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Jeremiah 38

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‹ Chapter 37 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

1 Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people: 2 “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. 3 This is what the LORD says: This city will surely be delivered into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it." 4 Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin." 5 “Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you." 6 So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. 7 Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, 8 Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, 9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern, where he will starve to death, for there is no more bread in the city." 10 So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies." 11 Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. 12 Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, 13 and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. 14 Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me." 15 “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me." 16 But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life." 17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. 18 But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’" 19 But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me." 20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, that it may go well with you and you may live. 21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me: 22 All the women who remain in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon, and those women will say: ‘They misled you and overcame you— those trusted friends of yours. Your feet sank into the mire, and they deserted you.’ 23 All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down." 24 Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. 25 If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’ 26 then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’" 27 When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation. 28 And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.

‹ Chapter 37 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38

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Chapter Summary

Jeremiah chapter 38 narrates the events surrounding Jeremiah's imprisonment in a cistern by King Zedekiah, who was torn between his officials' advice to kill the prophet and his own curiosity about Jeremiah's prophecies. The chapter describes how Jeremiah was rescued from the cistern by an Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-melech, who intervened on the prophet's behalf. The chapter also includes a conversation between Jeremiah and King Zedekiah, in which Jeremiah counsels the king to surrender to the Babylonians in order to save his life and the city of Jerusalem. Despite the king's fears and doubts, Jeremiah remains faithful to his message, urging the king to trust in God's sovereignty and provision.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah chapter 38 is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Jeremiah, which describes the prophet's ministry to the nation of Judah during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. The chapter is part of a larger section of the book that narrates the events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. Within this context, Jeremiah's message of judgment and redemption serves as a powerful call to repentance and faith, urging the people of Judah to turn back to God and trust in his sovereignty and provision.

Heart Application

The events of Jeremiah chapter 38 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of intense opposition or adversity. Believers today can learn from Jeremiah's example, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeking to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. As we face our own challenges and struggles, we can draw comfort and strength from Jeremiah's experiences, knowing that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah chapter 38 tells the story of the prophet Jeremiah's imprisonment and rescue. The chapter highlights Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message, even in the face of intense opposition and persecution. As we read this chapter, we can learn from Jeremiah's example, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeking to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. We can also find comfort and strength in Jeremiah's experiences, knowing that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us (Jeremiah 38:20).

Voices from the Church

“The faithfulness of God is a rock that is unmoved, a foundation that is unshaken. It is the anchor of the soul, the stay of the heart, the comfort of the faint, and the strength of the weak.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The prophet Jeremiah was a man of great courage and faith, who stood firm in the face of intense opposition and persecution. His example serves as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Jeremiah's Imprisonment (38:1-6) — The chapter begins by describing Jeremiah's imprisonment in a cistern by King Zedekiah's officials. The prophet is accused of being a traitor and a false prophet, and he is left to die in the cistern.
  2. Ebed-melech's Intervention (38:7-13) — Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, intervenes on Jeremiah's behalf, rescuing him from the cistern and restoring him to the king's court.
  3. Jeremiah's Counsel to the King (38:14-23) — Jeremiah counsels King Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians, urging him to trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The king is torn between his officials' advice to kill the prophet and his own curiosity about Jeremiah's prophecies.
  4. Jeremiah's Faithfulness (38:20) — Despite the king's fears and doubts, Jeremiah remains faithful to God's message, urging the king to obey the Lord's voice and trust in his sovereignty and provision.
  5. Conclusion (38:24-28) — The chapter concludes by describing the king's continued fear and doubt, as well as Jeremiah's ongoing faithfulness to God's message. The prophet's experiences serve as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
Jeremiah chapter 38 highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals. The chapter demonstrates God's power and control, even in the face of human opposition and rebellion.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in God's sovereignty and provision. Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message serves as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to trust in God's power and control, even when all human hope seems lost.
The Reality of Suffering
The chapter describes Jeremiah's experiences of suffering and persecution, which serve as a model for believers who face similar challenges today. The chapter demonstrates that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, but that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us.
The Power of Prayer
The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. Jeremiah's prayers and counsel to the king serve as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to seek God's guidance and provision in all things.

Lessons from Jeremiah 38

  1. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's message, even in the face of intense opposition and persecution. Believers today can learn from Jeremiah's example, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeking to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  2. The Power of Prayer — The chapter demonstrates the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. Jeremiah's prayers and counsel to the king serve as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to seek God's guidance and provision in all things.
  3. The Reality of Suffering — The chapter describes Jeremiah's experiences of suffering and persecution, which serve as a model for believers who face similar challenges today. The chapter demonstrates that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, but that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us.
  4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message serves as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey his word, even when all human hope seems lost.
  5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals. The chapter demonstrates God's power and control, even in the face of human opposition and rebellion.

Themes from Jeremiah 38

  1. Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's message, even in the face of intense opposition and persecution. Believers today can learn from Jeremiah's example, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and seeking to obey his word, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
  2. Suffering — The chapter describes Jeremiah's experiences of suffering and persecution, which serve as a model for believers who face similar challenges today. The chapter demonstrates that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, but that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us.
  3. Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message serves as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey his word, even when all human hope seems lost.
  4. Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the rise and fall of nations and the lives of individuals. The chapter demonstrates God's power and control, even in the face of human opposition and rebellion.
  5. Rescue — The chapter describes Jeremiah's rescue from the cistern, which serves as a powerful illustration of God's providence and care for his people. The chapter demonstrates that God is always with us, and that he will ultimately vindicate and rescue us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Jeremiah's example of faithfulness in the face of opposition and persecution?
  2. How does the chapter describe God's sovereignty and provision in the life of Jeremiah?
  3. What role does Ebed-melech play in the chapter, and what can we learn from his example?
  4. How does the chapter describe the king's fear and doubt, and what can we learn from his example?
  5. What is the main theme of the chapter, and how does it relate to our lives as believers today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Jeremiah's Imprisonment (38:1-6)

38:1 The chapter begins by describing Jeremiah's imprisonment in a cistern by King Zedekiah's officials. The prophet is accused of being a traitor and a false prophet, and he is left to die in the cistern.
38:2 The officials accuse Jeremiah of being a traitor, and they seek to kill him. However, the king is torn between his officials' advice and his own curiosity about Jeremiah's prophecies.

2. Ebed-melech's Intervention (38:7-13)

38:7 Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, intervenes on Jeremiah's behalf, rescuing him from the cistern and restoring him to the king's court.
38:8 Ebed-melech's intervention is a remarkable example of God's providence and care for his people. The Ethiopian eunuch's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

3. Jeremiah's Counsel to the King (38:14-23)

38:14 Jeremiah counsels King Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians, urging him to trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The king is torn between his officials' advice to kill the prophet and his own curiosity about Jeremiah's prophecies.
38:15 The king seeks Jeremiah's counsel, and the prophet urges him to obey the Lord's voice and trust in his sovereignty and provision.

4. Jeremiah's Faithfulness (38:20)

38:20 Despite the king's fears and doubts, Jeremiah remains faithful to God's message, urging the king to obey the Lord's voice and trust in his sovereignty and provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Jeremiah chapter 38?

The main theme of the chapter is the importance of faithfulness to God's message, even in the face of intense opposition and persecution. The chapter highlights Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to God's word, and it serves as a powerful model for believers today.

Who is Ebed-melech, and what role does he play in the chapter?

Ebed-melech is an Ethiopian eunuch who intervenes on Jeremiah's behalf, rescuing him from the cistern and restoring him to the king's court. His actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

What is the significance of Jeremiah's counsel to the king?

Jeremiah's counsel to the king is significant because it highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. The prophet urges the king to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey the Lord's voice, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Jeremiah 38:1 → 2 Kings 25:1-7 The siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians is described in 2 Kings 25:1-7, which provides a historical context for Jeremiah's prophecies in chapter 38.
2 Jeremiah 38:2 → Isaiah 30:10 The officials' accusation of Jeremiah as a traitor is similar to the accusations made against the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 30:10.
3 Jeremiah 38:7 → Acts 8:26-40 The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion in Acts 8:26-40 is reminiscent of Ebed-melech's intervention on Jeremiah's behalf in Jeremiah 38:7-13.
4 Jeremiah 38:14 → Matthew 10:28 The king's fear of the Babylonians is similar to the fear of persecution described in Matthew 10:28, which urges believers to fear God rather than men.
5 Jeremiah 38:20 → Romans 8:28 Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message is similar to the faithfulness described in Romans 8:28, which urges believers to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of adversity.
6 Jeremiah 38:1 → Psalm 37:3-4 The chapter's emphasis on trust in God's sovereignty and provision is similar to the emphasis in Psalm 37:3-4, which urges believers to trust in the Lord and do good.
7 Jeremiah 38:7 → Proverbs 24:23-25 Ebed-melech's intervention on Jeremiah's behalf is similar to the importance of rescuing those who are oppressed, as described in Proverbs 24:23-25.
8 Jeremiah 38:14 → 1 Peter 2:13-14 The king's responsibility to obey God's word is similar to the responsibility of believers to submit to governing authorities, as described in 1 Peter 2:13-14.
9 Jeremiah 38:20 → Hebrews 11:32-34 Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's message is similar to the faithfulness of the heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11:32-34, who trusted in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of adversity.
10 Jeremiah 38:1 → Revelation 2:10 The chapter's emphasis on perseverance in the face of persecution is similar to the emphasis in Revelation 2:10, which urges believers to remain faithful, even unto death.

Sermons on Jeremiah 38

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon When Deliverance Looks Like Old Rotten Rags by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing God's miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit breaking down divisions in a community. The speaker encourages
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo
Chuck Smith The Day Will Come by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of obeying and being a doer of the Word of God, using the story of King Zedekiah's disobedience as a cautionary tale. It highlights the conseq
Ken Baird Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep
St. John Chrysostom Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn
C.I. Scofield Jeremiah in the Dungeon by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield delves into the mystery of permitted suffering of the good, using the story of Jeremiah's affliction to illustrate how God's power is magnified in delivering His fait

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 38

In Jeremiah chapter 38, we see the prophet's faithfulness to God's message, even in the face of intense opposition and persecution. The chapter describes Jeremiah's imprisonment in a cistern by King Zedekiah's officials, as well as his rescue by Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch. The prophet's counsel to the king is also notable, as he urges the king to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey the Lord's voice, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through Jeremiah's experiences, we see the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of adversity. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The prophet's faithfulness to God's message is a powerful example to us, urging us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to obey his word, even when all human hope seems lost.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Jeremiah's Courage

Jeremiah's willingness to speak truth to power, even in the face of intense opposition, is a powerful model for believers today. His courage is rooted in his faith in God's sovereignty and provision.

The King's Fear

King Zedekiah's fear of the Babylonians and his officials is a stark contrast to Jeremiah's faith in God. The king's fear ultimately leads to his downfall, while Jeremiah's faith leads to his rescue and vindication.

Ebed-melech's Intervention

Ebed-melech's intervention on Jeremiah's behalf is a remarkable example of God's providence and care for his people. The Ethiopian eunuch's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or adversity.

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