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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 18 - Verse 18

18:18
Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Meaning

Jeremiah 18:18 explores an instance where the people plot against Jeremiah, a prophet, by devising schemes to discredit and harm him. The verse emphasizes the importance of the law upheld by the priests, the wisdom of counselors, and the words of prophets. Despite these pillars of society, the people seek to silence Jeremiah with their tongues and ignore his prophetic warnings. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of seeking to suppress truth and silence those who speak it. It speaks to the timeless struggle between truth-tellers and those who wish to maintain their own power and control. In a broader context, this verse highlights the challenges faced by individuals who stand against popular opinion and societal norms to convey messages of truth and righteousness.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, we see a group of people plotting against the prophet Jeremiah. They believe that their knowledge and wisdom will not be undermined by Jeremiah and his prophecies. The reference to the law not perishing from the priest, counsel not perishing from the wise, and the word not perishing from the prophet, highlights the confidence these individuals have in their own abilities and their belief that Jeremiah's words are not to be taken seriously. Their plan is to attack Jeremiah with their words, using their tongues as weapons against him. This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by prophets like Jeremiah, who often faced opposition from those who did not want to hear their messages. It also emphasizes the importance of discerning the true words of God amidst the noise of human wisdom and counsel.

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