Jeremiah 38 11

Jeremiah 38:11 kjv

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.

Jeremiah 38:11 nkjv

So 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 ropes into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 38:11 niv

So Ebed-Melek took the men with him and went to a room under the treasury in the palace. He took some old rags and worn-out clothes from there and let them down with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.

Jeremiah 38:11 esv

So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes.

Jeremiah 38:11 nlt

So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury, where he found some old rags and discarded clothing. He carried these to the cistern and lowered them to Jeremiah on a rope.

Jeremiah 38 verses

Jeremiah 38 11 meaning

Jeremiah 38:11 describes the immediate and compassionate action of Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, in response to King Zedekiah's command to rescue the prophet Jeremiah. Having secured permission, Ebed-Melech meticulously gathered discarded rags and worn-out clothing from a specific location within the king's house and, with the help of others, lowered these humble materials, tied to ropes, into the miry cistern where Jeremiah was slowly perishing. This act demonstrates proactive rescue, resourcefulness, and deep humanitarian concern for the prophet's suffering.

Jeremiah 38 11 Context

Jeremiah 38:11 is set in Jerusalem during the final desperate days before its fall to the Babylonians. The city is under siege, and King Zedekiah, a weak and indecisive ruler, is caught between pro-Babylonian and pro-Egyptian factions among his officials. Jeremiah, who consistently prophesied the city's destruction and advised surrender, was seen as a demoralizing force. After advising the king to surrender (Jer 38:2-3), certain officials successfully conspired to have Jeremiah thrown into a cistern (Jer 38:6), hoping he would die there and cease his unsettling prophecies. The cistern was a muddy, waterless pit, and Jeremiah began to sink. Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch in the king's service, courageously intervened by appealing directly to Zedekiah (Jer 38:7-9). Verse 11 details the immediate execution of King Zedekiah's order to retrieve Jeremiah, highlighting Ebed-Melech's swift, thoughtful, and practical action to save the prophet's life.

Jeremiah 38 11 Word analysis

• So: This transitional word emphasizes the direct consequence of the previous verse, where King Zedekiah gave Ebed-Melech permission and men to retrieve Jeremiah. It indicates an immediate and decisive follow-up.

• Ebed-Melech: (עֶבֶד מֶלֶךְ, ʿeved melek) - Meaning "Servant of the King." This title or name is significant; he was an Ethiopian eunuch, a foreigner and likely a marginalized figure. His actions display exceptional moral courage, surpassing that of many native officials, including the indecisive king. He risked his position and life to intercede for a condemned prophet.

• took the men with him: Indicates that the task required more than one person. Ebed-Melech was granted official authority and assistance (likely three men as in verse 10), implying the king sanctioned and provided for the rescue. This also suggests the practical difficulty and depth of the cistern requiring multiple hands for safety and efficiency.

• and went into the house of the king: Signifies his access to royal property and his trusted position within the palace. "House of the King" here refers to the complex of buildings, not merely the king's private residence.

• to the wardrobe: (מִזְלְל֞וֹת, mizlelot) - This term is sometimes translated "treasury for worn-out clothes" or "storage room for rags." It suggests a place where discarded, unwanted items were kept, not a collection of fine garments. The term underlines the humility of the materials used.

• and took from there old rags: (סְחָבוֹת, sechaboth) - Specifically means torn pieces of cloth, tatters. These were not pristine items but disused, likely dirty materials.

• and old worn-out clothes: (בְּלוּאִ֖ים, balu'im) - Refers to garments that are completely used up, dilapidated, or decaying. Ebed-Melech's choice demonstrates practical wisdom, knowing these soft, flexible materials would protect Jeremiah from rope burns and allow for a safer grip in his weakened state.

• and let them down: A deliberate action of lowering, showing careful execution of the rescue. It was not simply "throwing down."

• by ropes: (חֲבָלִֽים, ḥăbālim) - The essential instruments for drawing someone out of a deep pit. While the ropes provided the lifting mechanism, the rags ensured the comfort and safety necessary for the weakened Jeremiah.

• into the cistern: (בּוֹר, bor) - The very same pit where Jeremiah had been thrown. This highlights the direct nature of the rescue. The bor was originally a water reservoir but was being used as a miry dungeon.

• to Jeremiah: Specifies the exact person who was the object of this perilous but compassionate operation. It underscores Ebed-Melech's direct and unwavering focus on saving the prophet.

• So Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went into the house of the king, to the wardrobe: This phrase illustrates Ebed-Melech's prompt obedience and resourceful planning, using his access and authority to gather necessary resources for the rescue.

• and took from there old rags and old worn-out clothes, and let them down by ropes into the cistern to Jeremiah: This encapsulates the compassionate and practical means employed. The choice of discarded items for padding speaks to the ingenious nature of the rescue and Ebed-Melech's thoughtful consideration for Jeremiah's condition, beyond mere brute force with ropes.

Jeremiah 38 11 Bonus section

• Ebed-Melech's ethnicity as an Ethiopian is notable; in a highly ethnocentric ancient world, his moral courage transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries, contrasting sharply with the indifference or malice of many native Judean officials. He is an example of a righteous Gentile in the Old Testament.
• The detail of "old rags and worn-out clothes" is not just for padding, but symbolically represents the humility of means God often employs. Just as the world disregards these items, it often disregards those through whom God works or the simple acts of faith that lead to salvation.
• This passage demonstrates the Lord's providence through human agents. Even when God's prophet is at his lowest point, seemingly abandoned, God orchestrates a rescue through an unexpected individual from the king's own court, ensuring His word endures.

Jeremiah 38 11 Commentary

Jeremiah 38:11 highlights a profound act of compassion and courage in a time of widespread spiritual and moral decline. Ebed-Melech, an outsider, emerges as a figure of exemplary faith and humanity. His meticulous approach to Jeremiah's rescue, by not simply lowering ropes but providing crucial padding with old clothes, showcases practical wisdom and deep empathy for the prophet's suffering in the miry cistern. This was no perfunctory act; it involved foresight for Jeremiah's weakened state, anticipating potential rope burns and a safer ascent. The use of "old rags and worn-out clothes" underscores that God can work through the most humble of means and instruments, demonstrating that even discarded items can be repurposed for life-saving acts when coupled with compassion and divine direction. Ebed-Melech's willingness to go against the tide of official animosity towards Jeremiah exemplifies righteousness in action, an unwavering commitment to mercy even when costly. His subsequent divine promise of deliverance in Jeremiah 39 attests to God's recognition and reward for such faithful service. The incident serves as a timeless reminder that aiding God's suffering servants is a noble and blessed endeavor, often involving simple but deeply thoughtful acts of love and protection.