Jeremiah 38:7
Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin,
Now Ebed-melech the Cushite
The name "Ebed-melech" means "servant of the king" in Hebrew, indicating his role and possibly his character as a loyal servant. The term "Cushite" refers to his origin from Cush, an ancient region often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. This highlights the diversity within the royal court of Judah and suggests that God's work transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Ebed-melech's identity as a Cushite also emphasizes the inclusivity of God's plan, as he plays a crucial role in the narrative despite being a foreigner.

a court official in the royal palace
This phrase indicates Ebed-melech's position of influence and responsibility within the royal administration. As a court official, he would have had access to the king and the inner workings of the palace. His role suggests that God often places His servants in strategic positions to fulfill His purposes. The royal palace setting underscores the political and social dynamics at play, as well as the courage required for Ebed-melech to act against the prevailing injustice.

heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern
The act of hearing implies awareness and responsiveness to the plight of others. Ebed-melech's attentiveness to Jeremiah's situation reflects a heart attuned to justice and compassion. The cistern, typically a water storage pit, symbolizes a place of despair and abandonment. Jeremiah's imprisonment there represents the rejection of God's prophet by the people of Judah. Ebed-melech's response to this news sets the stage for his courageous intervention, demonstrating that God often uses unexpected individuals to bring about deliverance.

While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin
The Gate of Benjamin was a significant location in Jerusalem, often associated with judicial and administrative activities. The king's presence there suggests a moment of governance or decision-making. This setting highlights the contrast between the king's passive inaction and Ebed-melech's proactive courage. The Gate of Benjamin serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, emphasizing the public nature of the events and the opportunity for Ebed-melech to act righteously in the face of injustice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ebed-melech
A Cushite (Ethiopian) court official who served in the palace of King Zedekiah. His name means "servant of the king," and he plays a crucial role in advocating for Jeremiah's release from the cistern.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who was imprisoned in a cistern for speaking God's truth to the people of Judah. His life and ministry were marked by persecution and suffering.

3. The Cistern
A pit or well where Jeremiah was thrown, likely to die from starvation or exposure. It symbolizes the rejection and suffering of God's prophets.

4. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign was characterized by political instability and spiritual decline.

5. The Gate of Benjamin
A location in Jerusalem where King Zedekiah was sitting, possibly a place of judgment or public gathering.
Teaching Points
Courage in Advocacy
Ebed-melech's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for justice, even when it involves personal risk. Christians are called to advocate for the oppressed and speak truth to power.

Faith Beyond Borders
Ebed-melech, a foreigner, shows that God's work transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Believers should embrace the global nature of God's kingdom.

The Cost of Prophetic Ministry
Jeremiah's suffering reminds us that following God's call can lead to persecution. Christians should be prepared to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel.

Divine Providence
God's provision for Jeremiah through Ebed-melech illustrates His sovereignty and care for His servants. Trust in God's timing and provision is essential.

The Role of the Righteous in Society
Ebed-melech's intervention highlights the impact one righteous person can have in a corrupt society. Believers are called to be salt and light in the world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Ebed-melech's background as a Cushite influence our understanding of his role in this account?

2. In what ways does Ebed-melech's courage inspire you to advocate for justice in your own context?

3. How does the account of Jeremiah in the cistern challenge your understanding of suffering and God's faithfulness?

4. What parallels can you draw between Ebed-melech's actions and the account of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8?

5. How can you apply the lessons from Ebed-melech's intervention in your daily life, particularly in situations where you witness injustice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 38:8-13
These verses continue the account of Ebed-melech's intervention to rescue Jeremiah, highlighting his courage and faith.

2 Kings 25:1-7
Provides context for the political and spiritual climate of Judah during Jeremiah's time, including the siege of Jerusalem by Babylon.

Acts 8:26-40
The account of the Ethiopian eunuch, another foreigner who plays a significant role in the biblical account, showing God's inclusive plan for salvation.

Hebrews 11:32-40
Discusses the faith of those who suffered for righteousness, connecting to Jeremiah's perseverance and Ebed-melech's faith.
Foreshadowings and Analogies of the CrossA.F. Muir Jeremiah 38:4-13
Cast Down, But not ForsakenS. Conway Jeremiah 38:6-13
A Friend in NeedD. Young Jeremiah 38:7-13
Deliverance from an Unwonted QuarterThe Quiver.Jeremiah 38:7-13
Ebed-Melech the EthiopianG. M. Grant, B. D.Jeremiah 38:7-13
Ebed-Melech, the Model of KindnessR. Newton, D. D.Jeremiah 38:7-13
Ebed-Melech; Or, Unlooked for Sympathy and HelpA.F. Muir Jeremiah 38:7-13
Gentleness in Doing GoodJ. N. Norton, D. D.Jeremiah 38:7-13
Ropes and RagsT. Champness.Jeremiah 38:7-13
The Captive RescuedW. Hardman, LL. D.Jeremiah 38:7-13
The Tenderness of Ebed-MelechThe Quiver.Jeremiah 38:7-13
People
Babylonians, Benjamin, Ebedmelech, Gedaliah, Hammelech, Jehucal, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Jucal, Malchiah, Malchijah, Mattan, Pashur, Shelemiah, Shephatiah, Zedekiah
Places
Babylon, Benjamin Gate, Jerusalem
Topics
Benjamin, Cistern, Cushite, Doorway, Dungeon, Ears, Ebedmelech, Ebed-melech, E'bed-mel'ech, Ethiopian, Eunuch, Eunuchs, Gate, Heareth, Jeremiah, King's, Officer, Official, Palace, Pit, Royal, Seated, Servant, Sitting, Unsexed, Water-hole
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 38:7

     5181   sitting
     5309   eunuchs

Jeremiah 38:1-11

     5828   danger

Jeremiah 38:6-7

     5824   cruelty, examples

Jeremiah 38:6-13

     4221   cistern
     6738   rescue

Library
The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
Mr. James Mitchel[152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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