Jeremiah 26:20
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Jeremiah 26:20
20 And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah:
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 26 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, obedience. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 26:20
20 And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah:
Analysis
And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath-jearim (אוּרִיָּהוּ בֶן־שְׁמַעְיָהוּ מִקִּרְיַת הַיְּעָרִים, uriyyahu ven-sh'ma'yahu miqqiryat hay'arim)—Urijah (meaning 'Yahweh is my light') prophesied messages identical to Jeremiah's: who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah. The phrase כְּכֹל דִּבְרֵי יִרְמְיָהוּ (k'khol divrei yirm'yahu, 'according to all Jeremiah's words') confirms theological alignment.
This proves Jeremiah wasn't alone—God raised multiple witnesses to the same truth. Urijah's fate (next verses) demonstrates the deadly cost of authentic prophecy under Jehoiakim's reign. While we remember Jeremiah, Urijah died for the same message. His inclusion here honors a forgotten martyr and warns that faithfulness doesn't guarantee earthly survival. Some prophets God preserves; others He allows to die bearing witness. Both outcomes glorify God.
Historical Context
Kirjath-jearim was about 8 miles northwest of Jerusalem, where the Ark of the Covenant temporarily rested (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Urijah's hometown connects him to Judah's sacred history. He likely prophesied during Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC), when Jeremiah first proclaimed temple destruction (chapter 7, 26). Multiple prophets speaking identical truth refutes claims that Jeremiah was isolated extremist.
Reflection
- Who are the forgotten faithful in your tradition who paid costs you've not had to bear?
- How does knowing others shared Jeremiah's message affect understanding of prophetic ministry?
- What does faithfulness look like when it doesn't guarantee earthly survival?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Samuel 7:2
- Parallel theme: Joshua 9:17