Jeremiah 39:17

KJV

But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou [art] afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will deliver {H5337} thee in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: and thou shalt not be given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the men {H582} of whom {H6440} thou art afraid {H3016}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But at that time I will rescue you," says ADONAI, "and I will not hand you over to the men you fear.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD, and you will not be delivered into the hands of the men whom you fear.

American Standard Version

But I will deliver thee in that day, saith Jehovah; and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:17 delivers a singular, profound promise of divine protection and deliverance to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, an official in King Zedekiah's court, amidst the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. This oracle, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, assures Ebed-melech that he would be spared from the impending destruction and from the very individuals whose power he feared, a direct reward for his courageous and compassionate act of rescuing Jeremiah from the miry pit. It stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care for those who demonstrate faithfulness and kindness, even when the broader nation faces severe judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This specific oracle to Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 39:15-18) is strategically placed within the narrative of Jerusalem's final moments before its destruction and the subsequent exile. Immediately preceding this, [Jeremiah 39:1-14](/jeremiah/39-1-14 "Jeremiah 39:1-14 - Fall of Jerusalem and Jeremiah's Release") details the breaching of Jerusalem's walls, the capture of King Zedekiah, and the subsequent treatment of Jeremiah by the Babylonian officials. The promise to Ebed-melech serves as a striking counterpoint to the widespread judgment described, highlighting God's particular attention to individual righteousness even amidst collective consequences. It directly follows the account of Ebed-melech's heroic intervention to save Jeremiah's life from the hostile Judean officials who had thrown him into a cistern to die, as recorded in [Jeremiah 38:7-13](/jeremiah/38-7-13 "Jeremiah 38:7-13 - Ebed-melech Rescues Jeremiah"). This divine promise thus functions as a direct, divinely-mandated reward for Ebed-melech's compassionate and courageous act.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the climactic siege and fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces in 586 BC. This period was marked by immense political instability, famine, and despair within the besieged city. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, had rebelled, leading to the final siege. Within this volatile environment, Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch and an official in the royal palace, demonstrated remarkable courage. As a eunuch, he likely held a position of trust and influence, possibly overseeing the king's household or treasury. His act of appealing directly to the king to save Jeremiah, who was widely considered a traitor for prophesying Jerusalem's fall and advocating surrender, put his own life and position at extreme risk. The "men of whom thou art afraid" likely refers to the pro-Egyptian, anti-Jeremiah officials who had sought Jeremiah's death, or even the invading Chaldean soldiers, whose brutality was well-known.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 39:17 powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout [the book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Individual Deliverance**, demonstrating God's absolute control over historical events and His capacity to provide specific protection for His faithful servants, even when an entire nation is under judgment. This contrasts sharply with the fate of the unrepentant nation, underscoring that God's justice is precise. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Reward for Righteousness and Compassion**. Ebed-melech's deliverance is explicitly linked to his courageous act of kindness towards Jeremiah, illustrating the principle that God "is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love" found in [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Our Labor of Love"). Thirdly, it addresses **Overcoming Fear through Divine Assurance**, as God directly confronts Ebed-melech's apprehension, promising protection from those he dreaded. This theme resonates with God's repeated call to His people not to fear, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). Finally, the story of Ebed-melech, a foreigner, showcases God's **Universal Grace and Impartiality**, revealing that His favor extends beyond ethnic or national boundaries to all who demonstrate faith and obedience, echoing the broader message of salvation for all nations found in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant and Blessing All Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This verb (H5337) signifies to "snatch away," "rescue," or "pluck out," often implying a forceful and decisive act of salvation by a superior power. It conveys more than mere preservation; it suggests an active intervention to remove someone from a dangerous situation or the grasp of an enemy. In this context, it underscores God's direct and powerful intervention to extricate Ebed-melech from the imminent peril of Jerusalem's fall and the hands of his adversaries.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The noun (H3027) "hand" is a primitive word with a vast semantic range, often used figuratively to denote power, control, authority, or possession. When someone is "given into the hand" of another, it means they are placed under their control, power, or judgment. Here, it vividly portrays the feared scenario of Ebed-melech falling under the dominion or vengeance of his enemies, emphasizing the totality of the protection promised by the LORD.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yâgôwr'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to fear," this adjective (H3016) describes Ebed-melech's state of being "fearful" or "dreading." It points to a deep, personal apprehension concerning specific individuals or circumstances. The divine promise directly addresses this internal state, assuring Ebed-melech that his deepest anxieties regarding his safety would not be realized, highlighting God's intimate knowledge of and response to the fears of His servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine speaker ("saith the LORD") and the personal nature of the promise. "That day" refers to the specific, calamitous day of Jerusalem's fall and destruction, a time of widespread judgment and peril. The verb "deliver" (Hebrew: _nâtsal_) signifies a forceful snatching away from danger, emphasizing God's active and decisive intervention on Ebed-melech's behalf, contrasting his fate with that of the city's inhabitants.
* **"and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou [art] afraid":** This second clause specifies the nature of the deliverance. Ebed-melech's fear was not abstract; it was directed towards "the men" who sought Jeremiah's life and, by extension, those who might harm anyone associated with him or seen as disloyal to the besieged city's leadership. The phrase "given into the hand" denotes falling under their power, control, or vengeful judgment. The promise directly negates this feared outcome, assuring Ebed-melech of complete immunity from their grasp, a direct consequence of God's protective decree.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:17 is rich in **Divine Oracle**, explicitly stating "saith the LORD," which authenticates the promise as a direct, authoritative word from God, imbuing it with absolute certainty and power. There is a profound **Contrast** at play: while Jerusalem and its inhabitants face utter devastation and capture, Ebed-melech is singled out for deliverance. This highlights God's selective justice and mercy, distinguishing between the righteous and the rebellious. The verse also employs **Assurance**, as God directly addresses Ebed-melech's known fear ("men of whom thou art afraid") with a definitive negation, providing comfort and dispelling anxiety. The phrase "into the hand of" functions as **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the power, control, and authority of the feared men, making the threat and the promised deliverance tangible and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's meticulous justice and unwavering faithfulness to those who honor Him, even amidst widespread national apostasy and judgment. It demonstrates that God's covenant loyalty extends to individuals who act righteously, regardless of their background, and that no act of faith or compassion, however small or risky, goes unnoticed or unrewarded by Him. Ebed-melech's story serves as a beacon of hope, assuring believers that even in the darkest times, God is capable of providing specific, personal deliverance and protection, often in ways that defy human expectation or logic. This divine intervention affirms God's sovereignty over all circumstances and His intimate knowledge of the fears and needs of His children.

* [Psalm 91:3-4](/psalms/91-3-4 "Psalm 91:3-4 - God's Deliverance and Protection")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for Giving a Cup of Cold Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:17 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating their own "days of trouble" or facing difficult choices. It reminds us that God is intimately aware of our fears and our acts of faithfulness, even those performed in obscurity or at great personal cost. Ebed-melech's courage in assisting Jeremiah, a prophet reviled by many, was not in vain; it secured divine favor and protection. This should inspire us to act with compassion and integrity, particularly towards those who are marginalized or persecuted for their faith, trusting that our efforts are seen and valued by God. In moments of fear or uncertainty, this verse calls us to anchor our hope in God's specific promise of deliverance, knowing that He has the power to rescue us from any "hand" that seeks to harm us, whether it be physical danger, spiritual oppression, or overwhelming anxiety. Our faithfulness, expressed through obedience and love, positions us to experience God's unique and personal protection, even when the world around us seems to be collapsing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "men of whom you are afraid" might God be promising to deliver you from in your current circumstances?**
* **In what ways has God shown you specific, individual protection or deliverance in your life, even amidst broader difficulties?**
* **What act of courage or compassion, perhaps involving personal risk, might God be calling you to undertake, trusting in His promise of protection?**

### FAQ
**Who was Ebed-melech, and why was he singled out for this promise?**

Answer: Ebed-melech was an Ethiopian eunuch, likely a high-ranking official in King Zedekiah's royal court in Jerusalem. He was singled out for this extraordinary promise of deliverance because of his courageous and compassionate act of intervening to save the prophet Jeremiah's life. When Jeremiah was thrown into a miry cistern by hostile officials who sought his death, Ebed-melech boldly appealed to King Zedekiah and orchestrated Jeremiah's rescue (see [Jeremiah 38:7-13](/jeremiah/38-7-13 "Jeremiah 38:7-13 - Ebed-melech Rescues Jeremiah")). This act of kindness and faith, performed when it was dangerous to help God's prophet, did not go unnoticed by the LORD, who explicitly rewarded his faithfulness with a promise of personal safety amidst the city's destruction.

**What does "in that day" refer to in Jeremiah 39:17?**

Answer: "In that day" refers specifically to the day of Jerusalem's catastrophic fall to the Babylonians, a time of immense violence, destruction, and capture for its inhabitants. It signifies the very period of intense peril and judgment that Ebed-melech and the entire city were experiencing. The promise means that even amidst this widespread calamity, God would ensure Ebed-melech's personal safety and deliverance, contrasting his fate with the general destruction that befell the city and its leadership. This highlights God's ability to provide individual salvation even when collective judgment is being executed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 39:17, with its promise of individual deliverance amidst national judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Ebed-melech's rescue from the "hand of the men of whom he was afraid" foreshadows the far greater spiritual deliverance offered by Christ. Just as Ebed-melech was saved from physical death and the power of his enemies, so too does Christ deliver humanity from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of Satan. He is the ultimate Deliverer, who, through His crucifixion and resurrection, "has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" (see [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Ebed-melech's compassionate act towards Jeremiah, a prophet of God, is a beautiful type of the compassion and obedience of Christ, who, though innocent, willingly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to rescue us. The fear Ebed-melech experienced is a human echo of the profound fear and agony Christ faced in Gethsemane, yet unlike Ebed-melech, Christ was not delivered from the "hand" of suffering and death, but embraced it to secure our eternal deliverance (see [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Thus, the promise to Ebed-melech points to the greater promise of salvation and eternal security found in the person and work of Jesus, who is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, all who place their faith in Him are delivered from the "hand" of eternal judgment and brought into the glorious freedom of God's children (see [Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Psalms 41:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalms 41:2

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

2 Samuel 24:14

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.