v1-4: The princes of Judah heard Jeremiah’s message. They claimed that his words discouraged the soldiers fighting for the city. Their assumption, however, was that the people were being obedient to God. Jeremiah was in a place where he could declare God’s word to the nation. Such are the ways of God that a prisoner brings decisive influence to bear.

v5: Zedekiah, in his weakness, failed to stand up before his princes. He was like Pilate, who looked to reputation before conscience.

v6: Jeremiah’s faithfulness cost him much. Here he was confined in a muddy dungeon without water. See his own words in Lam 3.53-54.

v7-9: Ebed-Melech, a foreigner, was the only one prepared to identify with Jeremiah. He pleaded his case before the king. The Lord honoured his boldness, and he was allowed to rescue Jeremiah.

‘Ebed-Melech’ means ‘servant of the king.’ This may not have been his name, but only his role.

v10-13: Directed by the king, and helped by 30 men, Ebed-Melech had Jeremiah pulled out of the pit.

v14: As in 37.17, Zedekiah came secretly to Jeremiah. Zedekiah hoped that Jeremiah would soften his message.

v15: Jeremiah knew that the king would not like his message. His promise that Jeremiah would be provided for had been easily broken, since Zedekiah had allowed him to be put into the cistern.

v16: The king’s promise of protection. Jeremiah could only accept this; the king had not proved himself faithful to his word, but Jeremiah had no other option.

v17-18: The clear promise of safety if the people surrendered to the king of Babylon. Just as Jeremiah had trusted Zedekiah, so the people had to trust Nebuchadnezzar.

v19: Zedekiah’s fear of those Jews who had already sided with Babylon. The answer was simply to trust in the Lord, and obey what He had said. Whatever the consequences, that is always the best thing to do.

v20: Jeremiah urged him to obey, “then it will go well with you.” Obedience to God’s word is always the best thing to do.

Life is not pre-ordained; our decisions do have real consequences, and we cannot escape responsibility for our actions.

v21-23: The consequences of disobedience. In the ancient world, the women of the defeated nation would be handed over to the victorious king (see 2 Sam 16.21-22). These words are not empty exaggeration, but painful reality.

v24-26: As in v16 and 37.17, Zedekiah wanted secrecy. This was also a sign of Zedekiah’s fear of the Jewish leaders.

v27: Jeremiah was left in a difficult position, and he was asked to lie to protect the king.

v28: Jeremiah remained confined until the city was captured.