Jeremiah 39:14
had Jeremiah brought from the courtyard of the guard, and they turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So Jeremiah remained among his own people.
sent and brought Jeremiah
This phrase indicates a deliberate action taken by the Babylonian officials. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a mission or purpose. In this context, it reflects the divine orchestration behind Jeremiah's release, as God had plans for him beyond the siege. The act of "bringing" (בּוֹא, bo) Jeremiah out signifies a transition from captivity to freedom, symbolizing God's faithfulness in delivering His prophets.

out of the courtyard of the guard
The "courtyard of the guard" was a place of confinement within the royal palace complex, where Jeremiah had been held. Archaeological findings suggest such courtyards were secure areas, indicating Jeremiah's imprisonment was significant. His release from this place symbolizes liberation from oppression, echoing the broader theme of God's deliverance for His people.

They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam
Gedaliah, appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant in Judah, was a figure of stability and hope. The phrase "turned him over" (פָּקַד, paqad) implies a transfer of responsibility and care. Gedaliah's lineage, being the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, connects him to a legacy of faithfulness, as Shaphan was a scribe during King Josiah's reforms. This highlights the continuity of God's work through righteous individuals.

to take him home
The notion of "home" (בַּיִת, bayit) in Hebrew carries deep significance, representing not just a physical dwelling but a place of belonging and identity. For Jeremiah, returning home signifies restoration and the fulfillment of God's promise to preserve a remnant. It underscores the theme of hope and renewal after judgment.

So he remained among his own people
This phrase emphasizes Jeremiah's reintegration into his community. The Hebrew word for "remained" (יָשַׁב, yashab) suggests dwelling or abiding, indicating a sense of permanence and peace. Being "among his own people" reflects God's covenant faithfulness, as Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was always deeply connected to the fate of his nation. This conclusion to the verse serves as a testament to God's enduring commitment to His people, even in times of exile and hardship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who warned Judah of impending judgment and was imprisoned for his prophecies.

2. Gedaliah
Appointed governor over the cities of Judah by the Babylonians after the fall of Jerusalem. He was the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan.

3. Ahikam
The father of Gedaliah, known for protecting Jeremiah from death earlier in his ministry.

4. Shaphan
The grandfather of Gedaliah, a scribe during King Josiah's reign, associated with the discovery of the Book of the Law.

5. Courtyard of the Guard
The place where Jeremiah was held prisoner during the siege of Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Deliverance
Jeremiah's release from prison demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the dire circumstances, God preserved Jeremiah's life and ministry.

The Importance of Godly Heritage
The lineage of Gedaliah, Ahikam, and Shaphan shows the impact of a godly heritage. Each generation played a role in supporting God's work and His prophets.

Trusting God's Timing
Jeremiah's release came at a time when it seemed least likely. This teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when we are in difficult situations.

Community and Belonging
Jeremiah's return to his people highlights the importance of community and belonging. God often uses others to provide support and encouragement.

Leadership and Responsibility
Gedaliah's role as governor reminds us of the responsibilities that come with leadership, especially in times of crisis.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah's release from prison reflect God's promises in Jeremiah 1:19?

2. In what ways can we see the influence of a godly heritage in the lives of Gedaliah, Ahikam, and Shaphan?

3. How can we apply the lesson of trusting God's timing in our own lives, especially during challenging circumstances?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual journey, as seen in Jeremiah's return to his people?

5. How can we, like Gedaliah, take on leadership roles with integrity and responsibility in our own communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 26:24
Ahikam's protection of Jeremiah is highlighted, showing a family legacy of supporting the prophet.

2 Kings 22:3-14
Shaphan's role in the discovery of the Book of the Law, indicating a family history of faithfulness to God.

Jeremiah 40:5-6
Further details on Jeremiah's release and his decision to stay with Gedaliah.

2 Kings 25:22-26
The appointment of Gedaliah as governor and the subsequent events leading to his assassination.

Jeremiah 1:19
God's promise to Jeremiah that He would deliver him, which is fulfilled in this passage.
So He Dwelt Among the PeopleA.F. Muir Jeremiah 39:14
ChurchwardensS. Conway Jeremiah 39:11-14
God's Servant Delivered from the Judgment of TransgressorsA.F. Muir Jeremiah 39:11-14
The Safety of God's ProphetD. Young Jeremiah 39:11-14
People
Ahikam, Ebedmelech, Gedaliah, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebushasban, Nebuzaradan, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, Rabsaris, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Shaphan, Sharezer, Zedekiah
Places
Arabah, Babylon, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Riblah
Topics
Ahikam, Ahi'kam, Care, Carry, Committed, Conduct, Court, Courtyard, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Entrusted, Gedaliah, Gedali'ah, Guard, Guardhouse, Home, Jeremiah, Midst, Prison, Shaphan, Stayed, Watchmen, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 39:13-14

     5344   imprisonment

Library
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian
'For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in Me, saith the Lord.'--JER. xxxix. 18. Ebedmelech is a singular anticipation of that other Ethiopian eunuch whom Philip met on the desert road to Gaza. It is prophetic that on the eve of the fall of the nation, a heathen man should be entering into union with God. It is a picture in little of the rejection of Israel and the ingathering of the Gentiles.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Last Agony
'In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it. 2. And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it Sparingly are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 20.) Differently to be admonished are the gluttonous and the abstinent. For superfluity of speech, levity of conduct, and lechery accompany the former; but the latter often the sin of impatience, and often that of pride. For were it not the case that immoderate loquacity carries away the gluttonous, that rich man who is said to have fared sumptuously every day would not burn more sorely than elsewhere in his tongue, saying, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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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