Jeremiah 37:20

But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there."

Study Bible

So now please listen
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from Jeremiah, emphasizing urgency and respect. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and acting upon what is heard. Jeremiah is appealing to King Zedekiah's sense of justice and compassion, hoping that the king will not only hear his words but also respond favorably. This reflects the prophet's desperate situation and his reliance on the king's authority to change his circumstances.

O my lord the king
Jeremiah addresses Zedekiah with respect, acknowledging his royal authority. The term "lord" in Hebrew is "אֲדֹנִי" (adoni), a title of honor and submission. Despite Zedekiah's weaknesses and failures as a leader, Jeremiah still recognizes the God-ordained position of the king. This highlights the biblical principle of respecting authority, even when those in power are flawed, as all authority is ultimately established by God (Romans 13:1).

May my petition come before you
The word "petition" in Hebrew is "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which denotes a plea for grace or mercy. Jeremiah is not demanding justice based on his own merit but is humbly requesting favor. This reflects the biblical theme of approaching God and those in authority with humility and a recognition of one's own need for mercy. It is a reminder of the importance of intercession and the power of earnest prayer.

Do not send me back
Jeremiah's request is direct and clear. The Hebrew verb "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or go back. Jeremiah is pleading for his life, knowing that returning to the house of Jonathan would mean certain death. This phrase underscores the dire circumstances Jeremiah faced and his reliance on the king's decision for his survival. It also serves as a metaphor for seeking deliverance from situations that lead to spiritual or physical death.

to the house of Jonathan the scribe
This location was used as a prison, indicating the misuse of a place meant for learning and record-keeping. Jonathan's house, instead of being a place of wisdom and knowledge, had become a place of suffering for Jeremiah. This transformation of purpose serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption of institutions and the importance of maintaining integrity in places of authority and learning.

or I will die there
Jeremiah's statement is stark and final. The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), which conveys the cessation of life. Jeremiah is fully aware of the life-threatening conditions he faces and is candid about the consequences of being returned to imprisonment. This phrase highlights the prophet's vulnerability and the reality of persecution for those who speak God's truth. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance and faithfulness amidst persecution.

2. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He often sought Jeremiah's counsel but struggled with obedience to God's word.

3. Jonathan the Scribe
A figure whose house was used as a prison. His house symbolizes a place of suffering and unjust imprisonment for Jeremiah.

4. The House of Jonathan
A location in Jerusalem used as a prison. It represents the physical and spiritual oppression faced by Jeremiah.

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

Teaching Points

The Courage to Speak Truth
Jeremiah's plea to King Zedekiah demonstrates the courage required to speak truth to power, even when it leads to personal risk.

The Importance of Intercession
Jeremiah's petition is an example of intercessory prayer, reminding believers to bring their needs and the needs of others before God.

Trust in God's Deliverance
Despite his dire circumstances, Jeremiah's account encourages believers to trust in God's deliverance and faithfulness.

The Cost of Disobedience
King Zedekiah's reluctance to fully heed God's word through Jeremiah serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience.

Perseverance in Trials
Jeremiah's endurance through persecution is a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith during trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's plea to King Zedekiah reflect his faith and trust in God despite his circumstances?

2. In what ways can we practice intercessory prayer in our own lives, following Jeremiah's example?

3. What lessons can we learn from King Zedekiah's response to Jeremiah's prophecies about the importance of obedience to God's word?

4. How can the account of Jeremiah's imprisonment encourage us to remain faithful during our own times of trial and persecution?

5. How do the themes of Jeremiah 37:20 connect with the experiences of other biblical figures who faced unjust imprisonment, such as Paul and Silas?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 38:6
This passage describes Jeremiah being thrown into a cistern, further illustrating his suffering and the dangers he faced.

2 Kings 25:1-7
Provides historical context about the Babylonian siege and the eventual capture of King Zedekiah, showing the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Psalm 142:1-7
A psalm of David that echoes the theme of crying out to God in times of distress, similar to Jeremiah's plea to King Zedekiah.

Acts 16:25-26
Paul and Silas in prison, highlighting the theme of faithfulness and divine intervention in times of unjust imprisonment.