7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord . 8 When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people , the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying , " You must die ! 9 "Why have you prophesied in the name of the Lord saying , 'This house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate , without inhabitant '?" And all the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the Lord . 10 When the officials of Judah heard these things , they came up from the king's house to the house of the Lord and sat in the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord'S house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets spoke to the officials and to all the people , saying , "A death sentence for this man ! For he has prophesied against this city as you have heard in your hearing ." 12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and to all the people , saying , " The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard . 13 "Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the Lord your God ; and the Lord will change His mind about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you. 14 "But as for me, behold , I am in your hands ; do with me as is good and right in your sight . 15 "Only know for certain that if you put me to death , you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city and on its inhabitants ; for truly the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 26:7-15
Commentary on Jeremiah 26:7-15
(Read Jeremiah 26:7-15)
The priests and prophets charged Jeremiah as deserving death, and bore false witness against him. The elders of Israel came to inquire into this matter. Jeremiah declares that the Lord sent him to prophesy thus. As long as ministers keep close to the word they have from God, they need not fear. And those are very unjust who complain of ministers for preaching of hell and damnation; for it is from a desire to bring them to heaven and salvation. Jeremiah warns them of their danger if they go on against him. All men may know, that to hurt, or put to death, or to show hatred to their faithful reprovers, will hasten and increase their own punishment.