The Characteristics of a True Prophet
J. Cunningham Geikie, D. D. Jeremiah 26:8-16 Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people… I. THE TRUE PROPHET HAS A STERN MESSAGE TO DELIVER (4-7). If they ally themselves with Egypt, the Temple will be made desolate, as Shiloh had been destroyed by the Assyrians at the deportation of Israel after the fall of Samaria, Jerusalem will become a curse to all nations (will be recognised by all nations as having fallen by the curse of God). To prophesy smooth things in a sinful world is to be false to God. How often does even our blessed Lord denounce sin, and remind men of the wrath of God for it! (Matthew 11:21-24; Matthew 12:41, 42; Matthew 23:31-38, &c.) II. THE TRUE PROPHET MAY NOT "DIMINISH A WORD" OF GOD'S MESSAGE, HOWEVER UNPOPULAR, OR UNPLEASANT, OR PERSONAL. 1. This message referred to the public policy of the nation. The morality of a nation as imperative as that of an individual 2. Other messages assail the sins of classes, from the king to the humblest citizen. III. THE TRUE PROPHET WILL SPEAK FEARLESSLY. IV. THE TRUE PROPHET IS PROMISED THE SUPPORT OF GOD. V. THE TRUE PROPHET NEVER WAS AND NEVER CAN BE POPULAR, BUT MUST RAISE UP ENEMIES AGAINST HIMSELF. IV. THE TRUE PROPHET WILL SPEAK PEACE AS WELL AS WRATH IF MEN REPENT. (J. Cunningham Geikie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. WEB: It happened, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that Yahweh had commanded him to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold on him, saying, You shall surely die.