Read Jeremiah, chapters 37-40 as we take these points into consideration.
CHAPER 37:
Zedekiah had a renewed hope that Jerusalem would be saved by Egypt even though Jeremiah had clearly prophesied to the king and people that they were to surrender to the Chaldeans or have God fight against them (cf. Jer. 21:5-10; 27:12).
The words Jehovah gave Jeremiah (37:6-10) were intended to crush all hope and thoughts of optimism regarding the current conflict with the Chaldeans.
Jeremiah was immediately spotted by the commander of the watch at the gate and taken captive (37:11-15). The accusation was that he was attempting to defect to the Chaldeans. Jeremiah claimed this was a lie. He was beaten and thrown into prison as they vented their anger on him. Based on the current events, the false prophets were now exposed (37:16-21).
CHAPER 38:
Jeremiah’s message of doom was repulsive to the remaining people of Jerusalem. At such a time of peril and anguish, their pain was made worse by Jeremiah’s words of doom. Without doubt the people could see that Jeremiah was not expressing his own opinions but the mind of God.
The relentless message of doom was more than the princes of Judah could bear. These false prophets claimed that it was Jeremiah who was “weakening the hands of the men of war that remain in this city” (38:4-6). The prince’s minds were warped in error and bitterness. Jeremiah had the words that would save (i.e., surrender and live), and the princes had the message of death (fight). The prophet of God had the people’s welfare in mind despite the words of the princes (cf. 38:4b).
Now, cheap generic viagra people basically after facing such issues visit the doctor regularly. Age Difference We see viagra for sale mastercard some women getting married to men who are much older than them. I found out that I could buy propecia online prescription was not a necessity, and the cost of propecia at cvs viagra fast shipping was the lowest I could find. Men and women both wish to order generic levitra do so. The eunuch (38:7-13) showed more compassion than did Jeremiah’s countrymen. The eunuch made a wise judgment in the case of Jeremiah being cast into the miry pit and pled to the king for the prophet’s life. Zedekiah sought Jeremiah’s counsel one last time (38:14-28). Jeremiah stood firm and proclaimed the message of doom to the king that he had consistently preached all along. Resistance was futile in this battle against the Babylonians because God was fighting for them (cf. Jer. 21:5, 9 ff; 38:2, 17-18).
Zedekiah would in no way surrender to the Chaldeans as Jeremiah advised (38:24-28). This was most likely due to his fear of the princes of the land and a lack of conviction on his own part.
CHAPTER 39:
The Chaldeans put Jerusalem under siege for eighteen months (39:1-7). As Zedekiah stood before the Babylonian judgment seat, his sons were slaughtered in his viewing along with all the “nobles” of Judah (39:6-7). Having made him watch this horrific slaughter, the king of Babylon commanded that Zedekiah’s eyes be gouged out so that the last thing the Jewish king would see was the death of his family and closest associates. The prophecies of Jeremiah had now come to pass! Jerusalem was destroyed by the Chaldeans (39:11-18).
CHAPTER 40:
Jeremiah had been captured, placed in fetters, and sent to Ramah (40:1-6). Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard found Jeremiah and gave him the choice as to whether he wanted to travel to Babylon and live in the protection of the captain or return to Jerusalem and be with the newly appointed governor Gedaliah. Jeremiah’s indecision (silence) indicated to Nebuzaradan that Jeremiah should return to Jerusalem, and so ended the indecision of the prophet.
Why Baalis, king of the children of Ammon, decided to pay to have Gedaliah assassinated we are not told (40:13-14). Perhaps he wanted to see the Jews totally dispersed and gain control of Judah himself? Ishmael, one of royal decent (cf. 41:1), was most likely jealous of Gedaliah’s position and was in no way going to submit to him. Johanan offered to secretly kill Ishmael for Gedaliah; however, the governor would not allow it (40:15-16). Gedaliah considered Johanan’s words false. He would soon find out differently.
Mark Rutledge
