Jeremiah 26:15

But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing."

Study Bible

But know for certain
Jeremiah begins with a strong assertion, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of his message. This phrase underscores the prophet's confidence in his divine commission and the truth of his words, reflecting the biblical theme of prophetic authority.

that if you put me to death
Jeremiah warns of the consequences of executing him, a prophet of God. This echoes the biblical principle that harming God's messengers brings judgment. Historically, prophets often faced persecution, as seen with Elijah and later with John the Baptist and Jesus.

you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves
The concept of "innocent blood" is significant in biblical law, where shedding innocent blood is a grave sin (Deuteronomy 19:10). Jeremiah's warning highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of unjust actions, aligning with the broader biblical theme of justice.

upon this city
Jeremiah's warning extends to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel. The city's fate is often tied to the people's obedience to God, as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC due to persistent disobedience.

and upon its residents
The collective responsibility of the city's inhabitants is emphasized. This reflects the biblical idea that communities share in the consequences of their leaders' and individuals' actions, as seen in the stories of Sodom and Gomorrah.

for truly the LORD has sent me
Jeremiah reaffirms his divine commission, emphasizing that his message is not self-originated but from God. This is a common theme among prophets, who often faced skepticism and hostility, as seen in the ministries of Moses and Isaiah.

to speak all these words in your hearing
The phrase underscores the importance of public proclamation and accountability. Jeremiah's role as a prophet is to deliver God's message openly, ensuring that the people are aware of God's will and cannot claim ignorance, similar to the role of Jesus in His public ministry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, often resistant to his messages, which called for repentance and warned of impending judgment.

3. The Priests and Prophets
Religious leaders who opposed Jeremiah, accusing him of blasphemy and seeking his death for prophesying against Jerusalem.

4. The City of Jerusalem
The central place of worship and governance for the people of Judah, often the subject of Jeremiah's warnings due to its people's unfaithfulness.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who sent Jeremiah to deliver His messages of warning and hope.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Speaking Truth
Jeremiah's willingness to face death for delivering God's message challenges us to consider the cost of standing for truth in our own lives.

The Consequences of Rejecting God's Word
The warning of bringing innocent blood upon themselves serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of rejecting God's messages and messengers.

God's Sovereignty in Sending Messengers
Recognizing that God sends His prophets underscores His active role in guiding and correcting His people, encouraging us to be attentive to His voice today.

The Importance of Repentance
Jeremiah's message was ultimately a call to repentance, reminding us of the need to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness.

The Role of Courage in Faith
Jeremiah's courage in the face of opposition inspires us to be bold in our faith, trusting in God's protection and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's willingness to face death for God's message challenge your own commitment to speaking truth in difficult situations?

2. In what ways can we discern and respond to God's messages in our lives today, similar to how the people of Judah were called to respond to Jeremiah?

3. What are some modern examples of "innocent blood" being shed, and how can we, as Christians, work to prevent such injustices?

4. How does the opposition Jeremiah faced from religious leaders inform our understanding of potential challenges within the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to deliver a difficult message. How did you rely on God's strength and guidance, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 19:10
This verse discusses the shedding of innocent blood and the guilt it brings upon a land, echoing Jeremiah's warning about the consequences of killing him.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, highlighting the city's history of killing prophets, which connects to the opposition Jeremiah faced.

Acts 7:52
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of betraying and murdering prophets, drawing a parallel to Jeremiah's situation.