Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 37 - Verse 15

Jeremiah faced opposition from the princes of Judah because of his prophetic messages that warned the people of impending judgment if they did not repent. The princes, feeling threatened by his words, became angry and retaliated against him. They not only physically assaulted Jeremiah but also imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the scribe. By imprisoning Jeremiah, the princes sought to silence his prophecies and prevent him from sharing God's messages with the people. This act of persecution served as a reminder of the resistance prophets often faced when proclaiming the word of God. Despite facing adversity, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his faith and continued to speak the truth, even while in captivity.

In this verse from Jeremiah, we see the prophet facing opposition from the princes who were angry with his message. The word "wroth" carries the connotation of intense anger and hostility towards Jeremiah's words. The princes responded to their anger by physically assaulting him and putting him in prison. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the persecution that prophets often faced when delivering messages that went against the desires of the ruling class. Jeremiah's imprisonment at the hands of the princes underscores the challenges faced by those who are called to speak truth to power. The word "prison" here can be further examined to understand the significance of confinement and restriction in the face of opposition. Jonathan, the scribe whose house became the location of Jeremiah's imprisonment, represents the role of bureaucracy in silencing dissenting voices. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the difficulties and dangers involved in serving as a messenger of God's word, especially when speaking out against injustice and corruption.