Jeremiah 38:4

Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Therefore the princes {H8269} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, We beseech thee, let this man {H376} be put to death {H4191}: for thus {H3651} he weakeneth {H7503} the hands {H3027} of the men {H582} of war {H4421} that remain {H7604} in this city {H5892}, and the hands {H3027} of all the people {H5971}, in speaking {H1696} such words {H1697} unto them: for this man {H376} seeketh {H1875} not the welfare {H7965} of this people {H5971}, but the hurt {H7451}.

The leaders said to the king, "Please let this man be put to death; because by speaking such words to the soldiers left in this city and to all the people, he is demoralizing them. This man is seeking not to benefit this people, but to harm them."

Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.”

Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Jeremiah 38:4 captures a pivotal moment during the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically amidst the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah had consistently delivered God's unpopular message: that Judah's only hope was to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, because their judgment for idolatry and disobedience was sealed. This message was perceived as treason by the royal officials and military leaders, who were desperately trying to defend the city. The princes' demand to King Zedekiah for Jeremiah's execution highlights the intense political and spiritual conflict of the time. They accused him of demoralizing the soldiers and citizens, thus "weakening their hands" and undermining the war effort.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Prophetic Truth: Jeremiah's experience exemplifies the severe opposition faced by those who deliver God's uncompromising word, especially when it contradicts popular opinion or national pride. His message, though from God, was seen as destructive to the nation's morale.
  • Misguided Patriotism vs. Divine Will: The princes believed they were acting in the best interest of the nation's "welfare," yet they were rejecting God's direct command through His prophet. Their idea of national good diverged sharply from God's ultimate plan for Judah's discipline and eventual restoration.
  • Demoralization vs. Righteous Rebuke: Jeremiah's words were indeed disheartening to those clinging to false hope, but they were also a necessary call to repentance and surrender to God's sovereign will, even if it meant temporary subjugation and suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "weakeneth the hands" is a vivid Hebrew idiom (מְרַפֶּה אֶת יְדֵי - merappeh et yedei) meaning to discourage, dishearten, or sap the strength. It perfectly describes the psychological impact of Jeremiah's prophecies of doom on a besieged populace.

The contrast between "welfare" (שלום - shalom) and "hurt" (רעה - ra'ah) is crucial. The princes accused Jeremiah of seeking ra'ah (evil, calamity, disaster) for the people. However, Jeremiah's true aim, consistent with God's character, was to lead them to true shalom (peace, wholeness, well-being) through repentance and submission, even if it involved a painful path. They misunderstood God's disciplinary actions as malicious intent.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's truth is not always palatable or popular, especially when it calls for uncomfortable change or challenges deeply held, yet misguided, beliefs. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment: understanding whether a message, even if discouraging, aligns with God's character and purposes, rather than simply judging it by its immediate emotional impact.

For believers today, it encourages courage in speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or brings personal cost, trusting that God's ultimate "welfare" for His people often involves a path of humility and obedience, as seen in Romans 8:28. It also warns against the danger of rejecting divine warnings under the guise of patriotism or perceived self-interest.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 26:11

    Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man [is] worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears.

  • Acts 16:20

    And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

  • Nehemiah 6:9

    For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

  • Exodus 5:4

    And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

  • Jeremiah 29:7

    And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

  • 1 Kings 21:20

    And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • Amos 7:10

    ¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.

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