Definition: And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:21. It’s a really important and unsettling passage about a man named Urijah and his defiance. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is speaking to King Jehoiakim. He’s essentially telling him that Jeremiah has issued a warning – a decree – that the king shouldn’t continue to disobey God’s commands. Jehoiakim wants to kill Urijah. This is the core of the problem. Jehoiakim, as king, wants to punish Urijah for something he did – likely a transgression against God’s law. What Happened Next? Urijah is scared and flees. This is the crucial part. Urijah, who was a high-ranking official in the king's court, feels deeply threatened by Jeremiah’s words. He’s terrified of the consequences and runs away. He goes to Egypt. This is where it gets really strange. Jeremiah instructs Urijah to go to Egypt. The purpose of this escape is not to hide from the king or to avoid punishment. It's a deliberate act of defiance. What Does It Mean? This verse is a powerful warning about: Disobedience: Jeremiah is saying that Jehoiakim is deliberately defying God’s will. Fear and Rebellion: Urijah’s fear shows that the king’s actions are causing him distress. He's choosing to disobey, even in the face of danger. The Importance of Obedience: The verse highlights that obedience to God is paramount – it’s not just about following rules, but about trusting and obeying His will. In essence, Jeremiah is telling Jehoiakim to stop pushing his son (Urijah) and showing disrespect towards God. It's a sign of a potentially dangerous situation where the king is trying to control and punish someone for disobeying divine authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the historical context (where this happened)? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible?