Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the prophet Jeremiah experienced imprisonment on several occasions due to his prophetic ministry, which often included messages of impending judgment against Judah. One notable instance of kindness shown to Jeremiah by a prison guard is recorded in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah.Jeremiah had been prophesying the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, a message that was unpopular with the ruling authorities. As a result, he was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, a more lenient form of confinement compared to a dungeon. This imprisonment is detailed in Jeremiah 37 and 38. In Jeremiah 37:21 , it is recorded: "So King Zedekiah gave orders for Jeremiah to be placed in the courtyard of the guard and given a loaf of bread daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard." This passage highlights the king's directive to ensure Jeremiah's basic needs were met, reflecting a measure of kindness and respect for the prophet, even amidst his imprisonment. Further kindness is shown by Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian official in the royal palace, who intervened on Jeremiah's behalf when he was cast into a cistern and left to die. Ebed-Melech approached King Zedekiah and secured permission to rescue Jeremiah. With the help of thirty men, he lifted Jeremiah out of the cistern and returned him to the courtyard of the guard (Jeremiah 38:7-13). The actions of Ebed-Melech and the orders of King Zedekiah to provide bread demonstrate that even in times of judgment and imprisonment, God can move the hearts of individuals to show compassion and kindness to His servants. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that God remains sovereign and can provide for His people through unexpected means, even in dire circumstances. Jeremiah's experience serves as a testament to the enduring presence of divine providence and mercy, as well as the potential for human compassion to manifest in the most unlikely of places. The kindness shown to Jeremiah by the prison guard and others around him illustrates the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His prophets and the importance of obedience to His word, regardless of the personal cost. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 38:7-28Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin; Nave's Topical Index Library The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock. Ephesians iv. 1, 2 Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. The Pilgrim's Progress Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Israel's Hope Encouraged; The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Footnotes A Few Sighs from Hell; Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What is Amnesty International? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is a friend of sinners? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prisoners of War by Divine Command Prisoners of War: Consolations For Prisoners of War: Put to Death Prisoners of War: Thumbs and Toes Cut off Prisoners: Confined in the Court of the Palace Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Captain of the Guard Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Scribe Prisoners: Guards Responsible For Prisoners: Kindness To by Felix Prisoners: Kindness To by Julius, the Centurion Prisoners: Kindness To by the Philippian Jailer to Paul Prisoners: Kindness To by the Prison Guard to Jeremiah Prisoners: Permitted to Make Defense Prisoners: Severe Hardships of, Mitigated Prisoners: Sustained on Bread and Water of Affliction Prisoners: To be Visited and Ministered To Prisoners: Tortured to Extort Self-Incriminating Testimony Related Terms Fellow-prisoners (1 Occurrence) |
    |