1At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim26:1 2Kg 23:34–24:6; 2Ch 36:4–8 son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord:

2“This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all Judah’s cities that are coming to worship there. Do not hold back a word.26:2 Dt 4:2; Ec 3:14

3Perhaps they will listen and turn — each from his evil way of life — so that I might relent26:3 Ex 32:12,14; Am 7:3,6; Jnh 3:9–10 concerning the disaster that I plan to do to them because of the evil of their deeds.

4You are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me by living according to my instruction that I set before you26:4 Lv 26:14

5and by listening to the words of my servants the prophets26:5 Jr 25:3–4 — whom I have been sending to you time and time again,26:5 Lit you, rising early and sending26:5 Jr 7:13,25; 11:7; 25:3; 29:19; 32:33; 35:14–15; 44:4 though you did not listen — 

6I will make this temple like Shiloh.26:6 Jos 18:1,8–10; 21:2; 1Sm 1:3 I will make this city an example for cursing for all the nations of the earth.’”

7The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the temple of the Lord.

8When he finished the address the Lord had commanded him to deliver to all the people, immediately the priests, the prophets, and all the people took hold of him, yelling, “You must surely die!

9How dare you prophesy in the name of the Lord, ‘This temple will become like Shiloh and this city will become an uninhabited ruin’!” Then all the people crowded around Jeremiah at the Lord’s temple.

12Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The Lord sent me to prophesy all the words that you have heard against this temple and city.

13So now, correct your ways and deeds,26:13 Jr 4:18; 7:3–5; 18:11 and obey the Lord your God so that he might relent concerning the disaster he had pronounced against you.

14As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right.

15But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood26:15 Dt 19:10,13; 21:8–9; 2Kg 21:16; 24:4; Jr 7:6; 22:3,17; Mt 27:4 on yourselves, on this city, and on its residents, for it is certain the Lord has sent me to speak all these things directly to you.”

16Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man doesn’t deserve the death sentence, for he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God!”

19Did King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah put him to death? Did not the king fear the Lord and plead for the Lord’s favor,26:19 Or and appease the Lord26:19 2Ch 32:26 and did not the Lord relent concerning the disaster he had pronounced against them?26:19 Ex 32:14; 2Sm 24:16 We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!”

20Another man was also prophesying in the name of the Lord — Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim.26:20 Jos 9:17; 1Sm 6:21; 7:2 He prophesied against this city and against this land in words like all those of Jeremiah.

21King Jehoiakim, all his warriors, and all the officials heard his words, and the king tried to put him to death. When Uriah heard, he fled in fear and went to Egypt.

22But King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor26:22 Jr 36:12 and certain other men with him went to Egypt.

23They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who executed him with the sword and threw his corpse into the burial place of the common people.26:23 Lit the sons of the people