Jeremiah 38:16

But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life."

Study Bible

But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah
The phrase "But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah" highlights the clandestine nature of the interaction between Zedekiah and Jeremiah. Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, is depicted as a ruler caught between fear of his officials and a desire to hear God's word through Jeremiah. The secrecy indicates Zedekiah's lack of courage and conviction, as he is unwilling to publicly align himself with Jeremiah. Historically, this reflects the political instability and fear of Babylonian reprisal that characterized Zedekiah's reign. The Hebrew root for "swore" (שָׁבַע, shava) implies a solemn oath, underscoring the seriousness of Zedekiah's promise despite its secretive nature.

'As surely as the LORD lives
The phrase "'As surely as the LORD lives" is a common oath formula in the Old Testament, invoking the living God as a witness to the truth and sincerity of one's words. This expression emphasizes the reality and sovereignty of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. In the context of Zedekiah's oath, it is ironic because, despite invoking the living God, Zedekiah's actions often demonstrate a lack of true faith and obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the personal name of God, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

who has given us this life
The phrase "who has given us this life" acknowledges God as the source of life and existence. This recognition of God's providence is significant, as it reflects a theological understanding that life itself is a gift from God. In the context of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, this acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over life and death, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. The Hebrew word for "life" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) can also mean "soul" or "being," indicating the depth of God's involvement in the creation and sustenance of human life.

I will not put you to death
The phrase "I will not put you to death" is Zedekiah's assurance to Jeremiah of his personal safety. This promise is significant given the hostile environment Jeremiah faced due to his unpopular prophecies. Zedekiah's assurance reflects his recognition of Jeremiah's role as a prophet, yet it also highlights his weakness as a leader, as he is unable to protect Jeremiah openly. The historical context reveals the tension between the prophetic message and the political pressures of the time, with Zedekiah caught in the middle.

or deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life
The phrase "or deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life" underscores the danger Jeremiah faced from those who opposed his message. The "men" referred to are likely the officials and leaders of Judah who saw Jeremiah's prophecies as treasonous and demoralizing. This part of the verse highlights the theme of persecution faced by God's prophets, a recurring motif in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "deliver" (נָתַן, natan) means "to give" or "to hand over," indicating the potential betrayal Jeremiah faced from his own people. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of faithfulness to God's calling, as well as the protection God provides to His servants, even in the midst of adversity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He is depicted as a weak leader, often swayed by his officials and fearful of public opinion.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of persecution.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and giver of life, as acknowledged by Zedekiah in his oath.

4. The Men Seeking Jeremiah's Life
Officials and others in Judah who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies and sought to silence him, viewing his messages as treasonous.

5. The Secret Oath
An event where Zedekiah privately assures Jeremiah of his safety, highlighting the king's internal conflict and fear of his own officials.

Teaching Points

The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God
Zedekiah's actions reveal the struggle between fearing human opinion and fearing God. Believers are called to prioritize God's will over human approval.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
Despite human threats, God's sovereignty ensures the fulfillment of His purposes. Jeremiah's life is preserved as part of God's plan.

Integrity in Leadership
Zedekiah's secret oath contrasts with the integrity expected of leaders. Christian leaders are called to be transparent and courageous in their convictions.

The Power of a Secret Commitment
Zedekiah's private assurance to Jeremiah shows the impact of personal commitments. Believers are encouraged to make and keep commitments to God and others, even when not publicly acknowledged.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zedekiah's secret oath to Jeremiah reflect his internal conflict, and what can we learn about the dangers of fearing human opinion over God's commands?

2. In what ways does Jeremiah's experience of divine protection encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of integrity in leadership from this passage to our roles in family, work, or church?

4. What are some modern-day situations where believers might face pressure to compromise their faith, and how can Jeremiah's example inspire us to stand firm?

5. How does the assurance of God's protection, as seen in Jeremiah's life, relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about the cost of discipleship and divine care?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides historical context for Zedekiah's reign and the fall of Jerusalem, illustrating the consequences of ignoring prophetic warnings.

Jeremiah 1
Describes Jeremiah's calling and God's promise to protect him, which is relevant to understanding God's faithfulness despite human threats.

Matthew 10
Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship and the assurance of God's protection, paralleling Jeremiah's experience of divine safeguarding amidst persecution.

Psalm 118
Emphasizes trust in the LORD over trust in human leaders, reflecting Jeremiah's reliance on God rather than on Zedekiah's promises.