Pashhur son of Immer is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He was a priest and a chief officer in the house of the LORD during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. His role and actions are significant in understanding the religious and political climate of Judah prior to the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 20:1-6 : Pashhur son of Immer is introduced as a priest and the chief officer in the temple of the LORD. He is noted for his opposition to the prophet Jeremiah. When Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of its people, Pashhur reacted with hostility. He had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah, the prophet pronounced a divine judgment against him. Jeremiah declared that the LORD had changed Pashhur's name to "Magor-missabib," meaning "terror on every side." Jeremiah prophesied that Pashhur and his friends would fall by the sword of their enemies, and that he would be taken captive to Babylon, where he would die and be buried.

2. Role and Influence: As a chief officer in the temple, Pashhur held a position of significant authority and influence. His actions against Jeremiah reflect the tension between the religious establishment and the prophetic voices that called for repentance and warned of impending judgment. Pashhur's opposition to Jeremiah is emblematic of the broader resistance among the leaders of Judah to the messages of the prophets, who were often seen as threats to the status quo.

3. Historical Context: Pashhur's actions must be understood within the context of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a tumultuous period in Judah's history. The kingdom was under threat from the expanding Babylonian Empire, and there were intense debates about how to respond to this threat. Many leaders, including Pashhur, likely favored alliances and political strategies that contradicted the prophetic calls for reliance on God and adherence to His covenant.

4. Theological Significance: Pashhur's encounter with Jeremiah highlights the theme of true versus false security. While Pashhur sought to maintain order and control through human means, Jeremiah's message emphasized reliance on God's word and the necessity of repentance. The judgment pronounced on Pashhur serves as a warning against opposing God's prophetic messages and illustrates the consequences of prioritizing institutional power over divine truth.

5. Legacy: Pashhur son of Immer is remembered primarily for his opposition to Jeremiah and the resulting prophetic judgment. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of resisting God's messengers and the futility of relying on human strength in the face of divine will. His legacy is a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's word, even when it challenges established norms and authority.

In summary, Pashhur son of Immer is a complex figure whose actions and fate are intricately tied to the broader narrative of Judah's decline and the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. His account is a testament to the enduring conflict between human authority and divine revelation.