Learn From History

Ahikam learned from history and saved Jeremiah’s life.

“The hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that he was not handed over to the people to put him to death.”—Jeremiah 26:24 NASB

When Jeremiah faced an angry mob of accusers, Ahikam defended him.

During the reign of Josiah, Ahikam was an associate of Hilkiah, the priest who “found the book of the law” (1 Kings 22:8). He then accompanied Hilkiah to visit Huldah the prophetess, who confirmed the word of the law (2 Kings 22).

Ahikam was strategically positioned when priests, prophets, and all the people rose against Jeremiah. They were upset because Jeremiah had delivered a strong message from God, promising judgment unless they obeyed His words. Jeremiah was seized but would not back down, for God had told him not to “omit a word” (v. 2).

The crowd reacted with anger, demanding Jeremiah’s death. Then some unnamed elders took a risk and reminded the crowd of the prophecies of Micah, whose message was similar to Jeremiah’s. Hezekiah did not put Micah to death, and his prophecies were true. Because of this argument, Jeremiah was released. Ahikam was one of these courageous elders, for he was “with Jeremiah, so that he was not handed over to the people to put him to death.”

Learn from the example of Ahikam. The crowds might urge you to conform or compromise. Rumors and gossip might swirl around you. Know your Bible, so you can be like Ahikam. Read it. Study it. Learn from it. Put it into practice in your life. Put your faith in God, not the world.

Reflection Question: What in your past can you learn from to inform your future decisions?