Jeremiah 26:20

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 26:20 introduces Urijah, another prophet who, like Jeremiah, boldly delivered God's message of judgment against Jerusalem and the land of Judah. This verse serves as a crucial parallel and context for Jeremiah's own trial and life-threatening situation described earlier in the chapter.

Context

This verse appears within the larger narrative of Jeremiah chapter 26, where the prophet Jeremiah is on trial for his life. He has prophesied the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, a message deemed treasonous by the priests, prophets, and the people. The mention of Urijah here is not a random interjection but a significant historical reference that highlights the perilous situation Jeremiah himself faced, as detailed in the opening verses of this chapter. Urijah's story, which unfolds in the subsequent verses (21-23), serves as a grim example of the fate that could befall a true prophet of the Lord under the hostile reign of King Jehoiakim.

Key Themes

  • The Perilous Nature of Prophecy: Urijah's inclusion underscores the extreme danger faced by those who spoke God's unpopular truth to power, especially when the message involved divine judgment and destruction of the beloved city and Temple.
  • Consistency of God's Message: The phrase "according to all the words of Jeremiah" emphasizes that Urijah's message was consistent with Jeremiah's, affirming that both were speaking the authentic word of the LORD, not personal opinions or political rhetoric. God's warnings were clear and repeated through multiple messengers.
  • Divine Authority: Both prophets "prophesied in the name of the LORD," highlighting that their authority came directly from God, not from human appointment or popular approval. This divine backing was crucial, even when it led to persecution.
  • King Jehoiakim's Hostility: While not explicit in this verse, the subsequent account of Urijah's pursuit and execution (Jeremiah 26:21-23) reveals King Jehoiakim's deep animosity towards God's prophets and his determination to suppress any message of impending doom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prophesied in the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: bi-shem YHWH) is vital. It signifies that Urijah was speaking with divine authority, not merely offering his own opinion or insights. This distinguished true prophets from false ones, who often spoke "out of their own heart" (cf. Jeremiah 23:16) or "in the name of Baal." The emphasis here is on God as the source and authenticator of the message.

Practical Application

Urijah's story, though brief, is a powerful reminder of the cost of faithfulness. It teaches us about:

  • Courage to Speak Truth: Like Urijah and Jeremiah, believers are sometimes called to speak uncomfortable truths, even when it brings opposition or danger.
  • The Nature of Persecution: This passage vividly illustrates how society, particularly those in power, can react violently to messages that challenge their status quo or condemn their actions. Urijah's ultimate fate, which starkly contrasts with Jeremiah's deliverance later in the chapter, is tragically described in Jeremiah 26:23.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Suffering: While Urijah was killed, his prophecy remained a testament to God's word and the impending judgment. His martyrdom served as a warning to others and validated the similar message of Jeremiah.
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.

  • 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:

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