Jeremiah Chapter 39
1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city.
3 All the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.
4 When Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, then they fled, and went out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, through the gate between the two walls; and he went out towards the Arabah.
5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. When they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and he pronounced judgement on him.
6 Then the king of Babylon killed Zedekiah's sons in Riblah before his eyes. The king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah.
7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.
8 The Chaldeans burnt the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people who remained in the city, the deserters also who fell away to him, and the residue of the people who remained.
10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, who had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon commanded Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard concerning Jeremiah, saying,
12 "Take him, and take care of him. Do him no harm; but do to him even as he tells you."
13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, with Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon;
14 they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home. So he lived amongst the people.
15 Now the LORD's word came to Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying,
16 "Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, 'The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: "Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they will be accomplished before you in that day.
17 But I will deliver you in that day," says the LORD; "and you will not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid.
18 For I will surely save you, and you won't fall by the sword, but you will escape with your life; because you have put your trust in me," says the LORD.' "
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Jeremiah Chapter 39 Guide
This chapter records the fall of Jerusalem. After a long siege lasting from the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign until the fourth month of the eleventh year, at last "a breach was made in the city," and the princes of Babylon entered. Zedekiah, with the men of war surrounding him, immediately fled, but he was arrested and brought before Nebuchadnezzar. His sons were slain before his eyes, and then his eyes were put out. This was followed by the sack of the city. The king of Babylon charged his captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan, to afford protection to Jeremiah. This was done by committing him to the care of Gedaliah, who was appointed to be governor of the subjected and broken people.
Very interesting is the last paragraph of the chapter which tells of how, before the fall of the city, Jeremiah was charged by Jehovah to visit Ebed-melech, through whose instrumentality he had been delivered from the dungeon, and promise him protection in the day of calamity. It is a revelation of the fact that when the judgment of God is abroad as vengeance it never proceeds without discrimination, and that those who put their trust in Him are thought upon graciously and delivered.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Jeremiah Chapter 39 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The taking of Jerusalem. -- (1-10)
- Jeremiah used well. -- (11-14)
- Promises of safety to Ebed-melech. -- (15-18)
Verses 1-10
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.
Verses 11-14
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.
Verses 15-18
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.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.