Jeremias 26:16

16 And thy multitude has fainted and fallen; and each one said to his neighbour, Let us arise, and return into our country to our people, from the Grecian sword.

Jeremias 26:16 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 26:16

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and
to the prophets
Hearing Jeremiah's apology for himself, by which it appeared that he was to be justified in what he had done, took his part, and acquitted him; and the people, who before were on the side of the priests and false prophets; yet hearing what Jeremiah had to say for himself, and also the judgment of the princes, took his part also, and joined with the court in an address to the priests and prophets, who were the chief accusers, and who would fain have had him brought in guilty of death: this man [is] not worthy to die;
or, "the judgment of death is not for this man"; we cannot give judgment against him; he is not guilty of any crime deserving death; (See Gill on Jeremiah 26:11); for he hath spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God;
not in his own name, and of his own head; but in the name of the Lord, and by his order; and therefore was not a false, but a true prophet: what methods they took to know this, and to make it appear to the people, is not said; very probably the settled character of the prophet; their long acquaintance with him, and knowledge of him; his integrity and firmness of mind; the plain marks of seriousness and humility, and a disinterested view, made them conclude in his favour.

Jeremias 26:16 In-Context

14 Proclaim at Magdol, and declare at Memphis: say ye, Stand up, and prepare; for the sword has devoured thy yew-tree.
15 Wherefore has Apis fled from thee? thy choice calf has not remained; for the Lord has utterly weakened him.
16 And thy multitude has fainted and fallen; and each one said to his neighbour, Let us arise, and return into our country to our people, from the Grecian sword.
17 Call ye the name of Pharao Nechao king of Egypt, Saon esbeie moed.
18 I live, saith the Lord God, he shall come as Itabyrion among the mountains, and as Carmel that is on the sea.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.