In the midst of turmoil and adversity, Jeremiah 38 presents a powerful narrative of faith, courage, and perseverance. This chapter highlights the prophet’s steadfastness in delivering God’s message despite severe opposition. Let’s explore the key events of Jeremiah 38, draw valuable lessons, and connect them with other scriptures for a deeper understanding.
The Plot Against Jeremiah
In Jeremiah 38, there is a plot against the prophet Jeremiah. The princes of Judah were unhappy with his prophecies about the fall of Jerusalem. They accused him of demoralizing the soldiers and people (Jeremiah 38:4). “Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” They convinced King Zedekiah to let them imprison Jeremiah in a cistern, where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). “So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.”
The Cistern of Despair
Imagine being thrown into a cistern, a deep, narrow pit often filled with mud and water. This dark, cold, and confining space symbolizes the depths of despair and isolation that Jeremiah faced. Even in such dire circumstances, his faith remained unshaken. Unfortunately, today, we have become much weaker in our faith. We start questioning God about why things are taking so long, and we start doing things our way, making matters worse. We may rebel or walk away from God when something tragic happens to someone we love, and we blame God before walking away. I pray for you to hang in there and trust God like Jeremiah did, even when things look bad and you do not understand why it is happening.
Ebed-Melech’s Intervention
In a desperate situation, Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch in the king’s palace, intervened. He courageously approached King Zedekiah and pleaded for Jeremiah’s release, arguing that the prophet would die of hunger if left in the cistern (Jeremiah 38:7-9). “When Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate— Ebed-Melech went from the king’s house and said to the king, “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.” The king granted his request, and Ebed-Melech, with the help of thirty men, rescued Jeremiah using ropes and old rags (Jeremiah 38:10-13). “Then the king commanded Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, “Take thirty men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.” So Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian told Jeremiah, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.”
Acts of Kindness
Ebed-Melech’s compassionate act parallels the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33-35, demonstrating the power of mercy and the importance of standing up for righteousness, even when it’s inconvenient or risky. “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.”
Jeremiah’s Faithfulness
After being rescued, Jeremiah was brought before King Zedekiah, who secretly sought his counsel. Despite being aware of the king’s inclination towards disobedience, Jeremiah faithfully delivered God’s message without altering it to please the king (Jeremiah 38:14-28). He warned Zedekiah of the consequences of his actions and urged him to surrender to the Babylonians to save the city and his life.
The Cost of Discipleship
Jeremiah’s unwavering commitment to God’s word mirrors the apostles’ courage in Acts 4:19-20, who boldly proclaimed the gospel despite threats. “But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” It also echoes Jesus’ call to take up our cross and follow Him, no matter the cost (Matthew 16:24). “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Lessons for Today
1. Stand Firm in Your Faith: Jeremiah’s resilience teaches us to stand firm, even when faced with opposition or danger. As Paul exhorts in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
2. The Power of Compassion: Ebed-Melech’s intervention reminds us of the impact one act of kindness can have. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.”
3. Speak the Truth Boldly: Like Jeremiah, we are called to speak God’s truth boldly, regardless of the consequences. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
In conclusion, Jeremiah 38 provides profound insights into faith, courage, and obedience to God’s word. Despite facing intense adversity, Jeremiah’s unwavering commitment to God’s message is a powerful example today. In our own lives, we may encounter situations that test our faith, challenge our integrity, or call us to take bold stands for righteousness. Jeremiah’s story encourages us to remain steadfast, trusting that God is with us even in the darkest and most confining “cisterns” of our lives.