Jeremiah 38:20

KJV

But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver [thee]. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559}, They shall not deliver {H5414} thee. Obey {H8085}, I beseech thee, the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}, which I speak {H1696} unto thee: so it shall be well {H3190} unto thee, and thy soul {H5315} shall live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu answered, "They won't hand you over. I beg you, listen to the voice of ADONAI concerning what I'm telling you about; then it will go well with you, and you will live.

Berean Standard Bible

“They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, that it may go well with you and you may live.

American Standard Version

But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of Jehovah, in that which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:20 captures a critical exchange between the prophet Jeremiah and King Zedekiah during the final siege of Jerusalem. In this pivotal moment, Jeremiah urgently implores the indecisive king to heed the divine counsel to surrender to the Babylonians, assuring him that obedience to the Lord's voice will not only prevent his feared betrayal but will also secure his personal well-being and preserve his life amidst the impending national catastrophe. The verse underscores the profound choice between human fear and divine wisdom as the path to true deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of the book of Jeremiah, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37-39). King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar, is portrayed as weak and vacillating, constantly torn between the advice of his officials who advocate resistance and Jeremiah's consistent prophetic message of surrender. The immediate preceding verses (Jeremiah 38:14-19) detail Zedekiah's secret, desperate appeal to Jeremiah for a word from the Lord, and Jeremiah's solemn warning about the consequences of disobedience. Jeremiah 38:20 is Jeremiah's direct response to Zedekiah's expressed fear of being handed over to the Jewish defectors if he surrenders, serving as a direct counter-argument and a final, urgent plea for obedience. The prophet’s counsel here is a culmination of his persistent message throughout the siege.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, around 587-586 BCE, during the final, brutal phase of the Babylonian siege. The city is on the brink of collapse, facing famine and disease. King Zedekiah ruled Judah as a vassal of Babylon but had rebelled, leading to this devastating siege. Culturally, kings were expected to be strong leaders, but Zedekiah was easily swayed by his princes and officials, many of whom were pro-Egypt and anti-Babylonian. The concept of "surrender" was deeply humiliating and seen as a betrayal by many, especially those who believed in Jerusalem's invincibility due to the presence of the Temple. Jeremiah's message, therefore, was not only unpopular but often perceived as treasonous, leading to his imprisonment. The fear of being mocked or abused by one's own people (specifically, the Jewish defectors who had already gone over to the Babylonians) was a significant social and political concern for a king.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 38:20 encapsulates several prominent themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah. The primary theme is **Obedience to God's Word**, which Jeremiah consistently presents as the sole path to true life and well-being, even when that word is difficult or counter-intuitive. This is starkly contrasted with the theme of **Human Fear vs. Divine Faith**, as Zedekiah's paralysis stems from his fear of man rather than a trusting fear of the Lord. The verse also highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, implying that Zedekiah's failure to heed this final warning will lead to catastrophic personal and national ruin, as indeed it does (cf. [Jeremiah 39:1-7](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-7 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture")). Furthermore, it underscores **Prophetic Authority and Authenticity**, as Jeremiah speaks not his own words, but the very "voice of the LORD," emphasizing that his counsel carries divine weight and rejecting it is tantamount to rejecting God Himself (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18-19 - God's Promise of a Prophet")). This moment serves as a microcosm of Judah's broader failure to listen to God's prophets, leading to their exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obey (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** H8085, a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, and consent. In this context, it is a direct imperative, not merely to passively hear, but to actively listen, understand, and comply with the divine instruction. It signifies a full alignment of will with the speaker, in this case, the Lord.
* **Well (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** H3190, a primitive root meaning "to be (causative) make well," encompassing concepts of being sound, beautiful, happy, successful, and right. It denotes a holistic state of flourishing, prosperity, and favor. For Zedekiah, it promised not just physical safety but a state of peace and rightness with God, even amidst the national calamity.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** H5315, properly "a breathing creature," signifying vitality, life, and the essence of a being. It is used very widely to denote the self, the person, life itself, or the inner being. Here, "thy soul shall live" refers to the preservation of Zedekiah's very life, both physically and in a broader sense of continued existence and well-being under God's favor, contrasting with the death and destruction facing those who resist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver [thee]."**: This opening clause directly addresses Zedekiah's primary fear—that surrendering would lead to his betrayal and humiliation by the Jewish defectors. Jeremiah, speaking with divine authority, offers a direct refutation, assuring the king that his fear is unfounded if he follows God's path. This immediately tackles Zedekiah's human-centric concern before presenting the divine solution.
* **"Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee:"**: This is the core command and the turning point of the verse. Jeremiah's plea ("I beseech thee") underscores the urgency and gravity of the moment, yet the authority is not his own, but that of "the voice of the LORD." The phrase "which I speak unto thee" emphasizes that Jeremiah is merely the conduit for God's direct, personal message to Zedekiah, making the king's choice one of obedience to God Himself.
* **"so it shall be well unto thee,"**: This clause presents the immediate, positive consequence of obedience. The promise of "well-being" (from _yâṭab_) extends beyond mere physical safety to include a state of peace, prosperity, and rightness with God. It implies a holistic flourishing that transcends the external circumstances of war and defeat.
* **"and thy soul shall live."**: This final clause reiterates and intensifies the promise of life. "Thy soul" (from _nephesh_) refers to the very essence of Zedekiah's being, his life. This is a promise of physical preservation from death in the siege, but also a deeper spiritual vitality and continued existence under God's blessing, in stark contrast to the fate of those who resist and perish.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Direct Address**, as Jeremiah speaks personally and urgently to King Zedekiah, making the divine command immediate and inescapable. This is coupled with **Prophetic Oracle**, where Jeremiah functions as a direct mouthpiece for God, lending immense authority to his words ("the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee"). The verse also employs **Conditional Promise**, clearly linking Zedekiah's well-being and life to his obedience ("Obey... so it shall be well... and thy soul shall live"). This structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between human choice and divine consequence. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between Zedekiah's fear of man and Jeremiah's call to faith in God's protective power, underscoring the spiritual battle at play. The repetition of "thee" personalizes the stakes, making it clear that Zedekiah's individual destiny is intertwined with his response to God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:20 powerfully illustrates the enduring biblical principle that genuine well-being and life are found in radical obedience to God's revealed will, even when that path appears contrary to human logic or fraught with personal fear. Zedekiah's dilemma—choosing between the perceived safety of human strategy and the humbling path of divine instruction—mirrors the fundamental human struggle to trust God's sovereignty amidst challenging circumstances. The promise of "well" and "life" for the obedient underscores God's benevolent character, demonstrating that His commands are always for our ultimate good, even when they involve surrender or sacrifice. This passage serves as a poignant reminder that true security is not found in avoiding immediate discomfort or human judgment, but in aligning one's heart and actions with the divine voice.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life")
* [Isaiah 1:19-20](/isaiah/1-19 "Isaiah 1:19-20 - Obedience and Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:20 stands as a timeless challenge to prioritize divine wisdom over human fear, particularly when facing daunting decisions. Like Zedekiah, we often find ourselves at crossroads where God's path seems counterintuitive, unpopular, or personally humiliating. This verse urges us to remember that true peace and preservation are not contingent on our ability to manipulate circumstances or appease human opinion, but on our willingness to humbly submit to the Lord's voice. It calls us to examine our fears: are we more concerned with what others think, or with what God commands? The promise that "it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live" is a profound assurance that God's way, though sometimes difficult, always leads to ultimate flourishing and genuine life, both physically and spiritually. It is a call to courageous faith, trusting that God's protection and provision are secured through obedience, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "voices" or fears in my life currently compete with the clear voice of the Lord?**
* **In what areas am I tempted to prioritize human approval or perceived safety over radical obedience to God's will?**
* **How does the promise "it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live" encourage me to trust God more deeply in my current circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more fully obey a specific prompting or command from the Lord, even if it feels challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Zedekiah so afraid to obey Jeremiah's counsel?**

Answer: King Zedekiah was primarily afraid of humiliation and abuse from his own people, specifically the Jewish defectors who had already gone over to the Babylonians. He feared that if he surrendered, he would be handed over to them, and they would mock and mistreat him (Jeremiah 38:19). This fear of man, coupled with his inherent weakness and indecisiveness, paralyzed him and prevented him from following God's clear command, leading to his tragic downfall. His concern for his reputation and personal safety outweighed his trust in God's promise of well-being.

**What was the ultimate outcome for King Zedekiah after this exchange?**

Answer: Tragically, King Zedekiah chose not to obey the voice of the Lord as spoken through Jeremiah. He did not surrender to the Babylonians. As a result, the city of Jerusalem fell, and Zedekiah's worst fears were realized, but in a far more devastating way than Jeremiah had warned. His sons were slaughtered before his eyes, and then his own eyes were put out. He was bound in bronze chains and taken as a captive to Babylon, where he eventually died (see [Jeremiah 39:4-7](/jeremiah/39-4 "Jeremiah 39:4-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment")). His disobedience led to the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the Davidic monarchy in Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:20, with its urgent call to obedience for the sake of life and well-being, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Zedekiah failed to obey the voice of the Lord and consequently lost his kingdom and his sight, Jesus perfectly embodied radical obedience, even unto death, thereby securing eternal life and true well-being for all who believe. The "voice of the LORD" that Jeremiah spoke foreshadows the very Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father's will (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike Zedekiah, who feared man, Jesus willingly surrendered His life to the will of the Father, even praying, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (cf. [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His obedience, not for His own preservation but for the salvation of humanity, led to His resurrection and the promise that "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Thus, the conditional promise of "well-being" and "life" for Zedekiah through obedience is fully realized in Christ, who is our ultimate peace and the source of abundant and eternal life for all who hear and obey His voice (cf. [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")).

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

Daniel 4:27

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Jeremiah 26:13

Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Acts 26:29

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Jeremiah 11:4

Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: