Jeremiah 26:17

KJV

Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then rose up {H6965} certain {H582} of the elders {H2205} of the land {H776}, and spake {H559} to all the assembly {H6951} of the people {H5971}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point some of the leaders of the land stood up and addressed all the people assembled:

Berean Standard Bible

Some of the elders of the land stood up and said to the whole assembly of the people,

American Standard Version

Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:17 marks a pivotal turning point in the dramatic account of Jeremiah's trial for prophesying against the Temple and Jerusalem. Following Jeremiah's bold declaration of God's message and his steadfast defense, this verse introduces an unexpected and crucial intervention by certain elders of the land. Their decision to rise and address the assembled people signifies a shift in the proceedings, bringing a voice of reason, historical precedent, and authority that ultimately diverts the immediate threat to Jeremiah's life, highlighting God's providential care for His prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within [Jeremiah chapter 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Trial"), which recounts Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon" and the subsequent attempt to execute him. Earlier in the chapter, Jeremiah delivered a stark warning from the Lord, declaring that unless the people of Judah repented, Jerusalem and its Temple would be destroyed, much like Shiloh (see [Jeremiah 26:4-6](/jeremiah/26-4-6 "Jeremiah 26:4-6 - Warning of Destruction")). This message incensed the priests, prophets, and the general populace, who seized Jeremiah and demanded his death ([Jeremiah 26:8-9](/jeremiah/26-8-9 "Jeremiah 26:8-9 - Jeremiah Seized")). The arrival of the princes of Judah initiated a formal trial, where Jeremiah presented his defense, affirming that he spoke only the word of the Lord ([Jeremiah 26:12-15](/jeremiah/26-12-15 "Jeremiah 26:12-15 - Jeremiah's Defense")). As the assembly deliberated his fate, verse 17 introduces the significant and unexpected intervention of the "elders of the land," whose subsequent arguments (detailed in [Jeremiah 26:18-19](/jeremiah/26-18-19 "Jeremiah 26:18-19 - The Elders' Argument")) would prove decisive in saving the prophet's life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the tumultuous reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BCE), a period characterized by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. The "Temple Sermon" itself was delivered in the outer court of the Temple, a public space where people from all over Judah and beyond would gather, making Jeremiah's message widely heard and profoundly provocative. In ancient Israelite society, "elders" (Hebrew: *zâqên*) were highly respected figures, revered not merely for their age but for their accumulated wisdom, experience, and often their established roles as community leaders, judges, and custodians of tradition. They frequently served as a council or advisory body, and their rising to speak in a public assembly indicated a formal and authoritative intervention, carrying significant weight and potentially shifting public opinion or judicial proceedings. Their appeal to historical precedent, specifically the case of Micah during the reign of Hezekiah ([Jeremiah 26:18-19](/jeremiah/26-18-19 "The Precedent of Micah")), demonstrates their crucial role in preserving and applying the nation's legal and theological history.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:17 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence and Protection**, showing God's sovereign hand at work to protect His faithful messenger, even in the face of overwhelming opposition and a death sentence. The unexpected intervention of the elders underscores that God often works through human agents, even unlikely ones, to accomplish His purposes, ensuring His word is not silenced. The verse also highlights the **Authority and Wisdom of Elders** in ancient Israelite society, portraying them as crucial figures who could mediate justice, uphold tradition, and provide sound counsel during times of crisis, contrasting with the volatile emotions of the crowd and the self-serving interests of the priests and false prophets. Furthermore, the scene emphasizes the importance of **Justice and Due Process**, even if imperfectly applied, where differing voices and historical precedents could be considered before a final judgment, reflecting a societal value for legal deliberation. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Speaking Truth to Power**, as Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to God's unpopular message is met by the courage of these elders who dare to stand against the prevailing sentiment to defend him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rose up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise" in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative. Here, it signifies a formal and deliberate act of standing to address an assembly, indicating authority and intent to speak with weight. It suggests a decisive, purposeful action rather than a casual movement, marking a significant shift in the proceedings.
* **elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** H2205, from זָקֵן; old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. This term refers to respected, aged, and experienced leaders within the community, often holding judicial or advisory roles. Their presence and intervention in this context carry significant moral and social authority, representing a voice of tradition and wisdom that commands attention.
* **assembly (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** H6951, from קָהַל; assemblage (usually concretely); assembly, company, congregation, multitude. This word denotes a formal gathering or congregation of people, often with a specific purpose (e.g., worship, judicial proceedings). In this verse, it refers to the entire gathering of people, including princes, priests, prophets, and the general populace, who had convened to judge Jeremiah, emphasizing the public and official nature of the elders' address.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then rose up certain of the elders of the land,"**: This clause introduces a critical turning point in Jeremiah's trial, signifying an unexpected and authoritative intervention. The "elders of the land" were not merely common citizens but respected, influential figures within Israelite society. Their act of "rising up" (Hebrew: *qûwm*) denotes a formal, deliberate, and authoritative action, indicating their intention to speak with weight and influence the judicial proceedings, moving from passive observation to active, principled participation.
* **"and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,"**: This part emphasizes the public and official nature of their intervention. They did not speak privately or to a select few, but "to all the assembly," which included the princes, priests, prophets, and the general populace who were present to witness or participate in Jeremiah's judgment. Their address was intended to be heard by everyone and to influence the collective decision, initiating a new phase in the trial where their wisdom, historical perspective, and appeal to justice would be brought to bear.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:17 employs several literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and theological significance. The verse functions as a moment of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, aware of God's overarching plan for Jeremiah's preservation, observes an unexpected intervention that thwarts the immediate danger, contrasting sharply with the intense hostility of the crowd. It also serves as a crucial point of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jeremiah's eventual deliverance and the divine protection that will continue to sustain him through his arduous prophetic ministry. The scene presents a stark **Juxtaposition** between the volatile, bloodthirsty "assembly of the people" and the calm, authoritative "elders of the land," highlighting the contrast between mob mentality and reasoned, traditional wisdom. This sudden shift in speakers also introduces a **Deus ex Machina** element, where an unexpected external force (the elders) intervenes to resolve a seemingly impossible situation, emphasizing God's sovereign control over events and His ability to raise up advocates for His servants precisely when they are most needed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His servants, even in the direst circumstances. Just as Jeremiah faced a death sentence for faithfully delivering God's unpopular message, the Lord raised up unexpected advocates—the elders—to intervene on his behalf. This demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition, and He is faithful to protect those who are faithful to Him. The intervention of the elders also underscores the biblical value of wisdom, experience, and the importance of seeking counsel from those who possess it, especially in moments of crisis and judicial deliberation. It reminds us that God often works through human agents, using their wisdom and courage to accomplish His divine will, providing a timely and unexpected rescue.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel") - "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalm/37-32-33 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous") - "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged."
* [Acts 5:33-39](/acts/5-33-39 "Acts 5:33-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel") - Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, advises the Sanhedrin against persecuting the apostles, echoing the wisdom of the elders in Jeremiah's case.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that faithfulness to God's call, particularly when it involves speaking uncomfortable truths, may lead to opposition and even persecution. Yet, in such moments, we are called to trust in God's sovereign providence. Just as God raised up the elders for Jeremiah, He can and will provide for and protect His people through unexpected means and individuals. This verse encourages us to cultivate wisdom and discernment, to value the counsel of experienced and godly individuals within our communities, and to have the courage to stand for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or risky. It challenges us to be those who, like the elders, are willing to speak up for the innocent and uphold righteousness, rather than succumbing to mob mentality or fear. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that our ultimate security rests not in human approval or power, but in the unwavering hand of God, who is always faithful to His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to speak truth, even if it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **Who are the "elders" or wise counselors in my life whose advice I should seek and value?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's provision and protection when facing opposition for my faith?**
* **What does it mean to stand for justice and righteousness in my community, even when it is difficult?**

### FAQ
**What was the role and authority of "elders of the land" in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the "elders of the land" (Hebrew: *ziqnei ha'aretz*) were highly respected and influential figures. They were not merely old men, but individuals recognized for their wisdom, experience, and moral authority, often serving as community leaders, judges, and custodians of tradition. Their role was multifaceted: they settled disputes, provided counsel to kings and the people, represented their communities in various assemblies, and preserved the nation's historical and legal precedents. Their intervention in public affairs, as seen in [Jeremiah 26:17](/jeremiah/26-17 "Jeremiah 26:17 - Elders Intervene"), carried significant weight and could sway judicial outcomes or public opinion. They embodied the collective wisdom and memory of the community, acting as a stabilizing force and a voice of reason in times of crisis, upholding the law and tradition against popular sentiment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:17, depicting the divine protection of God's prophet through the unexpected intervention of the elders, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate vindication and protection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was a prophet who spoke God's uncompromising truth, often to a hostile audience, and faced a trial where His life was sought ([Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Matthew 26:57-68 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). While Jeremiah was spared physical death at this juncture, Jesus willingly embraced it, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Yet, His "vindication" came not through human intervention to save Him from the cross, but through His glorious resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate approval and power over death ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")). The elders' defense of Jeremiah, appealing to past precedents and God's mercy, points to Christ, who is the fulfillment of all prophecy and the ultimate "Elder" and judge, whose words are eternal truth and whose sacrifice secures eternal life for all who believe ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - Christ's Superiority")). Just as God preserved Jeremiah to continue His prophetic ministry, He raised Jesus from the dead, establishing Him as the reigning Lord and the eternal Prophet, Priest, and King, whose message of salvation continues to transform lives across generations ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

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;

Micah 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.