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Jeremiah, the Man Who Felt God’s Anguish
187
bring dishonor to the cause of truth! Let no one accuse the servants
of God of being too zealous in trying to cleanse the camp from evil-
doing. Jerusalem’s desolation in the days of Jeremiah is a solemn
warning that we cannot disregard the counsels given through God’s
chosen instruments and expect no consequences to follow.
Jeremiah’s message stirred up the angry opposition of many.
They cried out, “‘Why have you prophesied in the name of the
Lord, saying, “This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be
desolate, without an inhabitant”?’ And all the people were gathered
against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.”
Verse 9
. Priests, false
prophets, and people turned on him who would not speak smooth
things or prophesy deceit. They threatened God’s servant with death.
Jeremiah’s Courage Saves His Life
Soon the princes heard the news of Jeremiah’s words, and they
hurried from the palace to learn for themselves the truth of the matter.
“And the priests and the prophets spoke to the princes and all the
people, saying, ‘This man deserves to die! For he has prophesied
against this city, as you have heard with your ears.’”
Verse 11
. But
Jeremiah boldly declared: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against
this house and against this city with all the words that you have
heard. Now therefore, ... obey the voice of the Lord your God; then
the Lord will relent concerning the doom that He has pronounced
against you. As for me, here I am, in your hand; do with me as
seems good and proper to you. But know for certain that if you put
me to death, you will surely bring innocent blood on yourselves, on
this city, and on its inhabitants; for truly the Lord has sent me to
you.”
Verses 12-15
.
If the prophet had been intimidated by those high in authority,
he would have lost his life. But the courage with which he delivered
the solemn warning earned the respect of the people and turned
the princes in his favor. They reasoned with the priests and false
prophets. In this way God raised up defenders for His servant.
[149]
The elders also united in protesting against the priests’ deci-
sion regarding Jeremiah. Through the pleading of these influential
men the prophet’s life was spared, although many priests and false