But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.
But know this for sure: if you kill me, you will be guilty of murdering an innocent man, and this guilt will fall on you, on this city, and on everyone who lives here. I'm telling you the truth, the LORD really did send me to speak all these words to you.
Jeremiah is warning the people that if they kill him for delivering God's message, they will be guilty of murdering an innocent messenger and bringing judgment on themselves and their city.
📚 Historical Context
During the reign of King Jehoiakim in Judah around 609-598 BC, the prophet Jeremiah was boldly warning the people of impending judgment from God due to their idolatry and rebellion against His laws. In Jeremiah 26, he spoke in the temple courtyard, prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem if they did not repent, which provoked the priests, officials, and people to seize him and threaten his life. Jeremiah's defense in verse 15 highlights his conviction that he was sent by God, making any harm to him a grave sin that would bring guilt upon the city and its inhabitants.
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