Jeremiah 37:13

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

Study Bible

But when he reached the Benjamin Gate
The "Benjamin Gate" was one of the gates of Jerusalem, likely named due to its direction towards the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. Historically, gates were significant as places of commerce, judgment, and military defense. The mention of this specific gate highlights the geographical and tribal connections within Israel, emphasizing the historical and cultural context of Jeremiah's ministry. The gate serves as a symbolic threshold between safety and danger, reflecting Jeremiah's precarious position as a prophet in a time of national crisis.

the captain of the guard
The "captain of the guard" was a position of authority, responsible for maintaining order and security. In the context of ancient Jerusalem, this role was crucial, especially during times of siege or political unrest. The presence of such a figure at the gate underscores the tension and suspicion prevalent in the city, as leaders were vigilant against potential threats, both internal and external. This highlights the challenges Jeremiah faced as a prophet delivering unpopular messages.

whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah
The naming of "Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah" provides a genealogical context, which was significant in Hebrew culture for establishing identity and authority. Names often carried meanings that reflected character or destiny. Irijah's lineage may suggest a family with a history of service or loyalty to the king, which could explain his zealous actions against Jeremiah. This detail emphasizes the personal and familial dimensions of the political and spiritual conflicts in Jerusalem.

and he arrested Jeremiah the prophet
The arrest of "Jeremiah the prophet" marks a pivotal moment in his ministry. Despite his divine calling, Jeremiah faced opposition and persecution, reflecting the broader theme of prophetic suffering. His arrest symbolizes the rejection of God's message by the people and their leaders. This act of arresting a prophet highlights the spiritual blindness and rebellion of the nation, serving as a warning of the consequences of ignoring divine warnings.

saying, 'You are deserting to the Chaldeans!'
The accusation, "You are deserting to the Chaldeans," reveals the deep mistrust and paranoia within Jerusalem. The Chaldeans, or Babylonians, were the dominant imperial power threatening Judah. Jeremiah's message of surrender to Babylon was seen as treasonous, despite being God's directive for the survival of the people. This accusation reflects the tragic irony of Jeremiah's situation: he was misunderstood and maligned for speaking truth. It underscores the theme of the prophet as an outsider, often at odds with the prevailing nationalistic and religious sentiments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. He is often referred to as the "weeping prophet" due to his heartfelt laments over the fate of his people.

2. Benjamin Gate
One of the gates of Jerusalem, likely located on the northern side of the city. It was a significant location for entering and exiting the city.

3. Irijah
The captain of the guard who arrested Jeremiah. His name means "Yahweh sees," which is ironic given his false accusation against Jeremiah.

4. Shelemiah
The father of Irijah, mentioned to establish Irijah's lineage.

5. Chaldeans
Another name for the Babylonians, who were besieging Jerusalem at the time. The accusation against Jeremiah was that he was defecting to the enemy.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Persecution
Jeremiah's arrest highlights the reality that God's servants may face false accusations and persecution. Believers are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's justice and timing.

Discernment and Wisdom
Irijah's false accusation against Jeremiah underscores the need for discernment. Believers should seek wisdom to discern truth from falsehood, especially in times of conflict.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the chaos and false accusations, God's sovereign plan was unfolding. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

Courage to Stand Alone
Jeremiah stood firm in his calling, even when misunderstood and opposed. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even if it means standing alone.

The Cost of Obedience
Obedience to God's call may come with personal cost, as seen in Jeremiah's life. Believers should be prepared to face challenges for the sake of obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's experience at the Benjamin Gate reflect the challenges faced by believers today when standing for truth?

2. In what ways can we develop discernment to recognize false accusations or misunderstandings in our own lives?

3. How does the account of Jeremiah's arrest encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty during difficult times?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to remain faithful and courageous when facing opposition for our beliefs?

5. How can the experiences of biblical figures like Jeremiah and Paul inspire us to remain obedient to God's call, despite potential personal costs?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 38:4-6
This passage continues the account of Jeremiah's arrest and subsequent imprisonment, providing context for the political and social tensions in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25:1-4
Describes the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, providing historical context for the events in Jeremiah 37.

Acts 21:27-36
Similar to Jeremiah's experience, the Apostle Paul is falsely accused and arrested, showing a pattern of God's servants facing persecution.