Jeremiah 26:16

“Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets, etc.] Hearing Jeremiah’s apology for himself, by which it appeared that he was to be justified in what he had done, took his part, and acquitted him; and the people, who before were on the side of the priests and false prophets; yet hearing what Jeremiah had to say for himself, and also the judgment of the princes, took his part also, and joined with the court in an address to the priests and prophets, who were the chief accusers, and who would fain have had him brought in guilty of death: this man [is] not worthy to die; or, “the judgment of death is not for this man”; we cannot give judgment against him; he is…”

“princes . . . all the people--The fickle people, as they were previously influenced by the priests to clamor for his death (Jer 26:8), so now under the princes' influence require that he shall not be put to death. Compare as to Jesus, Jeremiah's antitype, the hosannas of the multitude a few days before the same people, persuaded by the priests as in this case, cried, Away with Him, crucify Him (Mat 21:1-11; Mat 27:20-25). The priests, through envy of his holy zeal, were more his enemies than the princes, whose office was more secular than religious. A prophet could not legally be put to death unless he prophesied in the name of other gods (therefore, they say, "in the name of the Lord"), or…”

“This man ... - literally, There is not to this man a sentence of death, i. e., he is acquitted by the princes and the congregation. return to 'Top of Page'”

“26:16 Jeremiah was successful in his defense; he convinced the officials and the people that he was innocent because he spoke for the Lord.”

“Jer 36:19, Jer 36:25, Jer 38:7-13; Est 4:14; Pro 16:7; Mat 27:23, Mat 27:24, Mat 27:54; Luk 23:14, Luk 23:15, Luk 23:41, Luk 23:47; Act 5:34-39, Act 23:9, Act 23:29, Act 25:25, Act 26:31, Act 26:32 Jeremiah 26:17”