Jeremiah 39:18

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.

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}.

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.'"

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.’”

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

Jeremiah 39:18 delivers a profound promise of divine protection and deliverance to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, a faithful servant in King Zedekiah's court, amidst the devastating fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonian forces.

Context

This verse is a specific word from the LORD to Ebed-Melech, communicated through the prophet Jeremiah. The broader narrative of Jeremiah chapter 39 details the final, brutal siege and subsequent capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, the flight and eventual capture of King Zedekiah, and the widespread destruction of the city. In the midst of this national catastrophe, God singles out Ebed-Melech for special favor due to his faithfulness. Ebed-Melech had previously shown great compassion and courage by rescuing Jeremiah from a muddy cistern where he had been left to die by hostile officials (Jeremiah 38:7-13). This act, performed at personal risk and in defiance of powerful figures, demonstrated his genuine trust in God and respect for His prophet.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection for the Faithful: The central message is God's unwavering commitment to protect those who place their trust in Him. Ebed-Melech's life would be spared from the sword and the general destruction that engulfed Jerusalem.
  • Reward for Righteousness: God explicitly acknowledges and rewards Ebed-Melech's courageous and compassionate actions. His willingness to act righteously, even when it was unpopular or dangerous, is directly linked to God's promise of deliverance. This principle resonates with passages emphasizing trusting in the LORD with all your heart.
  • Life as "Prey": The unique phrase "thy life shall be for a prey unto thee" is an idiom signifying that his life would be like a valuable spoil snatched from imminent danger. It emphasizes that his survival would be a miraculous act of God's intervention, rescuing him from what seemed like certain death during the Babylonian conquest.
  • Trust as Foundation: The explicit reason given for Ebed-Melech's deliverance is, "because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD." This highlights that genuine faith and reliance on God are the fundamental basis for receiving His promises and experiencing His salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy life shall be for a prey unto thee" (Hebrew: napheő leőālāl, literally "soul/life for plunder") is a powerful and vivid metaphor. 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 rescued from a battle or a perilous situation. This idiom underscores the miraculous nature of his escape and a life preserved against overwhelming odds.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 39:18 serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness and His attentiveness to acts of faith and obedience, especially when performed in challenging or dangerous circumstances. It encourages believers today to:

  • Trust God Amidst Adversity: Even when surrounded by turmoil, chaos, or destruction, placing our trust in God provides a secure foundation and the promise of His intervention.
  • Act Righteously: Ebed-Melech's story underscores the importance of compassionate and courageous action, demonstrating our faith not just in words but in deeds, reflecting the truth that faith without works is dead.
  • Rely on God's Promises: The verse reassures us that God is faithful to His word and will deliver those who genuinely rely on Him, often in ways that seem humanly impossible.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 38:2 (12 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 21:9 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Psalms 84:12 (9 votes)

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

  • Psalms 147:11 (8 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 (8 votes)

    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.