 2:17). App-92. Jeremiah’s danger was very real. Compare Jeremiah 26:20-24.

Jeremiah 26:9

all. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), for most of the People.

Jeremiah 26:10

new gate. The Targum takes this to be the east gate.

house. Some codices, with Aramaean, Syriac, and Vulgate, read this word “house” in the text.

Jeremiah 26:11

This man is worthy to die = Death’s judgment is for this man: “judgment” being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Cause), for the effect of it: viz. the sentence of death (idiomatically rendered in Authorized Version.) Compare John 3:19, where krisis is put for the act or process of judging. See App-85.

man. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

as = according as.

Jeremiah 26:13

obey = listen to.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Jeremiah 26:15

innocent blood. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 19:10, Deuteronomy 19:13). App-92. Compare Matthew 27:4, Matthew 27:25. Luke 23:13-15. See App-85.

Jeremiah 26:16

Then said the princes, &c. In favour of Jeremiah. Note the Structure, p. 1053.

This man, &c. See App-85.

man. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

Jeremiah 26:17

certain = men. Plural of ’enosh. App-14. Some better acquainted with affairs than others.

Jeremiah 26:18

Micah. The prophet whose book is called after his name. Contemporary with Hosea and Amos in Israel, and with Isaiah in Judah. See App-77.

the LORD of hosts. See note on Jeremiah 6:6. 1 Samuel 1:3.

Zion shall be plowed, &c. See note on Micah 3:12. A prophecy which was wholly fulfilled as to the Jewish Zion (south of Moriah), but not as to the traditional Zion, south-west of Jerusalem. See App-68.

Jeremiah 26:19

the LORD. Hebrew ’eth Jehovah = Jehovah Himself.

besought the LORD = appeased the face of Jehovah. Figures of speech Pleonasm and Anthropopatheia.

repented Him. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 32:14). App-92.

souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

Jeremiah 26:20

And = But. Said in reply to the friends of Jeremiah by his adversaries. See the Structure above.

Urijah. This incident is not recorded in the historical books, but it illustrates Jeremiah 26:5.

Kirjath-jearim. Now ’Khan ’Erma, or Kuriet el ’Enab, four miles west of the hill overlooking Beth-shemesh, and about twelve miles from Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 26:21

the king sought, &c. One of eleven rulers offended with God’s messengers. See note on Exodus 10:28.

Jeremiah 26:22

Elnathan. See Jeremiah 26:22; Jeremiah 36:12, Jeremiah 36:25.

Jeremiah 26:23

slew him with the sword. Compare Hebrews 11:37.

common People. Hebrew sons of the people.

Jeremiah 26:24

Ahikam. The father of Gedaliah, who, when appointed governor by Nebuchadnezzar, stood as the friend of Jeremiah. For a son of Ahikam also befriending Jeremiah, See Jeremiah 40:6.

Shaphan. See note on 2 Kings 22:3. See Jeremiah 36:10 for another son; Jeremiah 29:3 for another son. Also befriending Jeremiah.