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 that I have spoken with you
This phrase highlights the political tension in Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. The "officials" refer to the princes or leaders who were often in opposition to Jeremiah's prophecies. Historically, these officials were part of the ruling class who felt threatened by Jeremiah's messages, which often contradicted their political strategies. This reflects the broader theme of conflict between true prophetic voices and political powers, seen throughout the Old Testament.

and they come and demand of you
The officials' approach to Jeremiah indicates their authority and the seriousness of the situation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, officials had significant power and could enforce their will through coercion. This demand underscores the pressure Jeremiah faced as a prophet, often caught between delivering God's message and facing human authority.

‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you;
This request for information reveals the officials' suspicion and desire to control the narrative. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, his interactions with King Zedekiah were crucial, as they often involved messages of impending judgment and calls for repentance. The officials' insistence on knowing the content of these conversations highlights their fear of losing influence and control.

do not hide it from us,
The demand for transparency reflects the officials' mistrust and the high stakes of the political situation. In biblical terms, this can be seen as a test of Jeremiah's integrity and faithfulness to God's message. The tension between truth and concealment is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the prophet's role as a bearer of divine truth, regardless of personal risk.

or we will kill you,’
This threat of death illustrates the extreme measures the officials were willing to take to maintain their power and suppress dissenting voices. The threat against Jeremiah is reminiscent of the persecution faced by prophets throughout the Bible, foreshadowing the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who also spoke truth to power. This phrase underscores the cost of prophetic ministry and the courage required to stand firm 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.