Jeremiah 38:10

Jeremiah 38:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

American Standard Version ASV

Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the king gave orders to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take with you three men from here and get Jeremiah out of the water-hole before death overtakes him.

Free Bible Version FBV

So the king gave the order to Ebed-melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men with you and go and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the King commanded Ebed-melech the blacke More, saying, Take from hence thirtie men with thee, and take Ieremiah the Prophet out of the dungeon before he dye.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king commandeth Ebed-Melech the Cushite, saying, 'Take with thee from this thirty men, and thou hast brought up Jeremiah the prophet from the pit, before he dieth.'

World English Bible WEB

Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dies.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dieth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then the king commanded Abdemelech the Ethiopian, saying: Take from hence thirty men with thee, and draw up Jeremias the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

Translation for Translators T4T

So the king told Ebed-Melech, “Take thirty of my men/soldiers with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the well, in order that he does not die!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 38:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְצַוֶּ֣ה הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ אֵ֛ת עֶֽבֶד מֶ֥לֶךְ הַ/כּוּשִׁ֖י לֵ/אמֹ֑ר קַ֣ח בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֤ מִ/זֶּה֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְֽ/הַעֲלִ֜יתָ אֶֽת יִרְמְיָ֧הוּ הַ/נָּבִ֛יא מִן הַ/בּ֖וֹר בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם יָמֽוּת

וַ/יְצַוֶּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֶֽבֶד ʻEbed Melek H5663 Ebed-melech N-proper

מֶ֥לֶךְ ʻEbed Melek H5663 Ebed-melech N-proper

הַ/כּוּשִׁ֖י Kûwshîy H3569 Cushite Art | Ngmsa

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

קַ֣ח lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֤ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

מִ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

וְֽ/הַעֲלִ֜יתָ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִרְמְיָ֧הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper

הַ/נָּבִ֛יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-ms

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/בּ֖וֹר bôwr H953 pit Art | N-ms

בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם ṭerem H2962 before Prep | Adv

יָמֽוּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:10

וַ/יְצַוֶּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֶֽבֶד ʻEbed Melek H5663 "Ebed-melech" N-proper

Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.7 § Ebed-melech = "servant of the king" an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of king Zedekiah, through whose interference Jeremiah was released from prison

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.

מֶ֥לֶךְ ʻEbed Melek H5663 "Ebed-melech" N-proper

Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.

הַ/כּוּשִׁ֖י Kûwshîy H3569 "Cushite" Art | Ngmsa

A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.

Definition: Someone from Cush Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A) § Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness" one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people (TWOT) Ethiopian

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s). See also: 2 Samuel 18:21; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Jeremiah 13:23.

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

קַ֣ח lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֤ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

מִ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

אֲנָשִׁ֔ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

וְֽ/הַעֲלִ֜יתָ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יִרְמְיָ֧הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 "Jeremiah" N-proper

Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.

הַ/נָּבִ֛יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-ms

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/בּ֖וֹר bôwr H953 "pit" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.

Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.

בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם ṭerem H2962 "before" Prep | Adv

This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.

Definition: before, not yet, before that

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.

יָמֽוּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:10

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 38:10 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:10
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Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern

8Ebed-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.”

10So 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.”

11Then 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. 12Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 21:1	The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
2	Esther 8:7	So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews.
3	Esther 5:2	As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
4	Psalms 75:10	“All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.”

Jeremiah 38:10 Summary

In Jeremiah 38:10, the king tells Ebed-melech to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern before he dies. This shows that the king still had some regard for Jeremiah's life, even though he had allowed him to be thrown into the cistern earlier. The king's command is a reminder that God can use anyone, even those in positions of power, to carry out His will (as seen in Proverbs 21:1). This event also highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against the crowd, as seen in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:1-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king command Ebed-melech to rescue Jeremiah?

The king commanded Ebed-melech to rescue Jeremiah because Ebed-melech had informed him of the wicked actions of the men who had thrown Jeremiah into the cistern, as seen in Jeremiah 38:9, and the king wanted to prevent Jeremiah's death, showing that he still had some regard for the prophet's life, similar to how King Ahab showed concern for the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 21:27.

Who was Ebed-melech and why was he involved in Jeremiah's rescue?

Ebed-melech was a Cushite, a foreigner in the service of the king of Judah, who showed compassion and bravery in speaking out against the mistreatment of Jeremiah, as seen in Jeremiah 38:8-9, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to carry out His will, as seen in the story of Ruth in the book of Ruth.

What does this verse reveal about the character of King Zedekiah?

This verse reveals that King Zedekiah was a complex character, capable of both good and evil, as he had previously allowed Jeremiah to be thrown into the cistern, but now he shows concern for the prophet's life, similar to how King Saul showed a mix of obedience and disobedience to God's commands in 1 Samuel 15:13-23.

How does this event relate to the larger story of Jeremiah's ministry?

This event is part of the larger story of Jeremiah's ministry, in which he faced opposition and persecution for speaking God's word to the people of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 36:1-32, and it highlights the theme of God's protection and preservation of His servants, as seen in Psalm 91:14-16 and Jeremiah 1:18-19.

Reflection Questions

What would have happened to Jeremiah if Ebed-melech had not spoken out on his behalf, and what does this say about the importance of standing up for what is right?
How does the king's command to rescue Jeremiah reflect the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the world, and what does this say about the role of believers in this struggle?
What does Ebed-melech's actions say about the character of a true servant of God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
How does this event demonstrate God's sovereignty and ability to work through unexpected people and circumstances, and what does this say about our trust in Him?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:10

Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian,.... Being affected with the case of the prophet; and repenting of the leave he had given the princes to do with him as they pleased, gave orders as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:10

Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:10

There are several guesses why the king commandeth Ebed-melech to take thirty men for the doing of that for which three or four were sufficient. I think they judge best who think it was to guard him against any opposition. Things were now in a great disorder, the city being upon the matter taken, and the king himself was much in the government of his princes, and, as may easily be judged by what went before, and what we shall hereafter meet with, could not rule them, but was in some fear of them, and he did not know but some of the most boisterous of them might oppose the execution of this command of his. This king in his whole story seemeth to have been of a much better humour than his predecessors, and to have had a kindness for the prophet, though he suffered himself to be miserably overruled by his courtiers, who were of a much fiercer temper, and worse affected to the prophet.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:10

Jeremiah 38:10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.Ver. 10. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech.] A sweet providence of God thus to incline the heart of this effeminate, cruel, inconstant, and impious king, to hearken to the motion, and to give order for the prophet’ s deliverance from that desperate and deadly danger. A good encouragement also to men to appear in a good cause, and to act vigorously for God, notwithstanding they are alone, and have to encounter with divers difficulties. Take from hence thirty men with thee.] Four or fewer might have done it; but perhaps the princes with their forces might have endeavoured to hinder them, but that they saw them so strong.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:10

(10) Take from hence thirty men.—The number seems a large one for the purpose, especially when we consider that the men were sent from a post from which they could ill be spared, but the king may have wished to guard against resistance on the part of the princes. Hitzig, however, conjectures that “three men” was the original reading of the Hebrew text.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:10

Verse 10. Take from hence thirty men] The king was determined that he should be rescued by force, if the princes opposed.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:10

10. thirty men] The construction of the Heb. numeral is irregular, and we should read three, as under the circumstances a more likely number for this duty.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:10

Thirty men - So large a number suggests that Zedekiah expected some resistance. (Some read “three” men.)

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:10

10. Thirty men — This great number has been a difficulty to many, and such bold and free critics as Ewald have conjectured an emendation of the text, substituting three for thirty.

Sermons on Jeremiah 38:10

	Sermon	Description
	Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na
	Lessons From Daniel by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dark days in Israel described in the first two verses of the Bible. The people of God are in captivity in Babylon under the rule of Nebuch
	(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn
	The Rich and the Poor Part 1 by Chuck Smith	The video is a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith on the book of Proverbs, specifically focusing on Proverbs 21:1. Pastor Chuck explains that the purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom
	The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God
	(Spiritual Guidelines for Courtship) Testimonies of Godly Courtship by Rick Leibee	In this video, a couple shares highlights from their courtship and testimonies. They mention the verse from Isaiah 61 that speaks about God turning ashes into beauty and bringing j
	Christmas Miracles by Erlo Stegen	Erlo Stegen emphasizes the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting that without Christmas, there would be no Easter or Pentecost. He explains how God