Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 20:2

2 Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet , and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD .

It is not said how he struck him, though some think it most probable, that it was with his fist as the false Prophet struck Micaiah, 1 King. 22.24.

We are as uncertain what is here meant by stocks, whether such an Engine as is in use amongst us to punish Offenders which we call by that name. Or as others, an Engine like our Pillory, where Malefactors are fastned by the necks. Or, as others, with three holes one for the neck of the offender, one for each hand; or whether meerly a Prison where he was kept all night a Prisoner the Heb. word will not determine us further then that it was a place of restraint, and where that will not determine other conjectures are as incertain as needless.

There is as much uncertainty as to the place, where this Prison or these stocks were; we are told it was near the Temple, and in the High-gate of Benjamin, but whether this was a gate belonging to the Temple that opened toward that part of the Country which was the Lot of Benjamin, or a Gate of the City that opened that way, whether in the inner Wall, or outer Wall, whether called the Higher-gate, because nearer the Temple, or upon some other account, are nice and curious speculations, the determination of which is of no moment for us to know.