Prophet Jeremiah records the death of another contemporary prophet who died as a martyr. King Jehoiakim was a wicked king, who ruled for eleven years from 609 to 598 BC. Jeremiah, Micah, and Uriah were contemporary prophets. “They took Uriah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim, who struck him down with the sword and dumped his dead body into the burial place of the common people.” (Jeremiah 26:23)
Sovereign God: The life of Prophet Jeremiah was spared, but his contemporary Uriah was killed. Ahikam the son of Shaphan, who was an influential person protected Jeremiah so that he was not executed. (Jeremiah 26: 24) A potter decides what he could make of a piece of clay. Clay has no right to question the potter. (Romans 9:21) God decides the life of all people.
True prophet: Like Jeremiah, Prophet Uriah also prophesied that Jerusalem will be destroyed. He was a true prophet unlike Hananiah and others who wanted to please people. (Jeremiah 28) Both Uriah and Hananiah died, but there was a difference. Hananiah died for his false prophecy, misleading the nation with false hopes, it was the judgment of God. While Uriah died as a witness and martyr.
Violent death: Prophet Uriah was executed, probably beheaded by the wicked king. His body was dumped in the grave for common people. John the Baptist was also beheaded for speaking the truth. (Mark 6:14-29)
No fear of death: Lord Jesus taught us not to be afraid of those who kill the body, as they do not have power over the soul or inner person. (Matthew 10:28) They can only affect life on this earth and do not have any influence over eternity.
Unsung heroes: There are many unsung heroes in the Bible. There are many whose name is not even known as the slave girl who guided Naaman to be healed of leprosy or the small boy who donated his food to feed five thousand men and their others. But God is not unjust to forget their deeds of love. (Hebrews 6:10)
Am I a bold witness for the Lord?