Jeremiah 26:24
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While the people and priests wanted Jeremiah dead, Ahikam’s influence, a man from a family that deeply respected God's Law, actively shielded him. This highlights how crucial human intervention and established relationships can be in protecting God's messengers, even when public opinion rages against them.
But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah so that he was not given over to the people to be put to death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jeremiah proclaimed a prophecy of destruction against the Temple, the priests and prophets demanded his death, but the princes and the people intervened, saving him. However, a prophet named Urijah, who delivered a similar prophecy, was hunted down and killed by King Jehoiakim, while Jeremiah was protected by Ahikam. This verse highlights Ahikam's influential intervention, preventing the crowd from seizing Jeremiah and putting him to death, thus demonstrating divine protection through human loyalty.
In a world that can feel hostile to truth, who stands with you? This verse shows how one person's influence can make all the difference.
Jeremiah was facing the threat of death, accused by the priests and prophets. The people, swayed by popular opinion, were also against him. Yet, the narrative highlights a crucial intervention: 'the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah.'
More Than Just Support
Ahikam wasn't just offering emotional comfort. The phrase 'the hand of' signifies active support, influence, and authority. He used his position and standing to shield Jeremiah from the people's wrath and prevent him from being handed over for execution. This demonstrates that even in the face of widespread opposition, a single, well-placed advocate can be God's instrument for protection.
Ahikam's intervention wasn't a random act. His family had a history of standing for what was right, showing how character is built across generations.
Ahikam the son of Shaphan wasn't an unknown figure. The commentaries reveal his father, Shaphan, was a key figure in King Josiah's religious reforms, involved in discovering and reading the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:12-14). This shows Ahikam likely grew up in an environment that valued righteousness and obedience to God's word.
Family Ties and Divine Purpose
Furthermore, Ahikam's family continued to be connected to Jeremiah. His son, Gedaliah, later became governor of Judah and a protector of Jeremiah after Jerusalem fell (Jeremiah 39:14; 40:5). Another relative, Gemariah, even provided a safe space for Baruch to read Jeremiah's scroll (Jeremiah 36:10-12).
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This pattern suggests that Ahikam's act of protection was part of a larger, familial commitment to supporting God's prophets and His message, even when it was unpopular or dangerous.
Jeremiah faced the raw anger of the people and the religious establishment. How did he survive when others, like Uriah, did not?
The context of Jeremiah 26 reveals a volatile situation. The priests and prophets stirred up the people against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:8). While the princes and people later seemed to side with Jeremiah after hearing his defense (Jeremiah 26:16), their sentiment could shift quickly. The mention of Ahikam's protection directly contrasts with the fate of the prophet Uriah, who was pursued and killed for prophesying similarly (Jeremiah 26:20-23).
God's Hand at Work
Ahikam's intervention, therefore, wasn't just a political maneuver; it was an act of God's providential care. While Jeremiah stood his ground in obedience, trusting God, Ahikam's influence was the means God used to preserve him. This assures us that God protects His faithful servants, often through the actions of others, even when the world seems bent on their destruction.
Understand the original words
yad · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor used throughout Scripture to signify God's sovereign power, His active intervention in history, or His protection over His servants.
Jeremiah's survival during this dangerous confrontation wasn't just luck; it was a testament to the protection offered by influential figures like Ahikam, whose family had a history of loyalty to God's law and prophetic voices.
c. 622 BC
Josiah's Religious Reformation
King Josiah discovers the Book of the Law and initiates a sweeping religious reform. Ahikam's father, Shaphan, plays a key role, and Shaphan's son, Ahikam, is also present during the consultation with the prophetess Huldah.
c. 609 BC
Death of King Josiah
Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo, marking a turning point for Judah. His reformist zeal wanes, and the political climate becomes more turbulent.
c. 609 BC
Urijah the Prophet Executed
The prophet Urijah, who also prophesied against Jerusalem, flees to Egypt out of fear. He is brought back by King Jehoiakim and executed, his body treated disrespectfully.
c. 598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and many Judean officials and craftsmen to Babylon. This event highlights the growing power of Babylon and Judah's precarious position.
c. 587-586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. Gedaliah, Ahikam's son, is appointed governor over the remnant left in Judah.
During reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC)— this verse
Jeremiah's Temple Sermon and Trial
Jeremiah delivers his powerful sermon in the Temple court, leading to his arrest by the priests and false prophets. The princes and people, however, defend him, preventing his execution.
This passage shows another instance where a high-ranking official, Obadiah, secretly protected prophets of God from a hostile regime, mirroring Ahikam's covert support of Jeremiah.
Acts 9:38The story of Dorcas being raised from the dead highlights the impact of a faithful believer's actions, suggesting that Ahikam's intervention likely stemmed from his own commitment to God and His prophets.
Daniel 3:28Nebuchadnezzar's decree protecting Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from harm after their deliverance illustrates how divine intervention can sway even powerful rulers to protect those who stand for God.
2 Timothy 4:16Paul's experience of being abandoned by everyone during his trial shows the stark reality of opposition faced by faithful servants, making Ahikam's crucial support for Jeremiah even more significant.
Esther 4:14Mordecai's words to Esther, 'who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this,' resonate with Ahikam's timely intervention, suggesting a providential hand at work to save Jeremiah.
gillJeremiah 26:24: "Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death."
Nevertheless, the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah,.... Though this instance was urged as a precedent to go by, being lately done; or though the king's cruelty had been so lately exercised in such a manner; yet this man, who had been one of Josiah's courtiers and counsellors, 2 Kings 22:12 ; stood by Jeremiah, a…
pulpitJeremiah 26:24: "Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death."
Verse 24. - Nevertheless the hand of Ahi-kant, etc.; i.e. in spite of the prepossession against prophets like Jeremiah which this incident reveals, Ahikam threw all his influence into the scale of toleration.' The same Ahikam is mentioned in circumstances which reflect credit on his religion in 2 Kings 22:12-14. One of his sons, G…
While the people and priests wanted Jeremiah dead, Ahikam’s influence, a man from a family that deeply respected God's Law, actively shielded him. This highlights how crucial human intervention and established relationships can be in protecting God's messengers, even when public opinion rages against them.
After Jeremiah proclaimed a prophecy of destruction against the Temple, the priests and prophets demanded his death, but the princes and the people intervened, saving him. However, a prophet named Urijah, who delivered a similar prophecy, was hunted down and killed by King Jehoiakim, while Jeremiah was protected by Ahikam. This verse highlights Ahikam's influential intervention, preventing the crowd from seizing Jeremiah and putting him to death, thus demonstrating divine protection through human loyalty.
After Jeremiah proclaimed a prophecy of destruction against the Temple, the priests and prophets demanded his death, but the princes and the people intervened, saving him. However, a prophet named Urijah, who delivered a similar prophecy, was hunted down and killed by King Jehoiakim, while Jeremiah was protected by Ahikam. This verse highlights Ahikam's influential intervention, preventing the crowd from seizing Jeremiah and putting him to death, thus demonstrating divine protection through human loyalty.
"But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah so that he was not given over to the people to be put to death." — While the people and priests wanted Jeremiah dead, Ahikam’s influence, a man from a family that deeply respected God's Law, actively shielded him. This highlights how crucial human intervention and…
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Last reviewed October 2026
