Jeremiah 20:1

When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and the chief official in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things,

Study Bible

When Pashhur the priest
The name "Pashhur" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "freedom" or "splitter." As a priest, Pashhur held a significant religious position, indicating his role in maintaining the spiritual and ceremonial order of the temple. His encounter with Jeremiah highlights the tension between established religious authority and prophetic truth. This tension is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God often uses prophets to challenge the status quo and call His people back to faithfulness.

the son of Immer
The mention of "Immer" situates Pashhur within a specific priestly lineage, emphasizing the hereditary nature of his office. The priestly divisions, established since the time of King David, were integral to the temple's function. This lineage underscores the weight of tradition and authority that Pashhur wielded, making his opposition to Jeremiah not just personal but institutional.

the chief officer in the house of the LORD
As "chief officer," Pashhur was responsible for maintaining order in the temple, a role that combined religious and administrative duties. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. Pashhur's position suggests he was deeply invested in the temple's operations, which Jeremiah's prophecies threatened by calling out the people's unfaithfulness.

heard Jeremiah prophesying these things
The act of "hearing" in Hebrew often implies not just auditory reception but also understanding and response. Pashhur's hearing of Jeremiah's prophecies indicates a confrontation between divine revelation and human authority. "Prophesying" involves speaking forth God's message, often calling for repentance and warning of judgment. Jeremiah's prophecies were particularly challenging, as they foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which would have been deeply unsettling to someone like Pashhur, who was invested in the temple's continuity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pashhur
A priest and the son of Immer, who held a significant position as the chief officer in the temple. His role was to maintain order and oversee temple activities, making him a person of authority and influence.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

3. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was a place of significant religious and cultural importance.

4. Prophesying
The act of delivering messages from God, often involving warnings of judgment or calls for repentance. Jeremiah's prophecies were often met with resistance and hostility.

5. The Context of Opposition
This event occurs in a broader account where Jeremiah faces increasing opposition and persecution for his prophecies, highlighting the tension between true prophetic messages and established religious authority.

Teaching Points

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Jeremiah's experience teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and convictions, even when facing opposition from those in authority.

The Cost of Prophetic Ministry
True prophetic ministry often comes with a cost, including misunderstanding and persecution. Believers should be prepared for challenges when speaking God's truth.

Authority and Accountability
Pashhur's reaction to Jeremiah's prophecy reminds us that religious authority must be exercised with humility and openness to God's voice, rather than resistance to it.

The Role of the Temple
The temple, as a place of worship, should be a place where God's truth is proclaimed and heard, not suppressed. This calls for a reflection on how we maintain the integrity of our places of worship today.

Perseverance in Mission
Jeremiah's perseverance despite opposition encourages believers to remain faithful to their God-given mission, trusting in God's protection and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Pashhur as a religious leader influence his reaction to Jeremiah's prophecy, and what can this teach us about the potential pitfalls of religious authority?

2. In what ways can we draw strength from God's promises, like those given to Jeremiah, when facing opposition in our own lives?

3. How do the experiences of Jeremiah and the apostles in Acts 4 inform our understanding of the challenges faced by those who speak God's truth today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our places of worship remain open to God's truth and not resistant to it?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for standing up for your beliefs. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Jeremiah's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:18-19
God promises Jeremiah that he will be made a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the whole land, including the priests. This connection underscores the divine protection and strength given to Jeremiah despite opposition.

Acts 4:1-3
The apostles Peter and John face opposition from religious leaders for preaching about Jesus. This parallel highlights the recurring theme of God's messengers facing resistance from established religious authorities.

Matthew 23:34
Jesus speaks of prophets being persecuted, drawing a line from the Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah to the experiences of His own disciples.