Jeremiah 38 7

Jeremiah 38:7 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;

Jeremiah 38:7 nkjv

Now Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs, who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon. When the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin,

Jeremiah 38:7 niv

But Ebed-Melek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. While the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate,

Jeremiah 38:7 esv

When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern ? the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate ?

Jeremiah 38:7 nlt

But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, an important court official, heard that Jeremiah was in the cistern. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate,

Jeremiah 38 verses

Jeremiah 38 7 Meaning

This verse describes a compassionate act by Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, who intervened to save Jeremiah from certain death by starvation or execution in a cistern. It highlights Ebed-Melech's fear of God and his obedience to a divine instruction given through Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 38 7 Context

Jeremiah 38 is set during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Jeremiah had been prophesied a dire fate for Judah and was imprisoned by officials who disagreed with his messages. Ebed-Melech, a non-Israelite official in King Zedekiah's court, heard Jeremiah's plight. Despite the politically charged and dangerous environment, he acted courageously based on his conviction. This act of compassion was not just humanitarian but also revealed Ebed-Melech's personal reverence for God, which informed his decision.

Jeremiah 38 7 Word Analysis

• "Ebed-Melech": Hebrew for "servant of the King." He was an official, likely a courtier, in King Zedekiah's administration. His position suggests access to the king and influence within the government.

• "the Ethiopian": Refers to his ethnic origin. This detail is significant as it highlights that his act of mercy transcended national and ethnic barriers.

• "eunuch": Traditionally, eunuchs held positions of trust in ancient Near Eastern courts. The term can refer to castrated males, but it could also encompass officials who were sexually incapacitated or in specific roles.

• "heard them": Implies he overheard or was informed of Jeremiah's situation from a specific vantage point within or near the court or prison complex.

• "in the ...] King's Gate": The specific location where Ebed-Melech was situated when he heard the commotion or reports. This gate was a significant public area, possibly near administrative buildings.

• "he rose up": Indicates a decisive and immediate action.

• "from the King's House": Ebed-Melech was associated with the royal palace.

• "went": The direct movement towards the place of Jeremiah's suffering.

• "and spoke to King Zedekiah": Demonstrates his authority and boldness in approaching the monarch.

• "saying": Introduces the content of his plea.

• "My lord the king": A respectful and formal address to the king, acknowledging his authority.

• "these men": Referring to the officials who had imprisoned Jeremiah.

• "have done evil": A strong condemnation of their actions towards Jeremiah.

• "in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet": Specifying the object of their mistreatment, Jeremiah.

• "he is cast into the cistern": Describing the dire punishment and the method of his potential death.

• "and he is like one who dies from hunger": Emphasizing the slow, agonizing, and deliberate nature of the suffering inflicted.

• "for there is no more bread in the city": Adding a critical context of impending famine within Jerusalem, which would exacerbate Jeremiah's situation if he were left in the cistern.

• Group Analysis: Ebed-Melech's initiative: The sequence of "heard them," "rose up," "went," and "spoke to King Zedekiah" portrays a deliberate, courageous, and swift response motivated by conviction.

• Group Analysis: Accusation and description of injustice: "My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet; he is cast into the cistern, and he is like one who dies from hunger, for there is no more bread in the city" constitutes a clear appeal to the king's sense of justice and humanity by detailing the severity of Jeremiah's condition.

Jeremiah 38 7 Bonus Section

Ebed-Melech’s name itself, "Servant of the King," is ironical in its contrast with his true Master, whom he ultimately served by serving God’s prophet. His non-Israelite status is remarkable, foreshadowing the inclusivity of God’s kingdom and demonstrating that faith and righteous action are not bound by ethnicity. The narrative of Ebed-Melech and Jeremiah offers a counter-narrative to the prevalent fear and betrayal of the era, highlighting individuals who chose righteousness. This story is often cited as an example of true faith manifesting in tangible acts of mercy and justice, reflecting the character of God.

Jeremiah 38 7 Commentary

Ebed-Melech's actions in Jeremiah 38:7 are a powerful demonstration of faith and courage in a time of crisis. Hearing of Jeremiah's inhumred in a cistern, likely to die, Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian official, bravely approached King Zedekiah. He condemned the unjust actions of Jeremiah's accusers, highlighting the prophet's dire situation of starvation, especially grim given the city's impending food shortage. This intervention, driven by compassion and respect for God, illustrates a core biblical principle: standing for righteousness even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Ebed-Melech’s obedience stemmed from a deeper recognition of God’s presence in Jeremiah’s prophetic word. This verse sets the stage for Ebed-Melech’s later vindication by God, as promised for his kindness to His servant. It teaches that faith is demonstrated through action, particularly when protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice, regardless of personal risk or social status.