Jeremiah 26:16

¶ Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

Then said {H559} the princes {H8269} and all the people {H5971} unto the priests {H3548} and to the prophets {H5030}; This man {H376} is not worthy {H4941} to die {H4194}: for he hath spoken {H1696} to us in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

The officials and all the people then said to the cohanim and prophets, "This man does not deserve a death sentence, because he has spoken to us in the name of ADONAI our God."

Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets: This man is not worthy of death; for he hath spoken to us in the name of Jehovah our God.

Jeremiah 26:16 KJV Commentary

Context of Jeremiah 26:16

Jeremiah 26 details a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's ministry, occurring early in the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah. Jeremiah delivered a powerful and controversial sermon in the court of the Lord's house, warning the people of Jerusalem and Judah that if they did not repent and obey God's law, the Temple would be destroyed and the city would become a desolation, much like Shiloh before it (see Jeremiah 7:12). This message, seen as blasphemous and treasonous by many, particularly the priests and false prophets, led to Jeremiah's arrest and a demand for his execution (Jeremiah 26:8-9). Verse 16 presents the surprising verdict from the assembled "princes and all the people" after Jeremiah's earnest defense, where he declared he was sent by the LORD and that killing him would bring innocent blood upon them (see Jeremiah 26:12-15).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Prophetic Legitimacy: The core message of this verse is the recognition of Jeremiah's divine commission. Despite the anger and death threats, the princes and the people acknowledged that Jeremiah "hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God." This indicates a moment of clarity and discernment, distinguishing Jeremiah's true prophetic message from the comforting lies of false prophets.
  • Justice and Due Process: The verse highlights a legal proceeding where, unlike many other instances of persecution against God's prophets, Jeremiah was afforded a hearing. The decision to spare his life demonstrates a surprising adherence to a form of justice, acknowledging that a prophet speaking God's truth should not be condemned.
  • The Power of God's Word: Even when unpopular or challenging, God's word carries inherent authority. Jeremiah's unwavering stance and the truth of his message ultimately swayed a significant portion of the leadership and populace, illustrating the profound impact of speaking truth in the face of opposition.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God" is crucial. In Hebrew, "in the name of" (b'shem YHWH) signifies acting with the authority and commission of that person. It implies that Jeremiah was not speaking his own words or opinions but delivering a direct message from the sovereign God of Israel. This phrase was the key indicator for the people that Jeremiah was a true prophet, as outlined in prophetic tests like those found in Deuteronomy 18:22.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 26:16 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Discerning Truth: It reminds us of the importance of discerning the source of messages, especially those claiming divine authority. We are called to test what we hear against the unchanging word of God (see 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
  • Courage in Proclaiming Truth: Jeremiah's willingness to speak God's unpopular truth, even under threat of death, serves as an inspiring example for believers today. When faced with opposition, we are called to boldly share the biblical message, trusting in God's vindication.
  • The Unpredictability of Human Response: The swift shift in the crowd's sentiment from demanding Jeremiah's death to declaring him innocent shows the fickle nature of human opinion. Yet, it also reveals God's providence in protecting His chosen vessels.

This verse ultimately underscores the enduring power and protective hand of God over those who faithfully deliver His message, even amidst intense opposition from religious and political powers.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:34

    Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

  • Acts 5:39

    But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

  • Acts 23:29

    Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

  • Acts 23:9

    And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

  • Acts 25:25

    But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

  • Jeremiah 36:25

    Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

  • Jeremiah 36:19

    Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.

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