A Fatal Choice

Jeremiah 38

  • 38:1 “Jehucal son of Shelemiah” - he was one of the king’s messengers last time.
  • 38:2 “surrender or die” - they are not just rebelling against Nebuchadnezzar, but against God Himself, who has told them repeatedly since Josiah inquired of the Lord that Judah MUST serve the King of Babylon.
  • 38:4 “this man ought to die” - Jeremiah is not supporting their narrative of rebellion against God and reality.
  • 38:5 “the king can do nothing” - once again, Zedekiah shows himself a coward. Revelation 21:8
  • 38:6 “lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern” - why not just kill him, or throw him in? Could they have some gnawing guilt?

A Courageous Foreigner

  • 38:7 “a cushite” - from Ethiopia. “Ebed-melech” means “servant of the king”.
  • 38:9 “these men have acted wickedly” - Zedekiah was too weak to resist his other officials, but he also yields to the urging of Ebed-melech.
  • 38:10 “take 30 men” - two to haul out Jeremiah and 28 to stand guard.
  • 38:12 “pad the ropes” - Ebed-melech was kind and considerate as well as strong and courageous.
  • 38:15 “you will not listen” - cowardice is like an addiction.

A last offer of Grace

  • 38:16 “Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah” - Zedekiah also swore an oath to Nebuchadnezzar, what does his oath to Jeremiah even mean?
  • 38:17 “surrender to the officers, and you will live and your city and your family” - Amazing Grace! After everything, there is still mercy for the repentant sinner. But as readers, we know this is the final moment of decision.

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  • 38:18 “but if you do not surrender ..” - once again, God sets before him the way of life and the way of death.
  • 38:19 “they may mock me!” - this is Zedekiah’s biggest fear. And it seems so irrational to the onlooker. There are many cultures where a man would rather die than “lose face”.
  • 38:20 “they will not hand you over to be mocked” - Amazing Grace! Even this fear is addressed by a loving God. He need only Trust and Obey.
  • 38:22 “those women will say” - and in addition, if you chose the way of death, you will indeed by mocked! By the women of your own household! Fear of “losing face” is not the issue - believing God is.
  • 38:24 “do not let anyone know .. or you will die” - I think Zedekiah was more concerned for his own embarrassment than Jeremiah’s welfare.

How will Zedekiah chose?