Jeremiah 39:17

But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD, and you will not be delivered into the hands of the men whom you fear.

Study Bible

But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD
This promise of deliverance is directed towards Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch who showed kindness to Jeremiah by rescuing him from the cistern (Jeremiah 38:7-13). The phrase "on that day" refers to the day of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonians, a time of great turmoil and destruction. The assurance of deliverance highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness to those who trust in Him, even amidst judgment. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God protects and delivers His faithful servants, as seen in the stories of Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6) and the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

and you will not be delivered into the hands of the men whom you fear
Ebed-Melech feared the Babylonians, who were known for their brutality and might. The phrase underscores God's power over human threats and His ability to protect His people from their enemies. This assurance is reminiscent of God's promises to Israel throughout the Old Testament, where He repeatedly assures them of His protection against their foes (e.g., Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 91:7). It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) and that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This deliverance can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate deliverance of believers from sin and death, emphasizing God's redemptive plan through Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, including warnings of impending judgment and promises of deliverance.

2. Ebed-Melech
An Ethiopian eunuch in the service of King Zedekiah of Judah, who showed kindness to Jeremiah by rescuing him from a cistern (Jeremiah 38:7-13). This verse is part of God's promise to him.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate deliverer and protector of His people.

4. The Men You Fear
Refers to the Babylonians, who were besieging Jerusalem and were feared by its inhabitants, including Ebed-Melech.

5. Jerusalem
The city under siege by the Babylonians, leading to its eventual fall as prophesied by Jeremiah.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to Individuals
God sees and rewards the faithfulness of individuals, even when they are in positions of little power or influence, like Ebed-Melech.

Deliverance from Fear
Trusting in God can deliver us from the fears that threaten to overwhelm us. God's promises are sure, and He is able to protect us from those we fear.

Courage to Act Righteously
Ebed-Melech's courage in rescuing Jeremiah shows that God honors those who act righteously, even in the face of danger.

God's Sovereignty in Times of Trouble
Even when circumstances seem dire, God is in control and can deliver His people according to His will.

The Importance of Intercession
Just as Ebed-Melech interceded for Jeremiah, believers are called to intercede for others, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ebed-Melech's account encourage you to act courageously in your own life, even when you face fear or opposition?

2. In what ways can you relate to the fears that Ebed-Melech faced, and how can you apply God's promise of deliverance to your own fears?

3. How does the account of Ebed-Melech and Jeremiah illustrate the importance of interceding for others? Can you think of someone who needs your intercession today?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance from a situation you feared. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can the assurance of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in Jeremiah 39:17 inspire you to trust Him more deeply in your current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 34:4
This verse speaks of God delivering those who seek Him from all their fears, similar to how God promises deliverance to Ebed-Melech.

Daniel 6:16-23
Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den parallels God's promise of protection and deliverance to those who trust in Him.

Isaiah 41:10
This verse reassures believers of God's presence and help, echoing the promise of deliverance from fear.