Jeremiah 39:18

KJV

For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will surely {H4422} deliver {H4422} thee, and thou shalt not fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719}, but thy life {H5315} shall be for a prey {H7998} unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust {H982} in me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I will keep you safe; you will not fall by the sword, but you will escape with your life, because you have put your trust in me," says ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

For I will surely rescue you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will escape with your life like a spoil of war, declares the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

For I will surely save thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee; because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 39:18 presents a profound divine promise of protection and deliverance to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, a faithful official in King Zedekiah's court, amidst the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian forces. This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to preserve those who, like Ebed-Melech, demonstrate courageous trust and compassionate obedience to Him, even when surrounded by widespread destruction and the collapse of societal order. It assures Ebed-Melech that his life would be miraculously spared from the sword, becoming like a valuable spoil snatched from the jaws of certain death, precisely because his faith was actively placed in the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a specific divine oracle delivered through the prophet Jeremiah to Ebed-Melech, strategically placed immediately after the detailed account of Jerusalem's capture, King Zedekiah's flight and subsequent capture, and the city's ultimate destruction in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). The preceding chapter, [Jeremiah 38](/jeremiah/38 "Jeremiah 38 - Jeremiah in the Cistern"), narrates Ebed-Melech's courageous and compassionate intervention to rescue Jeremiah from the muddy cistern where he had been left to die by hostile officials. This act of defiance against powerful figures, undertaken at significant personal risk, directly precedes and provides the explicit justification for the unique divine protection promised in this verse. The sharp contrast between the national catastrophe befalling Judah and the precise, personal deliverance of an individual like Ebed-Melech powerfully underscores God's meticulous justice and faithfulness to those who honor Him, even amidst corporate judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 39:18 is the final, brutal siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, which culminated in the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants in 586 BC. This period was characterized by immense suffering, famine, and violence within the besieged city. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, had rebelled, leading to this catastrophic divine judgment. Ebed-Melech, described as an "Ethiopian eunuch," held a position of influence in the royal court, likely as a high-ranking official or chamberlain. His ethnicity and status as a eunuch, often marginalized in ancient societies, make his prominence and courageous actions even more striking. His act of rescuing Jeremiah was not merely an expression of compassion but a politically dangerous move, as Jeremiah was widely considered a traitor by many court officials for prophesying Jerusalem's fall and advocating surrender. This context highlights the immense personal risk Ebed-Melech took, demonstrating profound moral conviction and active trust in God's prophet.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 39:18](/jeremiah/39-18 "Jeremiah 39:18 - God's Promise to Ebed-Melech") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, as God brings about the prophesied destruction of Jerusalem for its persistent idolatry and disobedience, a judgment long warned about in passages like [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Exile"). However, interwoven with judgment is the profound theme of **Divine Preservation and Deliverance** for the righteous remnant or faithful individuals, even amidst widespread calamity. Ebed-Melech's story exemplifies God's attentiveness to individual acts of **Faith and Obedience**, rewarding those who trust in Him and act righteously, even when it is costly or unpopular. This echoes the broader biblical principle that "the righteous will live by their faith" ([Habakkuk 2:4](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4 - The Righteous Live by Faith")). The unique idiom "thy life shall be for a prey unto thee" also highlights the theme of **Miraculous Intervention**, where God's hand is seen in seemingly impossible escapes, demonstrating His sovereign power over life and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H4422) means "properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue." The repetition "I will surely deliver thee" (using the infinitive absolute with the imperfect verb) intensifies the promise, emphasizing the certainty and effectiveness of God's rescue. It implies a swift, decisive act of extraction from danger, highlighting divine intervention in Ebed-Melech's preservation.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term means "properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)." While often translated "soul," _nephesh_ here refers to the whole person, the very vitality and existence of Ebed-Melech. It encompasses his physical being, his breath, and his conscious life. The promise is not merely for spiritual well-being but for the concrete preservation of his physical existence amidst the carnage of war, underscoring the preciousness of life in God's eyes.
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_)::** This primitive root (H982) means "properly, to hide for refuge (but not so precipitately as חָסָה); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure." Ebed-Melech's _bâṭach_ was not a passive belief but an active reliance on God, demonstrated through his courageous actions in rescuing Jeremiah. It implies a deep-seated confidence and security placed in the LORD, which God explicitly identifies as the basis for His protective promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will surely deliver thee,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and absolute certainty of the promise. The emphatic Hebrew construction ("I will surely deliver") underscores God's absolute commitment and power to rescue Ebed-Melech from the impending destruction. It is a declaration of sovereign intent.
* **"and thou shalt not fall by the sword,"**: This specifies the precise nature of the deliverance—protection from violent death, particularly at the hands of the conquering Babylonians. It directly addresses the most immediate and terrifying threat of the siege, promising immunity from the instrument of war that was decimating Jerusalem's inhabitants.
* **"but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee:"**: This is a striking and unique idiom, meaning Ebed-Melech's life would be like a valuable spoil or plunder miraculously snatched from danger. It vividly portrays his survival as an unexpected recovery, as if he himself were a prize rescued from the battlefield, emphasizing that his very existence would be a testament to God's extraordinary and sovereign intervention.
* **"because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD."**: This concluding phrase provides the explicit divine rationale for Ebed-Melech's deliverance. It directly links God's protective act to Ebed-Melech's active faith and reliance on Him, specifically demonstrated through his obedience and compassion towards Jeremiah. This highlights the profound biblical principle that genuine trust in God, manifested in righteous action, is recognized and rewarded by the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 39:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Idiom** "thy life shall be for a prey unto thee," which functions as a vivid **Metaphor**. This Hebrew expression, _nephesh lešālāl_, literally "soul/life for plunder," is a powerful image of miraculous escape. It conveys the idea that Ebed-Melech's life would be salvaged from the jaws of death, akin to a valuable item or person being unexpectedly rescued from a battle or a perilous situation, emphasizing that his survival would be an unexpected, almost snatched, gift. The phrase "saith the LORD" is a classic prophetic **Formula** (or "messenger formula"), lending divine authority and absolute certainty to the promise, ensuring the audience understands this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or wish, but a direct, infallible revelation from God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 39:18 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign care for those who demonstrate genuine faith and righteous action, even amidst widespread judgment and chaos. It underscores the theological truth that while corporate sin brings corporate judgment, God meticulously discerns and preserves individuals who trust in Him. Ebed-Melech's deliverance serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God rewards faithfulness, not merely in abstract spiritual terms, but often with tangible protection and provision in the face of earthly peril. This verse reminds us that God's justice is not indiscriminate; He sees and responds to the hearts and actions of His people, offering refuge and salvation to those who seek it in Him, demonstrating His particular providence over the lives of the faithful.

* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalm/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-4 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - God Delivers Those Who Trust Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 39:18 offers a timeless message of hope and challenge for believers facing adversity in any era. It calls us to deeply consider the quality and nature of our trust in God, especially when circumstances are dire and the world around us seems to be collapsing or hostile. Ebed-Melech's story reminds us that true faith is not passive intellectual assent but an active, living reliance on God, demonstrated through courageous compassion and obedient action, even when it means standing against the tide of popular opinion or risking personal safety and reputation. In an age often marked by anxiety, uncertainty, and societal upheaval, this verse reassures us that God sees our faithfulness, knows our hearts, and is profoundly able to deliver us, often in ways that defy human expectation or logic. It encourages us to cultivate a trust in God so profound that it compels us to act righteously, knowing that our lives are ultimately in His sovereign hands, and He is faithful to preserve those who truly rely on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does Ebed-Melech's "trust" challenge my understanding of what it means to truly rely on God, especially in difficult or dangerous circumstances?**
* **What "swords" or dangers (physical, emotional, spiritual) am I facing today, and how might God be calling me to demonstrate active trust in Him amidst them?**
* **How does the idea of my "life being for a prey" (a miraculous, snatched rescue) shape my perspective on God's potential for extraordinary intervention in my own life?**

### FAQ

**What does "thy life shall be for a prey unto thee" mean?**

Answer: This unique and vivid idiom means that Ebed-Melech's life would be preserved and secured for him, as if it were a valuable spoil or plunder miraculously snatched from imminent danger or destruction. In the context of Jerusalem's fall, it signifies that his survival would be an extraordinary act of God's intervention, rescuing him from what seemed like certain death during the Babylonian conquest. It emphasizes that his very existence would be a testament to God's unexpected and powerful deliverance, like a valuable prize retrieved from a battlefield. This phrase highlights the exceptional nature of his preservation amidst widespread calamity, underscoring God's power to save even when all hope seems lost, as seen in other miraculous deliverances like [Noah in the ark](/genesis/7 "Genesis 7 - The Flood") or [Lot from Sodom](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed").

**Why was Ebed-Melech singled out for this promise?**

Answer: Ebed-Melech was singled out for this divine promise of deliverance specifically "because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD." This trust was not merely passive belief but was profoundly demonstrated through his courageous and compassionate actions. As recorded in [Jeremiah 38:7-13](/jeremiah/38-7-13 "Jeremiah 38:7-13 - Ebed-Melech Rescues Jeremiah"), Ebed-Melech risked his own life and position by appealing to King Zedekiah to rescue Jeremiah from a muddy cistern where hostile officials had left him to die. This act of righteousness, performed at great personal cost and in defiance of powerful figures who sought to harm God's prophet, was a tangible expression of his active trust in the LORD. God explicitly recognized and rewarded this active faith and obedience, setting him apart from the general judgment that befell Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 39:18 speaks of a specific, temporal deliverance for Ebed-Melech from physical harm, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Ebed-Melech's life, miraculously snatched from the jaws of death and destruction, serves as a type of the greater salvation from spiritual death and the judgment of sin that Christ accomplishes for humanity. Just as Ebed-Melech was saved because he "put his trust" in the LORD, so too is salvation offered to all who place their faith in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our "life" (our very being, _nephesh_) is not merely preserved from physical destruction but is redeemed from the power and dominion of sin and eternal death, becoming a "prey" snatched by God from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the glorious kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). Christ's ultimate act of trust and obedience on the cross, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience to Death")), became the means by which all who trust in Him are delivered from the "sword" of divine wrath and receive eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Reconciled by Christ's Blood")). Thus, Ebed-Melech's story is a beautiful, albeit partial, glimpse of God's grand redemptive plan to preserve and save all who faithfully cling to Him through His Son.

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 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Jeremiah 21:9

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Ephesians 1:12

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Psalms 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalms 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.