It is a mystery why one among contemporaries is martyred, while the other is delivered. Jeremiah was protected by the Lord, but Urijah died as a martyr. (Jeremiah 26:20,23) James died as a martyr, while Peter was escorted from prison by angels. (Acts 12:2, 5-12) Sovereign God has good reason and purpose for giving the privilege of martyrdom to some, hard ministry to a few others.
Flame of Jehovah: The name Urijah means the flame of Jehovah. His father, Shemaiah, and mother named him, indicating that he would be a burning and shining light for the Lord. The family was from Kirjath-Jearim. He prophesied during the reign of Jehoiakim.
Political context: Judea was a vassal under the Egyptian Pharaoh, Necho.
Prophecy: Like Jeremiah, Urijah also foretold the imminent invasion of the Babylonians and destruction of Jerusalem, and Jews being taken as captives. When Jehoiakim heard about this, he wanted to kill Urijah.
Escape to Egypt: Urijah escaped to Egypt, fearing a death sentence, hoping to be in a safe haven. However, Pharaoh was also not happy with the prophecy. Judea, under his rulership, was taken away by the Babylonians.
Jehoiakim’s messengers: Elnathan was the messenger sent to Egypt, who arrested Urijah and brought him to Jerusalem.
Beheaded: Urijah was beheaded by the command of Jehoiakim, and his body was thrown into the graves of common people.
Unsung heroes: Many others are not listed in the Hall of Fame of Faith heroes. They were mocked, flogged, sawn asunder, beheaded, mistreated, and driven to deserts. (Hebrews 11:36-38) Urijah is among the others who were faithful to proclaim the truth and faced martyrdom.
Martyrs today: In most of the world, Christian face harassment, discrimination, boycotts, threats, violence, and even death. Some persecution is by religious people, and others are from politicians. Most of the time, there is no cause for such ill-treatment as the Lord predicted. It is a privilege to be persecuted for His Holy Name’s sake. (Matthew 10:22; 5:11-12; John 15:25)
Am I faithful to the Lord and a truthful witness for his name?