Jeremiah 39

1 It happened when Yerushalayim was taken, (in the ninth year of Tzidkiyahu king of Yehudah, in the tenth month, came Nevukhadretztzar king of Bavel and all his army against Yerushalayim, and besieged it;

2 in the eleventh year of Tzidkiyahu, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city,)

3 that all the princes of the king of Bavel came in, and sat in the middle gate, [to wit], Nergal-Sar'etzer, Samgar-Nevo, Sarsekhim, Rav-Saris, Nergal-Sar'etzer, Rav-Mag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Bavel.

4 It happened that, when Tzidkiyahu the king of Yehudah and all the men of war saw them, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, through the gate between the two walls; and he went out toward the `Aravah.

5 But the army of the Kasdim pursued after them, and overtook Tzidkiyahu in the plains of Yericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nevukhadretztzar king of Bavel to Rivlah in the land of Hamat; and he gave judgment on him.

6 Then the king of Bavel killed the sons of Tzidkiyahu in Rivlah before his eyes: also the king of Bavel killed all the nobles of Yehudah.

7 Moreover he put out Tzidkiyahu's eyes, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Bavel.

8 The Kasdim burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and broke down the walls of Yerushalayim.

9 Then Nevuzar'adan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Bavel the residue of the people who remained in the city, the deserters also who fell away to him, and the residue of the people who remained.

10 But Nevuzar'adan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, who had nothing, in the land of Yehudah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

11 Now Nevukhadretztzar king of Bavel gave charge concerning Yirmeyahu to Nevuzar'adan the captain of the guard, saying,

12 Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do to him even as he shall tell you.

13 So Nevuzar'adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nevushazban, Rav-Saris, and Nergal-Sar'etzer, Rav-Mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Bavel;

14 they sent, and took Yirmeyahu out of the court of the guard, and committed him to Gedalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, that he should carry him home: so he lived among the people.

15 Now the word of the LORD came to Yirmeyahu, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying,

16 Go, and speak to `Eved-Melekh the Kushite, saying, Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Yisra'el: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before you in that day.

17 But I will deliver you in that day, says the LORD; and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid.

18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be for a prey to you; because you have put your trust in me, says the LORD.

Jeremiah 39 Commentary

Chapter 39

The taking of Jerusalem. (1-10) Jeremiah used well. (11-14) Promises of safety to Ebed-melech. (15-18)

Verses 1-10 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.

Verses 11-14 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.

Verses 15-18 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.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 39

This chapter gives an account of the taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, according to the several prophecies of Jeremiah concerning it. The time of taking it, and by whom, after a siege of eighteen months, Jer 39:1-3; several things relating to King Zedekiah; his flight; the taking of him; the bringing him to the king of Babylon, and his sentence on him; the execution of that sentence, slaying his sons and nobles, putting out his eyes, and carrying him in chains to Babylon, Jer 39:4-7; the destruction of the city is described, by burning the houses in it, breaking down its walls, carrying the people captive, all, except a few poor persons left in the land, Jer 39:8-10; the preservation of Jeremiah, according to the king of Babylon's orders by his princes; and the committing him to the care of Gedaliah, the governor of the poor Jews, Jer 39:11-14; and the chapter is concluded with a promise of the protection of Ebedmelech, made by the Lord before the taking of the city, while the prophet was in prison; and which, no doubt, had its accomplishment, Jer 39:15-18.