ירמיהו, פרק ל״ח, פסוק א׳

A group of senior government officials closely monitors the public prophecies of Jeremiah, a situation that quickly escalates into a severe, life-threatening conflict. The four men at the center of this event, Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jucal, and Pashhur, are senior ministers of the king [שטיינזלץ].

These officials listen to the messages the prophet is sharing. At this time, Jeremiah is locked away in a prison courtyard. However, his confinement does not silence him. He continues to deliver his prophecies to the people who come to visit him during his imprisonment [מצודת דוד].

The message he shares is difficult for the leadership to accept. Jeremiah warns the public that Jerusalem will inevitably fall to the Babylonians. He states clearly that anyone who remains inside the city will die, while those who go out and surrender will survive. These public declarations deeply anger the king's ministers. They believe that such words are a direct threat, breaking the morale and weakening the resolve of the defending soldiers. As a result, the ministers decide that the prophet must be permanently silenced and put to death [אברבנאל].