Jeremiah 26:23

And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.

And they fetched forth {H3318} Urijah {H223} out of Egypt {H4714}, and brought {H935} him unto Jehoiakim {H3079} the king {H4428}; who slew {H5221} him with the sword {H2719}, and cast {H7993} his dead body {H5038} into the graves {H6913} of the common {H1121} people {H5971}.

They brought Uriyahu back from Egypt and took him to Y'hoyakim the king, who put him to the sword and threw his corpse into the burial-ground of the common people.

They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people.

and they fetched forth Uriah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king, who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people.

Commentary

Jeremiah 26:23 recounts the tragic fate of the prophet Urijah, son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim, who, like Jeremiah, prophesied against Jerusalem and Judah. This verse highlights the severe danger faced by God's messengers during the reign of the wicked King Jehoiakim, who showed extreme hostility towards anyone proclaiming divine judgment.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Jeremiah chapter 26, which details Jeremiah's own near-execution for prophesying the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. Urijah's story serves as a stark warning and a parallel example of the persecution faced by prophets in Jehoiakim's time. Urijah had delivered a message similar to Jeremiah's, warning of impending doom upon the city and the land, which angered the king and his officials. Fearing for his life, Urijah fled to Egypt, a common refuge in ancient times. However, Jehoiakim's reach extended even there; he dispatched men to apprehend Urijah and bring him back to Judah. Upon his return, the king personally orchestrated Urijah's execution by the sword, denying him an honorable burial by casting his body "into the graves of the common people," a sign of profound contempt and a deliberate humiliation.

Key Themes

  • Persecution of Prophets: Urijah's brutal murder vividly illustrates the perilous cost of speaking God's truth to those in power who refuse to listen. It underscores the intense opposition faced by prophets who dared to challenge the status quo and expose sin. This mirrors the experiences of many biblical prophets, including Jeremiah himself, who faced similar threats (Jeremiah 26:8).
  • King Jehoiakim's Wickedness: The verse powerfully reveals the character of King Jehoiakim, who is consistently depicted as a cruel and ungodly ruler. His willingness to assassinate a prophet, even one who sought refuge abroad, showcases his deep animosity towards God's word and his tyrannical nature. His reign was marked by injustice and oppression (Jeremiah 22:17).
  • The Unstoppable Word of God: Despite efforts to silence prophets like Urijah, God's message ultimately prevailed. While Urijah was killed, Jeremiah continued to prophesy, protected by divine providence and the intervention of Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24). This tragic event serves as a backdrop, emphasizing the divine protection over Jeremiah and the eventual fulfillment of the prophecies of judgment.
  • The Cost of Disobedience: Urijah's execution is a symptom of a larger spiritual sickness in Judah, where rebellion against God's commands led to severe consequences, foreshadowing the nation's eventual downfall and exile.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "graves of the common people" (Hebrew: qivre bene-ha'am) signifies a burial in a public or dishonorable cemetery, as opposed to a family tomb or a more distinguished burial place. This detail emphasizes King Jehoiakim's complete contempt for Urijah and his prophetic message, aiming to erase his memory and dishonor him even in death.

Practical Application

Urijah's story remains a powerful reminder of the enduring tension between divine truth and human resistance. It challenges believers to consider the cost of faithfulness in a world often hostile to biblical principles. It encourages courage in speaking truth, even when unpopular or dangerous, and reminds us that God's word will ultimately accomplish its purpose, regardless of human opposition. The ultimate triumph of God's plan, even through suffering, provides a profound message of hope and perseverance for those who stand for righteousness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 2:30

    In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

  • Jeremiah 26:15

    But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:15

    Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

  • Matthew 23:34

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

  • Matthew 23:35

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • Acts 12:1

    ¶ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.

  • Acts 12:3

    And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
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