Jeremiah 39:18

For I will surely rescue you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will escape with your life like a spoil of war, declares the LORD.'"

Study Bible

For I will surely rescue you
This promise of rescue is directed towards Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch who showed kindness to Jeremiah by helping him out of the cistern (Jeremiah 38:7-13). The assurance of rescue highlights God's faithfulness to those who act righteously and courageously. This phrase reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from peril, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, such as in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 14:30).

so that you do not fall by the sword.
The context here is the impending fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. The sword represents the violence and death that would accompany the city's capture. God's promise to Ebed-Melech is a personal assurance of safety amidst widespread destruction, similar to how God protected Noah and his family during the flood (Genesis 7:23).

Because you have trusted in Me,
Trust in God is a central theme in the Bible, often linked to faith and righteousness. Ebed-Melech's trust is demonstrated through his actions to save Jeremiah, showing his belief in God's prophet and, by extension, in God Himself. This trust is reminiscent of Abraham's faith, which was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

you will escape with your life like a spoil of war,
The imagery of escaping with one's life as a spoil of war suggests a narrow escape from death, akin to a soldier surviving a battle. This metaphor underscores the value of life and the preciousness of God's deliverance. It also reflects the biblical theme of God granting victory and deliverance to His faithful, as seen in the story of David's triumphs (1 Samuel 17:50).

declares the LORD.’”
The declaration by the LORD emphasizes the authority and certainty of the promise. It is a divine assurance that what God has spoken will come to pass, reflecting His unchanging nature and faithfulness. This phrase is a reminder of the prophetic nature of God's word, as seen throughout the book of Jeremiah and other prophetic writings, where God's declarations are fulfilled in history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, including the promise of deliverance found in this verse.

2. Ebed-Melech
The Ethiopian eunuch who trusted in God and was promised deliverance in this chapter. His faith and actions are central to understanding the context of this promise.

3. Jerusalem
The city under siege by the Babylonians, which forms the backdrop of the events in Jeremiah 39.

4. Babylonians
The empire that besieged and eventually captured Jerusalem, fulfilling God's judgment on Judah.

5. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises deliverance to those who trust in Him.

Teaching Points

Trust in God Leads to Deliverance
Ebed-Melech's trust in God amidst a dire situation resulted in his deliverance. We are encouraged to place our trust in God, knowing He is faithful to deliver us.

Faith in Action
Ebed-Melech's actions, driven by his faith, demonstrate that true trust in God often requires us to step out in faith and act according to His will.

God's Faithfulness to Individuals
This passage highlights that God sees and rewards individual faithfulness, even in the midst of widespread judgment or calamity.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
Ebed-Melech's courage to act on his faith, despite the potential risks, serves as an example for us to stand firm in our convictions.

The Importance of Personal Relationship with God
Ebed-Melech's deliverance was a result of his personal trust in God, reminding us of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ebed-Melech's trust in God challenge us to evaluate our own faith in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate our trust in God through our actions, as Ebed-Melech did?

3. How does the promise of deliverance in Jeremiah 39:18 encourage us in our personal trials today?

4. What other biblical figures can you think of who were delivered because of their trust in God, and what can we learn from their accounts?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper personal relationship with God to ensure our trust in Him remains strong, even in challenging times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 37:40
This verse speaks of the LORD delivering and saving those who trust in Him, echoing the promise made to Ebed-Melech.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the LORD with all your heart, which aligns with the trust Ebed-Melech placed in God.

Hebrews 11:6
This verse highlights the importance of faith in pleasing God, similar to the faith demonstrated by Ebed-Melech.

Isaiah 26:3-4
These verses promise perfect peace to those who trust in the LORD, reinforcing the theme of trust found in Jeremiah 39:18.

2 Timothy 4:18
Paul speaks of the Lord delivering him from every evil work, paralleling the deliverance promised to Ebed-Melech.