Jeremiah 38:1-28
Q.1. Why did Jeremiah’s opponents throw him into a cistern? What do we learn from the actions of the Ethiopian, Ebed-melech? – (Jer.38:1-13)
Some of Judah’s leaders were incensed by Jeremiah’s prophecy of doom, and they told King Zedekiah that Jeremiah deserved to die (see Jer.38:1-3). The king would not stand against them, so delivered Jeremiah into their hands (see Jer.38:4-5). However, the people feared Jeremiah sufficiently, that they did not kill him. Instead, they lowered him into a filthy cistern – Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud (see Jer.38:6). However, there was an Ethiopian palace captain (probably in charge of the royal harem since he was a eunuch), who loved Jeremiah and revered his message. He pleaded with the king for Jeremiah’s life – My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city (Jer.38:9 c.f. Jer.38:7-9). So Ebed-melech was given permission to gently lift Jeremiah out of the bog and have him placed under house arrest in the court of the guardhouse. It seemed that the king only needed a courageous man to help him strengthen his resolve to free the prophet (see Jer.38:10-13). God would reward the courage and faithfulness of Ebed-melech (see Jer.39:15-18). Ebed-melech is one of the outstanding men of faith and courage and a beautiful support to Jeremiah.
Q.2. Why was Jeremiah reluctant to pass on the Lord’s message to King Zedekiah? How did he act under these difficult circumstances? – (Jer.38:14-28)
King Zedekiah knew that Jeremiah’s prophecies were from God, so privately consulted the prophet to tell him what would happen. By now, Jeremiah was in a weakened position and close to death so replied – … If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you advice, you will not listen to me (Jer.38:15). Zedekiah swore – “As the Lord lives, who made this life for us, surely I will not put you to death nor will I give you over to the hand of these men who are seeking your life” (Jer.38:16). Ever true to his commission, Jeremiah advised the king to give himself to the Chaldeans. He promised him that he would not be abused. However, if he continued to resist God’s direction, and instead listen to his deceptive officials, then there would be utter devastation (see Jer.38:17-23). King Zedekiah pleaded with Jeremiah not to tell his officers about the conversation. The information was kept from them (see Jer.38:24-28). In every way, Jeremiah bathed himself in glory, for his wisdom and courage under the threats of his enemies – his countrymen – until the day that Jerusalem was captured (see Jer.38:28).