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, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah
These individuals were officials in the court of King Zedekiah of Judah. Their lineage indicates their roles and influence within the political and religious hierarchy of Jerusalem. Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jucal, and Pashhur were likely part of the ruling elite, possibly priests or royal advisors, given their familial connections. The mention of their fathers' names underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in ancient Israelite society, where family ties often determined one's social and political standing. This group of officials was opposed to Jeremiah's prophecies, which they perceived as demoralizing and treasonous during a time of national crisis.

heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people
Jeremiah's message was one of impending judgment and the necessity of surrender to Babylon, which was contrary to the nationalistic hopes of the people and their leaders. His prophecies were public, reaching all levels of society, and were seen as a direct threat to the stability and morale of Jerusalem. The officials' awareness of Jeremiah's message indicates the widespread dissemination of his prophecies and the significant impact they had on the populace. This phrase highlights the tension between Jeremiah's divine mandate to speak God's truth and the political leaders' desire to maintain control and resist Babylonian domination. Jeremiah's role as a prophet often put him at odds with the authorities, foreshadowing the rejection and persecution faced by other prophets and ultimately by Jesus Christ, who also proclaimed a message that challenged the status quo.

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.