Jeremiah 38:11

KJV

So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Ebedmelech {H5663} took {H3947} the men {H582} with him {H3027}, and went {H935} into the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} under the treasury {H214}, and took {H3947} thence old {H1094} cast clouts {H5499} and old {H1094} rotten rags {H4418}, and let them down {H7971} by cords {H2256} into the dungeon {H953} to Jeremiah {H3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So 'Eved-Melekh took the men with him and entered a storeroom under the treasury in the king's palace, from which he took some old clothes and rags. These he let down with ropes to Yirmeyahu in the cistern.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.

American Standard Version

So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:11 meticulously details the compassionate and courageous intervention of Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch, who orchestrates the rescue of the prophet Jeremiah from a life-threatening cistern. This pivotal verse describes Ebedmelech's practical and resourceful actions: gathering discarded, worn-out garments from a royal storeroom and carefully lowering them by ropes into the muddy pit to provide cushioning for Jeremiah's perilous extraction. It stands as a profound testament to an unexpected ally's diligence, humanity, and moral fortitude amidst widespread hostility and indifference towards God's prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 38:11 is a crucial turning point within a broader narrative of prophetic suffering, divine judgment, and unexpected grace in the book of Jeremiah. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah's unyielding prophecies of Jerusalem's imminent fall to Babylon had incensed the city's officials, who accused him of treason and successfully persuaded the weak King Zedekiah to have him thrown into a deep, muddy cistern, effectively condemning him to a slow death by starvation or drowning ([Jeremiah 38:1-6](/jeremiah/38-1-6 "Jeremiah 38:1-6 - Jeremiah Imprisoned in the Cistern")). It is at this dire moment that Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the royal court, boldly intercedes with the king, appealing for Jeremiah's life and securing permission for his rescue ([Jeremiah 38:7-10](/jeremiah/38-7-10 "Jeremiah 38:7-10 - Ebedmelech Intercedes for Jeremiah")). Verse 11 then vividly depicts the immediate and practical execution of this rescue, highlighting Ebedmelech's hands-on involvement and meticulous care, which ultimately leads to Jeremiah's extraction and subsequent counsel to the king. This act of deliverance underscores God's faithfulness to His prophet even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 38 unfold during the twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically amidst the brutal Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (c. 588-586 BC). The city was in a state of desperate crisis, with its leadership deeply fractured between those advocating for continued resistance against Babylon and those, like Jeremiah, who faithfully proclaimed God's command to surrender. In this volatile environment, foreign officials, such as Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch, could hold significant and trusted positions within the royal court, often due to their perceived lack of dynastic ambitions. Cisterns, typically designed for collecting and storing rainwater, were often repurposed as grim prisons, particularly for those deemed dangerous or undesirable, with their muddy bottoms making escape or survival exceedingly difficult. The "treasury" or "storehouse" mentioned in the verse would have been a common feature of ancient royal palaces, serving as a repository for various goods, including discarded or surplus materials. Ebedmelech's actions, therefore, were not merely compassionate but politically audacious, as he risked the severe displeasure and potential retribution of powerful Judean officials who actively sought Jeremiah's demise.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence and Unexpected Allies**, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to raise up unlikely individuals, even foreigners and marginalized figures like a eunuch, to protect His servants and accomplish His purposes when His own covenant people falter. This is further affirmed by God's promise of protection to Ebedmelech in [Jeremiah 39:15-18](/jeremiah/39-15-18 "Jeremiah 39:15-18 - God's Promise to Ebedmelech"). Secondly, it highlights **Compassion and Courage in Adversity**, showcasing Ebedmelech's extraordinary humanity and moral bravery in standing against prevailing hostility and actively intervening for the oppressed, a stark contrast to the indecisiveness of King Zedekiah and the malicious intent of the princes. Thirdly, the strategic use of "old cast clouts and old rotten rags" emphasizes **Practical Kindness and Resourcefulness**, illustrating that acts of profound care and deliverance do not always require grand resources but rather a willing heart and the ingenious use of whatever is available, even discarded items, to bring about salvation. This humble act of rescue serves as a poignant reminder that God often employs unexpected means and instruments to fulfill His redemptive plans.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ebedmelech (Hebrew, _‘Ebed Melek'_):** Literally meaning "servant of a king," this name functions as a personal identifier for the Ethiopian eunuch who played a pivotal role in Jeremiah's rescue. While it signifies his official position within Zedekiah's royal court, his actions in this passage transcend mere duty, revealing a profound personal compassion and courage that sharply distinguishes him from other royal officials. His name itself, "servant of the king," ironically highlights his true service to God's prophet, even when the human king was weak and indecisive, demonstrating a higher allegiance.
* **old (Hebrew, _bᵉlôwʼ'_):** This word, appearing in the plural construction, describes the "rags" as "old" or "worn out," emphasizing their discarded, useless nature. Coupled with "rotten rags" (H4418, _mâlâch_), it paints a vivid picture of materials that were utterly worthless in their original context, destined for disposal. Yet, in Ebedmelech's hands, these seemingly insignificant items become instrumental in a life-saving act, underscoring the biblical theme of God using the humble, weak, and despised things of the world for His glorious purposes, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the weak").
* **cords (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** Refers to a rope or line, often used for measuring, binding, or pulling. In this specific context, it signifies the essential means by which Jeremiah was to be lifted from the deep, muddy pit. The combination of the strong cords with the soft, cushioning rags demonstrates Ebedmelech's thoughtful planning and meticulous care, ensuring that the rescue was not only effective but also as gentle and comfortable as possible for the prophet, who was likely weak, injured, and exhausted from his ordeal in the dungeon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Ebedmelech's proactive, authoritative, and hands-on role in the rescue operation. He does not merely delegate the task but personally leads a team, indicating his deep commitment and the urgency he felt for Jeremiah's plight. The specific location, "the house of the king under the treasury," suggests a royal storeroom or an area where various goods, including discarded items, might be kept, highlighting Ebedmelech's intimate knowledge of the palace and his resourcefulness in knowing precisely where to find suitable materials for the rescue.
* **"and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags,"**: This part specifies the humble and seemingly worthless materials Ebedmelech procured. "Old cast clouts" (H5499, _çᵉchâbâh_) and "old rotten rags" (H4418, _mâlâch_) describe discarded, worn-out garments, emphasizing their state of disuse and decay. Their selection is crucial: these materials were soft enough to be placed under Jeremiah's armpits and around the ropes, providing essential cushioning to prevent further injury as he was pulled from the deep, muddy pit. This detail underscores Ebedmelech's thoughtful compassion and practical wisdom, transforming refuse into instruments of mercy.
* **"and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah."**: This final clause describes the direct, physical action of the rescue. The carefully chosen rags were lowered by "cords" (H2256, _chebel_) into the "dungeon" (H953, _bôwr_), which was a deep, muddy cistern. The explicit mention "to Jeremiah" highlights the targeted and personal nature of Ebedmelech's intervention. This act of lowering the cushioning materials was the immediate precursor to Jeremiah's physical extraction, demonstrating Ebedmelech's direct and courageous involvement in what was undoubtedly a dangerous and unpleasant task.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:11 employs several powerful literary devices to enhance its narrative impact and convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, with the "old cast clouts and old rotten rags" symbolizing worthlessness, decay, and discard. Yet, these seemingly useless items are repurposed for a vital, life-saving act, powerfully illustrating the biblical truth that God can use the most humble, despised, and seemingly insignificant things for His glorious purposes. The "dungeon" itself serves as a potent symbol of despair, death, and unjust suffering, from which Jeremiah is miraculously delivered through an unexpected agent. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** woven throughout the passage: Ebedmelech, a foreign eunuch and an outsider, displays remarkable compassion, courage, and integrity, standing in stark contrast to the malicious Judean princes and the indecisive, fearful King Zedekiah. This highlights that true righteousness and a heart for justice can be found in the most unexpected places, often outside the established religious or political structures. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of the "old rotten rags" and the "cords" being lowered into the "dungeon" creates a tangible and visceral scene, drawing the reader into the immediate peril and the practical, hands-on nature of the rescue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign care for His prophets and the unexpected, often humble, ways He orchestrates deliverance. Ebedmelech's selfless act of compassion, risking his own standing and safety to rescue Jeremiah, reflects a profound moral courage that transcends cultural or religious boundaries, embodying the universal call to justice and mercy. It highlights the biblical principle that acts of practical kindness and intervention on behalf of the oppressed are deeply valued by God, often serving as direct instruments of His divine providence. This narrative reassures believers that even in the darkest valleys of persecution, abandonment, and seeming hopelessness, God can raise up allies from the most unlikely places to extend mercy, provide comfort, and ensure the preservation of His purposes and His people.

* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescue Those Being Led Away to Death")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Least of These")
* [Acts 27:43-44](/acts/27-43-44 "Acts 27:43-44 - Paul's Rescue from Shipwreck")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ebedmelech's actions in Jeremiah 38:11 offer a profound challenge and inspiring model for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by indifference, fear, or self-preservation, Ebedmelech embodies selfless courage and practical compassion. He did not merely lament Jeremiah's plight or offer empty words of sympathy; he actively sought a solution, utilizing humble resources to bring about a significant, life-saving rescue. His willingness to intervene, even when it meant defying powerful figures and engaging in an unpleasant, physically demanding task, calls us to consider our own responses to injustice, suffering, and the needs of others. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, speak truth to power, and extend tangible help to those in need, regardless of their popularity, our personal risk, or the perceived "worth" of the resources at hand? This verse reminds us that true faith is often demonstrated not just through belief but through concrete acts of love and service, using whatever means are at our disposal to alleviate suffering and uphold righteousness, reflecting the heart of God for the marginalized and oppressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to act with similar courage and compassion for someone who is marginalized, suffering, or unjustly treated, even if it involves personal risk or goes against popular opinion?**
* **What "old cast clouts and rotten rags"—humble resources, overlooked skills, or discarded opportunities—might God want to use through me to bring about a significant act of kindness, comfort, or deliverance for someone in need?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is not merely sympathetic but actively seeks practical, hands-on ways to intervene for the oppressed, following Ebedmelech's example of diligent and resourceful service?**

### FAQ
**Who was Ebedmelech, and why is his action significant?**

Answer: Ebedmelech was an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the court of King Zedekiah in Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. His action is profoundly significant because he was a foreigner and a eunuch—figures often marginalized or without significant power in ancient society—yet he displayed extraordinary moral courage and compassion. While the Israelite princes sought to kill Jeremiah, Ebedmelech risked his own life and position to intercede with the king on Jeremiah's behalf ([Jeremiah 38:7-10](/jeremiah/38-7-10 "Jeremiah 38:7-10 - Ebedmelech's Plea")). His subsequent hands-on involvement in Jeremiah's rescue, as detailed in [Jeremiah 38:11](/jeremiah/38-11 "Jeremiah 38:11 - Ebedmelech's Rescue of Jeremiah"), highlights his diligence and practical love. God later promises him protection for his faithfulness ([Jeremiah 39:15-18](/jeremiah/39-15-18 "Jeremiah 39:15-18 - God's Promise to Ebedmelech")), underscoring the divine approval of his actions and the principle that God often uses unexpected instruments for His purposes.

**Why did Ebedmelech use "old cast clouts and old rotten rags" for the rescue?**

Answer: The use of "old cast clouts and old rotten rags" demonstrates Ebedmelech's remarkable resourcefulness and thoughtful compassion. Jeremiah was in a deep, muddy cistern ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah 38:6 - Jeremiah in the Cistern")), and simply pulling him up with bare ropes would have been incredibly painful and could have caused severe rope burns or further injury, especially given Jeremiah's weakened and likely emaciated state. By placing the soft, discarded rags under Jeremiah's armpits and around the ropes, Ebedmelech provided essential cushioning, making the arduous ascent as comfortable and safe as possible. This meticulous detail highlights his profound care for Jeremiah's physical well-being, transforming seemingly worthless, discarded items into instruments of profound mercy and practical aid.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ebedmelech's courageous descent into the royal treasury to retrieve discarded rags and his subsequent act of lowering them into the pit to rescue Jeremiah powerfully foreshadow the ultimate descent and rescue accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Ebedmelech, an unexpected ally and "servant of a king," intervened to save Jeremiah from a literal pit of despair and death, so too did Christ, the true King and ultimate Rescuer, "descend into the lower parts of the earth" (a theological understanding derived from passages like [Ephesians 4:9-10](/ephesians/4-9-10 "Ephesians 4:9-10 - Christ's Descent and Ascent")) to rescue humanity from the spiritual "dungeon" of sin, death, and eternal separation from God. Christ did not use "old rags" but rather offered His own perfect life and shed blood as the means of our salvation, willingly taking on the "rags" of our sin and shame to clothe us in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His coming into our fallen world was an act of profound compassion and unparalleled courage, entering into our human condition, enduring suffering, and ultimately conquering the grave to lift us out of the mire of our spiritual imprisonment. Like Jeremiah, who was lifted from the pit to continue speaking God's word, believers are rescued by Christ to live new lives, empowered by the Spirit, and called to proclaim the good news of their Deliverer ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Ebedmelech’s act of practical kindness and self-sacrificial intervention is a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the boundless, self-giving love of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.