Jeremiah 38:8 kjv
Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king saying,
Jeremiah 38:8 nkjv
Ebed-Melech went out of the king's house and spoke to the king, saying:
Jeremiah 38:8 niv
Ebed-Melek went out of the palace and said to him,
Jeremiah 38:8 esv
Ebed-melech went from the king's house and said to the king,
Jeremiah 38:8 nlt
so Ebed-melech rushed from the palace to speak with him.
Jeremiah 38 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 38:9 | And said, My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done in throwing Jeremiah the prophet into the dungeon... | Jeremiah 38:4-5, 7 (Action taken by officials) |
| Jeremiah 20:2 | Then Pashur the priest...smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Benjamin, which belonged to the Lord. | High Gate of Benjamin location (Historical) |
| Psalm 109:31 | For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. | Ebed-melech's defense of Jeremiah (Ezekiel perspective) |
| Proverbs 24:11 | Save them that are taken unto death, and hold back those that are ready to be slain. | Ebed-melech's intervention (Moral imperative) |
| Isaiah 58:6 | Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? | Ebed-melech fulfilling a divine principle (Justice and deliverance) |
| Matthew 25:40 | And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. | Jeremiah as the least of these (Spiritual significance) |
| Acts 4:19 | But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. | Ebed-melech's obedience to God over men (Integrity) |
| John 15:13 | Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. | Ebed-melech's potential risk for Jeremiah (Courage) |
| Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. | Ebed-melech's principle of obedience (Higher calling) |
| Galatians 5:14 | For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. | Ebed-melech's love for his neighbor (Fulfillment of Law) |
| 1 Peter 3:13 | And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? | Ebed-melech's motivation (Goodness) |
| 2 Samuel 18:21 | And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian answered David, saying, Let my lord the king rejoice in his kingdom. | Previous instance of Ebed-melech's loyalty (Loyalty) |
| 2 Samuel 18:32 | And Ebed-melech said unto David, Let the king take the thing; for as the lord thy God liveth, unless thou hinder me, I will answer thee. | Ebed-melech's boldness in the past (Courageous nature) |
| Jeremiah 26:11 | Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and unto all the people, saying, This man is worthy of death; for he hath prophesied against this land, as ye have heard with your ears. | Opposition to prophets (Prophetic persecution) |
| Jeremiah 1:18 | For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified tower, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. | Jeremiah's divine commission (Prophetic authority) |
| Isaiah 3:14 | The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders of his people, and with the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. | Judgment on corrupt leaders (Divine retribution) |
| Zechariah 8:16 | These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and of peace in your gates: | Ebed-melech speaking truth (Righteousness) |
| Job 1:9 | Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? | Opposition and false accusations against the righteous (Spiritual warfare context) |
| Genesis 18:23 | And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? | Plea for the innocent (Justice) |
| Jeremiah 39:16 | Go and speak to Ebed-melech 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. | God's assurance to Ebed-melech (Divine notice) |
Jeremiah 38 verses
Jeremiah 38 8 Meaning
The verse describes Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the king's house, coming from the city of Ramah and the town of Benjamin, to speak to King Zedekiah at the:";Gate of Benjamin" located within Jerusalem. He confronts Zedekiah about the wrongful imprisonment of Jeremiah in a cistern, which had no water but was full of mud, leading to Jeremiah sinking into it. Ebed-melech directly implicates the officials in this unjust act.
Jeremiah 38 8 Context
The immediate context of Jeremiah 38:8 is the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The city is in a state of despair and internal division. King Zedekiah is a weak ruler, easily swayed by his officials. Jeremiah has been prophesying doom and advocating surrender, leading to his condemnation by the princes and his imprisonment in a cistern by their order. The prophet Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian (likely meaning Cushite or Nubian), intervenes from within the city, witnessing the dire situation and Jeremiah's suffering. He uses his position, though potentially a eunuch in service to the king, to appeal directly to Zedekiah, risking the wrath of the officials. This chapter occurs shortly before Jerusalem's final fall.
Jeremiah 38 8 Word Analysis
- And Ebed-melech: Connects this action to a previously mentioned character or event; identifies him by name. Ebed-melech means "servant of the king" or "servant of the sovereign." This suggests his loyalty to the reigning monarch. The appellation "the Ethiopian" specifies his ethnic origin.
- the Ethiopian: Refers to his geographic origin, likely from Nubia or Cush. This might be significant as he is an outsider in Jerusalem, potentially offering an unbiased perspective or facing prejudice. It highlights his presence and role within the city's hierarchy.
- came: Denotes movement, initiation of action. He actively seeks an audience with the king.
- from the city of Ramah: Places Ebed-melech's origin outside of the immediate city of Jerusalem, possibly his hometown or a place of significant presence. Ramah was a significant city in the region of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem, known for its role in mourning (Jeremiah 31:15).
- and from the town of Benjamin: Further specifies a regional association, reinforcing his connection to the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. This implies he might have connections or business in these areas.
- to speak unto King Zedekiah: The direct recipient of his plea. Zedekiah, despite his position, is presented as accessible, though indecisive.
- in the king’s gate: Refers to a specific location within the city, likely a main entrance to the royal palace or administrative complex. This is where the king would typically conduct business or receive petitioners. It signifies his presence in an official capacity, though not necessarily at the very highest level.
Words-group analysis
- "came from the city of Ramah and from the town of Benjamin": This phrase emphasizes Ebed-melech's distinct geographical background relative to the central administration. It contextualizes him as someone possibly traversing from outside the immediate royal court to deliver his message, underscoring his initiative and journey to seek justice. It may also imply he had kin or responsibilities in these locales, adding layers to his actions.
Jeremiah 38 8 Bonus Section
Ebed-melech's story offers a counter-narrative to the general corruption and fear described in Jerusalem at the time. He is presented as an active participant in the unfolding events, not passively observing the injustice. His reference to the High Gate of Benjamin also connects to earlier prophetic actions, like Jeremiah's imprisonment in the stocks at the same location (Jeremiah 20:2), underscoring the continuity of persecution against God's messengers. His proactive nature in rescuing Jeremiah from the cistern, by taking his own initiative and using palace resources (empowering thirty men), shows a remarkable blend of strategic action and divine leading. The assurance that God would "bring him his deliverance" (Jeremiah 39:17-18) highlights a key theological point: God notices and rewards those who stand for justice and righteousness, even if they face peril themselves.
Jeremiah 38 8 Commentary
Ebed-melech's bold intervention stands as a remarkable act of courage and righteousness amidst pervasive fear and injustice. His appeal to King Zedekiah, from the Gate of Benjamin, is a pivotal moment demonstrating that even in a fallen city, individuals of conscience can speak truth to power. His identity as an Ethiopian, likely a foreigner or minority, highlights that faithfulness transcends ethnic or social status. Ebed-melech's actions exemplify obedience to a higher moral law, choosing to risk his own position and safety for the sake of a prophet unjustly treated. This reflects the prophetic theme of care for the vulnerable and opposition to corrupt leadership that oppresses the righteous. The prophecy of God's eventual commendation to Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 39:16-18) assures that such acts of integrity are recognized and valued by God, even when seemingly isolated and facing dire circumstances.