Jeremiah had been God’s spokesman to Judah for forty years, during the last five kings. He continually urged the people to repent and to act, but nobody would listen to him or do anything. He was not a successful man by the world’s standards, like those who have fortune and fame. He did not gain material success, yet he continued his mission. He had been assaulted, thrown in jail, and compelled to leave his home. The only ones that showed him any respect were the Babylonians.
In chapter thirty-seven, during Zedekiah’s reign as king, Jeremiah was thrown in prison. In chapter thirty-eight, Jeremiah was then thrown into a well but was finally rescued from the well by Ebed-melech, (38:7-13) who was a eunuch serving in the king’s house, under the command of Zedekiah. At the same time, the Babylonians are coming to Jerusalem. Zedekiah approaches Jeremiah to inquire about a word from the Lord. Jeremiah tries to tell Zedekiah what to do to save his life and the life of the people. Unfortunately, Zedekiah would not listen.
In verses 6-8:
In chapter thirty-nine, Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem. He has the sons of Zedekiah killed and has Zedekiah’s eyes put out (Jeremiah 24:8-10, Jeremiah 34:18-21, Jeremiah 52:10-11).
• 2 Kings 25:7, And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.
• Ezekiel 12:13, My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.
In verses 9-10:
The king’s house is burned as well as the houses of the people. then the walls of Jerusalem are broken down. The captain of the guard is carrying away the captive to Babylon, as was there policy for conquered lands. The Babylonians would carry the rich and powerful back to Babylon as slaves, but they would leave the poor in charge of the land that they conquered. This would then in turn leave the conquered people to be loyal subjects (2 Kings 25:9-12, Jeremiah 52:12-16).
• Nehemiah 1:3, And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
In verses 11-14:
The king of the Babylonians, Nebuchadnezzar, gives a command concerning Jeremiah. The Babylonians were superstitious and believed in fortune tellers and magicians. So, they had somewhat of a respect for Jeremiah the prophet. Being as he was in prison, they assumed he was a traitor to his own people. They probably heard how he prophesied about the Babylonian victory, so they freed him and gave him protection. The guard captain took him out of the prison and sent him home so he could be with his own people, free. Jeremiah had concern for the people, was respected, was saved, and freed by his faith. Zedekiah had only concern for himself not his people, therefore, he was ridiculed and imprisoned (Job 5:15-16, Jeremiah 15:20-21, Jeremiah 15:20-21, 2 Kings 22:12-14, Jeremiah 40:1-6).
• Proverbs 16:7, When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
• Proverbs 21:1, The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
• Jeremiah 1:8, Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
In verses 15-18:
God tells Jeremiah to go speak with Ebed-melech. Jeremiah is to tell him that the Lord will deliver him because he put his trust in the Lord. Ebed-melech had put his life in jeopardy to save Jeremiah. God had protected him from the Babylonians during Jerusalem’s takeover (Psalm 50:14-15, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 41:1-2).
• Jeremiah 21:10, For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.
• Daniel 9:12, And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
• Zechariah 1:6, But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
• Psalm 34:22, The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
God does not guarantee His faithful an escape from persecution. But He does promise that He will be with them and strengthen them so that they can endure (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). As we serve, we should realize that our service is for God, not for man’s approval. Our faithfulness will be rewarded.
