Jeremiah 37:17

Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, "Is there a word from the LORD?" "There is," Jeremiah replied. "You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon."

Study Bible

Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah
King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, was a ruler during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and impending Babylonian conquest. His decision to send for Jeremiah indicates a moment of desperation or seeking divine guidance. Historically, Zedekiah was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his reign was characterized by a struggle between allegiance to Babylon and the desire for independence. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a deliberate action, suggesting Zedekiah's recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority despite previous hostilities.

and received him in his palace
The palace, a symbol of royal authority and power, becomes the setting for this private encounter. This setting underscores the gravity of the situation, as Zedekiah seeks counsel away from the public eye. The Hebrew term for "received" (קָחַת, qachath) can imply taking or fetching, indicating Zedekiah's active role in seeking out Jeremiah, perhaps reflecting a moment of humility or acknowledgment of Jeremiah's connection to God.

where he asked him privately
The privacy of this meeting highlights Zedekiah's internal conflict and fear of public perception. In a time when prophets were often persecuted, a private audience suggests Zedekiah's cautious approach to seeking truth. The Hebrew word for "privately" (סֵתֶר, sether) conveys secrecy or concealment, emphasizing the king's vulnerability and the sensitive nature of his inquiry.

'Is there a word from the LORD?'
This question reveals Zedekiah's hope for divine intervention or a favorable prophecy. The phrase "word from the LORD" (דָּבָר מֵאֵת יְהוָה, davar me'et Yahweh) is significant in prophetic literature, indicating a direct communication from God. It reflects the king's awareness of Jeremiah's role as a true prophet, despite previous resistance to his messages.

'There is,' Jeremiah replied
Jeremiah's affirmation, "There is," underscores his unwavering commitment to delivering God's message, regardless of its reception. The Hebrew word for "replied" (אָמַר, amar) is a common term for speaking, but in this context, it carries the weight of prophetic authority. Jeremiah's response is immediate and confident, reflecting his faithfulness to his calling.

'You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.'
This prophecy is a reiteration of the inevitable judgment upon Judah due to their disobedience. The phrase "delivered into the hand" (נָתַן בְּיַד, natan b'yad) is a Hebrew idiom indicating surrender or defeat. Historically, this prophecy aligns with the Babylonian siege and eventual capture of Jerusalem. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings, yet it also reflects God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word through His prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He was a weak ruler, often swayed by his officials and fearful of the Babylonians.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope. He was often persecuted for his prophecies, which were unpopular with the leaders of Judah.

3. The Third Entrance to the House of the LORD
A specific location within the temple complex in Jerusalem, indicating a private and possibly secretive meeting between the king and the prophet.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

5. The Babylonian Siege
The historical context of this passage, where Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Zedekiah sought Jeremiah's counsel, recognizing the prophet's connection to God. In our lives, we should seek guidance from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in Scripture.

The Courage to Speak Truth
Jeremiah was known for his unwavering commitment to delivering God's message, regardless of the personal cost. We are called to speak truth in love, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

The Consequences of Fear and Indecision
Zedekiah's fear and lack of decisive action led to his downfall. Trusting in God and making decisions based on His guidance can prevent us from similar pitfalls.

The Role of Prophets and Prophecy
Prophets like Jeremiah played a crucial role in communicating God's will. Today, we have the complete Word of God in the Bible, which serves as our guide and source of truth.

The Significance of the Temple
The meeting place at the temple underscores the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in our lives. We should prioritize time in prayer and worship to align our hearts with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Zedekiah's approach to seeking counsel from Jeremiah, and how can we apply this in our decision-making processes today?

2. How does Jeremiah's courage in speaking truth to power challenge us in our own lives, especially when faced with difficult conversations?

3. In what ways does fear impact our ability to make godly decisions, and how can we overcome this fear through faith?

4. How does the role of the temple in this passage inform our understanding of the importance of worship and seeking God's presence?

5. What parallels can we draw between the prophetic messages in Jeremiah and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament regarding obedience and trust in God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah, offering context to the events surrounding Jeremiah 37:17.

Jeremiah 38
Continues the account of Jeremiah's interactions with Zedekiah, highlighting the prophet's consistent message and the king's ongoing struggle with fear and indecision.

Ezekiel 12
Contains prophecies about the exile and the fate of Zedekiah, reinforcing the themes of judgment and the consequences of disobedience.