Jeremiah 37:13
And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.
Jeremiah 37:13 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah 37:13 describes a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Jeremiah. In this verse, Jeremiah is depicted as being at the gate of Benjamin when he is approached by a captain of the guard named Irijah. Irijah accuses Jeremiah of defecting to the Chaldeans, which was a serious accusation at the time. This interaction signifies the challenges and opposition that Jeremiah faced in his role as a prophet. It highlights the mistrust and suspicion that surrounded him, as he proclaimed messages of repentance and warnings of impending doom. Despite the adversity he faced, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his mission to convey the words of the Lord to the people of Israel. This verse serves as a reminder of the difficulties and sacrifices that prophets like Jeremiah endured in order to fulfill their divine calling.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of Jeremiah 37:13, we see a significant turning point in the prophet's life. This verse depicts a moment where Jeremiah is confronted by a captain of the ward, who accuses him of betraying his people and aligning himself with the Chaldeans. The name Irijah means "whom Jehovah sees" and Shelemiah means "Jehovah is peace," while Hananiah means "Jehovah has favored." This encounter serves as a reminder of the challenges and opposition that prophets often face when delivering messages from God. Jeremiah's faithfulness to his divine calling despite opposition highlights the theme of obedience and perseverance in the face of adversity. This verse also emphasizes the danger of false accusations and the importance of standing firm in one's convictions, even in the midst of opposition.
Jeremiah 37:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he laid hold on Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou art falling away to the Chaldeans.
World English Bible
When he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he laid hold on Jeremiah the prophet, saying, You are falling away to the Chaldeans.
Douay-Rheims
And Jeremiah answered: It is not so, I am not fleeing to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Jerias took Jeremiah and brought him to the princes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when hee was in the gate of Beniamin, there was a chiefe officer, whose name was Iriiah, the sonne of Shelemiah, the sonne of Hananiah, and he tooke Ieremiah the Prophet, saying, Thou fleest to the Caldeans.