Jeremiah’s arrest at the Gate of Benjamin reveals the depth of Judah’s mistrust and the cost paid by God’s true messenger.
“While he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard whose name was Irijah the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah was there; and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘You are going over to the Chaldeans!’” (v.13)
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah finds himself at the Gate of Benjamin, which was located north of the Temple Mount and led out of Jerusalem into the Kidron Valley. Jeremiah ministered from about 627 BC until sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, persistently warning the people of Judah about the coming Babylonian invasion. As he attempted to leave the city, the captain of the guard, Irijah, accused Jeremiah of abandoning Judah to join the Chaldean (Babylonian) army. This false claim reflects the widespread suspicion and opposition the prophet faced for delivering divine messages that contradicted the hopes of many who believed Egypt or their own defenses would protect them.
“...and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet...” (v.13) underscores the hostility Jeremiah encountered as God’s spokesperson. Being seized at the city gate highlights the severity of his opponents’ distrust; anyone speaking unwelcome truth risked dire consequences. The Gate of Benjamin itself was significant for traffic both in and out of Jerusalem, making it an important checkpoint for suspicion and potential arrest. Jeremiah’s experience foreshadows how Jesus too was arrested and falsely accused for proclaiming messages that ran counter to popular expectations (John 18:12; Matthew 26:59-61). In both cases, prophetic voices of truth were met with hostility by those who felt threatened or offended.
“You are going over to the Chaldeans!” (v.13) conveys Irijah’s unfounded allegation, fueled by the political tensions of the time. Even though Jeremiah consistently preached repentance and trust in God rather than political alliances, he was charged with disloyalty. His arrest represents the tragic clash between the prophet’s divine calling and the nation’s fear-driven perspective.
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Jeremiah 37:13 meaning
“While he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard whose name was Irijah the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah was there; and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘You are going over to the Chaldeans!’” (v.13)
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah finds himself at the Gate of Benjamin, which was located north of the Temple Mount and led out of Jerusalem into the Kidron Valley. Jeremiah ministered from about 627 BC until sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, persistently warning the people of Judah about the coming Babylonian invasion. As he attempted to leave the city, the captain of the guard, Irijah, accused Jeremiah of abandoning Judah to join the Chaldean (Babylonian) army. This false claim reflects the widespread suspicion and opposition the prophet faced for delivering divine messages that contradicted the hopes of many who believed Egypt or their own defenses would protect them.
“...and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet...” (v.13) underscores the hostility Jeremiah encountered as God’s spokesperson. Being seized at the city gate highlights the severity of his opponents’ distrust; anyone speaking unwelcome truth risked dire consequences. The Gate of Benjamin itself was significant for traffic both in and out of Jerusalem, making it an important checkpoint for suspicion and potential arrest. Jeremiah’s experience foreshadows how Jesus too was arrested and falsely accused for proclaiming messages that ran counter to popular expectations (John 18:12; Matthew 26:59-61). In both cases, prophetic voices of truth were met with hostility by those who felt threatened or offended.
“You are going over to the Chaldeans!” (v.13) conveys Irijah’s unfounded allegation, fueled by the political tensions of the time. Even though Jeremiah consistently preached repentance and trust in God rather than political alliances, he was charged with disloyalty. His arrest represents the tragic clash between the prophet’s divine calling and the nation’s fear-driven perspective.