Jeremiah 26:1

Authorized King James Version

In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּרֵאשִׁ֗ית

H7225

In the beginning

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

מַמְלְכ֛וּת

H4468

of the reign

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

יְהוֹיָקִ֥ים

H3079

of Jehoiakim

jehojakim, a jewish king

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יֹאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ

H2977

of Josiah

joshijah, the name of two israelites

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

came this word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#10

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#11

מֵאֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

from the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?

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Jeremiah