Jeremiah Is Arrested And Judged

 "Then the priests and the prophets said to the leaders of the people: 'This man must die for he has spoken against the city as you have heard with your own ears!'

Jeremiah replied, 'I have been sent by YAHWEH to prophesy against this house and this city all that you have heard.  Hence, reform your ways and your deeds and obey YAHWEH your GOD that HE may change HIS mind and not bring upon you the destruction HE had intended.

As for me I am in your hands; do with me whatever you consider just and right.  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 it was YAHWEH who 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 YAHWEH.'

As for Jeremiah he was befriended by Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and was not handed over to those who wanted him put to death." - Jeremiah 26:11-16. 24 

(- The people defend Jeremiah against the priests and the prophets.

 - Jeremiah maintains his position firmly: he cannot provide proof or miracles to confirm what he is saying.  He is saved by the conversion of the people: they have recognized the voice of truth.

- They recall the words of the prophet Micah 3:12 in the previous century.

- At the end of the chapter, there is mention of the family of Shaphan, the secretary of the king who had favored the religious reform of king Josiah [see 2 Kings 22:8].  Shaphan and his family will protect Jeremiah on several occasions.

The confrontation between Jeremiah and the priests is not accidental.  Oftentimes the priests who kept the word of GOD opposed the prophets of their times.  John the Baptist was ignored by the priests, and JESUS was condemned by them.  The reason is that often the ministers of religion think first of preserving the institutions and the system of which they are the guardians and which provide them with a livelihood, whereas the prophets invite us to forge ahead and be mindful of what is essential.)

On-Site