NOTES for Jer 26:1-24
There is fear of God, yet also wounded pride for the state: the prophet’s speeches divide the ranks of the Judean nobles. Once again his preaching appears to lack patriotism: once again his religious ideas displace universal human values such as love of country, respect for authorities, and reverence for the sanctuary of the temple. Sooner or later, God inevitably sets Himself against all the values of human life, because they too often try to take His place. Those who respect these values and live by them must then make the difficult choice between love for something important and meaningful to them and faithfulness to the One from Whom all the values of heaven and earth originate.