20 Indeed , there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord , Uriah the son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim ; and he prophesied against this city and against this land words similar to all those of Jeremiah . 21 When King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and all the officials heard his words , then the king sought to put him to death ; but Uriah heard it, and he was afraid and fled and went to Egypt . 22 Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt : Elnathan the son of Achbor and certain men with him went into Egypt . 23 And they brought Uriah from Egypt and led him to King Jehoiakim , who slew him with a sword and cast his dead body into the burial place of the common people .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 26:20-23
Commentary on Jeremiah 26:16-24
(Read Jeremiah 26:16-24)
When secure sinners are threatened with taking away the Spirit of God, and the kingdom of God, it is what is warranted from the word of God. Hezekiah who protected Micah, prospered. Did Jehoiakim, who slew Urijah, prosper? The examples of bad men, and the bad consequences of their sins, should deter from what is evil. Urijah was faithful in delivering his message, but faulty in leaving his work. And the Lord was pleased to permit him to lose his life, while Jeremiah was protected in danger. Those are safest who most simply trust in the Lord, whatever their outward circumstances may be; and that He has all men's hearts in his hands, encourages us to trust him in the way of duty. He will honour and recompense those who show kindness to such as are persecuted for his sake.