Jeremiah 38:1

Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people:

Study Bible

Now Shephatiah son of Mattan
The name "Shephatiah" means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, indicating a divine judgment or decision. This name sets the tone for the unfolding events, as the narrative involves judgment against Jeremiah. "Mattan" means "gift," suggesting that Shephatiah's lineage might have been seen as a blessing or offering. Historically, names were significant in Hebrew culture, often reflecting the character or destiny of individuals.

Gedaliah son of Pashhur
"Gedaliah" translates to "Yahweh is great," a name that acknowledges the sovereignty and greatness of God. This is ironic given Gedaliah's opposition to Jeremiah, a true prophet of Yahweh. "Pashhur" means "freedom" or "split," which could imply a division or conflict, fitting the context of the opposition against Jeremiah. The historical context reveals that Pashhur was a common name among priests, suggesting a possible priestly lineage.

Jehucal son of Shelemiah
"Jehucal" means "Yahweh is able," a name that speaks to God's omnipotence. Despite his name, Jehucal's actions demonstrate a lack of faith in God's power as revealed through Jeremiah. "Shelemiah" means "Yahweh has repaid," which could imply a divine recompense or justice, a theme prevalent in Jeremiah's prophecies. The historical context shows Jehucal as a royal official, indicating the political tension in Jerusalem.

Pashhur son of Malchijah
This is a different "Pashhur" from the one mentioned earlier, highlighting the commonality of the name. "Malchijah" means "Yahweh is my king," a name that should denote allegiance to God. However, Pashhur's actions contradict this, as he opposes God's prophet. The repetition of the name "Pashhur" emphasizes the widespread resistance to Jeremiah's message among the leaders.

heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking
The act of "hearing" in Hebrew often implies understanding and responsibility. These leaders were not ignorant of Jeremiah's message; they were fully aware and chose to reject it. "Jeremiah" means "Yahweh will exalt," a prophetic name that underscores his role as God's spokesperson. The phrase indicates the ongoing tension between Jeremiah's divine message and the leaders' refusal to heed it.

to all the people
Jeremiah's message was public, intended for "all the people," signifying its importance and urgency. This inclusivity highlights the democratic nature of prophetic messages in Israel, meant for every individual, not just the elite. The historical context shows that Jeremiah's prophecies were often unpopular, yet they were crucial for the nation's spiritual and physical survival. The phrase underscores the universal call to repentance and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shephatiah son of Mattan
A prince of Judah who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies. His name means "Yahweh has judged."

2. Gedaliah son of Pashhur
Another prince of Judah, likely a member of the priestly class, who also opposed Jeremiah. His name means "Yahweh is great."

3. Jehucal son of Shelemiah
A royal official who was involved in the opposition against Jeremiah. His name means "Yahweh is able."

4. Pashhur son of Malchijah
A priest and an official who was part of the group that sought to silence Jeremiah. His name means "freedom" or "liberation."

5. Jeremiah
The prophet of God who was delivering a message of impending judgment to the people of Judah. His name means "Yahweh will exalt."

Teaching Points

Opposition to God's Word
The individuals mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1 represent those who resist God's message. Believers today may face similar opposition when standing for biblical truth.

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Jeremiah's steadfastness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, serves as a model for Christians to boldly proclaim the Gospel.

The Role of Leaders
The involvement of princes and priests in opposing Jeremiah highlights the responsibility of leaders to align with God's will rather than political or personal agendas.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
The names of the individuals (e.g., "Yahweh has judged," "Yahweh is great") remind us of God's sovereignty and the balance of His judgment and mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the actions of Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jehucal, and Pashhur reflect common responses to God's truth in today's world?

2. In what ways can we find courage to stand for God's truth like Jeremiah, even when facing opposition?

3. How does the involvement of religious and political leaders in opposing Jeremiah's message challenge us to evaluate the influences in our own lives?

4. What can we learn from the eventual fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies about the reliability of God's Word?

5. How do the meanings of the names of the individuals in this passage enhance our understanding of God's character and His dealings with humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 37:3
Jehucal is mentioned as being sent by King Zedekiah to Jeremiah, showing his involvement in the political and religious affairs of the time.

Jeremiah 20:1-2
Pashhur son of Immer, another priest, had previously persecuted Jeremiah, illustrating the ongoing opposition Jeremiah faced from religious leaders.

2 Kings 25:4-7
The eventual fall of Jerusalem, which Jeremiah prophesied, showing the fulfillment of his warnings despite opposition.