Overview
Elnathan, son of Achbor, served as an official in Jehoiakim's administration during Jeremiah's ministry. When the king sought to kill Jeremiah after hearing his prophecies read aloud, Elnathan and other princes intervened to protect the prophet from immediate execution. This act of courage in a pagan court illustrates God's providential protection of His Word and messengers.
Key Scriptures
"When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut them off with a penknife and threw them into the fire in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire" (Jeremiah 36:23, ESV).
"Yet certain of the princes said to the king, 'We ask you, do not burn this scroll.' But the king would not listen to them" (Jeremiah 36:25, ESV).
"And Elnathan the son of Achbor and some other men with him had taken Uriah the son of Shemaiah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim" (Jeremiah 26:22, ESV).
Application
Believers in secular workplaces should seek opportunities to advocate for biblical truth and protect God's Word, trusting that God positions people strategically to preserve His message.