In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that this divine message arrived at the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign, a seemingly minor detail that actually carries significant weight. It emphasizes that God's word came not after years of decline but as a new king took the throne, suggesting a pivotal moment where hope for a fresh start could easily be misplaced on human leadership rather than divine counsel. This timing underscores Jeremiah's role in calling for repentance and obedience from the very outset of a new era, rather than waiting for established patterns of sin to take root.
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the beginning of King Jehoiakim's reign, a time of national anxiety following his father Josiah's death, Jeremiah was commanded by God to deliver a stark warning. He was to stand in the temple court and preach to all the people who had gathered for worship that their sins would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, just as happened to Shiloh. This message, a rehash of earlier prophecies, was delivered amidst a populace hardened in their ways, who were trusting in the temple's sanctity rather than their obedience to God.
New kings, new eras, new anxieties. What happens when God's message arrives at the very dawn of a new reign, especially one poised for trouble?
Jeremiah begins his ministry in the very first days of Jehoiakim's rule. This timing isn't accidental. The commentators note that new rulers often bring a mix of hope and uncertainty for the people. They might expect a fresh start, or perhaps worry about a return to old ways. But God's word, described as 'this word came from the LORD,' doesn't wait for stability. It arrives with urgency, cutting through the political shifts and the people's natural reactions to them. It's a powerful reminder that God's communication isn't dictated by human timelines or the rise and fall of kings. His message is sovereign, arriving precisely when and how He intends, regardless of the surrounding chaos.
God's message to Jeremiah wasn't a suggestion; it was a direct command. What does this demand of the prophet, and what does it reveal about God's heart?
The commentators point out that God instructs Jeremiah to 'speak unto all the cities of Judah... all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.' This isn't just about delivering information; it's about absolute fidelity. Jeremiah is to be a pure conduit for God's message, without alteration, addition, or omission. This instruction underscores the gravity of God's word and His intolerance for anything less than its full, unvarnished proclamation. It challenges any tendency to soften or adapt divine truth to make it more palatable to human ears. The message is for 'all the cities of Judah,' indicating a comprehensive and inclusive delivery, leaving no one exempt from hearing God's call.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal and covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which He entered into a relationship with His people.
This prophecy arrives at a moment of great political instability for Judah. With Egypt's influence waning and Babylon rising, King Jehoiakim's reign begins with a precarious alliance, making Jeremiah's message about the impending destruction of the Temple and city a direct challenge to the people's misplaced confidence and the new king's policies.
c. 609 BC
Josiah Dies in Battle
King Josiah, a reformer, is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt at Megiddo. This event marked a significant turning point, weakening Judah.
609 BC
Jehoahaz Reigns Briefly
Jehoahaz, Josiah's son, is installed as king but is quickly deposed by Pharaoh Necho II after only three months.
609 BC— this verse
Jehoiakim Becomes King
Pharaoh Necho II installs Eliakim, another son of Josiah, as king, renaming him Jehoiakim. He becomes a vassal to Egypt, reversing Josiah's independent policies.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Advance
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon decisively defeats the Egyptians at the Battle of Carchemish, shifting the balance of power and soon leading to Babylonian dominance over Judah.
c. 605-598 BC
Jehoiakim's Rebellion
Jehoiakim initially serves Babylon but rebels after three years, leading to increased pressure from Nebuchadnezzar.
This passage echoes the divine command to speak God's words without alteration, emphasizing the prophet's role as a messenger, not an originator.
Acts 4:19-20Peter and John faced similar accusations and powerfully declared their obedience to God over human authority, mirroring Jeremiah's situation.
Romans 10:14-17This passage highlights the necessity of hearing God's word proclaimed, underscoring the critical role of prophets like Jeremiah in delivering that message.
1 Samuel 15:22-23This verse illustrates God's preference for obedience to His word over ritualistic sacrifice, a core theme that Jeremiah's message would have underscored.
calvinJeremiah 26:1-2: "In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,"
Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
Sic dicit Jehova, Sta in atrio templi Jehovae, et loquere ad omnes urbes Jehudah (id est, omnes cives urbium Jehudah) quae veniunt ad orandum…
cambridgeJeremiah 26:1: "In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,"
1–6 . For a discussion as to the relation of these vv . to chs. 7–10 see introductory note there. Gi. points out that the use of the 3rd person with reference to Jeremiah as well as other features of the ch. indicate the probability that it is a compilation made by Baruch, upon which the following chs. also to 45 evidently draw considerably. We may note that owing to…
The verse highlights that this divine message arrived at the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign, a seemingly minor detail that actually carries significant weight. It emphasizes that God's word came not after years of decline but as a new king took the throne, suggesting a pivotal moment where hope for a fresh start could easily be misplaced on human leadership rather than divine counsel. This timing underscores Jeremiah's role in calling for repentance and obedience from the very outset of a new era, rather than waiting for established patterns of sin to take root.
In the beginning of King Jehoiakim's reign, a time of national anxiety following his father Josiah's death, Jeremiah was commanded by God to deliver a stark warning. He was to stand in the temple court and preach to all the people who had gathered for worship that their sins would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, just as happened to Shiloh. This message, a rehash of earlier prophecies, was delivered amidst a populace hardened in their ways, who were trusting in the temple's sanctity rather than their obedience to God.
In the beginning of King Jehoiakim's reign, a time of national anxiety following his father Josiah's death, Jeremiah was commanded by God to deliver a stark warning. He was to stand in the temple court and preach to all the people who had gathered for worship that their sins would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, just as happened to Shiloh. This message, a rehash of earlier prophecies, was delivered amidst a populace hardened in their ways, who were trusting in the temple's sanctity rather than their obedience to God.
"In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:" — The verse highlights that this divine message arrived at the beginning of Jehoiakim’s reign, a seemingly minor detail that actually carries significant weight. It emphasizes that God's word came no…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026