Jeremiah 26:22

KJV

And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, [namely], Elnathan the son of Achbor, and [certain] men with him into Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoiakim {H3079} the king {H4428} sent {H7971} men {H582} into Egypt {H4714}, namely, Elnathan {H494} the son {H1121} of Achbor {H5907}, and certain men {H582} with him into Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoyakim the king sent men to Egypt - Elnatan the son of 'Akhbor and some others.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men.

American Standard Version

And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him, into Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:22 details King Jehoiakim's decisive and hostile action against the prophet Urijah, who, like Jeremiah, had prophesied judgment against Jerusalem. This verse reveals the king's determined pursuit of Urijah, even across national borders into Egypt, dispatching a delegation led by Elnathan the son of Achbor to apprehend him. This event underscores Jehoiakim's profound opposition to God's prophetic word and his willingness to employ state power to suppress dissenting voices, setting a grim precedent for the treatment of God's messengers in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26:22 is a pivotal part of the broader narrative in [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Persecution"), which recounts Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon" and the subsequent plot to execute him. The specific incident involving Urijah (Jeremiah 26:20-23) serves as a stark parallel and warning to Jeremiah. Urijah’s fate highlights the very real danger Jeremiah faced, demonstrating Jehoiakim's ruthless character and his consistent pattern of rejecting divine warnings. The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 26:20-21](/jeremiah/26-20 "Urijah's Prophecy and Flight"), establish Urijah’s prophetic message, his flight to Egypt, and Jehoiakim's intent to kill him, making verse 22 the execution of that intent. This episode contrasts sharply with the earlier account of King Hezekiah's righteous response to Micah's prophecy in [Jeremiah 26:18-19](/jeremiah/26-18 "Micah's Prophecy and Hezekiah's Repentance"), emphasizing Jehoiakim's unique wickedness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiakim reigned in Judah from 609-598 BC, a tumultuous period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon, with Egypt still exerting significant influence. Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Necho II after the death of his father, Josiah, at Megiddo ([2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "Jehoiakim Made King")). This made Judah a vassal state of Egypt for a time, explaining the ease with which Jehoiakim could send an extradition party into Egyptian territory. Culturally, prophets like Jeremiah and Urijah served as God's direct spokespersons, often delivering unpopular messages of repentance and judgment. Kings were expected to heed such divine warnings, but Jehoiakim, unlike his father Josiah, was notoriously wicked, known for his oppression, injustice, and disregard for God's law ([Jeremiah 22:13-19](/jeremiah/22-13 "A Prophecy Against Jehoiakim")). His actions in this verse exemplify his tyrannical rule and his active suppression of any challenge to his authority, even if it came from God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Persecution of Prophets**, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books. Jehoiakim's relentless pursuit of Urijah demonstrates the extreme dangers faced by those who dared to speak God's truth to corrupt power. It highlights the profound spiritual conflict between divine revelation and human rebellion. Another significant theme is **Jehoiakim's Unwavering Wickedness**. His actions here are not an isolated incident but consistent with his character as portrayed elsewhere in Jeremiah, marking him as a king who actively opposed God's will and persecuted His messengers, unlike the righteous King Hezekiah mentioned earlier in the chapter ([Jeremiah 26:19](/jeremiah/26-19 "Hezekiah's Repentance")). Finally, the futility of escaping divine judgment or the reach of a determined human ruler is subtly present. While Urijah fled to Egypt for safety, Jehoiakim's power extended even there, demonstrating that neither distance nor a foreign land could ultimately protect him from the king's wrath, which in a broader sense, reflected the impending judgment on Judah itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and authoritative dispatch. King Jehoiakim didn't merely request; he *sent* men, indicating a formal, official mission with the full backing of royal power, specifically for the purpose of apprehending Urijah. The breadth of the word's meaning, encompassing "cast out," "put away," and "stretch forth," underscores the king's determined reach and intent.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** Properly, "a mortal," distinguishing from the more dignified "adam." This term often refers to man in general, singly or collectively, and can imply vulnerability or common humanity. Here, it refers to the agents of the king, highlighting that these were ordinary human beings tasked with executing the king's will, emphasizing the human agency involved in the persecution of the prophet. The use of `ʼĕnôwsh` rather than `ʼîysh` (a more specific term for a man, often implying dignity or individuality) might subtly suggest their role as instruments of the king's decree.
* **Egypt (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_):** A dual form meaning "Upper and Lower Egypt." This geographical reference is crucial. Egypt was a traditional place of refuge for those fleeing persecution or famine in Canaan, as seen throughout biblical history (e.g., Abraham, Jacob's family, Joseph, and later, the Holy Family). However, in this instance, Egypt becomes a place where the king's reach extends, demonstrating Jehoiakim's power and determination to retrieve Urijah, even from a foreign land, highlighting the international implications of his actions and the lack of safe haven for the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt":** This clause establishes the primary actor (King Jehoiakim), his official capacity ("the king"), his direct action ("sent"), the agents of his action ("men"), and their destination ("into Egypt"). It immediately conveys the king's initiative and his intent to extend his authority beyond Judah's borders to retrieve Urijah. The act of sending "men" implies a formal delegation, not a casual pursuit, underscoring the seriousness of the king's resolve.
* **"[namely], Elnathan the son of Achbor":** This identifies the leader of the delegation. Elnathan's specific mention is significant, as he is a known figure in Jeremiah's narrative, later appearing as one of the princes who tried to dissuade Jehoiakim from burning Jeremiah's scroll ([Jeremiah 36:12](/jeremiah/36-12 "Elnathan Among the Princes") and [Jeremiah 36:25](/jeremiah/36-25 "Elnathan's Plea to Save the Scroll")). His involvement here suggests he was a prominent and perhaps influential court official, making his participation in this grim mission all the more striking, possibly indicating he was compelled by the king or that his influence was limited.
* **"and [certain] men with him into Egypt":** This phrase confirms that Elnathan was not alone but led a contingent of "certain men," reinforcing the official and determined nature of the mission. The repetition of "into Egypt" emphasizes the specific destination and the focused objective of the journey: the retrieval of Urijah from his place of refuge. This detail underscores the king's unwavering resolve to apprehend the prophet, regardless of the distance or the international implications.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:22 employs several literary devices. **Irony** is present in the figure of Elnathan the son of Achbor. While here he leads the mission to apprehend Urijah, he later attempts to intercede for Jeremiah and prevent the burning of his scroll ([Jeremiah 36:25](/jeremiah/36-25 "Elnathan's Attempt to Save the Scroll")). This suggests a complex character, perhaps a man caught between the king's tyrannical will and a nascent respect for the prophetic word, or simply a pragmatic courtier. The verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, grimly prefiguring the ultimate fate of Urijah (Jeremiah 26:23) and, by extension, the dangers Jeremiah himself faces. It highlights the perilous environment for prophets in Judah under Jehoiakim's reign, a prelude to the nation's spiritual decline and eventual judgment. Furthermore, the king's action demonstrates **Tyranny** through his relentless pursuit and extra-territorial reach, showcasing his absolute power and disregard for both international norms and divine warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:22 powerfully illustrates the profound conflict between divine truth and human rebellion, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. King Jehoiakim's determined pursuit of Urijah, even into a foreign land, reveals a heart hardened against God's word and a willingness to commit violence to suppress it. This act is not merely political but deeply theological, demonstrating a rejection of God's sovereignty and His chosen messengers. It underscores the spiritual cost of faithfulness in a hostile environment and the lengths to which unrighteous power will go to silence uncomfortable truths. The incident also serves as a stark reminder that fleeing from immediate danger does not always guarantee escape from the consequences of human malice, especially when God's overarching plan of judgment is in motion.

* [1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "Elijah's Complaint of Persecution")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")
* [Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Stephen's Accusation Against the Sanhedrin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:22 offers a sobering reflection on the courage required to speak truth to power and the dangers inherent in such a calling. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God's word may incur opposition, even persecution, from those who reject divine authority. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or costly. The king's relentless pursuit of Urijah highlights the intensity of the spiritual battle against forces that seek to silence God's voice in the world. We are called to pray for those who speak prophetically in our time, to support them, and to cultivate a spirit of discernment that recognizes and embraces divine truth, rather than suppressing it. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice and the enduring power of His word, which cannot be truly silenced, even if its human messengers are.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does King Jehoiakim's pursuit of Urijah reveal about the nature of opposition to God's truth, both then and now?**
* **How does the fate of Urijah challenge or encourage your own willingness to speak or stand for biblical truth in potentially hostile environments?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps subtly, "send men into Egypt" to suppress uncomfortable truths or voices that challenge our comfort or worldview?**

### FAQ

**What was Urijah's prophecy, and why did Jehoiakim want him dead?**
Answer: Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kiriath-jearim prophesied against Jerusalem and Judah, speaking "according to all the words of Jeremiah" ([Jeremiah 26:20](/jeremiah/26-20 "Urijah's Prophecy")). His message was one of judgment and destruction, similar to Jeremiah's Temple Sermon. King Jehoiakim desired Urijah's death because the prophecy was perceived as treasonous and a direct challenge to his authority and the stability of his kingdom. Jehoiakim was a wicked king who showed no regard for God's word, preferring to suppress any message that contradicted his will or exposed his sin, as evidenced by his later burning of Jeremiah's scroll ([Jeremiah 36:23](/jeremiah/36-23 "Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll")).

**Who was Elnathan the son of Achbor, and what is his significance?**
Answer: Elnathan the son of Achbor was a prominent court official or prince in King Jehoiakim's administration. His significance lies in his dual role within the book of Jeremiah. Here in [Jeremiah 26:22](/jeremiah/26-22 "Elnathan Apprehends Urijah"), he leads the mission to apprehend Urijah, acting as the king's agent in the persecution of a prophet. However, in [Jeremiah 36:25](/jeremiah/36-25 "Elnathan's Plea to Save the Scroll"), he is among the princes who pleaded with Jehoiakim not to burn Jeremiah's scroll, showing a more moderate or even sympathetic stance towards the prophetic word. This suggests he was a complex figure, perhaps a man of some conscience operating within a corrupt system, or simply a pragmatic official who recognized the potential consequences of defying God's word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:22, with its chilling depiction of a king's ruthless pursuit of a prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the rejection and persecution of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoiakim sought to silence Urijah, the religious and political authorities of Jesus' day conspired to silence the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus, like Urijah, spoke truth that challenged the established order and exposed sin, leading to intense opposition. He prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem ([Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1 "Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple")), a message that mirrored the warnings of Jeremiah and Urijah. The world's rejection of God's messengers, culminating in the crucifixion of Christ, is the apex of the pattern seen in Jeremiah 26. Yet, unlike Urijah, whose life was taken, Jesus' death was not the end but the means to victory over sin and death, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant")). His resurrection ensures that the Word of God can never truly be silenced, and His message of salvation continues to reverberate across all nations, ultimately triumphing over all earthly powers that seek to suppress it ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")).

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

Jeremiah 36:12

Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, [even] Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 Kings 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

Proverbs 29:12

¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

Psalms 12:8

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

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.