Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim] It is most evident that his prophecy was delivered about the fourth year of ZEDEKIAH, and not Jehoiakim, as in the text. See chap. xxviii. 1. Three of Kennicott's MSS.
(one in the text, a second in the margin, and the third upon a rasure) have Zedekiah; so likewise have the Syriac and the Arabic. Houbigant, Lowth, Blayney, Dahler, and others declare for this reading against that in the present text. And it is clear from the third and twelfth verses, where Zedekiah is expressly mentioned, that this is the true reading.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The destruction of the temple and city foretold. (Jer. 26:1-6 Jeremiah's life is threatened. (Jer. 26:7-15) He is defended by the elders. (Jer. 26:16-24)
Jer. 26:1-6 God's ambassadors must not seek to please men, or to sav themselves from harm. See how God waits to be gracious. If the persisted in disobedience, it would ruin their city and temple. Can an thing else be expected? Those who will not be subject to the command of God, make themselves subject to the curse of God.
Jer. 26:7-15 The priests and prophets charged Jeremiah as deservin death, and bore false witness against him. The elders of Israel came to inquire into this matter. Jeremiah declares that the Lord sent him to prophesy thus. As long as ministers keep close to the word they have from God, they need not fear. And those are very unjust who complain of ministers for preaching of hell and damnation; for it is from a desir to bring them to heaven and salvation. Jeremiah warns them of their danger if they go on against him. All men may know, that to hurt, or put to death, or to show hatred to their faithful reprovers, wil hasten and increase their own punishment.
Jer. 26:16-24 When secure sinners are threatened with taking away the Spirit of God, and the kingdom of God, it is what is warranted from the word of God. Hezekiah who protected Micah, prospered. Did Jehoiakim who slew Urijah, prosper? The examples of bad men, and the ba consequences of their sins, should deter from what is evil. Urijah wa faithful in delivering his message, but faulty in leaving his work. An the Lord was pleased to permit him to lose his life, while Jeremiah wa protected in danger. Those are safest who most simply trust in the Lord, whatever their outward circumstances may be; and that He has all men's hearts in his hands, encourages us to trust him in the way of duty. He will honour and recompense those who show kindness to such a are persecuted for his sake _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew בראשׁית7225 ממלכת4467 יהויקם3079 בן1121 יאושׁיהו2977 מלך4428 יהודה3063 היה1961 הדבר1697 הזה2088 אל413 ירמיה3414 מאת853 יהוה3069 לאמר׃559
