Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24
Chapter 26
Jeremiah replied: “The Lord has sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all that you have heard.
Hence, reform your ways and deeds and obey the Lord your God that he may change his mind and not bring upon you the destruction he intended.
As for me, I am in your hands; do whatever you consider just and right with me.
But know that I am innocent, and if you take my life, you commit a crime that is a curse on yourselves, on the city, and the people. In truth, the Lord sent me to say all that I said in your hearing.”
Then the leaders, backed by the people, said to the priests and the prophets: “This man does not deserve death; he spoke to us in the Name of the Lord.”
As for Jeremiah, he was helped by Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and was not handed over to those aiming to kill him.
Commentaries
Jeremiah, Judged and Acquitted.
It recalls the circumstances in which Jeremiah delivered a speech against the temple (7:1-15) and the violent reactions it sparked (8ff). Jeremiah’s words create conflict and division: the priests and prophets accuse him of blasphemy, for which he faces death (11); the leaders of the people acknowledge his innocence (16); and in the middle are the people, who initially oppose Jeremiah (7-9) but later recognize him as a true prophet (16).