Wednesday 25 June 2008
- Bible Book:
- Jeremiah
"Thus says the LORD, This city shall surely be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon and be taken. Then the officials said to the king, 'This man ought to be put to death, because he is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm'. King Zedekiah said, 'Here he is; he is in your hands; for the king is powerless against you'." (v.3-5)
Background
Jeremiah continues to deliver his warning to the officials inJerusalem and they do their part by continuing to ignore him. Theyare so angered by his outpourings that they decide he should die.He is thrown into the cistern to starve to death.
The officials' response seems to be disproportionate to a messagethat was not exactly new from Jeremiah. But they had either beenworn down to such a point that they just wanted rid of him orsomething struck a chord this time that meant they had toact.
It is significant that the help that Jeremiah requires to get outof this deadly situation comes from the quarter it does.Ebed-melech is not only a foreigner but also a eunuch (a castratedand according to ancient minds, emasculate man). This combinationmakes him an unlikely supporter of Jeremiah and his cause, butEbed-melech is someone who speaks out. He was probably a man whohad the king's ear and when he hears of what has happened to theprophet, he persuades King Zedekiah that his actions were wrong andthat Jeremiah should be released.
To Ponder
Where in your path of discipleship have youreceived support? What was the most surprising support youreceived?
Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem until it fell, hiswords never heard. How would you deal with that feeling offutility?