Jeremiah 26:12-16
Faithful obedience to God’s word requires courage to speak truth even when one’s life is threatened.
12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the princes and to all the people, saying, “Yahweh sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.
13 Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey Yahweh your God’s voice; then Yahweh will relent from the evil that he has pronounced against you.
14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hand. Do with me what is good and right in your eyes.
15 Only know for certain that, if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, on this city, and on its inhabitants; for in truth Yahweh has sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”
16 Then the princes and all the people said to the priests and to the prophets: “This man is not worthy of death; for he has spoken to us in the name of Yahweh our God.”
Faithful obedience to God’s word requires courage to speak truth even when one’s life is threatened.
To present Jeremiah’s defense before the officials and people, affirming that his message came from the LORD and urging the nation to repent so judgment might be averted.
Jeremiah 26:12–16 records the prophet’s defense during the public hearing before Judah’s officials. After the accusations from priests and prophets, Jeremiah explains the divine origin of his message and urges the people to repent. The officials ultimately recognize that Jeremiah has spoken in the name of the Lord and decide that he should not be executed.
Jeremiah on Trial for Preaching Judgment Against the Temple
When the LORD's word confronts false temple security, the faithful messenger must speak without omission, and the people must choose between repentant fear of God and violent rejection of his warning.