Jeremiah 26:17

“Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, etc.] The same with the princes; some of the court, who rose up as advocates for the prophet: and spake to all the assembly of the people: to justify the vote of the court, and to confirm the people in a good opinion of it, by giving them examples and instances of the like kind: saying; as follows:”

“Compare Gamaliel's interposition (Act 5:34, &c.). elders--some of the "princes" mentioned (Jer 26:16) those whose age, as well as dignity, would give weight to the precedents of past times which they adduce.”

“The elders of the land - The heads and spokesmen of the congregation, who added their approval after the princes who represented the king had given their decision. return to 'Top of Page'”

“26:17-19 Societies in the ancient Near East greatly revered wise old men. Few people survived to old age, and those who did had a valuable store of memory. • Micah of Moresheth had lived during the reign of King Hezekiah (728–686 BC), more than 100 years earlier. Micah had written a small collection of his prophecies, from which the elders quoted a verse (Mic 3:12) that predicted the destruction of Mount Zion and Jerusalem. These elders counseled the people to do as Hezekiah had done when he turned from his sins and worshiped the Lord. Although the people of Judah relinquished their plan to harm Jeremiah, they did not heed the second part of the old men’s counsel.”

“Then rose: Mic 1:1; Act 5:34 Jeremiah 26:18”