Jeremiah 38:25

If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, 'Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,'

Study Bible

If the officials hear
The term "officials" refers to the princes or leaders of Judah during the time of Jeremiah. In Hebrew, the word used is "śārîm," which denotes those in positions of authority. Historically, these officials were often resistant to Jeremiah's prophecies, which called for submission to Babylon as God's will. Their hearing of Jeremiah's conversation with King Zedekiah would have been a matter of political intrigue, as they were deeply invested in the nation's affairs and often opposed to Jeremiah's message.

that I have spoken with you
The act of speaking here is significant, as it implies a private and potentially subversive conversation. In the Hebrew context, "dābar" (to speak) often carries the weight of delivering a message or decree. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to convey God's words, and his conversations with the king were crucial in advising and warning him according to divine instruction.

and they come and demand of you
The phrase "come and demand" suggests a forceful interrogation. The Hebrew root "bāqash" (to seek or demand) indicates an urgent and pressing inquiry. This reflects the tense political climate in Jerusalem, where the officials were eager to uncover any dissent or conspiracy against their plans. It underscores the pressure Jeremiah faced from those in power.

‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you
This demand for transparency highlights the officials' suspicion and desire for control. The repetition of "what you said" and "what the king said" emphasizes their need to know every detail of the conversation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such dialogues between a prophet and a king were of utmost importance, as they could influence national policy and divine favor.

do not hide it from us
The command "do not hide" uses the Hebrew "kāḥad," meaning to conceal or keep secret. This reflects the officials' fear of hidden agendas and their determination to uncover any potential threats. In a broader scriptural context, the theme of hidden versus revealed truth is prevalent, with God's messages often being revealed through His prophets despite opposition.

or we will kill you,’
The threat of death underscores the severity of the situation. The Hebrew "māweth" (death) is a stark reminder of the life-and-death stakes involved in prophetic ministry. Jeremiah's life was frequently in danger due to his unpopular messages, yet he remained faithful to God's calling. This phrase highlights the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for truth in the face of mortal danger.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing persecution for his prophecies.

2. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon. He often sought Jeremiah's counsel but lacked the courage to follow it.

3. The Officials
Leaders and princes of Judah who were often hostile to Jeremiah's messages, seeing them as demoralizing and treasonous.

4. The Siege of Jerusalem
The historical context of this passage, where Babylon besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall.

5. The Royal Palace
The setting where Jeremiah and King Zedekiah had their secret conversation, highlighting the tension and fear of the time.

Teaching Points

Courage in Truth
Jeremiah's situation teaches us the importance of standing firm in God's truth, even when faced with threats or opposition.

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
Zedekiah's fear of his officials highlights the danger of valuing human opinion over God's commands.

The Cost of Compromise
Zedekiah's inability to act on Jeremiah's counsel shows the consequences of compromising one's convictions.

Divine Sovereignty
Despite human schemes and fears, God's plans will prevail, as seen in the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The passage encourages us to seek and heed godly counsel, even when it challenges our comfort or status quo.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's response to the officials' potential threats demonstrate his commitment to God's message?

2. In what ways can we identify with King Zedekiah's struggle between fear of man and obedience to God in our own lives?

3. What are some modern-day situations where Christians might face pressure to compromise their beliefs, and how can Jeremiah's example guide us?

4. How does the eventual fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies reinforce the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought godly counsel. How did it impact your decision-making, and what can you learn from Zedekiah's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 37:17
This verse shows another instance where King Zedekiah secretly consults Jeremiah, indicating his internal conflict and fear of the officials.

2 Kings 25:4-7
Describes the eventual capture of Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies.

Proverbs 29:25
Relates to the fear of man, which is a snare, contrasting with the trust in the Lord that brings safety, reflecting Zedekiah's predicament.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men, paralleling Jeremiah's commitment to God's message despite opposition.