Jeremiah 26:20

KJV

And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was also a man {H376} that prophesied {H5012} in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, Urijah {H223} the son {H1121} of Shemaiah {H8098} of Kirjathjearim {H7157}, who prophesied {H5012} against this city {H5892} and against this land {H776} according to all the words {H1697} of Jeremiah {H3414}:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the other hand, there was also a man who prophesied in the name of ADONAI, Uriyahu the son of Sh'ma'yahu from Kiryat-Ye'arim, who prophesied against this city and against this land exactly what Yirmeyahu is saying.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did.

American Standard Version

And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of Jehovah, Uriah the son of Shemaiah of Kiriath-jearim; and he prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:20 introduces Urijah, a prophet from Kirjath-jearim, who, like Jeremiah, courageously delivered a divine message of judgment against Jerusalem and the land of Judah. This verse serves as a critical historical parallel within Jeremiah's own trial narrative, highlighting the perilous nature of true prophecy under the hostile reign of King Jehoiakim and underscoring the consistent, unwavering nature of God's warnings to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of [Jeremiah chapter 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Trial and Deliverance"), which details Jeremiah's life-threatening trial for prophesying the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. The mention of Urijah is not a mere historical aside but a crucial narrative device. Urijah's story, which unfolds in the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 26:21-23](/jeremiah/26-21 "Jeremiah 26:21-23 - Urijah's Persecution and Death")), serves as a stark and grim example of the fate that awaited a true prophet who dared to speak God's unpopular truth to power during King Jehoiakim's reign. By presenting Urijah's martyrdom, the text heightens the tension surrounding Jeremiah's own trial and emphasizes the miraculous nature of his eventual deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 26, including Urijah's prophecy and persecution, occurred during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC). This was a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability as the kingdom was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire, the rising power of Babylon, and the influence of Egypt. Jehoiakim, unlike his father Josiah, was a wicked king who pursued idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God's word. He was particularly hostile to prophets who foretold doom for Jerusalem, preferring to hear messages of peace and prosperity, often delivered by false prophets. Prophesying "in the name of the LORD" was a claim to divine authority, distinguishing true prophets from those who spoke "out of their own heart" or in the name of false gods, as seen in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - False Prophets and True Shepherds"). Kirjath-jearim, Urijah's hometown, was a significant town in Judah, located southwest of Jerusalem, known for its historical connection to the Ark of the Covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **perilous nature of prophecy**, especially when the message involves divine judgment against a beloved city or nation. True prophets often faced intense opposition, persecution, and even death for delivering God's unpalatable truths. Secondly, the phrase "according to all the words of Jeremiah" underscores the **consistency and unity of God's divine message**. Urijah's prophecy was not an isolated incident but affirmed the very warnings Jeremiah had been delivering, emphasizing that God's word was clear, consistent, and reiterated through multiple faithful messengers. Thirdly, the repeated emphasis that both prophets "prophesied in the name of the LORD" affirms the **divine authority** behind their pronouncements, distinguishing them from human opinions or political rhetoric. This divine backing was the source of their courage, even when it led to severe consequences. Finally, Urijah's story, particularly in light of his subsequent execution, foreshadows and illuminates **King Jehoiakim's profound hostility** towards God's true prophets and his deep-seated rebellion against the divine will, a theme prevalent throughout Jeremiah's ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesied (Hebrew, _nâbâ'_):** This root verb signifies "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," encompassing both predictive elements and simple discourse. When used in the context of "in the name of the LORD," it denotes speaking as a direct mouthpiece for God, conveying His revealed will and word. Urijah's repeated action of prophesying emphasizes his consistent role as a divine messenger.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than just an appellation, "name" here carries the weight of authority, character, and reputation. To prophesy "in the name of the LORD" means to speak by His authority, under His commission, and with His character and power backing the message. It implies that the prophet is not speaking his own words but God's.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This versatile Hebrew term refers not only to spoken "words" but also to "matters," "things," "decrees," or "affairs." In this context, it signifies the comprehensive message, the divine pronouncements, and the specific judgments that Jeremiah had delivered. The phrase "according to all the words of Jeremiah" indicates a precise alignment and agreement in the content and nature of their prophetic messages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Urijah's identity as a legitimate prophet. The phrase "in the name of the LORD" is crucial, asserting that his message carried divine authority and was not merely his own opinion or a product of human devising. This sets him apart as a true messenger of God, similar to Jeremiah.
* **"Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim,"**: This part provides specific identifying details for Urijah: his name, his father's name (Shemaiah), and his hometown (Kirjath-jearim). These details ground the account in historical reality, making Urijah a concrete figure rather than a generic example. His lineage and origin connect him to a specific community within Judah.
* **"who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah:"**: This final clause describes the content and consistency of Urijah's message. He prophesied judgment specifically against "this city" (Jerusalem) and "this land" (Judah), mirroring the core message of Jeremiah. The phrase "according to all the words of Jeremiah" is vital, affirming that Urijah's message was not contradictory or independent but was in full agreement with the divine warnings Jeremiah had already delivered, reinforcing the unified nature of God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:20 employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is prominent, as Urijah's prophetic ministry and subsequent persecution directly parallel Jeremiah's own experiences in this chapter, serving as a cautionary tale and highlighting the shared danger faced by true prophets. This creates a sense of **foreshadowing**, as Urijah's tragic fate (detailed in the following verses) implicitly warns of the severe consequences Jeremiah himself could face. There is also an element of **irony** in the fact that a prophet speaking "in the name of the LORD"—the ultimate authority—is met not with reverence but with intense hostility and a death sentence from human authorities. Furthermore, the **juxtaposition** of Urijah's faithful proclamation of God's word against the king's violent rejection of it underscores the profound spiritual conflict at play.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:20 powerfully reinforces the biblical theme of the suffering prophet, a figure who, by faithfully delivering God's often unpopular message, incurs the wrath of those in power and the general populace. Urijah's story, alongside Jeremiah's, demonstrates that divine truth is not always welcomed, especially when it confronts sin and calls for repentance. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to warn His people, even when those warnings are met with hostility and violence. The consistency between Urijah's and Jeremiah's messages underscores the singular and unchanging nature of God's word, emphasizing that His judgment is just and His warnings are clear, regardless of the messenger.

* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments over Jerusalem")
* [Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Acts 7:52 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Sanhedrin")
* [Hebrews 11:36-38](/hebrews/11-36 "Hebrews 11:36-38 - The Faithfulness of Prophets and Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Urijah's brief but impactful story in Jeremiah 26:20-23 serves as a profound call to courage and faithfulness for believers today. In a world often resistant to divine truth, we are reminded that speaking God's word may come at a cost. Urijah's willingness to prophesy "in the name of the LORD," even when it meant speaking "against this city and against this land," challenges us to examine our own commitment to proclaiming biblical truth without compromise, regardless of popular opinion or potential opposition. His martyrdom, though tragic, ultimately validates the veracity of the message and stands as a testament to God's sovereignty, even amidst human rebellion. We are called not to seek human approval or safety above divine obedience, but to trust that God's word will accomplish its purpose, even if the messenger suffers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Urijah's unwavering commitment to prophesy "in the name of the LORD" inspire or challenge my own faithfulness in speaking God's truth?**
* **In what areas of my life or in society might I be tempted to compromise or silence God's message for personal comfort or acceptance?**
* **How does the consistency between Urijah's and Jeremiah's prophecies affirm the reliability and unity of God's Word for me today?**

### FAQ
**Who was Urijah and why is he mentioned here?**

Answer: Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim was another prophet who, like Jeremiah, delivered God's message of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim. He is mentioned in [Jeremiah 26:20](/jeremiah/26-20 "Jeremiah 26:20 - Urijah, Another Prophet") to serve as a real-life parallel and a stark warning to Jeremiah. While Jeremiah was on trial for his life, Urijah's story, detailed in [Jeremiah 26:21-23](/jeremiah/26-21 "Jeremiah 26:21-23 - Urijah's Persecution and Death"), illustrates the extreme danger faced by true prophets. Urijah was pursued by the king's men, brought back from Egypt, and executed by the sword, highlighting the severe consequences of speaking God's unpopular truth to a wicked ruler.

**What was the significance of prophesying "in the name of the LORD"?**

Answer: To prophesy "in the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: *bi-shem YHWH*) was the defining characteristic of a true prophet in ancient Israel. It meant that the prophet was speaking with the direct authority and commission of God Himself, not from personal opinion, political agenda, or the influence of false deities. This phrase indicated that the message was divinely inspired and therefore binding and true. It distinguished prophets like Urijah and Jeremiah from false prophets who often spoke "out of their own heart" or "in the name of Baal," as warned against in passages like [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies").

**How did Urijah's fate differ from Jeremiah's in this chapter?**

Answer: Urijah's fate stands in stark contrast to Jeremiah's eventual deliverance in [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Trial and Deliverance"). While both prophets delivered similar messages of judgment and faced the wrath of King Jehoiakim, Urijah fled to Egypt but was pursued, captured, and ultimately executed by the king's command ([Jeremiah 26:21-23](/jeremiah/26-21 "Jeremiah 26:21-23 - Urijah's Persecution and Death")). Jeremiah, however, was protected by Ahikam the son of Shaphan and was not handed over to the people to be put to death ([Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Jeremiah's Deliverance")). Urijah's martyrdom served as a grim reminder of the dangers of prophecy and likely intensified the pressure on Jeremiah, yet God's sovereign hand preserved Jeremiah's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Urijah, a prophet who suffered persecution and death for faithfully proclaiming God's word, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. Like Urijah, Jesus came speaking "in the name of the LORD," declaring the Father's truth and judgment against a rebellious "city" (Jerusalem) and "land" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - God Revealed by the Son")). His message, though full of grace, also contained warnings of impending judgment for those who rejected Him ([Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus Laments over Jerusalem")). The pattern of prophets being rejected and killed by their own people, lamented by Jesus Himself ([Luke 13:34](/luke/13-34 "Luke 13:34 - Jesus Laments over Jerusalem")), finds its horrifying culmination in the crucifixion of Christ. Yet, unlike Urijah, whose prophecy was validated by his death, Christ's death was not the end but the means to ultimate triumph, fulfilling all prophecy and inaugurating the new covenant. He is the Truth for whom prophets like Urijah suffered, and through His resurrection, He demonstrated that God's ultimate word cannot be silenced or defeated, even by the most violent opposition ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Thus, Urijah's faithfulness unto death points to the greater faithfulness of the Son, through whom God has spoken His final and most complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")).

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

1 Samuel 7:2

And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

Joshua 9:17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities [were] Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

1 Samuel 6:21

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

Joshua 18:14

And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter.

Joshua 15:60

Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages: