Rescued from Death: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Jeremiah 38

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Jeremiah 38, a powerful chapter in the Book of Jeremiah, recounts the prophet’s perilous situation. Accused of discouraging the soldiers, Jeremiah is cast into a muddy cistern to die. This act highlights the animosity towards those who speak truth against prevailing power. Yet, God’s providential care shines through as Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, intercedes for Jeremiah, ultimately rescuing him from certain death. The chapter underscores the themes of divine protection, the cost of prophecy, and the importance of standing for righteousness, even when unpopular. This rescuing of Jeremiah from death serves as a potent reminder of God’s faithfulness in the face of adversity and the vital role of courageous individuals in challenging injustice, a particularly relevant theme in our modern struggles.

Jeremiah, a prophet called to deliver unwelcome truths, found himself perpetually at odds with the political and religious authorities of Judah. Chapter 38 vividly illustrates the consequences of his unwavering commitment to God’s message. Let us delve into this powerful narrative and extract the spiritual lessons it offers us today.

📜 Commentary: Jeremiah 38 Verse by Verse 📜

Jeremiah 38:1-3

KJV: Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, Thus saith the Lord, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall give his life unto him for a prey, and he shall live. Thus saith the Lord, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.

NKJV: Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes over to the Chaldeans shall live; his life shall be as a prize to him, and he shall live.’ Thus says the Lord: ‘This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, who shall take it.’”

Jeremiah continues to prophesy the downfall of Jerusalem, urging surrender to the Babylonians as the only path to survival. His message, however, is perceived as treasonous by the officials named here. Geographically, Jerusalem was under siege. Militarily, resistance seemed futile. Spiritually, the people were hardened, refusing to repent. We see the contrast between worldly prudence and divine wisdom.
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Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius says, “Οὐ γὰρ βλέπουσιν εἰς τὴν ἀλήθειαν, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἰδίοις πάθεσι δουλεύουσιν.” (Ou gar blepousin eis tēn alētheian, alla tois idiois pathesi douleuousin.) “For they do not look to the truth, but are enslaved to their own passions.” (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 33)

Application: Are we willing to embrace truths that challenge our comfort or conventional wisdom, even if they are unpopular? Do we prioritize earthly security over God’s will?

Jeremiah 38:4-6

KJV: Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

NKJV: Therefore the princes said to the king, “Please, let this man be put to death, for he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man does not seek the well-being of this people, but their harm.” So Zedekiah the king said, “Look, he is in your hand. For the king can do nothing against you.” Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, which was in the court of the prison; and they let Jeremiah down with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire. So Jeremiah sank in the mire.

The princes accuse Jeremiah of demoralizing the troops, effectively advocating for his execution. King Zedekiah, weak and indecisive, yields to their pressure, delivering Jeremiah into their hands. He’s cast into a cistern, a well used for water storage, but now filled with mud. This was likely a common type of cistern found in ancient Jerusalem, designed to collect rainwater. The symbolism is potent: a place of potential life turned into a place of imminent death.
Application: Are we complicit in silencing voices that speak truth to power, even when they are uncomfortable or challenge our status quo?

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Τὸ γὰρ δίκαιον διώκεται πανταχοῦ.” (To gar dikaion diōketai pantachou.) “For justice is persecuted everywhere.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, 5:14)

Jeremiah 38:7-13 – Ebed-Melech’s Intervention

KJV: Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake unto the king, saying, My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take with thee thirty men, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. And Ebedmelech said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

NKJV: Now Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon. When the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, Ebed-Melech went out of the king’s house and spoke to the king, saying, “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon, and he is likely to die from hunger in the place where he is.” So the king commanded Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take with you thirty men, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon before he dies.” Then Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took from there old clothes and old rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. And Ebed-Melech said to Jeremiah, “Please put these old clothes and rags under your armpits, under the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so. So they pulled Jeremiah up with the ropes and lifted him out of the dungeon. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Here, a ray of hope emerges. Ebed-Melech, a foreigner and a eunuch—both marginalized positions in society—demonstrates remarkable courage and compassion. He intercedes for Jeremiah, appealing to the king’s sense of justice. Zedekiah, surprisingly, grants his request. Ebed-Melech acts swiftly and practically, providing Jeremiah with rags to cushion him from the ropes. This is not just rescue, but tender care. He shows that even in positions of little respect, one can still hold great compassion.
Application: Are we willing to speak up for those who are marginalized and oppressed, even when it carries personal risk? Do we actively seek opportunities to show compassion and practical help to those in need?

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom says, “Οὐδὲν οὕτω λαμπρὸν ὡς τὸ ἐλεεῖν.” (Ouden houtō lampron hōs to eleein.) “Nothing is so glorious as showing mercy.” (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, 15.2)

Jeremiah 38:14-28 – Jeremiah’s Counsel and Continued Imprisonment

KJV: Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the Lord: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me. Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon’s princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house: But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand. And Zedekiah said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to him, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me. But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the Lord hath shewed me: And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back. So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire. Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die. But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; Then shalt thou say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’s house, to die there. So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken: and he was there when Jerusalem was taken.

NKJV: Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah the prophet brought to him at the third entrance of the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, “I will ask you something. Hide nothing from me.” Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, will you not listen to me?” So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As the Lord lives, who made our very souls, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’” And Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have defected to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand and they abuse me.” But Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live. But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the Lord has shown me: ‘Behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be surrendered to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women shall say: “Your close friends have incited you and have prevailed against you; Your feet are sunk in the mire, and they have turned away backward.”’ So they shall surrender all your wives and children to the Chaldeans. You shall not escape from their hand, but shall be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon. And you shall cause this city to be burned with fire.” Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know about these words, and you shall not die. But if the princes hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say to you, ‘Declare to us now what you said to the king; hide nothing from us, and we will not put you to death,’ then you shall say to them, ‘I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not make me return to Jonathan’s house to die there.’” So Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken. And he was there when Jerusalem was taken.

Zedekiah, caught between fear and a desire for truth, secretly consults Jeremiah. He seeks guidance but lacks the courage to act upon it. Jeremiah reiterates his message: surrender to Babylon is the only way to save the city and the royal house. He even warns Zedekiah of the shame and suffering that await if he persists in his resistance. Zedekiah’s fear of public opinion outweighs his faith in God’s word. He chooses a path of self-preservation and ultimately fails to save himself or his kingdom. Jeremiah remains imprisoned, a testament to his unwavering fidelity to his prophetic calling.
Application: Do we seek God’s will in secret, yet lack the courage to live it out publicly? Do we allow fear of man to dictate our actions, rather than obedience to God?

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa says, “Ἡ γὰρ ἀνθρωπαρέσκεια τῆς ἀληθείας πολέμιος.” (Hē gar anthrōpareskeia tēs alētheias polemios.) “For pleasing men is an enemy of truth.” (Gregory of Nyssa, *On Perfection*)

💡 Key Reflections on Jeremiah’s Rescue 💡

Here are some key lessons we can glean from this chapter:

• The cost of truth: Speaking truth can lead to persecution and suffering, as Jeremiah experienced.
• Divine Providence: God’s hand is evident in Ebed-Melech’s intervention, demonstrating His care for those who are faithful.
• Courage in the face of opposition: Ebed-Melech’s example encourages us to stand up for what is right, even when unpopular.
• Weakness of leadership: Zedekiah’s indecisiveness and fear illustrate the dangers of prioritizing personal safety over divine guidance.
• The importance of obedience: Despite the circumstances, Jeremiah remained faithful to his prophetic calling.
• Redemption in unexpected places: Even within the prison, God provides for those in need.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Let’s address some common questions about Jeremiah 38:

• Q: Why was Jeremiah considered such a threat?
  A: Jeremiah’s prophecies directly contradicted the popular sentiment and the policies of the ruling class. He predicted defeat and exile, which was seen as detrimental to morale.
• Q: What does Ebed-Melech represent in this story?
  A: Ebed-Melech embodies courage, compassion, and righteous action. He also represents the possibility of righteousness even among those who are marginalized or from different cultures.
• Q: What is the significance of the cistern being filled with mire?
  A: The mire symbolizes the hopelessness and despair that Jeremiah faced. It represents a situation where death seemed inevitable. It can be seen as symbolic of spiritual stagnation.
• Q: How does this chapter connect to the rest of the Book of Jeremiah?
  A: Jeremiah 38 is a pivotal moment that underscores the prophet’s unwavering commitment to God’s message, even in the face of extreme adversity. It also highlights the consequences of Judah’s disobedience and foreshadows the impending fall of Jerusalem.

🕊️ Conclusion 🕊️

The rescuing of Jeremiah from death is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and the importance of standing for truth, even when it is unpopular. Ebed-Melech’s courage and compassion serve as an inspiring example of how individuals can make a difference in the face of injustice. Zedekiah’s weakness serves as a warning against prioritizing personal comfort over obedience to God. This chapter reminds us that God is always at work, even in the darkest of circumstances. May we learn to emulate Ebed-Melech’s courage and Jeremiah’s unwavering faith, trusting in God’s providential care in our own lives.

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Jeremiah, Jeremiah 38, Ebed-Melech, Zedekiah, prophecy, cistern, rescue, faith, courage, Old Testament

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Explore Jeremiah 38 commentary: Jeremiah in the cistern, rescued from death. Discover key spiritual lessons on faith, courage, and divine providence. Learn from the rescuing of Jeremiah from death.