Jeremiah 26:24

KJV

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless the hand {H3027} of Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227} was with Jeremiah {H3414}, that they should not give {H5414} him into the hand {H3027} of the people {H5971} to put him to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in this situation concerning Yirmeyahu, Achikam the son of Shafan used his influence to help him, so that he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

American Standard Version

But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:24 recounts a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's life, where the influential hand of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, intervened to protect him from being executed by an enraged populace and hostile religious leaders. This verse serves as a crucial narrative hinge, demonstrating divine providence through human agency, ensuring Jeremiah's survival so he could continue his prophetic ministry despite intense opposition to his message of judgment and repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26 is a standalone narrative unit, strategically placed to illustrate the immense opposition Jeremiah faced during the early years of King Jehoiakim's reign. The chapter opens with Jeremiah's bold temple sermon, where he warns that Jerusalem and its temple will suffer the same fate as Shiloh if the people do not repent ([Jeremiah 26:1-6](/jeremiah/26-1 "Jeremiah 26:1-6 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon")). This message, perceived as blasphemy and treason, incites the priests, false prophets, and the people to demand his death ([Jeremiah 26:7-11](/jeremiah/26-7 "Jeremiah 26:7-11 - Demand for Jeremiah's Death")). Jeremiah's courageous defense of his divine commission ([Jeremiah 26:12-15](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12-15 - Jeremiah's Defense")) leads to a debate among the officials, some of whom recall Micah's prophecy during Hezekiah's time ([Jeremiah 26:16-19](/jeremiah/26-16 "Jeremiah 26:16-19 - Officials Defend Jeremiah")). The immediate literary context also includes the tragic account of Uriah, another prophet who delivered a similar message but was hunted down and executed by Jehoiakim, providing a stark contrast to Jeremiah's deliverance ([Jeremiah 26:20-23](/jeremiah/26-20 "Jeremiah 26:20-23 - The Fate of Uriah")). Thus, [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam's Protection of Jeremiah") marks the successful intervention that spares Jeremiah's life, highlighting God's protective hand over His chosen messenger.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Trial and Deliverance") unfold early in the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Jehoiakim was a puppet king installed by Pharaoh Neco II after the death of his father, the righteous King Josiah. Unlike Josiah, Jehoiakim was notoriously wicked, oppressive, and hostile to prophetic voices. The people's false sense of security, rooted in the belief that God would never abandon His temple in Jerusalem, made Jeremiah's message of impending destruction particularly inflammatory. Culturally, the concept of "the hand" (Hebrew: *yad*) often denotes power, authority, or influence, which is crucial for understanding Ahikam's intervention. Ahikam belonged to a prominent and influential family; his father, Shaphan, was a respected scribe and official in King Josiah's court, instrumental in the discovery of the Book of the Law and its presentation to the king ([2 Kings 22:8-10](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8-10 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). This family had a history of reverence for God's word and support for righteous reform, lending significant weight to Ahikam's standing and influence among the elders and officials of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **divine protection of God's prophets** despite intense human opposition. Jeremiah's life was genuinely threatened, yet God used a human agent to preserve him, demonstrating His sovereignty over hostile forces. Secondly, it illustrates the **perilous nature of delivering God's unpopular truth**, especially when it challenges established religious and political norms. Jeremiah's message of judgment was met with a demand for his execution, reflecting the deep-seated resistance to repentance. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **importance of faithful individuals in positions of influence**. Ahikam's courageous stand, rooted in his family's legacy of fidelity to God's word, serves as a model of how God uses human instruments to achieve His purposes. Finally, it subtly contrasts **true prophecy with false security**, showing that reliance on mere religious structures (like the Temple) without genuine obedience leads to divine judgment, and that God's true messengers often face the wrath of those who prefer comforting lies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word, distinct from *kaph* (the closed hand), refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, direction, or influence. In this context, "the hand of Ahikam" signifies his powerful influence and authoritative intervention. It's not merely his physical presence but his capacity to exert authority and sway opinion among the officials and the people, effectively preventing Jeremiah's execution. It implies a protective, guiding, and enabling power.
* **Ahikam (Hebrew, _ʼĂchîyqâm'_):** Derived from "brother" (*ach*) and "rise" (*qum*), meaning "brother of rising" or "my brother has risen." This name itself carries a sense of prominence or elevation. Ahikam was a high-ranking official, son of Shaphan, whose family was known for their integrity and support of God's word. His name subtly foreshadows his role in "raising up" or preserving Jeremiah from death, acting as a "brother" in the sense of an ally or protector.
* **death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die," literally or figuratively, and causatively, "to kill." Here, it refers to the literal execution of Jeremiah. The phrase "to put him to death" signifies the ultimate intention of the angry mob and hostile leaders. Ahikam's intervention directly counteracted this fatal intent, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the magnitude of his protective act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah,"**: This clause introduces a crucial turning point, indicating that despite the overwhelming opposition and the demand for Jeremiah's death, Ahikam's powerful influence and support were actively present with the prophet. Ahikam, a high-ranking official and member of a prominent, God-fearing family, exerted his authority and standing to defend Jeremiah. The phrase "was with Jeremiah" denotes active support, advocacy, and protection, not merely passive presence.
* **"that they should not give him into the hand of the people"**: This explains the purpose of Ahikam's intervention: to prevent Jeremiah from being delivered to the mob. The "hand of the people" here represents the collective will and power of the populace, who were inflamed and ready to carry out the execution. This highlights the immediate and grave danger Jeremiah faced, as mob justice often bypassed formal legal processes, leading to immediate and brutal death.
* **"to put him to death."**: This final phrase explicitly states the ultimate intention of those who opposed Jeremiah. It underscores the severity of the threat and the life-saving nature of Ahikam's intervention. The verb "to put... to death" (Hebrew: *mûwth*) leaves no ambiguity about the desired outcome of Jeremiah's accusers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Metonymy** and **Synecdoche** through the repeated use of "hand." "The hand of Ahikam" is a metonym for Ahikam's power, influence, and protective action. It signifies his authority and ability to intervene effectively. Conversely, "the hand of the people" is a synecdoche, where "hand" represents the collective power, will, and violent intent of the mob. This dual use of "hand" emphasizes the clash of opposing forces: Ahikam's protective influence against the people's destructive intent. There is also an implicit **Contrast** with the fate of Uriah in the preceding verses ([Jeremiah 26:20-23](/jeremiah/26-20 "Jeremiah 26:20-23 - The Execution of Uriah")), where no such "hand" of protection was present, leading to Uriah's execution. This contrast underscores the miraculous nature of Jeremiah's deliverance and highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, where God works through human agents like Ahikam to preserve His purposes and His prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:24 profoundly illustrates the principle that God often works through human instruments to accomplish His divine purposes, particularly in protecting His faithful servants. Even in the face of overwhelming opposition and imminent danger, God's sovereign hand is at work, often through unexpected allies or individuals in positions of influence. Ahikam's intervention is not merely a political maneuver but a divinely orchestrated act of deliverance, demonstrating God's commitment to preserving His messenger so that His word might continue to be proclaimed. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God's truth, though it may invite persecution, is never without divine oversight and protection, even if that protection comes through the courage of others.

* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-4 - God's Shelter and Protection")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Acts 5:33-39](/acts/5-33 "Acts 5:33-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:24 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider our role in defending truth and protecting those who speak it, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Ahikam's courageous stand reminds us that God often uses ordinary (though influential) people to accomplish extraordinary acts of preservation and justice. We are called to be like Ahikam, willing to leverage our influence, resources, or position, however small, to stand for what is right and to support those who are persecuted for their faith or for speaking God's truth. This verse also provides immense encouragement to those who feel isolated or threatened for their convictions; it reassures us that God's protective hand is always at work, often through the unexpected kindness or intervention of others. It underscores that even in the darkest moments, when the forces of opposition seem overwhelming, God maintains sovereignty and provides deliverance, often through the very human connections He orchestrates.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to be an "Ahikam" for someone speaking an unpopular truth today?**
* **How can I recognize and appreciate God's protective hand working through unexpected human agents in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the cost of discipleship and the nature of opposition to God's word?**

### FAQ

**Who was Ahikam, and why was his intervention significant for Jeremiah?**

Answer: Ahikam was a prominent and influential official in the court of King Jehoiakim, and the son of Shaphan, a respected scribe who played a key role in King Josiah's earlier reforms. His family was known for their reverence for God's law and their support for prophetic voices. Ahikam's intervention was significant because he used his considerable influence and authority to prevent the angry mob and hostile religious leaders from executing Jeremiah. At a time when Jeremiah's life was in grave danger, Ahikam's "hand" (representing his power and influence) was with Jeremiah, effectively shielding him from the people's murderous intent. This act of protection was crucial for Jeremiah's survival, allowing him to continue his prophetic ministry, and it highlights God's providence working through human agents.

**What does Jeremiah 26:24 teach us about God's protection of His servants?**

Answer: This verse teaches us that God's protection of His servants is often manifested through human means. While God is sovereign and could intervene miraculously, He frequently chooses to work through faithful individuals who are willing to stand for truth and justice. Jeremiah's deliverance was not a direct divine intervention from the heavens, but rather through the courageous and timely action of Ahikam. This demonstrates that God uses His people, their influence, and their positions to fulfill His purposes and preserve His messengers. It reassures us that even when facing severe opposition, God's protective hand is present, often through the "hands" of those He raises up to help. This pattern is seen throughout Scripture, where God uses individuals like Esther ([Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - For Such a Time as This")) or Gamaliel ([Acts 5:34-39](/acts/5-34 "Acts 5:34-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel")) to protect His people or His plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's experience in [Jeremiah 26:24](/jeremiah/26-24 "Jeremiah 26:24 - Ahikam's Protection of Jeremiah") foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in profound ways. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was a prophet who faithfully proclaimed God's truth, often challenging the religious and political establishments of His day. He, too, faced intense opposition and demands for His death from the very people He came to save ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). While Jeremiah was providentially protected from death by the "hand of Ahikam," Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, willingly surrendered to the "hand" of His persecutors, not to be saved from physical death, but to accomplish a far greater salvation. His death on the cross was not a failure of divine protection, but the very means by which God's ultimate protective "hand" would be extended to all humanity, delivering us from the spiritual death caused by sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The "hand of God" that allowed Jesus to be crucified was the same "hand" that raised Him from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")), securing eternal life for all who believe. Thus, while Ahikam's intervention saved Jeremiah for a time, Christ's sacrifice provides eternal deliverance, fulfilling the deeper need for a divine protector who conquers death itself.

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 Kings 18:4

For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

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.

Jeremiah 40:5

Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

Jeremiah 40:7

¶ Now when all the captains of the forces which [were] in the fields, [even] they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.