from עֶבֶד and מֶלֶךְ; servant of a king; Ebed-Melek, a eunuch of Zedekeah; Ebed-melech.
Transliteration:ʻEbed Melek
Pronunciation:eh'-bed meh'-lek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5663}}` (עֶבֶד מֶלֶךְ, ʻEbed Melek) is a compound noun derived from `{{H5650}}` (עֶבֶד, ʻeved), meaning "servant" or "slave," and `{{H4428}}` (מֶלֶךְ, melek), meaning "king." Its literal and primary meaning is therefore "servant of the king" or "king's servant." While inherently descriptive of a role within a royal court, `{{H5663}}` functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text, identifying a specific individual. The base definition further specifies this individual as "a eunuch of Zedekiah," indicating a particular high-ranking and trusted position often held by eunuchs in ancient Near Eastern royal administrations. The term, when used as a proper name, thus carries the inherent meaning of one who serves the monarch, yet its significance is amplified by the individual's character and actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5663}}` refers exclusively to a single, pivotal figure in the Old Testament: Ebed-Melek, an Ethiopian eunuch who served in the court of King Zedekiah of Judah. His story is recounted in the book of Jeremiah, highlighting his unique role during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
* **Intervention for Jeremiah:** Ebed-Melek's most significant act is his courageous intervention to save the prophet Jeremiah. When Jeremiah is unjustly cast into a muddy cistern by hostile officials who seek his death, Ebed-Melek hears of it. [[Jeremiah 38:7]] identifies him as "an Ethiopian eunuch, who was in the king's house."
* **Bold Plea to the King:** Demonstrating remarkable moral conviction and courage, Ebed-Melek approaches King Zedekiah directly while the king is presiding at the Gate of Benjamin. He boldly declares that the officials have acted wickedly in their treatment of Jeremiah, asserting that the prophet will die of hunger in the cistern ([[Jeremiah 38:8-9]]). This act is particularly noteworthy given the general fear and indecisiveness of King Zedekiah in the face of his officials.
* **Rescue Operation:** King Zedekiah, swayed by Ebed-Melek's plea, grants him permission to take thirty men (or three men, depending on textual interpretation) to retrieve Jeremiah. Ebed-Melek meticulously carries out the rescue, using old rags and worn-out clothes to cushion Jeremiah's ascent from the mire, demonstrating both compassion and practical wisdom ([[Jeremiah 38:10-13]]).
* **Divine Promise of Deliverance:** As a direct consequence of his righteous and compassionate act, Ebed-Melek receives a divine promise of deliverance from the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The Lord, through Jeremiah, assures Ebed-Melek that his life will be spared because he "trusted in me" (i.e., in the Lord) and saved Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 39:15-18]]). This promise underscores God's recognition and reward for his faith and actions, even for one who was an outsider by ethnicity and physical status.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5650}}` (עֶבֶד, ʻeved):** The foundational component of `{{H5663}}`, this word signifies "servant" or "slave." While Ebed-Melek is literally a "king's servant," his actions elevate him to a higher spiritual plane, implicitly becoming a "servant of God" through his obedience to divine prompting and care for God's prophet.
* **`{{H4428}}` (מֶלֶךְ, melek):** This word for "king" defines the sphere of Ebed-Melek's service. It highlights the power structure within which he operated and the courage required to challenge the actions of other royal officials, even when the king himself was hesitant.
* **Eunuch (סָרִיס, saris - `{{H5631}}`):** The biblical text explicitly identifies Ebed-Melek as a eunuch. In ancient Near Eastern courts, eunuchs often held positions of significant trust and influence, as they typically had no dynastic ambitions. This detail emphasizes his unique social and political standing, making his courageous intervention even more remarkable.
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק, tsedeq - `{{H6664}}`):** Ebed-Melek's actions are a powerful demonstration of practical righteousness, marked by compassion, courage, and ultimately, trust in the Lord. His concern for justice and the well-being of Jeremiah stands in stark contrast to the moral decay prevalent in Zedekiah's court.
* **Trust (בָּטַח, batach - `{{H982}}`):** The divine promise to Ebed-Melek in [[Jeremiah 39:18]] explicitly links his deliverance to his "trust" in the Lord. This highlights that his actions were not merely humanitarian but rooted in a deeper faith.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of ʻEbed Melek carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Providence and Unexpected Instruments:** Ebed-Melek's story is a compelling testament to God's sovereign providence. In a time of national apostasy and impending judgment, God uses an unlikely figure—an Ethiopian eunuch, an outsider by ethnicity and physical status (who, according to [[Deuteronomy 23:1]], was excluded from the assembly of the Lord)—to preserve His prophet. This demonstrates God's universal reach and His ability to work through anyone, regardless of their social standing, background, or perceived limitations, to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **Faith and Courage in Adversity:** Ebed-Melek's actions exemplify active faith and profound courage. He risks his position, and potentially his life, by challenging the powerful officials and appealing directly to the king on behalf of Jeremiah. His resolve stands in stark contrast to the weak and indecisive King Zedekiah, who prioritizes the fear of his officials over obedience to God. Ebed-Melek's trust in the Lord (`{{H982}}`) empowers him to act righteously when others falter.
* **Reward for Righteousness and Trust:** The explicit divine promise of deliverance to Ebed-Melek in [[Jeremiah 39:15-18]] underscores a fundamental biblical principle: God sees and rewards acts of faith, compassion, and obedience, especially when performed at personal cost or under duress. His salvation is directly attributed to his trust in God and his care for God's messenger, reinforcing that those who honor God will be honored by Him.
* **Inclusivity of God's Kingdom:** The prominent role of an Ethiopian eunuch in a moment of salvation foreshadows the broader, inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. Ebed-Melek's story prefigures the New Testament's emphasis on God's grace extending beyond ethnic and social boundaries, welcoming all who trust in Him (cf. [[Isaiah 56:3-7]] which speaks of eunuchs and foreigners being welcomed into God's house).
### Summary
The Hebrew compound `{{H5663}}`, ʻEbed Melek, literally meaning "servant of the king," serves as the proper name for a remarkable Ethiopian eunuch in the court of King Zedekiah. His story, found in the book of Jeremiah, is a powerful testament to courage, compassion, and faith. When the prophet Jeremiah was condemned to die in a muddy cistern by hostile officials, Ebed-Melek, risking his own life and position, boldly appealed to King Zedekiah and orchestrated Jeremiah's rescue ([[Jeremiah 38:7-13]]). For this act of righteousness and trust, Ebed-Melek received a direct divine promise of deliverance from the impending destruction of Jerusalem ([[Jeremiah 39:15-18]]). The theological significance of ʻEbed Melek lies in his role as an unexpected instrument of divine providence, demonstrating that God uses individuals from all backgrounds to accomplish His purposes. His narrative highlights the profound reward for active faith and courage in the face of adversity and foreshadows the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, which extends beyond conventional boundaries to all who trust in Him.
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