Jeremiah39
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1(in the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and besieged it;
2in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city),
3that all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, to wit, Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.
4And it came to pass that, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king’s garden, through the gate betwixt the two walls; and he went out toward the Arabah.
5But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he gave judgment upon him.
6Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
7Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.
8And the Chaldeans burned the king’s house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.
9Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people that remained in the city, the deserters also that fell away to him, and the residue of the people that remained.
10But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, that had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
11Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
12Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
13So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon;
14they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home. So he dwelt among the people.
15Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying,
16Go, and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before thee in that day.
17But I will deliver thee in that day, saith Jehovah; and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
18For I will surely save thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee; because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith Jehovah.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Jeremiah 39.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The taking of Jerusalem. (1-10). Jeremiah used well. (11-14). Promises of safety to Ebed-melech. (15-18).
vv1-10
Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
vv11-14
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
vv15-18
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
Key Words
תְּשִׁיעִי: ninth
שָׁנֶה: a year (as a revolution of time)
צִדְקִיָּה: Tsidkijah, the name of six Israelites
מֶלֶךְ: a king
יְהוּדָה: Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עֲשִׂירִי: tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part
חֹדֶשׁ: the new moon; by implication, a month
נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר: Nebukadnetstsar (or -retstsar, or -retstsor), king of Babylon
בָּבֶל: Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Jeremiah 39Parallels the exact chronological opening and details of the final siege of Jerusalem.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Prophetic fulfillment of Zedekiah escaping by digging through the wall in twilight.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Fulfills prophecy that Zedekiah would be brought to Babylon but not see it.
Supported by JFB
Matches the historical summary of the siege timeline and breach of the city.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Identical historical record of the blinding of Zedekiah and his binding in chains.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies Ebed-melech's previous merciful rescue of Jeremiah, explaining why God spares him.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Fulfills warning that Babylon's princes would sit in possession of the city.
Supported by JFB
Fulfills Jeremiah's specific warning that Zedekiah would speak with Nebuchadrezzar face-to-face.
Supported by JFB
Fulfills prediction that Zedekiah's wives and children would fall to the Chaldeans.
Supported by JFB
Elaborates on Nebuzar-adan's actions, the burning of the temple, and deportations.
Supported by JFB
Identifies Ahikam as Jeremiah's earlier protector, whose son Gedaliah now receives him.
Supported by JFB
Ezekiel's theological explanation of Zedekiah's judgment for breaking his covenant oath.
Supported by JFB
Parallel account of leaving the poor to serve as vinedressers and husbandmen.
Supported by JFB
Provides details on Jeremiah being taken to Ramah in chains before release.
Supported by JFB