Why do the officials of Judah come from the king’s house and take their seats in the New Gate of the house of the Lord?
The priests, prophets and people do not have the authority to put Jeremiah to death. A formal trial has to take place. Officials from the king’s house heard about what was happening in the temple and they arrive in time to begin an official, legal inquiry into Jeremiah’s words.
These officials took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the LORD.
It was common for legal proceedings to take place at gates (see Genesis 23:10–20; Ruth 4:1; Proverbs 31:23).1 At this point of Jehoiakim’s reign it would seem that the political leaders are less hostile towards Jeremiah than the religious leaders.2 This would change dramatically later (see Jeremiah 36:1–32).
10 Lorsque les chefs de Juda eurent appris ces choses, ils montèrent de la maison du roi à la maison de l'Eternel, et s'assirent à l'entrée de la porte neuve de la maison de l'Eternel.