1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.

2 And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up.

3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

4 And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.

5 But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

6 Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.

7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

8 And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

11 Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,

12 Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.

13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;

14 Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.

15 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

16 Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.

17 But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.

18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Tenth month - This month answers to part of our December and January.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Jeremiah seems here indeed to undertake the office of an historian rather than that of a Prophet; but he seals his previous prophecies, and at the same time shews that he had brought forward nothing rashly or thoughtlessly. There is, then, here a proof of all his former doctrine; he brings before us the reality, and shews that whatever he had predicted was accomplished by God’s hand, and in a manner almost incredible. We now understand what this chapter contains. he says that King Nebuchadnezzar came, though he soon departed from the siege, for, as we shall presently see, he went to Riblah, which, as some think, was the Antioch of Syria; but of this we shall speak in its proper place. When, therefore, the king came with his army, he soon departed, and his purpose was to live at leisure, and in the enjoyment of pleasures as long as the city was besieged, he was not disposed to undertake the trouble and weariness of a long warfare; but yet, in order to spread more terror, he came himself to the City and gave instructions to his army.We must notice the time: he came in the ninth year, in the tenth month, that is about the end of the year. Zedekiah, no doubt, entertained a good hope, though reports were flying as to the coming of the Chaldean army; for the king had not so soon prepared for the war as he ought to have done. he thought that his revolt from the king of Babylon would be passed by unpunished. But the Prophet here reminds us that it was a false confidence; for though God spared him for a time and suspended his judgment, he yet at length punished the impiety of his revolt, to which was also added ingratitude, as it has been before stated. Thus much as tothe ninth year and the tenth month
McArther Bible Commentary
In the ninth year … the eleventh year. Cf. Jer 34:1; see note there. Cf. Jer 52:1-7; 2Ki 25:1-4. This siege of thirty months involved the enemy's surrounding the city walls, cutting off all entrances and exits, all food supplies, and as much water as possible, so that famine, thirst, and disease would eventually weaken the beleaguered city dwellers and they could easily be conquered.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:36 2 Kings 25:1 Jeremiah 32:1 Jeremiah 34:1 Jeremiah 34:22 Jeremiah 42:18 Jeremiah 52:4 Ezekiel 4:3 Ezekiel 5:2 Ezekiel 24:1 Ezekiel 24:2 Ezekiel 33:21 Ezekiel 40:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:4 Jeremiah 1:3 Jeremiah 32:1 Jeremiah 34:22 Jeremiah 37:8 Jeremiah 52:6 Jeremiah 52:7 Ezekiel 4:3 Ezekiel 5:2 Ezekiel 33:21 Zechariah 8:19

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The middle gate - The city was encompassed with two walls, before they came to the wall of the temple; the gate in the inner wall is supposed to have been that which is called the middle gate. They would not at first venture farther, 'till they might without hazarding their persons.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
IT is proved here that the prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled; so that it became really evident that he had not spoken unadvisedly, but from the mouth of God. And thus was fulfilled also what is said as a common proverb, that fools become wise too late; for they never obey good and wise counsels while they may, but at length they are made to know by their own miseries and their teacher, experience, that what they despised is true, but without any benefit. This happened to Zedekiah, who had been often exhorted by the Prophet to surrender himself to King Nebuchadnezzar. As, then, he had obstinately refused the yoke, he was at length constrained to reap the fruit of his obstinacy. Now Jeremiah says, that the princes of King Nebuchadnezzar, that is, those he had set over his forces,entered the city, the wall being broken down, andsat in the middle gate; for it was necessary for them to be wary, lest there should be ambushes; and even conquerors do not immediately penetrate into every part when a city is taken, but search whether all the places be free from enemies. This then was done by the leaders of the army, for they stood inthe middle gate, that they might exercise authority over the city, and yet be safe from all ambushes. Jeremiah mentions some of them by name, but it is uncertain whether he adds a surname to some of them. But as this is doubtful and is of no great moment, it is enough for us that the chief of the leaders are named, in order to accredit the narrative.
McArther Bible Commentary
sat in the Middle Gate. This expressed full military occupation of the city, since this gate was between the upper city (Mt. Zion) and the lower city to the north.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 1:15 Jeremiah 21:4 Jeremiah 38:17 Jeremiah 39:13 Ezekiel 26:10

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 2 Kings 24:17-20, Vol. 2, p. 1040.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:4 2 Chronicles 32:5 Isaiah 22:11 Isaiah 30:16 Jeremiah 32:4 Jeremiah 52:7 Ezekiel 12:4 Ezekiel 12:12 Amos 2:14

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 2 Kings 24:17-20, Vol. 2, p. 1040.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Riblah - Riblah was upon the borders of Canaan. Zedekiah was a tributary to the king of Babylon, and so subject to his power, having made a covenant with him, and secured his allegiance by his oath to him.
McArther Bible Commentary
Riblah in … Hamath. Nebuchadnezzar's command headquarters were 230 miles north of Jerusalem. pronounced judgment. He dealt with the king as a common criminal. The king had violated his oath (cf. 2Ch 36:13; Eze 17:13-19).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 4:13 Joshua 5:10 2 Kings 23:33 Jeremiah 21:7 Jeremiah 24:8 Jeremiah 32:4 Jeremiah 32:5 Jeremiah 38:18 Jeremiah 38:23 Jeremiah 44:30 Jeremiah 49:23 Jeremiah 52:8 Jeremiah 52:9 Jeremiah 52:26 Lamentations 4:20 Ezekiel 17:20 Ezekiel 23:24 Habakkuk 1:7

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 2 Kings 24:17-20, Vol. 2, p. 1040.
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Jer 52:12-16; 2Ki 25:8-12.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:34 2 Kings 25:7 Isaiah 34:12 Jeremiah 20:4 Jeremiah 21:7 Jeremiah 24:8 Jeremiah 34:3 Jeremiah 34:19 Jeremiah 34:21 Jeremiah 38:23 Jeremiah 52:10 Ezekiel 23:24 Ezekiel 24:5

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 2 Kings 24:17-20, Vol. 2, p. 1040.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Here was an accumulation of misery: the king had his eyes pulled out, after having been a spectator of the slaughter of his own sons! He then saw heaped together the dead bodies of his own offspring and of all his nobles. After that slaughter he was made blind. His life was, no doubt, prolonged to him, that he might die, as it were, by little and little, according to what a notorious tyrant has said. And thus Nebuchadnezzar intended to kill him a hundred and a thousand times, and not at once to put him to death, for death removes man from all the miseries of the present life. That Zedekiah remained alive, was then a much harder condition.And this has been recorded that we may know, that as he had been so long obstinate against God, the punishment inflicted on him was long protracted; for he had not sinned through levity or want of thought, or some hidden impulse, but hardened himself against every truth and all counsels. It was therefore just that he should die by little and little, and not be killed at once. This was the reason why the king of Babylon pulled out his eyes. The Prophet says in the last place, that he was bound with chains, and that he was in this miserable conditionled into BabylonThis reproach was an addition to his blindness: he was bound with chains as a criminal. It would have been better for him to have been taken immediately to the gallows, or to have been put to death in any way; but it was the design of Nebuchadnezzar, that he should lead a miserable life in this degraded state, and be a public example of what perfidy deserved. It follows, —
McArther Bible Commentary
put out Zedekiah's eyes. This reconciles Jer 32:4 with Eze 12:13.
Bible Cross References
Judges 16:21 2 Kings 25:7 Jeremiah 20:4 Jeremiah 32:5 Jeremiah 34:3 Jeremiah 52:11 Ezekiel 12:13

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:8 2 Kings 25:9 2 Kings 25:10 Nehemiah 1:3 Psalm 79:7 Jeremiah 17:27 Jeremiah 21:10 Jeremiah 32:29 Jeremiah 38:18 Jeremiah 52:13 Jeremiah 52:14 Ezekiel 16:41 Ezekiel 23:47 Ezekiel 33:21

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The Prophet now relates also what happened to others, even those who remained in the city, and whom Nebuchadnezzar and his army had spared: he says that they were brought to Babylon. There were those who had fled and went over to the Chaldeans before the city was taken; for we have seen that so great was the despair of many, that they revolted, and those were they whom Zedekiah chiefly feared, lest he should be, as we have seen, an object of mockery to them, had he gone to the Chaldeans and made a willing surrender. Jeremiah now says that those also were led into Chaldea. Nebuchadnezzar might have removed them on this account, because he could not confide in traitors. He had found out their inconstancy, for they had revolted from their own real and legitimate king. As then they had. thus once violated their faith, he could not but regard them with suspicion, and therefore removed them, lest they should afterwards attempt something new, and create disturbance; or, it may be, that it was done according to their request, because they feared lest, after the departure of the Chal-deans, the common people should rage against them, as they had helped the enemies, and thus had become perfidious and ungrateful towards their own country. It might then be, that they themselves had made this request, and that it was granted them: they might then live quietly in a far country, but they could not be safe in Judea. However, whatever may have been the reason, Jeremiah tells us, that they were led with the rest into Babylon and Chaldea.he afterwards names the head or general of the army, even Nebuzaradan, whom he calls theprince of the killers, or of the cooks. The Greek translators have rendered itἀρχιμάγειρον, the prince of the cooks, who at this day is called Grand Master in the courts of princes. But their opinion is more probable, who render the words, the prince of the killers. The verbטבח,thebech, means to slay, to kill, and to kill men as well as to slay beasts; and for this reason some have applied it to cookery. But as Nebuzaradan is mentioned here as the chief among military men, the probability is that he was the judge of all capital offenses in the army.Hence Jeremiah names him when he says that they wereremoved who remained in the city.But there seems to be here an unnecessary repetition, as he mentions twice, the rest of the people which remainedThere is, however, a difference, for in the first clause he says,in the cityHe then means those who had been besieged, and whom Nebuchadnezzar had pardoned so as not to put them to death. The last clause embraces more, even all the inhabitants of the land; for there were many scattered abroad, on whom Nebuchadnezzar might have vented his rage, but he removed them as slaves into Chaldea. Then our Prophet speaks here of these two parties, for he says that there were some remaining in the city, and that others were remaining, even those who were found scattered through various parts of the country, and had not been besieged by the Chaldean army. He afterwards adds, —
Bible Cross References
Genesis 37:36 2 Kings 25:11 2 Kings 25:20 Jeremiah 24:8 Jeremiah 38:19 Jeremiah 39:13 Jeremiah 40:1 Jeremiah 52:12 Jeremiah 52:15 Jeremiah 52:26 Jeremiah 52:27 Jeremiah 52:30

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The taking of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 25:12 Isaiah 7:21 Jeremiah 40:7 Jeremiah 40:10 Jeremiah 43:6 Jeremiah 52:16 Ezekiel 33:24 Zechariah 11:7

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jeremiah used well.
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The Prophet now sets forth the paternal care of God, which he had experienced in the preservation of his life and safety. The innocent, we know, are often killed in a tumult, and the storming of cities is turbulent, so that many things are done without any thought; nay, even the leaders are not able to moderate the excesses of the victorious. When, therefore, the Chaldeans burnt the palace, Jeremiah might have perished at the same time, being suffocated by the very smoke of the fire. We know what happened at the taking of Syracuse. Marcellus did not wish that Archimedes should perish, nay, he commanded that he should be preserved; for he wished to save that man on account of his singular industry and noble genius. However, while he was drawing circles on the ground, he was killed by a common soldier. If no one had come to Jeremiah, he might, as I have said, have been buried under the ruins of the palace, when the king’s court was burnt down. But he says that he had been wonderfully preserved, for Nebuchadnezzar had given a command respecting him, that he might not be exposed to any trouble, but that Nebuzaradan as well as the whole army should secure his safety.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jeremiah's prophecies were known to Nebuchadnezzar through defectors (Jer 39:9; Jer 38:19), and also through Jews taken to Babylon with Jeconiah (cf. Jer 40:2).
Bible Cross References
Acts 24:23 Job 5:15 Job 5:16 Jeremiah 1:8 Jeremiah 15:20 Jeremiah 15:21 Jeremiah 40:1 Jeremiah 40:4

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jeremiah used well.
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Take him - It is probable, that Nebuchadnezzar had been informed, Jeremiah had constantly told the king, that the Chaldeans should take the city, and as steadily persuaded both the king and princes to surrender it to them.
Bible Cross References
1 Peter 3:13 Psalm 105:14 Psalm 105:15 Proverbs 16:7 Proverbs 21:1 Jeremiah 15:21 Jeremiah 39:13 Jeremiah 40:4

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jeremiah used well.
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 38:28 Jeremiah 39:3 Jeremiah 39:9 Jeremiah 39:12 Jeremiah 39:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jeremiah used well.
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
McArther Bible Commentary
take Jeremiah from the court. This was given as a general summary, whereas Jer 40:1-6 contains more detail about the prophet who was first carried to Ramah (Jer 40:1) with the other captives before being released (Jer 40:2-5). Gedaliah, a former supporter of Jeremiah (Jer 26:24) and chief among the defectors loyal to Nebuchadnezzar, was made governor (Jer 40:5) over the remnant left in the land.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 22:12 2 Kings 22:14 2 Kings 25:22 2 Chronicles 34:20 Jeremiah 26:24 Jeremiah 32:2 Jeremiah 38:13 Jeremiah 38:28 Jeremiah 39:13 Jeremiah 40:1 Jeremiah 40:5 Jeremiah 40:6 Jeremiah 41:1

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Promises of safety to Ebed-melech.
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Now the word - These four verses mention a matter that happened before the things mentioned in the foregoing verses.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The Prophet tells us here that God was not unmindful of that Ethiopian, by whom he had been preserved, though he was an alien and from a barbarous nation. We have seen, however, that he alone undertook the cause of the Prophet, when others, being terrified by fear, did not exert themselves, or were avowedly enemies to God’s servant. Ebedmelech then alone dared to go forth in a case so hopeless, and undertook the defense of the holy man. The Prophet says now that this service was so acceptable, that it would not be without its reward. We have said that Ebedmelech had thus manifested his concern for the Prophet’s life, but not without evident danger; for he knew that the princes were united against him, and that these ungodly men had drawn to their side the greatest part of the court and also of the common people. Then Ebedmelech roused against himself both high and low; but God aided him, so that he was not overpowered by his adversaries. In his very danger he experienced the favor of God, and was protected and delivered from danger. But now he finds that he had not ill employed his exertions; for he had not only been humane and merciful towards a mortal man, but had also done service for God; for whatever we do for God’s servants, he acknowledges as done to himself, and will have it to be laid to his account, according to what Christ says, “He who gives a cup of cold water to one of the least of my disciples, shall not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)There is then no doubt but that the Spirit of God intended by the example of Ebedmelech to rouse us to the duties of humanity, even to teach us to sue-coup the miserable, and to give them help as far as we can, and not to shun the hatred of men or any dangers, which we may thereby incur. And as we are torpid and negligent in doing good, the reward given to the Ethiopian is set before us, so that we may know, that though nothing is to be hoped from men, when we are kind and liberal, yet we shall not lose our labor, for God is rich enough, who can render to us more than can be expected from the whole world. This then is the lesson conveyed here. But the circumstances must be noticed: the Prophet says, that he wascommanded to promise deliverance to Ebedme-lech, while he was yet confined in prison. This, at the first view, seems strange; for the Prophet might have objected and said, “Thou biddest me to go forth; why, then, are not the gates of the prison opened for me? and then thou wouldst have me to be the herald of thy favor; but my present miserable condition will prevent any credit to be given to my words: for how can Ebedmelech believe that I have been sent. by thee? for I am here confined and surrounded by many deaths.” But let us hence learn not to bring down God’s word to our judgment, when anything is promised beyond our expectation, and all our conceptions. Though, indeed, God seemed, as it were, to mock his servant, when he ordered him, a prisoner, to go to Ebedmelech; and yet the Prophet received and embraced this command, and performed it, no doubt, though this is not expressly mentioned.This is the reason why he says, that a word came to him from Jehovah, while he was in the court of the prison
McArther Bible Commentary
Cf. Jer 38:7-13; see note there.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 38:13 Jeremiah 38:28

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Promises of safety to Ebed-melech.
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The word Ethiopian is now repeated, because God intended, in the person of an alien indirectly to reprove the Jews; for no doubt they despised him, because he was not of the holy seed of Abraham. But God shews that he peculiarly regarded him, while he rejected the masked and hypocritical children of Abraham, who were only born of him according to the flesh, but had, by their impiety, renounced him, so that they were wholly unworthy of so high an honor.And he says, Go and say, Behold, I am bringing my words on this city for evil and not for good; and they shall be before thee in that day.We conclude, from these words, that this was spoken to Ebedmelech before the city was taken by the Chaldeans, in order that he might remain quietly at home, and not flee away with the king, who, as we have seen, tried to escape. God then intended to strengthen the confidence of Ebedmelech, so that he might not fear and tremble like others, and expose himself to death, in trying to secure his safety. For this is the design of all God’s promises, even to keep us from being disturbed, to give us quietness of mind, and to cause us to look for the help promised to us. For we know that when fear lays hold on our minds, there is no settled purpose, but we are harassed by disquietude, and, as it were, tossed to and fro. It was therefore God’s design to bring aid beforehand, so that Ebedmelech might not, with others, be hurried into despair. He says,Behold, I am bringing, etc. God here confirms Ebedmelech in the truth, that he would be the author of the calamity; for had Jerusalem been taken by chance, Ebedmelech might justly have feared; but when he was taught that it was to happen through God’s just judgment he would feel sure of his safety; for it would be in the power of the same God to save one man and even many, while he was destroying the whole people. This, then, is the reason why God declared that he wasbringing his words for evil and not for good; for except Ebedmelech had been convinced that the city and its inhabitants were in God’s hand and power, he could never have been led to entertain good hope; but when he knew that the city would perish through the righteous vengeance of God, he would then be fully confident as to his own safety; for God promised to preserve him in the midst of the common ruin.He says, Thou shalt see, my words shall be before thee, as though he had said, “Thou shalt be an eye-witness of my power.” It was indeed necessary, as I have said, that Ebedmelech should see God’s hand in the destruction of the city and people; for he would ever have vacillated, and would have known no rest, had he not before his eyes the hand and the vengeance of God, This is one thing. But as to the words,I am bringing my words for evil and notfor good, we have explained them elsewhere. The word evil does not mean sin here, but according to a common usage, evil is said to be whatever men regard as adverse to them; so all punishments inflicted by God are called evils, as we find in Isaiah,“I am God, who create light and darkness, life and death, good and evil.” (Isaiah 45:7)
Bible Cross References
Psalm 91:8 Jeremiah 21:10 Jeremiah 38:7 Jeremiah 44:27 Daniel 9:12 Amos 9:4 Zechariah 1:6

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Promises of safety to Ebed-melech.
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
He then adds, But I will deliver thee in that day, and thou shalt not be given up into the hand of the men whose face thou fearestHere God promises that Ebedmelech would be saved through a special privilege; and the Prophet shews that this prophecy had not been without reason announced. For though Ebedmelech had, with an intrepid mind, undertaken the cause of Jeremiah, and boldly and perseveringly fronted all reproaches, he yet was not divested of all the feelings of nature, but he had his fears, especially when he saw the cause of fear set before him. Hence the Prophet says, that hefeared the face of enemies: and this might, at the same time, avail to rouse him to receive with more alacrity, the promise offered to him; for we know that the blessings of God are, in a manner, deemed of no value by us, when we do not know how necessary to us they are. The prophecies and the promises, by which God comforts us and animates us to patience, are for the most part viewed as of no worth, until God really shews to us how miserable we must be, except he thus succors us. Then the Prophet wished to remind Ebedmelech of this, when he said that hefeared. Thou fearest, he says. For if Ebedmelech had no fear, he might have disregarded this prophecy as being superfluous. But being reminded of his fear and anxiety, he became more ready to receive what God promised to him.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 41:1 Psalm 41:2 Psalm 50:15

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Promises of safety to Ebed-melech.
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 34:22 Jeremiah 17:7 Jeremiah 17:8 Jeremiah 21:9 Jeremiah 38:2 Jeremiah 45:5