Jeremiah Chapter 26 · Verse 14
As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.
Original Language Analysis
בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם
As for me behold I am in your hand
H3027
בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם
As for me behold I am in your hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עֲשׂוּ
do
H6213
עֲשׂוּ
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּטּ֥וֹב
good
H2896
כַּטּ֥וֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
6 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Joshua 9:25And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.Jeremiah 38:5Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.2 Samuel 15:26But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
Historical Context
Jeremiah's submission proved strategic as well as principled. By acknowledging the princes' authority and appealing to justice rather than claiming prophetic immunity, he created space for his defenders (v. 16) to argue for his release. This contrasts with false prophets who typically claimed special privilege and avoided accountability. Jeremiah's pattern throughout his ministry was submission to authorities (even advising submission to Babylon) while uncompromisingly proclaiming God's word. This earned respect even from those who rejected his message, ultimately preserving his life multiple times.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah's submission to human authority while maintaining uncompromising prophetic speech model the relationship between boldness and humility?
- What does Jeremiah's willingness to die for his message teach about the validation of truth through costly witness?
- In what situations should Christians submit to authority, and when must we obey God rather than humans?
Analysis & Commentary
As for me, behold, I am in your hand—Jeremiah's submission to human authority demonstrates prophetic courage without presumption. The phrase בְּיֶדְכֶם אָנֹכִי (beyadkhem anokhi, 'in your hand I am') acknowledges the princes' legal authority to render judgment. Jeremiah doesn't claim special immunity from due process or threat divine retribution if harmed. He speaks God's word faithfully, then submits to lawful authority's decision. This models the balance between prophetic boldness and civic submission that Peter articulates: 'Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake' while simultaneously declaring 'We ought to obey God rather than men' when human law contradicts divine command (1 Peter 2:13, Acts 5:29).
Do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you—The Hebrew כַּטּוֹב וְכַיָּשָׁר (katov vekhayashar, 'as good and right') appeals to their moral conscience. Jeremiah places his fate in their hands, confident that speaking God's truth was right regardless of personal consequences. This echoes Jesus' submission to unjust trial: 'Not my will, but thine, be done' (Luke 22:42). The prophet's willingness to suffer for truth is itself prophetic testimony, validating his message through his readiness to die for it.