Numerous accusations against the kings, prophets, and people in preceding chapters are confirmed in the incidents that follow. A sermon on repentance brings a near lynching (chap. 26). A yoke with its sign message of surrender serves to unmask a false prophet (chaps. 27–28). A letter discloses sinister power plays (chap. 29). It has been argued, quite plausibly, that Baruch compiled these vignettes from Jeremiah’s life.

Chapter 26 supplies details surrounding the temple sermon recorded in 7:1–15. Here (26:1–6) the focus is on the audience’s response. In 609, Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who humiliated Judah to vassal status, appointed Jehoiakim king (2 Kings 23:34–35). The public address given early in his reign, likely in 609/8, appeals for general repentance (cf. 25:4–7). Verse 3 appeals to…