Jeremiah 26:1

KJV

¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

In the beginning {H7225} of the reign {H4468} of Jehoiakim {H3079} the son {H1121} of Josiah {H2977} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} came this word {H1697} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

At the beginning of the reign of Y'hoyakim the son of Yoshiyahu, king of Y'hudah, this word came from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:

American Standard Version

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, came this word from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:1 serves as a precise chronological and theological anchor, introducing a pivotal prophetic message delivered by Jeremiah during the nascent period of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah. This verse immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent prophecy, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between God's word and the rebellious leadership and people of Judah, who were rapidly diverging from the righteous path of the previous king, Josiah. It underscores the critical timing of God's intervention in human history, particularly during moments of political transition and spiritual decline.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26:1 acts as a crucial heading, similar to those found elsewhere in the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:1](/jeremiah/27-1 "Jeremiah 27:1 - Word to Zedekiah") or [Jeremiah 34:1](/jeremiah/34-1 "Jeremiah 34:1 - Word to Zedekiah regarding Jerusalem's siege")). It specifically dates the prophecy that follows in chapter 26, distinguishing it from other oracles and placing it firmly within the historical timeline of Judah's final kings. The preceding chapters (Jeremiah 25) conclude with a sweeping prophecy of judgment against Judah and the nations, setting a somber tone for the impending confrontation described in chapter 26. This introductory verse signals a shift from broad prophetic declarations to a specific, highly charged incident involving Jeremiah's life-threatening message delivered in the temple courts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim" (609/608 BCE) was a period of immense geopolitical instability. Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, a righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms, had recently died tragically at Megiddo fighting against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt ([2 Kings 23:29-30](/2_kings/23-29 "2 Kings 23:29-30 - Josiah's Death")). Jehoiakim, initially named Eliakim, was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco, bypassing his older brother Jehoahaz (also known as Shallum), who had reigned for only three months ([2 Kings 23:31-35](/2_kings/23-31 "2 Kings 23:31-35 - Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim's Accession")). Unlike Josiah, Jehoiakim quickly proved to be a wicked and oppressive ruler, reversing his father's reforms and leading Judah back into idolatry, injustice, and political vassalage, first to Egypt and then to the rising Babylonian empire ([2 Kings 23:37](/2_kings/23-37 "2 Kings 23:37 - Jehoiakim's Wicked Reign")). Jeremiah's prophecy, delivered at such a critical juncture, was a direct challenge to the king's authority and the prevailing spiritual complacency of the people.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately highlights several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, the **Divine Authority of the Prophetic Word** is paramount, emphasized by the phrase "came this word from the LORD." This underscores that Jeremiah is not speaking his own opinions but delivering God's direct message, often in stark contrast to the false prophets of the time ([Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies")). Secondly, the theme of **Critical Timing and Opportunity** is evident. God's word arrives at the very outset of a new reign, presenting Jehoiakim and Judah with an immediate opportunity for repentance and a change of course, echoing the call for national repentance found throughout Jeremiah's ministry ([Jeremiah 7:3-7](/jeremiah/7-3 "Jeremiah 7:3-7 - Call to Repentance")). Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Jehoiakim's subsequent rejection of Jeremiah's message would lead to severe judgment for both him and the nation, a pattern seen repeatedly in the book ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jeremiah 36:23 - Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beginning (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** From H7225, meaning "the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)." This word emphasizes the precise timing of the divine revelation—at the very outset of Jehoiakim's rule. It signifies a fresh start, a new opportunity, and a critical moment for the new king to establish his reign on a foundation of obedience to God, rather than the idolatry and injustice that would soon characterize it.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." This is a foundational term in prophetic literature, signifying a direct, authoritative utterance from God. It is not merely an idea or an inspiration, but a concrete message, a divine decree that carries the weight of God's will and power. The "word" is active, potent, and demands a response.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. The phrase "word from the LORD" therefore asserts that the message is not from a human source, but from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who holds ultimate authority over kings and nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah":** This clause provides the precise historical dating for the prophecy, anchoring it firmly in the geopolitical and dynastic realities of late 7th-century BCE Judah. It names Jehoiakim, identifies his father Josiah (H2977, "founded of Jah"), and specifies his role as "king" (H4428, _melek_) of "Judah" (H3063, _Yᵉhûwdâh_). The phrase "beginning of the reign" (H4468, _mamlâkûwth_, "kingdom, reign") highlights the critical juncture at which God chose to speak, offering a clear opportunity for the new monarch to align his rule with divine will.
* **"came this word from the LORD, saying,":** This clause unequivocally declares the divine origin and nature of the message. The "word" (H1697, _dâbâr_) is not Jeremiah's own thought or political commentary, but a direct communication that "came" (H559, _ʼâmar_, "to say") from "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_). The phrase "saying" indicates that the subsequent content is the direct utterance of this divine word, emphasizing its verbal and declarative form. This formula establishes the prophetic authority and imperative for the message that follows in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "came this word from the LORD, saying," which functions as a recurring literary device throughout prophetic literature to authenticate the divine origin of the message and underscore the prophet's role as a mere conduit. This formula emphasizes the **Divine Authority** behind the human words. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by immediately juxtaposing the new king, Jehoiakim, with his father, Josiah. Josiah's reign was marked by righteousness and reform, while Jehoiakim's would be characterized by wickedness and rebellion. This subtle contrast foreshadows the tragic trajectory of Judah under Jehoiakim's leadership and highlights the critical choice facing the nation at this pivotal moment. The precise **Chronological Marker** also serves as a literary device, grounding the spiritual message in concrete historical reality, making the prophetic word immediately relevant and accountable to the events of its time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:1 profoundly establishes the authority and timeliness of God's communication to humanity, particularly through His chosen prophets. It underscores the theological truth that God is not silent but actively intervenes in human history, often at critical junctures, to call His people to account and offer a path to repentance. The "word from the LORD" is presented as a living, active force, not merely abstract truth, but a specific message with immediate implications for the political and spiritual landscape of Judah. This divine initiative highlights God's steadfast faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people demonstrate profound unfaithfulness, providing warnings and opportunities for restoration before judgment is fully executed.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature of God's communication and our responsibility to it. Just as God's word came to Jeremiah at a critical political and spiritual crossroads for Judah, so too does God's revealed Word, the Bible, speak into our lives during times of transition, uncertainty, and moral challenge. It reminds us that true authority resides not in human rulers or popular opinion, but in the unchanging, eternal God who speaks. For leaders, it serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that accompanies power, urging them to seek and submit to divine guidance from the very outset of their tenure. For all believers, it calls for a posture of humility and attentiveness to God's voice, discerning His truth amidst the clamor of competing narratives. It challenges us to consider whether we, like Jehoiakim, are prone to reject uncomfortable truths from God's Word, or whether we, like Josiah, are willing to embrace and obey it, even when costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of this prophecy in Jeremiah 26:1 emphasize the urgency and relevance of God's message for His people then and now?**
* **In what ways might we, like Jehoiakim, be tempted to ignore or reject God's "word" when it challenges our comfort, power, or popular opinions?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater receptivity to God's voice in our personal lives and in our communities, particularly during times of transition or crisis?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific timing of "the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim" so important for this prophecy?**

Answer: The specific timing is crucial because it highlights a critical juncture for Judah. Jehoiakim's ascension marked a stark departure from his father Josiah's righteous reign, signaling a rapid decline into idolatry and injustice. God's word coming at this "beginning" was an immediate divine intervention, offering the new king and the nation a clear opportunity to choose a different path—to repent and obey God—before their trajectory of rebellion became irreversible. It underscores God's patience and His desire for His people to turn back to Him, even in the face of impending judgment, as seen in the call for repentance in [Jeremiah 7:3-7](/jeremiah/7-3 "Jeremiah 7:3-7 - Call to Repentance").

**What does "this word from the LORD" signify about the nature of Jeremiah's message?**

Answer: The phrase "this word from the LORD" (Hebrew: _dâbâr YHWH_) is a foundational prophetic formula that signifies the divine origin and absolute authority of Jeremiah's message. It means that the words Jeremiah spoke were not his own opinions, political analyses, or personal insights, but direct, authoritative revelations from God Himself. This emphasizes that Jeremiah was God's messenger, and the message carried the weight and truth of the Almighty, demanding a response from the king and the people. It distinguishes Jeremiah's true prophecies from the false prophecies of those who spoke "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:1, with its emphasis on "the word from the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a faithful prophet who delivered God's spoken word to a rebellious people, Jesus is not merely a messenger but the very embodiment of God's Word. John's Gospel declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the living, eternal Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")), the ultimate and final revelation of God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Jeremiah's message came at a critical "beginning" for Judah, so too did Christ's advent mark the "beginning" of a new covenant and a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the true King, unlike Jehoiakim, who perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to death on a cross, thereby fulfilling all the prophetic words concerning salvation and judgment. His coming was the decisive moment, the ultimate "word from the LORD" that offered humanity not just a call to repentance, but the very means of salvation and reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 36:4

And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

Jeremiah 27:1

¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

Jeremiah 36:1

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, [that] this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

2 Kings 23:34

And Pharaohnechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there.

2 Kings 23:36

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.

Jeremiah 35:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,