Jeremiah 38

Message: Jeremiah, from the Lord, tells Zedekiah the hard truth about his future in Jerusalem. Zedekiah listens and begins to show some concern for Jeremiah.

Time: The Chaldeans (Babylonians) are besieging Jerusalem. Nubuchadnezzar is king of Babylon. Zedekiah is the last king of Judah before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.

What the Lord is Saying: The officials to the king hear the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah that, for them to survive, they need to surrender to the Chaldeans. For even making the statement, the officials want to put Jeremiah to death. Zedekiah told the officials that Jeremiah was in their hands. But, they throw him into a cistern (a reservoir for holding liquids) where Jeremiah sunk in the mud.
When Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian heard this, he went to the king to tell him about Jeremiah, petitioning for his release. Zedekiah told Ebed to take 30 men and lift him out. Ebed went and got fabric to assist in the lifting. Jeremiah returned to the court of the guard.
Zedekiah called for him wanting information.

Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” (Jeremiah 38:15, ESV)

Zedekiah promised he would not put him to death. Jeremiah told him that he needed to surrender to survive. This is not what Zedekiah wanted to hear. He was concerned about the Judeans being with the Chaldeans. And he was really concerned about the backlash from his people. But, he assured that Jeremiah would be safe, despite his words to Zedekiah and told Jeremiah to lie if someone asked him, telling them he was just asking about his own release.

Problem/Promise: Following the Lord doesn't mean it will be easy for you. It may hurt among your peers. Zedekiah is honest at times with Jeremiah, but before men he is a different person. Zedekiah fears men more than he fears God. He has his moments of listening, but overall, his fear of men is what controls him.