Jeremiah 26:24 - But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that they didn’t give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 26:24

What does "Jeremiah 26:24" mean?


This verse from Jeremiah 26:24 highlights the protection Jeremiah received from Ahikam, son of Shaphan, preventing his execution by the angry crowd. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

Context: Chapter 26 of Jeremiah recounts an incident where Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of the Temple if the people didn't repent. This angered the priests and prophets, who demanded his death.

"But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah...": This implies that Ahikam intervened on Jeremiah's behalf. "The hand of" in this context signifies support, protection, and active intervention. Ahikam used his influence or position to shield Jeremiah.

"...so that they didn’t give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.": This clarifies the outcome of Ahikam's intervention. The hostile crowd, who sought Jeremiah's life, was prevented from seizing him and executing him.

In essence, the verse means that Ahikam, through his influence and protection, saved Jeremiah from being killed by a mob who were enraged by his prophecy.

Significance of Ahikam's protection:

Preservation of Jeremiah's Prophecy: By saving Jeremiah, Ahikam enabled him to continue delivering God's messages and warnings to the people.
Ahikam's Character: It reflects Ahikam's character and potentially his faithfulness to God. He likely recognized the truth in Jeremiah's words or valued justice and due process. The Shaphan family were often depicted as having favorable views towards Jeremiah and his message.
Divine Providence: Some interpret this as God's providential intervention, using Ahikam as an instrument to safeguard his prophet.

Therefore, the verse is a testament to Ahikam's courage and influence in protecting Jeremiah from a potentially fatal situation, allowing him to continue his prophetic ministry. It highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of opposition.