Jeremiah 37 13

Jeremiah 37:13 kjv

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 37:13 nkjv

And when he was in the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard was there whose name was Irijah the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "You are defecting to the Chaldeans!"

Jeremiah 37:13 niv

But when he reached the Benjamin Gate, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, arrested him and said, "You are deserting to the Babylonians!"

Jeremiah 37:13 esv

When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "You are deserting to the Chaldeans."

Jeremiah 37:13 nlt

But as he was walking through the Benjamin Gate, a sentry arrested him and said, "You are defecting to the Babylonians!" The sentry making the arrest was Irijah son of Shelemiah, grandson of Hananiah.

Jeremiah 37 verses

Jeremiah 37 13 Meaning

The verse describes Jeremiah being identified as a prophet to the people of Israel by a guard at the Valley Gate. This guard stops Jeremiah and accuses him of deserting to the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 37 13 Context

Jeremiah 37 occurs during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The king of Judah, Zedekiah, despite God's clear word through Jeremiah, had rebelled against Babylon. The Egyptian army had approached Jerusalem, giving temporary relief and prompting some to believe the city would be saved. In this atmosphere of fragile hope and continued defiance, Jeremiah was on his way to his family's home in Anathoth, perhaps to secure family property, as his lineage was there, and the city was nearing a crisis point. This verse captures a specific moment of personal interaction amidst the national calamity.

Jeremiah 37 13 Word Analysis

• "And it happened": Introduces a specific event within the broader narrative.
• "as he went": Signifies movement and journey, implying Jeremiah was not in his designated place but on a personal mission.
• "in": Indicates location.
• "the gate of Benjamin": A specific gate of Jerusalem, associated with the tribe of Benjamin. This was likely one of the northern gates. Scholars debate its exact location relative to the Valley Gate, but it highlights a specific entry/exit point.
• "which is towards the north": Further clarifies the location of this gate.
• "there was a sentinel": Refers to a guard or watchman, positioned at the gate.
• "Irad by name": Identifies the guard. The name "Irad" means "fugitive" or "he fled," which could be ironic or a subtle hint at his lack of loyalty or perceived status.
• "a captain of the guard": Indicates Irad's position of authority and responsibility.
• "and he prophesied there": This is the crucial accusation. The guard Irad falsely accuses Jeremiah of prophesying or declaring allegiance to the Chaldeans (Babylonians). The Hebrew word translated as "prophesied" ( nabi ) is broader than just foretelling the future; it means to speak forth or declare, often by divine inspiration. Irad twists this, accusing Jeremiah of speaking in a way that benefits the enemy, essentially an act of treason.
• "and seized Jeremiah the prophet": The guard acts decisively upon his accusation, apprehending Jeremiah.
• "and brought him to the princes": Jeremiah is taken to the ruling authorities (the princes or elders of Jerusalem), who were responsible for justice and security.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "gate of Benjamin, which is towards the north": Establishes the physical setting. It implies Jeremiah was trying to leave or was at the edge of the city's control.
• "sentinel Irad by name, a captain of the guard": Introduces a specific antagonist who misjudges and apprehends the prophet. The title "captain of the guard" suggests Irad had the authority to make such an arrest.
• "and he prophesied there... seized Jeremiah the prophet": This links the false accusation of "prophesying" (in a negative sense) directly to the act of being seized. It shows how the authorities or their representatives misinterpreted Jeremiah's divine message as betrayal.

Jeremiah 37 13 Bonus Section

Jeremiah’s journey towards Anathoth, his hometown, is significant. It hints at personal concerns or a desire to reconnect with his roots during a time of immense national turmoil. However, his prophetic calling supersedes his personal desires. The incident with Irad demonstrates how religious and political power structures could misrepresent or persecute those who spoke inconvenient truths. The very act of speaking God's word was construed as treason by those who opposed God's will for them.

Jeremiah 37 13 Commentary

This incident reveals the immense suspicion and hostility Jeremiah faced from his own people, even amidst their desperate situation. His message of submission to Babylon was perceived as disloyalty. The guard, Irad, misinterprets Jeremiah's actions and possibly his pronouncements as desertion. The act of being seized and brought before the princes highlights the constant danger and persecution Jeremiah endured for faithfully delivering God's unpopular word. It underscores the theme that God's messengers often face opposition from those they are sent to save, who resist God's truth.