Jeremiah 38:17

KJV

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Jeremiah {H3414} unto Zedekiah {H6667}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; If thou wilt assuredly {H3318} go forth {H3318} unto the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} princes {H8269}, then thy soul {H5315} shall live {H2421}, and this city {H5892} shall not be burned {H8313} with fire {H784}; and thou shalt live {H2421}, and thine house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yirmeyahu said to Tzidkiyahu, "Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'If you will go out and surrender to the king of Bavel's officers, then you will stay alive - this city will not be burned down; and you and your family will live.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive.

American Standard Version

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: If thou wilt go forth unto the king of Babylon’s princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thy house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:17 records a pivotal and final divine ultimatum delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to King Zedekiah during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. God, through Jeremiah, offers Zedekiah and the city of Jerusalem a clear path to preservation: if the king would surrender to the Babylonian princes, his own life would be spared, the city would not be burned, and his household would survive. This verse encapsulates God's enduring mercy, even amidst impending judgment, presenting a stark choice between obedience leading to life and defiance leading to utter destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 38:17 is situated within the dramatic and tragic final chapters of the Book of Jeremiah, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BCE). King Zedekiah, Judah's last monarch, is portrayed as weak and indecisive, caught between the prophet Jeremiah's unpopular, divinely-inspired counsel to surrender and the strong opposition of his own fearful and nationalistic officials who advocate resistance. This particular verse comes after Jeremiah has been imprisoned in a miry cistern ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah 38:6 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")) due to these officials' complaints. Zedekiah, despite his public stance and the pressure from his court, secretly sends for Jeremiah, seeking a word from the Lord ([Jeremiah 38:14](/jeremiah/38-14 "Jeremiah 38:14 - Zedekiah Seeks Jeremiah's Counsel")). This verse is the direct, unvarnished answer to that secret inquiry, a final, desperate offer of grace before the inevitable catastrophe. It highlights the prophet's unwavering faithfulness in delivering God's difficult message, even at great personal risk, and the king's ultimate failure to heed it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, marked by its vassalage to Babylon and the subsequent rebellion under Zedekiah, encouraged by pro-Egyptian factions. Jerusalem was under a brutal siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, leading to famine and desperation within the city walls. Culturally, surrender to a conquering empire was seen as the ultimate humiliation and a sign of weakness, especially by the nationalistic elements who believed God would miraculously protect Jerusalem as He had in the past (e.g., [the account of Sennacherib's defeat](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Sennacherib's Defeat")). The idea of a king "going forth" to the enemy's princes (high-ranking officials) implied a complete submission, a formal act of capitulation that would secure terms. The threat of a city being "burned with fire" was a common fate for conquered cities in ancient Near Eastern warfare, signifying total destruction and the end of its identity. Jeremiah's counsel, therefore, ran directly counter to the prevailing political and military wisdom of the time, making it deeply unpopular and dangerous for both the prophet and the king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over nations and their destinies; God, not human strategy or political alliances, ultimately determines the outcome of historical events. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Obedience and Trust** in God's word, even when that word seems counter-intuitive or humiliating. Zedekiah's choice was a test of his faith and humility. Thirdly, the verse reveals God's **Mercy Amidst Judgment**; even after decades of Judah's rebellion and idolatry, and on the precipice of destruction, God extends a genuine offer of preservation if His people (represented by the king) would humble themselves and obey. This echoes God's patient dealings with Israel throughout their history, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Zedekiah's ultimate rejection of this divine counsel led directly to the tragic fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people, detailed in [the fall of Jerusalem in Jeremiah](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here, alongside "God of hosts" and "God of Israel," emphasizes that the message is not merely Jeremiah's opinion but an authoritative decree from the sovereign, unchanging God who is intimately involved with His people Israel and controls all creation, including armies and nations. It underscores the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the ultimatum.
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively." In this context, it specifically refers to "going out" or "surrendering" to the Babylonian princes. The repetition of the root in the KJV's "assuredly go forth" (H3318 repeated) emphasizes the certainty and necessity of this action. It's a decisive, deliberate act of submission that God commands, a stark contrast to the king's usual position of power and authority.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." This word is repeated twice in the verse, underscoring the central promise: "thy soul shall live... and thou shalt live." It encompasses not just physical survival but also the preservation of one's identity, family, and future. In a context of impending death and destruction, this promise of "life" is the ultimate divine blessing offered for obedience, highlighting God's desire for the flourishing and survival of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening establishes the divine authority of the message. Jeremiah is merely the messenger, and the words are directly from "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God, who is also "the God of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth, emphasizing His power over armies and heavenly bodies) and "the God of Israel" (affirming His unique relationship with His chosen people). This triple designation underscores the gravity and unquestionable source of the command.
* **"If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire;":** This is the conditional promise, the divine ultimatum. The condition is clear: Zedekiah must "assuredly go forth," meaning he must decisively and willingly surrender to the Babylonian officials. The consequences of this obedience are equally clear and profound: his "soul shall live" (his life will be spared) and, crucially, Jerusalem, the holy city, "shall not be burned with fire." This links the king's personal fate directly to the city's fate, emphasizing his responsibility.
* **"and thou shalt live, and thine house:":** This reiterates and expands upon the promise of life. The repetition of "thou shalt live" emphasizes the certainty of his personal survival. Furthermore, the promise extends to "thine house," meaning his family and dynasty would also be preserved, albeit under Babylonian rule. This offer of dynastic continuity, even in subjugation, was a significant concession from God, demonstrating His persistent mercy even in judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and weighty message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("If...then"), which clearly lays out the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Zedekiah's obedience and the preservation of life and city. This structure emphasizes the king's agency and the immediate consequences of his choice. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel" is a classic example of a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and divine sanction to Jeremiah's words, distinguishing them from mere human counsel. The **Repetition** of the verb "live" ("thy soul shall live... and thou shalt live") serves as a powerful emphasis, highlighting the preciousness of the promised preservation in the face of imminent destruction. Finally, there is a strong **Contrast** presented: life and preservation versus burning and destruction, making the stakes incredibly clear and the choice unavoidable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty, His just judgment, and His enduring mercy. It reveals that even when a people have strayed far from His covenant, God still provides a path to redemption and preservation, albeit one that often requires humility, surrender, and a rejection of human pride and worldly wisdom. The divine offer to Zedekiah was not a sign of weakness on God's part, but a demonstration of His ultimate control over all nations and His desire for life, even for those facing the consequences of their rebellion. This passage underscores that true security and flourishing come not from resisting God's will, but from aligning with it, no matter how difficult or counter-intuitive it may seem. It is a profound illustration of God's patience, extending a final opportunity for repentance and salvation before the full weight of judgment falls.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6-7 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:17 presents a timeless challenge to all who follow God: how do we respond when God's path for us seems to contradict our natural instincts, our pride, or the conventional wisdom of the world? Like Zedekiah, we often find ourselves in situations where the "easy" or "popular" choice leads to destruction, while the "hard" or "humbling" choice leads to true life and peace. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's wisdom, even when it feels counter-intuitive. It reminds us that true strength is found in surrendering our will to His, acknowledging His sovereignty over all circumstances, and choosing obedience over rebellion. The consequences of Zedekiah's pride serve as a sobering warning, urging us to listen to God's difficult truths, embrace humility, and choose the path of surrender, for it is often through yielding that we truly find life and preservation for ourselves and those we influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I resisting God's call to "go forth" or surrender, perhaps out of pride or fear of humiliation?**
* **What "unpopular truths" might God be speaking to me through His Word or through faithful messengers, that I am tempted to ignore?**
* **How does Zedekiah's ultimate choice, despite God's clear offer, challenge my understanding of free will and divine sovereignty?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's character, particularly His mercy and His justice, even in the face of persistent rebellion?**

### FAQ
**Why would God command Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians, His enemies?**

Answer:
God commanded Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians not because He favored Babylon, but because it was part of His divine judgment against Judah for its prolonged idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah for decades. Surrender was the only path to preservation for Zedekiah and Jerusalem, demonstrating that God's will, even when difficult, is always ultimately for the good of those who obey. It was a test of Zedekiah's humility and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when that plan involved temporary subjugation to a foreign power. God was using Babylon as an instrument of His judgment, and obedience to His command would have mitigated the severity of that judgment. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that God uses nations as His instruments (e.g., [God's use of Assyria in Isaiah](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")).

**Did Zedekiah obey Jeremiah's counsel, and what were the consequences of his choice?**

Answer:
Sadly, King Zedekiah did not obey Jeremiah's counsel to surrender. Despite the clear divine promise of preservation for himself and the city, Zedekiah feared his officials and the humiliation of surrender more than he feared God. He ultimately chose to resist the Babylonians, leading to the tragic fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies. As recorded in [Jeremiah 39:4-7](/jeremiah/39-4-7 "Jeremiah 39:4-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment"), Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured. His sons were executed before his eyes, his eyes were then put out, and he was taken in chains to Babylon, where he died in prison. Jerusalem was subsequently burned to the ground, and its walls were broken down, just as Jeremiah had warned. His disobedience resulted in the complete destruction of his house and the city, precisely the outcome God had offered to prevent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:17, with its divine ultimatum of life through surrender, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah was offered physical life and the preservation of his earthly house and city through submission to earthly authorities appointed by God. In contrast, Christ calls humanity to spiritual and eternal life through surrender to Him, the ultimate King and divine authority. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle of submission, "going forth" not to an earthly king's princes, but to the will of His Heavenly Father, even to the point of death on the cross (e.g., [Christ's humility and obedience](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His surrender was not to save a physical city from burning, but to save humanity from the eternal flames of judgment, offering true and everlasting "life" to all who believe (e.g., [God's love and the gift of eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "house" that is preserved through Christ's obedience is not merely a physical dwelling, but the spiritual "house" of God, His church, built upon Him as the cornerstone (e.g., [the church built on the foundation of apostles and prophets](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, Jeremiah's message to Zedekiah serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the gospel's call: surrender to God's appointed way, through Christ, and truly "thy soul shall live."

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 27:12

¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

Jeremiah 27:17

Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Jeremiah 39:3

And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, [even] Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 21:8

¶ And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.

Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.