Jeremiah Is Falsely Accused and Imprisoned
Faithful proclamation of God’s word often results in suffering and unjust opposition.
Jeremiah 37:11-15 (BSB)
11 When the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army,
12 Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to claim his portion there among the people.
13 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!”
14 “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.
15 The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.
What is the big idea of Jeremiah 37:11-15?
Faithful proclamation of God’s word often results in suffering and unjust opposition.
How does Jeremiah 37:11-15 point to Christ?
Jeremiah’s unjust suffering for proclaiming God’s message foreshadows the rejection faced by Christ, who endured hostility and injustice while bringing the saving word of God to the world.
How does Jeremiah 37:11-15 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Jeremiah’s unjust arrest anticipates the experience of Jesus, who was falsely accused and condemned despite speaking the truth of God.
Authorial Intent
To narrate Jeremiah’s attempted departure from Jerusalem during the temporary Babylonian withdrawal and the false accusation that leads to his arrest and imprisonment.
Literary Context
This passage continues the narrative of Jeremiah’s experiences during the final siege of Jerusalem. Following the prophetic clarification that Babylon would return, Jeremiah becomes the victim of political suspicion and hostility.
Historical Context
During the temporary lifting of the Babylonian siege, Jeremiah attempts to travel to Benjamin but is arrested and accused of treason.
Chapter: Jeremiah 37
Zedekiah Seeks Prayer but Refuses the Word
Zedekiah wants Jeremiah's prayers and private counsel, but because he refuses the LORD's word, Babylon's temporary withdrawal cannot save Jerusalem from the judgment God has spoken.