Jeremiah 39:12

KJV

Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} him, and look well {H5869}{H7760} to him, and do {H6213} him no harm {H3972}{H7451}; but do {H6213} unto him even as he shall say {H1696} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but treat him as he tells you."

Berean Standard Bible

“Take him, look after him, and do not let any harm come to him; do for him whatever he says.”

American Standard Version

Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:12 records a remarkable and unexpected directive from King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, concerning the prophet Jeremiah. Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem, this command emphasizes extraordinary protection and freedom for God's messenger, contrasting sharply with the harsh treatment of other captives. It stands as a profound testament to divine providence, illustrating God's sovereign ability to influence even pagan rulers and orchestrate events to ensure the safety and well-being of His faithful servants amidst chaos, judgment, and the collapse of their world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 39 marks the climactic and tragic fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding Jerusalem's destruction and the Judahite exile. The preceding chapters meticulously detail the prolonged siege of the city, King Zedekiah's repeated failures to heed Jeremiah's warnings to surrender, and the prophet's subsequent imprisonment for what was deemed treasonous prophecy. This specific verse immediately follows the capture of King Zedekiah, his sons' execution, and his own blinding—a grim tableau of conquest and divine judgment. Amidst this scene of utter devastation and the general plundering and enslavement of the populace, Nebuchadnezzar's personal instruction concerning Jeremiah stands out as an astonishing and significant deviation from typical Babylonian policy, underscoring Jeremiah's unique status. This special treatment was likely due to Jeremiah's consistent prophecies of Babylonian victory and his counsel for Judah to submit, as recorded in passages like [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Nations to Serve Babylon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC was not merely a military defeat but the catastrophic end of the Kingdom of Judah, marking a pivotal moment in Israelite history and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was a formidable and ruthless power known for its systematic military campaigns, destruction of conquered cities, plundering of resources, and mass deportations designed to prevent future rebellions. Within this brutal context, Nebuchadnezzar's explicit command to protect and honor Jeremiah is highly unusual. It strongly suggests that the Babylonian king was aware of Jeremiah's prophecies—perhaps through intelligence reports, defectors, or the prophet's public pronouncements—and recognized Jeremiah as a legitimate prophet whose words had proven true. While rare, ancient Near Eastern rulers sometimes acknowledged or sought to appease the gods of conquered peoples, particularly if their prophets had demonstrated verifiable foresight, indicating a pragmatic respect for spiritual power, even if foreign.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 39:12 powerfully illustrates several profound themes central to the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations, kings, and historical events, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan emperor, becomes an unwitting instrument of God's protection for His prophet, fulfilling God's earlier promise to Jeremiah that He would deliver him from the hands of his enemies ([Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "Jeremiah 1:8 - God's Promise of Protection to Jeremiah")). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Servants**. Despite decades of rejection, persecution, and imprisonment by his own people (e.g., [Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment")), Jeremiah is ultimately protected and honored by the very empire God used to execute judgment. This serves as a powerful reminder that God watches over those who are faithful to His word, even amidst tribulation, a theme also echoed in [Psalm 91:14](/psalm/91-14 "Psalm 91:14 - God's Deliverance of Those Who Love Him"). Lastly, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Poetic Justice and Reversal**, as the prophet who was scorned and imprisoned by his own people is now granted freedom and protection by the conquering power, while those who rejected God's word face the full weight of judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, bring, fetch, seize, or receive. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative command to physically take custody of Jeremiah, not as a typical prisoner, but to bring him under specific care and protection. It implies a deliberate act of separation from the general populace of captives, marking him for special, preferential treatment.
* **Harm (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451, meaning "bad" or "evil" (natural or moral), often referring to adversity, affliction, mischief, or injury. Paired with "no" (H3972, _mᵉʼûwmâh_, meaning "nothing"), the phrase "do him no harm" is a strong, unequivocal prohibition against any form of physical injury, mistreatment, or malicious act towards Jeremiah. It underscores the king's intent for Jeremiah to be treated with absolute safety, respect, and freedom from any suffering.
* **Say (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696, a primitive root meaning "to speak," "to arrange," or "to command." Here, it grants Jeremiah an extraordinary degree of autonomy and self-determination. The command "do unto him even as he shall say unto thee" means that Jeremiah's own words, desires, and choices are to be the guiding principle for his treatment and future. This is a remarkable concession from a conquering king to a captive, highlighting the unique favor shown to the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take him,"**: This is a direct, imperative command from Nebuchadnezzar to Nebuzaradan, signaling an immediate and specific action to secure Jeremiah. It distinguishes Jeremiah from the general population of Judahite captives, underscoring his unique status and the king's personal interest in his well-being and safety.
* **"and look well to him,"**: This phrase translates a Hebrew idiom meaning "set your eyes upon him" or "pay close attention to him" (from H5869, _ʻayin_ "eye," and H7760, _sûwm_ "to put"). It implies a command for diligent oversight, careful supervision, and protective custody. It's not merely to observe, but to actively ensure his safety, comfort, and provision, reflecting a high degree of care and responsibility.
* **"and do him no harm;"**: This is an explicit prohibition, a negative command that strictly forbids any injury, abuse, or ill-treatment of Jeremiah. It emphasizes the king's desire for Jeremiah to remain physically and emotionally unharmed, contrasting sharply with the violence and suffering inflicted upon the rest of Jerusalem's inhabitants and captives.
* **"but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee."**: This final clause grants Jeremiah an unprecedented level of freedom and self-determination for a captive. It means that Jeremiah's own wishes and instructions are to be followed regarding his future. This extraordinary autonomy allows Jeremiah to choose his path, whether to remain in Judah or go to Babylon, as further detailed in [Jeremiah 40:4-6](/jeremiah/40-4 "Jeremiah 40:4-6 - Jeremiah's Choice After the Fall of Jerusalem").

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its significant message. The most prominent is **Command**, as Nebuchadnezzar issues a series of direct imperatives ("Take him," "look well to him," "do him no harm," "do unto him"). This emphasizes the king's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of his decree, highlighting the immediate and decisive action required. There is also significant **Contrast** at play: the violent destruction and widespread captivity inflicted upon Jerusalem and its people stand in stark opposition to the protective and deferential treatment commanded for Jeremiah. This contrast powerfully highlights Jeremiah's unique position as God's prophet, whose words, though rejected by his own people, were implicitly honored by the pagan king. Furthermore, an element of **Divine Irony** or **Poetic Justice** is evident in that the prophet, who was imprisoned and persecuted by his own countrymen for speaking God's truth, now finds protection and freedom from the very foreign power that God used to judge Judah. This dramatic reversal of fortunes underscores God's sovereign hand in upholding and vindicating His faithful servants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:12 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering providence and His commitment to protecting His faithful messengers, even amidst the most cataclysmic events. It demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted, and He can use any means, even the actions of a pagan king, to achieve His will and safeguard those who remain true to Him. This passage provides profound comfort, affirming that even when the world seems to be collapsing, God remains sovereign, watching over His own and orchestrating events for their good and His glory. It underscores the biblical principle that while judgment may fall upon nations, God's personal care extends to His obedient servants, ensuring their safety and providing for their needs, often in ways that defy human expectation or logic.

* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalm/105-14-15 "God Rebukes Kings for His Anointed")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good for Those Who Love God")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:12 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's protective hand is not limited by human circumstances, political upheaval, or the hostility of the world. In times of personal or societal chaos, this verse calls us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign care, knowing that He can raise up unexpected sources of help and protection, even from those who seem to be adversaries or unlikely allies. It challenges us to remain faithful to God's truth, even when it is unpopular, brings personal cost, or leads to persecution, confident that our ultimate security rests in His divine providence, not in human systems, alliances, or fleeting circumstances. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring power and authority of God's word, which can even compel respect from those outside the faith, demonstrating its inherent truth and divine origin. We are encouraged to honor and heed God's messengers, understanding that their words, though sometimes challenging, are ultimately for our good and His glory, and that God will always vindicate His truth and those who faithfully proclaim it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's experience challenge your understanding of God's protection in seemingly impossible or desperate circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be using unexpected people or situations in your life to fulfill His purposes or provide for you, even when you don't perceive it?**
* **What does Jeremiah's unwavering faithfulness, despite decades of rejection and imprisonment, teach you about perseverance and trust in your own walk with God?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more active trust in God's sovereignty when the world around you feels chaotic, uncertain, or even hostile?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuchadnezzar show such favor to Jeremiah?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't explicitly state Nebuchadnezzar's exact motivations, several factors likely contributed to his unusual favor towards Jeremiah. Firstly, Jeremiah had consistently prophesied the Babylonian victory and urged Judah to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6-8 "Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant and Instrument of Judgment"). This counsel aligned perfectly with Nebuchadnezzar's objectives and could have been interpreted as a sign of Jeremiah's loyalty or, at the very least, his prophetic accuracy. Secondly, ancient Near Eastern rulers sometimes respected or sought to appease the gods of conquered peoples, especially if their prophets had proven accurate in their predictions. Nebuchadnezzar may have recognized Jeremiah as a genuine prophet whose words had come to pass, leading him to believe that showing favor to Jeremiah might be advantageous or prudent for his own kingdom's stability. Lastly, and most importantly from a theological perspective, it was ultimately God's sovereign hand at work, influencing the king's heart to protect His faithful servant, as [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand") states that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 39:12, with its depiction of a faithful prophet protected by an unlikely source amidst the judgment of Jerusalem, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine care extended through Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah was preserved from the destruction of his city, so too are those who are "in Christ" preserved from the ultimate judgment of sin and death. Jesus, the supreme Prophet, spoke God's truth perfectly, often facing even greater rejection and persecution from His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own and They Did Not Receive Him")). Yet, through His crucifixion and resurrection, He secured eternal protection and freedom for all who believe in Him. His words, like Jeremiah's, are to be obeyed ("do unto him even as he shall say unto thee"), but with infinitely greater authority, for He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us"). The extraordinary freedom granted to Jeremiah to choose his path finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual liberty offered by Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus")). Moreover, just as God used a pagan king to protect Jeremiah, He used the Roman authorities, albeit unwittingly and with malicious intent, to fulfill His redemptive plan through Christ's crucifixion, ultimately turning a moment of apparent defeat into the greatest victory for humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Jesus Delivered Up According to God's Plan")). Thus, Jeremiah's preservation is a beautiful type of the spiritual preservation and sovereign care that God extends to all who are found in His Son, Jesus Christ, the one who truly offers ultimate refuge and salvation ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "We Have Fled for Refuge to Lay Hold of the Hope Set Before Us")).

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

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Jeremiah 40:4

And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.

Psalms 105:14

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Jeremiah 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.