Background:
Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," was called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. Jeremiah's prophecies were primarily focused on the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile due to the people's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

Prophecy:
Jeremiah's prophecies were characterized by their directness and urgency. In Jeremiah 26, the prophet is commanded by God to stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and proclaim a message to all the cities of Judah. The message was a call to repentance, warning that if the people did not turn from their evil ways, God would make the temple like Shiloh and the city a curse among the nations (Jeremiah 26:4-6).

Jeremiah's message was not well-received by the religious and political leaders of the time. His prophecies often contradicted the assurances of peace given by false prophets, leading to significant tension and hostility towards him.

Arrest:
The reaction to Jeremiah's prophecy in the temple courtyard was swift and severe. The priests, prophets, and all the people seized him, declaring that he must die for prophesying against the city (Jeremiah 26:8-9). The officials of Judah were summoned, and they sat at the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD's house to hold a trial.

During the trial, Jeremiah defended himself by reiterating that he was sent by God to deliver the message and urged the people to amend their ways to avert disaster (Jeremiah 26:12-13). The officials and the people, recognizing the divine origin of Jeremiah's message, decided that he should not be put to death (Jeremiah 26:16).

However, the threat to Jeremiah's life was real and persistent. The prophet Uriah, who had delivered a similar message, was captured and killed by King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Jeremiah's life was spared, in part, due to the protection of Ahikam son of Shaphan, who supported him and prevented his execution (Jeremiah 26:24).

Significance:
Jeremiah's prophecy and subsequent arrest highlight the tension between true and false prophecy, the resistance of the people to divine correction, and the courage required to speak God's truth in the face of opposition. His experiences serve as a testament to the challenges faced by those called to deliver difficult messages and the importance of faithfulness to God's word, regardless of the personal cost.