The Sabbath (17:19–27)

Gate of the people (17:19). Literally, this gate is called “Gate of the Sons of the People.” The exact location of this gate cannot be determined. “Sons of the people” is somewhat confusing. In other contexts this expression characterizes the common people. But here it speaks of the kings of Judah going in and out of this gate. Some have suggested that it may refer to one of the temple gates, comparing this passage to 7:1–12. Perhaps the most significant concept is that Jeremiah, as a prophet, goes to where the people are. He does not wait in a temple or expect the people to approach him.

The other gates of Jerusalem (17:19). During this time Jerusalem had many outer gates, as well as inner gates that protected the temple. On other occasions Jeremiah was sent to the Potsherd Gate (19:1–2) and the Temple Gate (7:1–12).155 The gates of the city of Jerusalem were busy places where people passed through continuously, bringing in merchandise or going to the gate areas to purchase things. These areas were also used to discuss and decide civil and legal cases in the city (see comments on 1:15). It is difficult to ascertain how many gates existed during Jeremiah’s time. In Nehemiah’s time, at least eleven gates are mentioned by name.

From the territory of Benjamin … the Negev (17:26). The regions mentioned in this verse provide a kind of panoramic view of Judah’s territory. The territory of Benjamin is just north of Jerusalem. Benjamin along with Judah are the two tribes that make up the southern kingdom of Israel. The “western foothills,” known as the Shephelah (Lowlands), lie to the west and southwest of Jerusalem; they go as far as the Philistine plains. The “hill country” goes a bit to the north of Jerusalem and mostly south, including the Hebron heights. Finally, the Negev lies further south; it is that arid desert land where Beersheba and other boundary towns are found.

Negev

Todd Bolen/www.BiblePlaces.com