Jeremiah 38:18

KJV

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou wilt not go forth {H3318} to the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} princes {H8269}, then shall this city {H5892} be given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, and they shall burn {H8313} it with fire {H784}, and thou shalt not escape out {H4422} of their hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you will not go out to the king of Bavel's officers, then this city will be handed over to the Kasdim; they will burn it to the ground; and you will not escape from them.'"

Berean Standard Bible

But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”

American Standard Version

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:18 delivers a profound and urgent warning from the prophet Jeremiah to King Zedekiah, presenting a stark conditional prophecy concerning the fate of Jerusalem and the king himself. It lays out the catastrophic consequences—the city's fiery destruction and Zedekiah's inescapable capture—should he refuse God's counsel to surrender to the Babylonian princes, underscoring the gravity of disobedience in the face of divine instruction during Judah's final, desperate days.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 38 is situated in the final, climactic section of the Book of Jeremiah, which details the siege of Jerusalem and the prophet's persistent, unpopular message of surrender. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah has been imprisoned for his prophecies, yet King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation and secret consultation, seeks the prophet's counsel. In [Jeremiah 38:17](/jeremiah/38-17 "Jeremiah's Counsel to King Zedekiah"), Jeremiah offers Zedekiah a clear path to preservation for himself and the city if he surrenders to the Babylonian officials. Verse 18 then presents the dire alternative, forming a powerful conditional statement that highlights the king's pivotal choice and the immediate consequences of his refusal. This dialogue is central to understanding the tragic downfall of Judah, as Zedekiah ultimately fails to heed this divine warning, leading directly into the narrative of Jerusalem's fall in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the final Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC) under Nebuchadnezzar, a period of immense national crisis and despair for the Kingdom of Judah. The "Chaldeans" were the dominant power of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and their military might was overwhelming. Culturally, the idea of surrendering to an enemy was deeply humiliating, especially for a king, and Zedekiah faced immense pressure from his own officials and the populace who advocated for resistance, often relying on false prophets. Geographically, Jerusalem was a fortified city, but its defenses were crumbling, and the people were suffering from famine and disease. Jeremiah's message directly contradicted the prevailing nationalistic and pro-Egyptian sentiments, making his counsel politically dangerous and personally costly for the king to follow. The king's fear of his own people and of the defectors (as seen in [Jeremiah 38:19](/jeremiah/38-19 "Jeremiah 38:19 - Zedekiah's Fear of the Jews")) profoundly influenced his tragic decision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **conditional prophecy**, where God's announced outcomes are contingent upon human response, demonstrating divine justice and the reality of human free will within God's sovereign plan. The immediate and severe **consequences of disobedience** are vividly portrayed, illustrating how rejecting God's clear counsel, often out of fear of man or pride, leads to inevitable judgment. Furthermore, it highlights the **inevitability of divine judgment** when warnings are unheeded, as Jerusalem's destruction was a foregone conclusion if Zedekiah persisted in his defiance. This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic theme of covenant blessings and curses, where faithfulness brings life and disobedience brings destruction, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The narrative also subtly explores the **struggle between fear of God and fear of man**, a central dilemma for Zedekiah throughout his reign, ultimately leading to his tragic end as depicted in [Jeremiah 39:7](/jeremiah/39-7 "Jeremiah 39:7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3318) means "to go out" or "to bring out," with a wide variety of applications. In this context, it specifically refers to Zedekiah's act of surrendering or yielding himself to the Babylonian princes. It implies a decisive movement from his current position of defiance or indecision to one of submission. The failure to "go forth" is the pivotal choice that triggers the subsequent judgment.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** Appearing twice in this verse (H3027), "hand" is a highly versatile primitive word often signifying power, control, authority, or possession. When the city is "given into the hand of the Chaldeans," it means it falls completely under their dominion and control. When Zedekiah "shalt not escape out of their hand," it emphasizes the inescapable grasp and power of the Babylonians, signifying his complete capture and lack of freedom.
* **burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_): Retrieves this primitive root (H8313) means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to burn up." It denotes a complete and destructive conflagration. The prophecy that the Chaldeans "shall burn it with fire" foretells the utter devastation of Jerusalem, a literal fulfillment that marked the end of the city and temple, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - The Burning of Jerusalem and the Temple").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes,"**: This clause presents the critical condition for the dire consequences that follow. It refers to King Zedekiah's refusal to surrender to the designated representatives of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Jeremiah's counsel was not merely to surrender to the army, but specifically to the "princes" or high officials, implying a structured, negotiated surrender that would preserve life and potentially the city. Zedekiah's "not going forth" signifies a choice of defiance and resistance against God's revealed will, driven by pride and fear of man.
* **"then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans,"**: This is the immediate and direct consequence of Zedekiah's refusal. Jerusalem, referred to as "this city," will be delivered over, or "given," into the absolute control and power ("hand") of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). This signifies the end of Judah's sovereignty, the complete subjugation of its capital, and the cessation of its independent existence as a kingdom.
* **"and they shall burn it with fire,"**: This further specifies the nature of the Chaldeans' action. Not only will they take control, but they will also utterly destroy the city by setting it ablaze. This is a prophecy of total devastation, a common method of conquest in ancient warfare to assert dominance and prevent future rebellion, ensuring that Jerusalem would be rendered uninhabitable and its defenses obliterated.
* **"and thou shalt not escape out of their hand."**: This final clause addresses Zedekiah's personal fate. It prophesies that the king himself will not be able to flee or evade capture by the Chaldean forces. Just as the city falls into their power, so too will Zedekiah, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the judgment for his disobedience and the futility of any attempt to escape divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Statement**, introduced by "But if," which clearly delineates the two possible outcomes based on Zedekiah's choice. This structure emphasizes human agency and responsibility in the face of divine decree, presenting a stark dichotomy of blessing or curse. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully evident, as the verse vividly predicts the future destruction of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah, events that are later fulfilled with devastating accuracy in the historical narrative of [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). The repetition of the phrase "out of their **hand**" (referring to the Chaldeans) serves as a form of **Repetition** or **Anaphora**, powerfully emphasizing the inescapable power and control of the enemy, highlighting the futility of resistance against God's ordained judgment. Finally, there is a stark **Contrast** between the potential for preservation offered in the preceding verse ([Jeremiah 38:17](/jeremiah/38-17 "Jeremiah 38:17 - Jeremiah's Counsel to King Zedekiah")) and the utter destruction and capture promised in this verse, underscoring the gravity and finality of Zedekiah's decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:18 stands as a stark testament to the biblical principle that divine warnings are not idle threats but expressions of God's justice and His desire for humanity to choose life. It powerfully illustrates the profound consequences of rejecting God's revealed will, even when that will seems counter-intuitive or politically inconvenient. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His use of foreign powers as instruments of judgment, yet it simultaneously highlights human accountability for choices made. Zedekiah's refusal to "go forth" was not merely a political miscalculation but a spiritual act of defiance against the divine counsel, leading to the prophesied destruction of Jerusalem and his own tragic demise. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that true wisdom lies in humble obedience to God, regardless of the cost or the prevailing human opinion. God's warnings are always an invitation to repentance and life, even when delivered through harsh prophetic words.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that the principles of divine warning, human choice, and inevitable consequences remain eternally relevant. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and resistance to difficult truths, this verse calls us to a posture of humility and obedience to God's voice, even when His guidance challenges our comfort, pride, or popular opinion. Just as Zedekiah faced a choice between a humiliating surrender and catastrophic destruction, we too encounter moments where God's path for us may seem difficult or counter-cultural. This passage challenges us to prioritize God's wisdom above all else, trusting that His ways, though sometimes demanding, ultimately lead to preservation and true well-being. It compels us to examine our own lives: are we listening attentively to the Spirit's promptings, seeking counsel from His Word, and willing to "go forth" in obedience, even when it means sacrificing our pride or worldly security? The alternative, as Zedekiah discovered, is an inescapable outcome of our own making, leading to spiritual desolation rather than flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unpopular" or difficult truths might God be calling me to embrace or "go forth" into today, even if it challenges my comfort or reputation?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize the fear of man or personal pride over humble obedience to God's clear will?**
* **How does understanding the consequences of Zedekiah's disobedience motivate me to seek and follow God's guidance more diligently in my own choices?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zedekiah so hesitant to "go forth" and surrender, despite Jeremiah's clear prophecy?**

Answer: Zedekiah's hesitation stemmed from a complex mix of fear and political pressure. He feared the ridicule and abuse he might suffer from the Judean officials and people who had already deserted to the Chaldeans, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 38:19](/jeremiah/38-19 "Jeremiah 38:19 - Zedekiah's Fear of the Jews"). He was also likely swayed by the strong anti-Babylonian faction within his court and the false prophets who promised deliverance. His fear of man outweighed his fear of God, leading him to ignore the divine counsel that would have saved his city and his life.

**What happened to Jerusalem and Zedekiah after his refusal to surrender?**

Answer: As prophesied in Jeremiah 38:18, Zedekiah's refusal led to the complete fulfillment of the warning. The city of Jerusalem was indeed captured and "burned with fire" by the Chaldeans, as vividly recorded in [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - The Burning of Jerusalem and the Temple") and [Jeremiah 52:13](/jeremiah/52-13 "Jeremiah 52:13 - The Destruction of Jerusalem"). Zedekiah himself did not "escape out of their hand." He was captured while attempting to flee, his sons were executed before his eyes, and then he was blinded and taken in chains to Babylon, where he remained imprisoned until his death, as detailed in [Jeremiah 39:4-7](/jeremiah/39-4-7 "Jeremiah 39:4-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding").

**Does God still issue "conditional prophecies" or warnings like this today?**

Answer: While direct, specific prophecies about national destruction in the same manner as Jeremiah's are rare in the New Covenant era, the principle of conditional outcomes based on human response to God's will remains profoundly true. God's Word consistently presents choices with spiritual consequences (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Believers are called to heed the warnings and instructions found in Scripture, to listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and to respond in obedience. While God's ultimate plan is sovereign, our personal and corporate choices have real and significant implications for our spiritual well-being, blessings, and the fruitfulness of our lives, as seen in passages like [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:18, with its stark warning of inescapable judgment for disobedience and the ultimate destruction of a city, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar act of destruction by Christ, but in His perfect obedience and the ultimate escape He offers from a far greater judgment. Zedekiah's refusal to "go forth" to the princes of Babylon led to his capture and the city's burning, a vivid picture of humanity's inability to escape the consequences of sin through its own efforts. However, Jesus Christ, the true King, perfectly "went forth" in obedience to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He willingly surrendered Himself to the "hand" of judgment, not for His own sin, but to bear the "fire" of God's wrath against humanity's rebellion, as foreshadowed in the suffering servant passages of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Through His sacrificial death, Christ became the ultimate "escape" for all who trust in Him, delivering them from the "hand" of sin and eternal condemnation (see [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated") and [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The judgment that fell upon Jerusalem for its disobedience foreshadows the righteous judgment that awaits all who refuse to "go forth" in faith and surrender to the reign of the true King, Jesus, who alone offers salvation and the promise of an eternal city that will never be burned (see [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 38:3

Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

Jeremiah 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Jeremiah 32:5

And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

2 Kings 25:10

And all the army of the Chaldees, that [were with] the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.