Jeremiah 38:18

18 'But if you will ¹not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city ²will be given over to the hand of the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and ³you yourself will not escape from their hand.' "

Jeremiah 38:18 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 38:18

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's
princes
And surrender to them: then shall this city be given into the hands of the Chaldeans;
if not willingly delivered up by the king of Judah, it shall be forcibly taken by the king of Babylon's army, through the permission of God; with respect to whom it is said to be given unto them, even by him who has the disposing of cities and kingdoms: and they shall burn it with fire;
as it had been often foretold it should, and as it accordingly was, ( Jeremiah 39:8 ) ; and thou shalt not escape out of their hand;
though he might hope he should, and would attempt to do it, yet should be taken; and though he should not be slain, yet should never regain his liberty, or get out of their hands, when once in them; see ( Jeremiah 52:7-9 Jeremiah 52:11 ) .

Jeremiah 38:18 In-Context

16 But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret saying, "As the LORD lives, who made this life for us, surely I will not put you to death nor will I give you over to the hand of these men who are seeking your life."

17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, 'If you will indeed go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned with fire, and you and your household will survive.

18 'But if you will not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given over to the hand of the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hand.' "

19 Then King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "I dread the Jews who have gone over to the Chaldeans, for they may give me over into their hand and they will abuse me."

20 But Jeremiah said, "They will not give you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live.

Cross References

• 1. Jeremiah 27:8
• 2. 2 Kings 25:4-10; Jeremiah 24:8-10; Jeremiah 32:3-5; Jeremiah 37:8; Jeremiah 38:3
• 3. Jeremiah 32:4; Jeremiah 34:3