Jeremiah is now referred to in the third person as this man
and it marks the beginning of his formal trial.1 The case against Jeremiah is presented before the officials and all the people.
The officials
are those who came from the king’s house (Jeremiah 26:10) and all the people
probably refers to a group of people who represent the general population. Jeremiah is given a properly conducted trial in which justice is seen to be done publicly before a court made up of royal officials and public representatives.
The case put before the court by the priests and the prophets
is that Jeremiah deserves the sentence of death, "because he has prophesied against this city.” This accusation is carefully worded. It focuses on what Jeremiah has said about the destruction of the city because that would have implications for everyone, making it more likely for the court to find him guilty. The death sentence is sought because they want Jeremiah condemned as a false prophet who has clearly spoken against what they believe the Lord has said regarding Judah.2 The source of the evidence placed before the court are the words that Jeremiah has spoken publicly in the temple on this occasion and probably on others as well. Those judging the case have heard these words with their own ears.
However, the evidence presented has been very carefully selected and there is no mention of the call to repentance which offered hope in the face of judgment.
11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”