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

But now please listen, O my lord the king.
Jeremiah addresses King Zedekiah with respect, acknowledging his authority. This reflects the cultural norms of addressing royalty with honor, even when delivering unwelcome messages. Jeremiah's plea is earnest, indicating the seriousness of his situation. The prophet's respectful approach aligns with biblical teachings on respecting authority (Romans 13:1-7).

May my petition come before you.
Jeremiah seeks an audience with the king, emphasizing the urgency and importance of his request. This phrase echoes the biblical tradition of presenting petitions to those in power, as seen in Esther's approach to King Xerxes (Esther 5:8). It highlights the prophet's reliance on divine intervention through human channels.

Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe,
The "house of Jonathan the scribe" was likely a prison or place of confinement. Jeremiah's request not to return there suggests harsh conditions, possibly reflecting the political tensions of the time. This location may have been used to detain political prisoners, indicating the prophet's precarious position due to his unpopular prophecies.

or I will die there.”
Jeremiah's fear of death underscores the severity of his imprisonment conditions. This plea reveals the prophet's human vulnerability, contrasting with his divine mission. It also foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who faced unjust treatment and death (Isaiah 53:7-8). Jeremiah's plight serves as a reminder of the cost of faithfully delivering God's message.

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.