ירמיהו, פרק כ׳, פסוק א׳

In the busy courtyard of the Temple, harsh prophecies of anger and troubling news about the future echo through the crowds. These severe warnings soon reach the ears of one of the most powerful men in the Temple leadership, setting the stage for a direct clash between the prophet and the establishment.

It is Pashhur son of Immer who personally hears Jeremiah delivering these rebukes and warnings in the Temple courtyard [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Pashhur holds a position of immense authority. The commentators agree that he serves as a chief administrator, an appointed official, and a minister in the house of God [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While he does not serve as the High Priest, he is a forceful and highly influential figure among the leading priests. He acts as the supreme official overseeing the entire priesthood [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל], a senior role also recognized as the deputy of the priests [רד״ק, אברבנאל].