Jeremiah 26:20

Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did.

Study Bible

Now there was another man
This phrase introduces us to a parallel figure to Jeremiah, emphasizing that Jeremiah was not alone in his prophetic mission. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can denote a person of significance or standing. This introduction sets the stage for understanding that God often raises multiple voices to confirm His message, underscoring the seriousness of the prophetic warnings given to Judah.

who prophesied in the name of the LORD
The act of prophesying "in the name of the LORD" signifies speaking with divine authority. The Hebrew term for "prophesied" is "נִבָּא" (naba), which means to speak or sing by inspiration. This phrase highlights the legitimacy and divine backing of Uriah's message, aligning him with the true prophets who spoke God's words, as opposed to false prophets who spoke from their own imaginations.

Uriah son of Shemaiah
Uriah, whose name means "Yahweh is my light," is identified here, along with his lineage, which was a common practice to establish identity and credibility. The mention of his father, Shemaiah, whose name means "heard by Yahweh," may suggest a family known for their faithfulness to God. This personal detail adds depth to Uriah's character, presenting him as a legitimate and recognized prophet.

from Kiriath-jearim
Kiriath-jearim was a city in the territory of Judah, known historically as a place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This geographical reference situates Uriah within the cultural and religious landscape of Judah, suggesting that he was familiar with the spiritual heritage and the gravity of his prophetic mission.

He prophesied against this city and this land
The phrase "against this city and this land" indicates the content and direction of Uriah's prophecy. The Hebrew word for "against" is "עַל" (al), which can mean "concerning" or "regarding," but in this context, it implies a message of warning or judgment. This mirrors the prophetic tradition of calling out the sins of the people and warning of impending judgment if they do not repent.

just as Jeremiah did
This comparison to Jeremiah underscores the consistency and unity of the prophetic message. The Hebrew word "כְּ" (ke) means "like" or "as," indicating that Uriah's message was in harmony with Jeremiah's, reinforcing the truth of the warnings given to Judah. This parallel serves to validate both prophets' messages, showing that God was speaking clearly and consistently through His chosen messengers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Uriah son of Shemaiah
A prophet who, like Jeremiah, spoke against Jerusalem and Judah. His message was similar to Jeremiah's, warning of impending judgment due to the people's disobedience.

2. Kiriath-jearim
A town in the territory of Judah, known for its historical significance in Israel's history, including being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem.

3. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah.

4. Jerusalem
The central city of Judah, often the focal point of prophetic messages due to its spiritual and political significance.

5. Prophecy against the city and land
Both Uriah and Jeremiah delivered messages of judgment against Jerusalem and Judah, calling the people to repentance.

Teaching Points

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Uriah's account reminds us of the courage required to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Like Uriah and Jeremiah, believers today are called to stand firm in their convictions.

The Cost of Disobedience
The prophecies against Jerusalem highlight the consequences of turning away from God. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

God's Consistent Message
The similarity between Uriah's and Jeremiah's messages underscores the consistency of God's word. It encourages us to seek alignment with God's truth as revealed in Scripture.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Uriah and Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. This challenges us to consider how we respond to God's messengers and the messages they bring.

Historical Context and Relevance
Understanding the historical context of prophetic messages helps us apply their lessons to our lives today, recognizing the timeless nature of God's call to repentance and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Uriah son of Shemaiah challenge us to be bold in sharing God's truth in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience to God in our world today, and how can we respond to these warnings?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Jeremiah and Uriah's prophecies enhance our interpretation and application of these messages?

4. What can we learn from the consistency of God's message through different prophets, and how does this impact our trust in Scripture?

5. How do the experiences of prophets like Uriah and Jeremiah inform our understanding of the role of prophetic voices in the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:1-10
This passage introduces Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, establishing the context for his ministry and the nature of his messages, which were similar to those of Uriah.

2 Kings 23:36-24:7
Provides historical context for the reign of Jehoiakim, during which both Jeremiah and Uriah prophesied, highlighting the political and spiritual climate of the time.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, echoing the themes of prophetic warnings and the city's resistance to God's messengers, similar to the experiences of Jeremiah and Uriah.