Jeremiah 38:14

KJV

¶ Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that [is] in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Zedekiah {H6667} the king {H4428} sent {H7971}, and took {H3947} Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} unto him into the third {H7992} entry {H3996} that is in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: and the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Jeremiah {H3414}, I will ask {H7592} thee a thing {H1697}; hide {H3582} nothing from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzidkiyahu summoned and had Yirmeyahu brought to him through the third entry in the house of ADONAI. Then the king said to Yirmeyahu, "I want to ask you something; don't hide anything from me."

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.”

American Standard Version

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of Jehovah: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:14 records a pivotal, clandestine meeting between King Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah, initiated by the king in a desperate attempt to receive divine counsel amidst the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Having just been rescued from a miry pit at the king's indirect behest, Jeremiah is brought to a secluded location within the Temple complex where Zedekiah, consumed by fear and indecision, implores the prophet to reveal the full truth of God's word, promising not to conceal anything from him. This encounter highlights Zedekiah's profound internal conflict and his vacillation between seeking God's guidance and succumbing to the political pressures of his officials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's miraculous rescue from the miry pit, orchestrated by Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, after the king's officials had thrown Jeremiah into it due to his prophecies of Jerusalem's fall ([Jeremiah 38:1-13](/jeremiah/38-1 "Jeremiah 38:1-13 - Jeremiah Cast into the Pit and Rescued")). The preceding chapters detail Jeremiah's consistent warnings of impending judgment and the siege by Babylon, alongside Zedekiah's repeated, yet ultimately futile, attempts to both consult Jeremiah and appease his hostile officials. This secret meeting underscores Zedekiah's continued reliance on Jeremiah for divine insight, even as he fails to act on the prophet's counsel, a pattern evident throughout his reign as depicted in the book of Jeremiah. The narrative consistently portrays Zedekiah as a weak and indecisive ruler, caught between God's will and the demands of his court.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem was under a severe siege by the Babylonian army, a dire situation that created immense pressure on King Zedekiah. The city was on the brink of collapse, facing famine and disease. Zedekiah, installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar, constantly wrestled with the pro-Egyptian faction among his officials who advocated rebellion against Babylon, contrary to Jeremiah's divine message of submission. The "third entry that is in the house of the LORD" likely refers to a secluded or less-frequented entrance or chamber within the Temple complex, chosen specifically by Zedekiah to ensure the utmost privacy for this sensitive consultation. Such a secret meeting was crucial because Zedekiah feared his princes, who were vehemently opposed to Jeremiah's message and had previously sought to silence or kill him ([Jeremiah 38:4-5](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4-5 - Princes Demand Jeremiah's Death")). The cultural context emphasizes the king's absolute authority, yet Zedekiah's actions reveal his profound lack of courage and his susceptibility to the will of his powerful court.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the **desperate search for divine counsel** in times of crisis, even by those who have previously rejected it. Zedekiah's plea, "hide nothing from me," reveals a king at the end of his tether, willing to hear unvarnished truth, albeit in secret. Secondly, it underscores the **prophetic authority versus royal weakness**, where Jeremiah consistently speaks God's uncompromised will, often at great personal cost, while Zedekiah embodies the struggle of a leader who knows what is right but lacks the courage to act upon it due to fear of man ([Jeremiah 38:5](/jeremiah/38-5 "Jeremiah 38:5 - Zedekiah's Surrender to His Officials")). Thirdly, it illuminates the **burden of truth** borne by God's prophets, who are compelled to deliver difficult and unpopular messages regardless of the personal jeopardy involved. Finally, the clandestine nature of this meeting emphasizes the theme of **secrecy and fear**, illustrating Zedekiah's profound fear of his own officials and the political pressures he faced, which ultimately prevented him from fully embracing and acting on God's counsel for Judah's salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term refers to Zedekiah, the reigning monarch of Judah. In this context, _melek_ highlights his position of ultimate authority and responsibility, yet paradoxically, his profound weakness and indecision in the face of political pressure and divine command. The king's role was to lead his people righteously and uphold justice, but Zedekiah consistently failed in this regard, demonstrating a stark contrast between his title and his actions.
* **prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîy'_):** This word designates Jeremiah as God's chosen messenger, one who speaks under divine inspiration. The _nâbîy'_ was a crucial figure in ancient Israel, acting as a conduit for God's word to the people and their leaders. Jeremiah's identity as a _nâbîy'_ underscores the divine origin and authority of the message Zedekiah sought, placing the king in a position of accountability before God's revealed will.
* **hide (Hebrew, _kâchad'_):** This primitive root signifies to "secrete, by act or word," implying concealment, denying, or withholding. Zedekiah's earnest plea, "hide nothing from me," uses this word, revealing his desperate desire for the full, unadulterated truth from God through Jeremiah. It suggests a flicker of genuine desire for divine guidance, even amidst his wavering commitment to follow it, and highlights his fear that Jeremiah might hold back due to past mistreatment or the dangerous political climate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD":** This clause details the king's initiative to summon Jeremiah. The phrase "third entry that is in the house of the LORD" indicates a specific, secluded location within the Temple complex, chosen for its privacy. This clandestine setting immediately signals Zedekiah's fear of his officials and his desire to keep this consultation secret, demonstrating his lack of courage to publicly seek or obey God's word.
* **"and the king said unto Jeremiah":** This serves as a direct transition, setting the stage for Zedekiah's urgent request. It emphasizes the direct, personal nature of the impending dialogue between the highest human authority in Judah and God's chosen messenger.
* **"I will ask thee a thing":** This brief statement formalizes the king's intention. The "thing" (Hebrew, _dâbâr_) refers to a matter or word, implying a significant inquiry concerning the dire situation facing Jerusalem. It highlights Zedekiah's recognition of Jeremiah as the sole source of reliable divine counsel.
* **"hide nothing from me":** This is Zedekiah's earnest plea, a direct command to Jeremiah not to conceal any part of God's message. It expresses a desperate desire for full disclosure, reflecting the king's profound anxiety and his awareness that Jeremiah often delivered difficult, unpalatable truths. It also subtly hints at Zedekiah's own history of selective listening and disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as King Zedekiah, who holds ultimate authority, is depicted as weak and fearful, forced to meet secretly with the prophet he previously allowed to be imprisoned. This contrasts sharply with Jeremiah's unwavering courage in delivering God's unpopular message. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Zedekiah's desperate plea for truth ("hide nothing from me") and his consistent inability or unwillingness to act upon that truth throughout his reign. The "third entry that is in the house of the LORD" functions as **Symbolism**, representing Zedekiah's attempt to compartmentalize or control divine revelation, seeking it in secrecy rather than openly embracing and obeying God's public word. This clandestine meeting itself is a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the king's continued indecision and ultimate failure to heed God's counsel, which will lead to Jerusalem's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:14 powerfully illustrates the persistent nature of God's grace and His desire to communicate with humanity, even when His messengers are persecuted and His word is rejected. Zedekiah's secret plea for truth, despite his past actions and fear of man, underscores the human yearning for divine guidance in times of crisis. The narrative highlights the tension between human will and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God's word, though often unpopular, remains the sole path to true deliverance. It also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fear of man and indecision in the face of clear divine revelation.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Lays a Snare")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")
* [Luke 13:34](/luke/13-34 "Luke 13:34 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a profound mirror for self-reflection regarding our own posture toward divine truth. Like Zedekiah, we often find ourselves in situations where we desperately need clear guidance, yet our fears—of disapproval, of discomfort, of the unknown—can paralyze us or lead us to seek truth in secret, unwilling to fully commit to its implications. The king's plea, "hide nothing from me," is a powerful aspiration for genuine seekers of God's will, yet it must be coupled with a courageous heart ready to obey, regardless of the cost. Jeremiah's steadfastness, despite suffering, reminds us of the integrity required to speak and live by God's truth in a world resistant to it. Ultimately, the passage challenges us to examine whether our pursuit of God's word is truly for obedience, or merely for information to assuage anxiety without transforming our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be like Zedekiah, seeking God's truth in private but hesitating to act on it publicly due to fear of others?**
* **What "third entries" or secret places do you go to seek God's counsel, and are you truly prepared to receive and obey the "unvarnished truth" He might reveal?**
* **How does Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to delivering God's message, despite personal suffering, challenge your own willingness to speak or live by truth in difficult circumstances?**
* **What are the potential consequences of allowing the fear of man to override divine counsel in your life, as it did for Zedekiah?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Zedekiah meet Jeremiah in secret, and what was the "third entry"?**

Answer: King Zedekiah met Jeremiah in secret primarily because he feared his own officials and princes. These powerful figures were vehemently opposed to Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's surrender to Babylon and had already sought to silence and even kill the prophet ([Jeremiah 38:4-5](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4-5 - Princes Demand Jeremiah's Death")). Zedekiah, a weak and indecisive ruler, was caught between his desperate need for divine guidance and his inability to defy his court. The "third entry that is in the house of the LORD" likely refers to a secluded, less-frequented entrance or chamber within the Temple complex in Jerusalem. This location was chosen specifically to ensure the privacy of their meeting, preventing Zedekiah's officials from discovering his consultation with the prophet they despised. It highlights the king's profound political vulnerability and his fear of public opinion.

**Why did Zedekiah repeatedly seek Jeremiah's counsel if he consistently failed to obey it?**

Answer: Zedekiah's repeated consultations with Jeremiah, despite his consistent disobedience, reveal a complex psychological and spiritual struggle. He was a king under immense pressure, facing a devastating siege and the imminent collapse of his kingdom. In his desperation, he recognized Jeremiah as the legitimate prophet of the LORD and the only source of true divine counsel. There was likely a genuine, albeit weak, desire to know God's will, coupled with a deep-seated fear of man and a lack of moral courage to act upon the difficult truths Jeremiah delivered. He sought reassurance or an alternative, easier path, but when God's word demanded surrender or a politically unpopular decision, Zedekiah consistently succumbed to the pressure of his officials ([Jeremiah 38:5](/jeremiah/38-5 "Jeremiah 38:5 - Zedekiah's Surrender to His Officials")). His actions demonstrate the tragic consequences of knowing the truth but lacking the will to obey it, ultimately leading to his downfall and the destruction of Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:14, though set in the context of Judah's impending judgment, powerfully foreshadows aspects of Christ's ministry and the world's response to Him. Jeremiah, the faithful prophet, repeatedly speaks God's truth to a resistant king and people, suffering persecution and rejection for his unwavering obedience. This mirrors Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, who came as the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), speaking the unvarnished truth of God's kingdom and the path to salvation. Just as Zedekiah sought Jeremiah in secret, acknowledging his prophetic authority while fearing the consequences of public obedience, so too did many in Jesus' day acknowledge His divine authority (e.g., Nicodemus in [John 3:1-2](/john/3-1 "John 3:1-2 - Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night")) yet struggled to openly confess Him due to fear of human disapproval or loss of status. Zedekiah's plea, "hide nothing from me," finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who is the full revelation of God, the very embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). Unlike Zedekiah, who failed to act on the truth, those who truly seek Christ find not merely counsel, but the power to obey and be transformed, for He is the ultimate 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")), offering a salvation that Jeremiah's message, though true, could only point towards.

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 21:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,

Jeremiah 21:2

Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

1 Kings 22:16

And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but [that which is] true in the name of the LORD?

Jeremiah 37:17

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 42:2

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

Jeremiah 42:5

Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.

1 Samuel 3:17

And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.