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
Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, ruled during a tumultuous period marked by the Babylonian siege. His secretive oath to Jeremiah highlights the political tension and fear of public opinion. Zedekiah's clandestine actions reflect his weak leadership and fear of his officials, who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies. This secrecy contrasts with the boldness of prophets like Jeremiah, who openly declared God's messages despite personal risk.

“As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life”
The invocation of the LORD's name in an oath underscores the seriousness and solemnity of Zedekiah's promise. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of swearing by a deity to affirm truthfulness. The phrase acknowledges God as the giver of life, a common biblical theme (Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4). This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is ironic, given Zedekiah's general disobedience to God's commands through Jeremiah.

I will not kill you
Zedekiah's promise not to kill Jeremiah is significant, as it shows his recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority, despite his reluctance to heed his warnings. This assurance of safety is crucial, given the hostile environment Jeremiah faced, including imprisonment and threats from officials (Jeremiah 37:15-16). It reflects the tension between Zedekiah's fear of his officials and his awareness of Jeremiah's divine mission.

nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.”
The "men who are seeking your life" refers to the princes and officials of Judah who viewed Jeremiah as a traitor for his prophecies of Jerusalem's fall (Jeremiah 38:4). Zedekiah's promise to protect Jeremiah from them highlights the prophet's precarious position and the king's internal conflict. This protection is a temporary reprieve, as Zedekiah's eventual capture by the Babylonians fulfills Jeremiah's prophecies, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will.

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.