Jeremiah 26:21

And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt;

And when Jehoiakim {H3079} the king {H4428}, with all his mighty men {H1368}, and all the princes {H8269}, heard {H8085} his words {H1697}, the king {H4428} sought {H1245} to put him to death {H4191}: but when Urijah {H223} heard {H8085} it, he was afraid {H3372}, and fled {H1272}, and went {H935} into Egypt {H4714};

When Y'hoyakim the king, with all his military men and other officials, heard what he was saying, the king wanted to have him killed. On hearing of this, Uriyahu became frightened, fled and went to Egypt.

King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt.

And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Uriah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt.

Context

Jeremiah 26 details a critical confrontation where the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message of judgment against Jerusalem and the Temple, warning that if the people do not repent, the city will become like Shiloh and the Temple like a desolate ruin. This bold prophecy incensed the priests, prophets, and all the people, who seized Jeremiah and called for his death. In this intense atmosphere, King Jehoiakim, known for his wickedness and opposition to God's word, enters the scene. Verse 21 specifically highlights the king's murderous intent towards another prophet, Urijah, who had delivered a similar message to Jeremiah. Jehoiakim's reign was marked by defiance against divine warnings and a brutal suppression of dissenting voices.

Key Themes

  • Persecution of God's Messengers: This verse starkly illustrates the dangers faced by prophets who spoke uncomfortable truths to powerful, unrepentant leaders. Urijah's story parallels Jeremiah's own experience in this chapter and highlights the common fate of those who faithfully deliver God's word in hostile environments.
  • Fear and Flight: Urijah's decision to flee to Egypt out of fear is a poignant human response to mortal danger. While understandable, his flight ultimately did not save him, emphasizing the pervasive reach of Jehoiakim's tyranny and the ultimate futility of escaping God's ordained message. This contrasts with Jeremiah's steadfastness, who, despite facing similar threats, was ultimately protected by God through Ahikam (see Jeremiah 26:24).
  • Rejection of Divine Warning: King Jehoiakim's immediate desire to put Urijah to death, rather than heed his message, underscores his hardened heart and the kingdom's deep-seated rebellion against the Lord. This rejection would ultimately lead to the fulfillment of the very judgments the prophets warned against.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 26:21 serves as a powerful reminder that speaking truth to power, especially spiritual truth, can be dangerous and costly. It challenges believers to consider:

  • The courage required to stand for God's word, even when it is unpopular or threatens personal safety.
  • The reality of human fear in the face of overwhelming opposition, yet also the call to trust in divine protection and providence.
  • The profound consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His warnings, both for individuals and nations.
  • The enduring nature of God's word, which, despite human attempts to silence it, will ultimately prevail.
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.

  • Matthew 10:23

    But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

  • Jeremiah 36:26

    But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.

  • 2 Chronicles 16:10

    Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.

  • Matthew 14:5

    And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

  • Mark 6:19

    Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

  • 1 Kings 19:1

    ¶ And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

  • 1 Kings 19:3

    And when he saw [that], he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which [belongeth] to Judah, and left his servant there.
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