Jeremiah 29:26
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The verse highlights that the role of "priest" here signifies more than just spiritual duties; it implies being an "officer" responsible for maintaining order within the Temple. This oversight extended to apprehending those deemed "mad" and falsely claiming prophetic authority, suggesting a functional, almost police-like aspect to the priesthood during this tumultuous period.
‘The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to have charge in the house of the LORD over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and neck irons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage reveals Shemaiah's letter to Zephaniah, the second priest, accusing Jeremiah of falsely claiming prophecy and urging Zephaniah to act. Shemaiah reminds Zephaniah of his recent promotion, implying he should use his new authority to suppress prophets like Jeremiah, whom Shemaiah dismisses as "mad." Jeremiah's response, recorded immediately after, is to pronounce God's judgment on Shemaiah and his followers.
Jeremiah isn't just relaying a message; he's exposing a twisted accusation. This verse reveals a specific role within the Temple and the dangerous way it was being manipulated.
The text here describes the role of Zephaniah, the 'second priest,' appointed 'to have charge in the house of the LORD.' This was a position of authority, meant to maintain order and uphold true worship.
A Duty to Guard
Shemaiah's letter accuses Zephaniah of not properly fulfilling this duty. He frames Jeremiah as a 'madman who prophesies,' implying Jeremiah was a disruptive force that needed to be controlled.
Abuse of Authority
This accusation highlights a critical point: authority given for the sake of truth can easily be twisted to suppress it. Shemaiah uses the established order of the Temple to silence a true prophet of God, turning a role of guardianship into one of oppression.
The accusation against Jeremiah is harsh: 'madman.' But what did that really mean in the context of prophecy, and who was using the label?
The word used for 'madman' in this verse often carried the implication of being frenzied, unstable, or out of control. It was a common insult hurled at those who claimed divine inspiration, especially when their message was unpopular or disruptive.
The Insult of the Ungodly
Throughout Scripture, true prophets were often mocked and called 'mad' by those who rejected their message. This was because the actions and words of prophets, driven by the Spirit of God, could seem bizarre or extreme to those living by worldly standards.
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Distinguishing True from False
While the ungodly used 'madness' as a weapon, God's Word acknowledges that prophetic experiences could be intense. The challenge was always discerning genuine divine utterance from self-proclaimed prophecy or delusion. Shemaiah, however, wasn't interested in discernment; he was interested in silencing Jeremiah.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A divinely appointed mediator who represents the people before God, offers sacrifices, and performs duties within the sanctuary or temple.
bayith · Hebrew Noun
The sacred dwelling place of God's presence among His people, serving as the center of worship and covenantal life.
meshugga · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who claims to be irrational, insane, or delirious; in a biblical context, often a derogatory term used by skeptics or enemies to dismiss a true prophet of God as being out of his mind.
naba · Hebrew Verb (participle)
One who proclaims a message from God to humanity, often involving warnings, revelations of the future, or calls to repentance.
This passage highlights the intense internal conflict and religious disputes occurring within Jerusalem even as the people faced exile. Shemaiah's letter to Zephaniah reveals a faction trying to silence Jeremiah, accusing him of madness and sedition, while Zephaniah, as the second priest, is urged to use his authority to punish such 'false prophets.'
c. 835 BC
Jehoiada the priest reforms the Temple
The High Priest Jehoiada leads a significant religious reformation, restoring proper worship in the Jerusalem Temple and appointing officers to oversee its functions.
c. 605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Judean captives, including nobles and skilled individuals, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 597 BC
Second deportation to Babylon
Another wave of exiles, including King Jehoiachin and many craftsmen, are taken to Babylon. The prophet Jeremiah continues to prophesy during this period.
c. 587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple destruction
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a final, larger deportation of Judeans to Babylon.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Shemaiah writes to Zephaniah
In the midst of the Babylonian exile, Shemaiah the Nehelamite writes a letter to Zephaniah, the second priest, accusing him of failing to discipline Jeremiah, who is prophesying during the exile.
This passage shows a similar reaction to prophetic fervor, where Saul's unexpected prophecy led others to question if he had 'gone mad'.
Acts 26:24Here, Festus interrupts Paul's testimony by accusing him of madness, highlighting how genuine or perceived divine inspiration could be met with scorn and disbelief.
2 Kings 9:11When Jehu was anointed king, the onlookers asked, 'What did this mad fellow come to tell you?' echoing the sentiment that those acting under divine impulse could be labeled as 'mad'.
John 10:20Jesus faced similar accusations, with some saying, 'He has a demon and is out of his mind; why listen to him?', demonstrating the persistent opposition faced by those speaking God's truth.
calvinJeremiah 29:24-27: "Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,"
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,
Sic dicit Jehova exercituum, Deus Israel, dicendo, Propterea quod tu misisti in nomine meo literas ad totum populum, qui est Jerosolymae, et ad Zephaniam filium Maassiae, et ad cu…
pooleJeremiah 29:26: "The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks."
Priest, that is, high priest, as some have thought; but it appears from 2 Kings 25:18 , that Seraiah was at this time the high priest, and this Zephaniah was the second priest, as he is there styled, as also Jeremiah 52:24 ; nor must any think t…
The verse highlights that the role of "priest" here signifies more than just spiritual duties; it implies being an "officer" responsible for maintaining order within the Temple. This oversight extended to apprehending those deemed "mad" and falsely claiming prophetic authority, suggesting a functional, almost police-like aspect to the priesthood during this tumultuous period.
This passage reveals Shemaiah's letter to Zephaniah, the second priest, accusing Jeremiah of falsely claiming prophecy and urging Zephaniah to act. Shemaiah reminds Zephaniah of his recent promotion, implying he should use his new authority to suppress prophets like Jeremiah, whom Shemaiah dismisses as "mad." Jeremiah's response, recorded immediately after, is to pronounce God's judgment on Shemaiah and his followers.
This passage reveals Shemaiah's letter to Zephaniah, the second priest, accusing Jeremiah of falsely claiming prophecy and urging Zephaniah to act. Shemaiah reminds Zephaniah of his recent promotion, implying he should use his new authority to suppress prophets like Jeremiah, whom Shemaiah dismisses as "mad." Jeremiah's response, recorded immediately after, is to pronounce God's judgment on Shemaiah and his followers.
"‘The LORD has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, to have charge in the house of the LORD over every madman who prophesies, to put him in the stocks and neck irons." — The verse highlights that the role of "priest" here signifies more than just spiritual duties; it implies being an "officer" responsible for maintaining order within the Temple. This oversight extend…
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Last reviewed October 2026
