Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 26:10-16

"And when the princes of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king`s house unto the house of Jehovah; and they sat in the entry of the new gate of Jehovah`s [house]. Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy of death; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears. Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, Jehovah sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Jehovah your God; and Jehovah will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you. But as for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as is good and right in your eyes. Only know ye for certain that, if ye put me to death, ye will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof; for of a truth Jehovah hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears. Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets: This man is not worthy of death; for he hath spoken to us in the name of Jehovah our God." — Jeremiah 26:10-16 (ASV)

1. Here, the liberation is discussed, and concerning this, there are two points.

First, the judgment of the princes for the liberation of Jeremiah.

Second, the calming of the people’s fury by the words of the elders, at therefore, certain of the elders of the land arose (Jeremiah 26:17).

Concerning the first point, there are three sub-points.

First, he mentions the foresight of the princes: and the princes came up into the house of the LORD to quell the dissension. The gate was called new because it had been rebuilt to hold the trials of the priests and of those involved in religious practice. You shall establish judges and magistrates in all your gates, which the Lord your God shall give you throughout all your tribes, to judge the people with just judgment; neither shall they turn aside to another place (Deuteronomy 16:18–19).

Second, he mentions the dispute between the parties regarding the accusation: and the priests spoke. They strove to charge him with something like the crime of blasphemy so that he would be killed. Likewise in Acts 6:13, this man does not cease to speak words against this holy place and against the law.

Regarding the defense: and Jeremiah spoke. He responds prudently, for he exempts himself from guilt: the LORD sent me. For this reason, I am not to be blamed for the things I have spoken. Do not stand in fear of your neighbor when he falls, nor hold your tongue in the time of salvation . And now the Lord and his Spirit sent me (Isaiah 48:16).

He also softens their wrath when he points out the remedy: now, therefore, make your ways good. As it says above: let each one turn from his wicked way, and direct your ways and your endeavors (Jeremiah 18:11).

He responds humbly, because he recognizes their power: behold, I am in your hands. A mild answer breaks wrath, but a hard word stirs up fury (Proverbs 15:1).

He also speaks consistently, because he forbids injustice: but know. The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to me from the earth (Genesis 4:10). And he is consistent because he is confirming his prophetic message: in truth, the LORD sent me. Judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God (Acts 4:19).

Third, the proclamation of the sentence is given: and the princes and all the people said.

First, the sentence is proclaimed by the princes: there is no judgment of death against this man. Behold, nothing worthy of death has been done by him (Luke 23:15).

Second, the sentence is confirmed by the elders, whose duty it is to know ancient precedents. In the ancient is wisdom, and in much time prudence (Job 12:12).