E'bed-Mel'ech, whose name means "servant of the king," is a notable figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the court of King Zedekiah of Judah during the final days of Jerusalem before its fall to the Babylonians.

Biblical Account:

E'bed-Mel'ech's account is primarily found in Jeremiah 38:7-13 and 39:15-18. He is introduced during a critical moment when the prophet Jeremiah is imprisoned in a cistern by the officials of King Zedekiah. These officials, displeased with Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's impending doom, sought to silence him by casting him into a muddy cistern, where he was left to die.

Upon hearing of Jeremiah's plight, E'bed-Mel'ech courageously approached King Zedekiah to plead for the prophet's life. The Berean Standard Bible records his intervention: "My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown him into a cistern, where he will starve to death when there is no more bread in the city" (Jeremiah 38:9). Moved by E'bed-Mel'ech's plea, the king commanded him to take thirty men and lift Jeremiah out of the cistern before he perished.

E'bed-Mel'ech's actions demonstrate his compassion and righteousness. He not only advocated for Jeremiah but also took practical steps to ensure his rescue. He used old rags and worn-out clothes to cushion the ropes, showing concern for Jeremiah's well-being as they pulled him from the cistern (Jeremiah 38:11-13).

Divine Reward:

E'bed-Mel'ech's faithfulness and courage did not go unnoticed by God. In Jeremiah 39:15-18, the Lord delivers a message to E'bed-Mel'ech through Jeremiah, promising him protection during the Babylonian siege. The BSB states: "But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD, and you will not be delivered into the hands of the men you fear. For I will surely deliver you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will keep your life like a spoil of war" (Jeremiah 39:17-18). This divine assurance highlights E'bed-Mel'ech's trust in God and his reward for standing up for righteousness.

Historical and Theological Significance:

E'bed-Mel'ech's account is significant for several reasons. Historically, it provides insight into the diverse composition of King Zedekiah's court, including foreign servants like E'bed-Mel'ech. Theologically, his narrative underscores themes of justice, courage, and divine providence. E'bed-Mel'ech's actions serve as a testament to the power of individual righteousness and the importance of standing up for God's messengers, even in the face of potential danger.

E'bed-Mel'ech's faith and bravery are celebrated as an example of how God honors those who act justly and trust in Him, regardless of their social status or nationality. His account is a reminder of God's faithfulness to those who remain steadfast in their commitment to His will.E'bed-Mel'ech (6 Occurrences)

Jeremiah 38:7
Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin),
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 38:8
Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spoke to the king, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 38:10
Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dies.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 38:11
So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took there rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 38:12
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put now these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords. Jeremiah did so.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:16
Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before you in that day.
(See RSV)

E'bed-Mel'ech (6 Occurrences)
E'bed-Mel'ech. Ebed-melech, E'bed-Mel'ech. Ebenbohan . Multi-Version
Concordance E'bed-Mel'ech (6 Occurrences). Jeremiah 38:7 Now ...
/e/e'bed-mel'ech.htm - 8k

Ebed-melech (6 Occurrences)
Ebed-melech. Ebedmelech, Ebed-melech. E'bed-Mel'ech . Easton's Bible
Dictionary A servant of the king; probably an official title ...
/e/ebed-melech.htm - 9k

Ebenbohan
Ebenbohan. E'bed-Mel'ech, Ebenbohan. Eben-bohan . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EBEN-BOHAN. See BOHAN. E'bed-Mel'ech, Ebenbohan. Eben-bohan . ...
/e/ebenbohan.htm - 6k

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