Jeremiah 37:13

KJV

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward [was] there, whose name [was] Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he was in the gate {H8179} of Benjamin {H1144}, a captain {H1167} of the ward {H6488} was there, whose name {H8034} was Irijah {H3376}, the son {H1121} of Shelemiah {H8018}, the son {H1121} of Hananiah {H2608}; and he took {H8610} Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, saying {H559}, Thou fallest away {H5307} to the Chaldeans {H3778}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and had reached the gate leading toward Binyamin when a guard commander there named Yir'iyah the son of Shelemyah, the son of Hananyah, seized Yirmeyahu the prophet, shouting, "You're deserting to the Kasdim!"

Berean Standard Bible

But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!”

American Standard Version

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he laid hold on Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou art falling away to the Chaldeans.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:13 recounts the pivotal moment of the prophet Jeremiah's unjust arrest at the Benjamin Gate of Jerusalem by Captain Irijah. This incident unfolds during a brief, deceptive lull in the Babylonian siege, as Jeremiah attempts to travel to his ancestral home. The verse vividly portrays the prophet's profound vulnerability and the intense, often politically motivated, opposition he faced, as he is falsely accused of defecting to the Chaldean enemy—a grave charge of treason that directly precipitates his imprisonment. It starkly illustrates the perilous reality of delivering God's unpopular truth in a time of national crisis, spiritual rebellion, and pervasive distrust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37 is strategically positioned within the tragic narrative of Judah's final decline and the impending fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. Preceding this verse, King Zedekiah, despite his vacillation, had again sought Jeremiah's prophetic counsel regarding the ongoing siege (compare [Jeremiah 37:3](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel")). A temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army, prompted by the advance of an Egyptian relief force (as noted in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonian Siege Lifted Temporarily")), had instilled a false sense of security and hope among the beleaguered populace. However, Jeremiah, with unwavering clarity, prophesied that the Babylonians would inevitably return and conquer Jerusalem (a message powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 37:6-10](/jeremiah/37-6-10 "Jeremiah 37:6-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Babylon's Return")). It is in the immediate aftermath of this dire prophecy, and during this fleeting respite, that Jeremiah attempts to leave the capital to attend to a personal matter concerning his property in Anathoth (as indicated in [Jeremiah 37:12](/jeremiah/37-12 "Jeremiah 37:12 - Jeremiah's Journey to Anathoth")). This attempted departure sets the stage for his interception at the Benjamin Gate, marking a critical turning point that directly leads to his subsequent and prolonged unjust imprisonment (further detailed in [Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Jeremiah 37:13 are set in Jerusalem around 588-587 BC, a period of extreme duress during Nebuchadnezzar's final siege of the city. Jerusalem was suffering terribly from famine, disease, and internal strife, with its leadership deeply divided between pro-Egyptian and pro-Babylonian factions, and those who simply resisted God's word through Jeremiah. In this highly charged and paranoid environment, any perceived act of disloyalty or sympathy towards the besieging Babylonian forces was considered an act of high treason, punishable by severe penalties, including death. The "Gate of Benjamin" (also known as the Benjamin Gate) was a vital northern exit from Jerusalem, controlling access to the tribal territory of Benjamin, which included Jeremiah's hometown of Anathoth. Given the city's state of siege, control and security at such strategic gates were paramount, and the "captain of the ward" (or guard) stationed there would have wielded significant military and civic authority, reflecting the city's desperate defensive posture.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **persecution of the prophet**, a pervasive motif throughout Jeremiah's arduous ministry, where his unwavering faithfulness to God's unpopular and often condemnatory message consistently resulted in suffering, public ridicule, and imprisonment (a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Pashhur's Persecution of Jeremiah")). Secondly, the verse highlights the insidious theme of **false accusation and slander**. Jeremiah, who faithfully declared God's judgment and the necessity of submission to Babylon, is ironically and unjustly accused of defecting to the very enemy he was divinely commissioned to speak about. This profound irony underscores the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of a people who preferred self-deception and a more palatable message over God's difficult truth (compare with the accusations faced by Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 26:7-11](/jeremiah/26-7-11 "Jeremiah 26:7-11 - Priests and Prophets Condemn Jeremiah")). Finally, this incident poignantly speaks to the **cost of faithfulness**, demonstrating that unwavering obedience to God's often challenging will frequently entails personal hardship, public disgrace, and opposition from worldly authorities, rather than immediate honor or comfort. Jeremiah's steadfast commitment despite such adversity serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering nature of a divine calling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **captain (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** From H1167, meaning "a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)." In this context, "captain" signifies a person of significant authority, a "master" or "chief man" over a specific guard unit or duty. Irijah was not merely a common soldier but held a position of considerable responsibility and power within Jerusalem's defense structure, enabling him to apprehend a prominent figure like Jeremiah.
* **fallest away (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, a primitive root meaning "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)." While its primary meaning is "to fall," in this specific context, it carries the strong connotation of desertion, defection, or abandonment. Irijah's accusation implies that Jeremiah was deliberately "falling away" from his allegiance to Judah and "falling to" or defecting to the enemy Chaldeans, which was a grave charge of treason.
* **Chaldeans (Hebrew, _Kasdîy'_):** From H3778, meaning "a Kasdite, or descendant of Kesed; by implication, a Chaldaean." This term refers to the Babylonians, the dominant imperial power of the era, who were actively besieging Jerusalem. The accusation of "falling away to the Chaldeans" was the most severe charge imaginable in a city under siege, implying collaboration with the enemy and undermining the national resistance effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was in the gate of Benjamin,"**: This clause precisely locates the incident. The "Gate of Benjamin" was a strategically vital northern entrance to Jerusalem, through which Jeremiah was attempting to exit the city. His presence there indicates he was actively in the process of departing, providing the immediate context for his interception.
* **"a captain of the ward [was] there, whose name [was] Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah;"**: This identifies Jeremiah's accuser and captor. Irijah, holding the rank of "captain of the ward" (or guard commander), possessed military authority at this crucial gate. The inclusion of his full lineage—son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah—may serve to underscore his official capacity and the established nature of his position within the city's hierarchy, lending weight to his actions.
* **"and he took Jeremiah the prophet,"**: This describes the immediate and decisive action of Irijah. He physically apprehended Jeremiah, seizing him. The designation "the prophet" is significant here, serving as a stark reminder of Jeremiah's divine calling and highlighting the profound irony of his arrest by a fellow Israelite for faithfully delivering God's unpopular message.
* **"saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans."**: This reveals the specific, damning, and profoundly false accusation leveled against Jeremiah. Irijah charges Jeremiah with desertion or defection to the Babylonian (Chaldean) enemy. This accusation is not only unjust but deeply ironic, as Jeremiah had consistently, and at immense personal cost, urged surrender to the Babylonians as an act of obedience to God's divine judgment, not out of disloyalty to Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:13 is rich with several potent literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as Jeremiah, the prophet who faithfully conveyed God's command for Judah to submit to Babylon as an instrument of divine judgment, is paradoxically accused of "falling away" or defecting to the very Chaldeans he was divinely commissioned to speak about. This highlights the deep spiritual blindness and rejection of God's truth by the people and their leaders. Furthermore, the scene presents a powerful **antithesis**, sharply contrasting Jeremiah's divine identity and mission as "the prophet" with the worldly, false accusation of him being a "traitor." His sacred calling is directly opposed by the profane charge against him. Finally, the swift and unjust arrest at a public, strategic gate serves as a potent form of **foreshadowing**, indicating the escalating persecution Jeremiah would continue to face, leading directly to his prolonged imprisonment and further suffering for his unwavering faithfulness to God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:13 stands as a poignant testament to the suffering inherent in authentic prophetic ministry and the profound disconnect that often exists between divine truth and human perception. Jeremiah's arrest on false charges vividly illustrates that faithfulness to God's word, particularly when it challenges prevailing nationalistic sentiments, popular opinions, or political expediency, frequently leads to misunderstanding, slander, and outright persecution. The bitter irony of being accused of treason while faithfully delivering God's difficult message underscores the spiritual blindness of a people who preferred self-deception and false hope over repentance and humble submission to God's sovereign will. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that God's true messengers are often maligned, mistreated, and marginalized by those who refuse to hear His truth, yet their ultimate vindication rests solely with God.

* [Jeremiah 20:7-10](/jeremiah/20-7-10 "Jeremiah 20:7-10 - Jeremiah's Complaint and Persecution")
* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are the Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake")
* [Acts 5:27-29](/acts/5-27-29 "Acts 5:27-29 - Peter and the Apostles Before the Sanhedrin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often resistant, if not hostile, to divine truth. Jeremiah's experience reminds us that speaking God's word faithfully may not always be met with applause, acceptance, or even understanding; instead, it can lead to misunderstanding, false accusations, and outright hostility. In an age where truth is frequently relativized, and unpopular biblical stances are quickly condemned or "cancelled," Jeremiah's steadfastness in the face of such a grave charge encourages us to prioritize divine approval over fleeting human affirmation. It challenges us to honestly examine our own willingness to stand for biblical truth, even when it costs us reputation, comfort, or personal freedom. This passage calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience, trusting that God sees and ultimately vindicates His faithful servants, even when worldly powers unjustly condemn them. Our primary allegiance, like Jeremiah's, must be to God and His revealed word, regardless of the personal cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's experience of false accusation resonate with instances where speaking truth in your own life has led to misunderstanding, opposition, or even slander?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the multifaceted nature of persecution that believers might face, extending beyond overt physical violence to include reputational damage or social ostracism?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise, soften, or remain silent about God's message to avoid personal discomfort or societal disapproval, and how can Jeremiah's uncompromising example strengthen our resolve to speak truth boldly?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah trying to leave Jerusalem, and was it an act of desertion?**

Answer: Jeremiah was attempting to leave Jerusalem to travel to Anathoth, his hometown in the territory of Benjamin, for a legitimate personal reason: to claim an inheritance (as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 37:12](/jeremiah/37-12 "Jeremiah 37:12 - Jeremiah's Intention to Buy Land")). This was a private family matter, not an act of desertion or defection from his people or his prophetic duty. The accusation leveled by Captain Irijah, "Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans," was entirely false and politically motivated. Jeremiah had consistently, and at great personal risk, urged the people of Judah to surrender to the Babylonians, not because he was disloyal to Judah, but because he understood this to be God's divine will and judgment for their persistent sins (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:9](/jeremiah/21-9 "Jeremiah 21:9 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Surrender")). His attempt to leave was a personal trip during a temporary lull in the siege, not an abandonment of his prophetic calling or a betrayal of his nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's unjust arrest and false accusation at the Benjamin Gate serve as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of the experiences of Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was a prophet who spoke God's unvarnished truth to a people who largely rejected it, often preferring their own nationalistic aspirations, political agendas, or self-righteous religious traditions over divine revelation. Jesus, the ultimate "prophet like Moses" (as promised in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")), was consistently misunderstood, maligned, and ultimately condemned on false charges of sedition and blasphemy (see [Matthew 26:59-66](/matthew/26-59-66 "Matthew 26:59-66 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). Just as Jeremiah was falsely accused of "falling away to the Chaldeans" and betraying his people, Jesus was accused of being an enemy of Rome and a threat to the established order, despite His kingdom being "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Both prophets suffered unjustly for their unwavering faithfulness to God's will, with their suffering culminating in forms of imprisonment, public disgrace, and ultimately, a path to death. The suffering of Jeremiah, the faithful prophet, points forward to the ultimate suffering of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who, though innocent and without guile, bore the false accusations, condemnation, and sin of humanity to secure true freedom and eternal salvation for all who believe ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"); [1 Peter 2:22-24](/1_peter/2-22-24 "1 Peter 2:22-24 - Christ's Example of Suffering")).

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

Zechariah 14:10

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

Jeremiah 38:7

Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

Jeremiah 21:9

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Acts 24:13

Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

Jeremiah 38:1

¶ Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Acts 6:11

Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and [against] God.