Jeremiah 38:11

So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

So Ebedmelech {H5663} took {H3947} the men {H582} with him {H3027}, and went {H935} into the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} under the treasury {H214}, and took {H3947} thence old {H1094} cast clouts {H5499} and old {H1094} rotten rags {H4418}, and let them down {H7971} by cords {H2256} into the dungeon {H953} to Jeremiah {H3414}.

So 'Eved-Melekh took the men with him and entered a storeroom under the treasury in the king's palace, from which he took some old clothes and rags. These he let down with ropes to Yirmeyahu in the cistern.

Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.

So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

Commentary

Jeremiah 38:11 details a crucial moment in the deliverance of the prophet Jeremiah from a life-threatening pit. It highlights the compassionate and courageous actions of Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch and official in King Zedekiah's court.

Context

At this point in the book of Jeremiah, Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians. Jeremiah had been prophesying God's judgment and advising surrender, a message that was deeply unpopular with the city's princes and officials. They accused him of weakening the hands of the soldiers and the people, and subsequently had him cast into a muddy cistern or dungeon (Jeremiah 38:6), where he was left to die. Ebedmelech, unlike the other officials, showed remarkable courage by interceding with King Zedekiah on Jeremiah's behalf, securing permission for his rescue. This verse describes the practical, hands-on part of that rescue operation, showing Ebedmelech's diligence and care.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Courage: Ebedmelech's actions exemplify extraordinary compassion. He not only spoke up for Jeremiah but personally oversaw the practical, somewhat unpleasant, task of extracting him. This required significant courage, as he was acting against the wishes of powerful officials who wanted Jeremiah dead. His concern for Jeremiah's comfort, using rags to cushion the ropes, further underscores his humane spirit.
  • Divine Providence and Unexpected Allies: In a time when Jeremiah was abandoned by many and persecuted by his own people, God raised up an unlikely rescuer—a foreigner and a eunuch—to preserve His prophet. This demonstrates God's ability to use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to accomplish His will and protect His servants.
  • Practical Kindness: The verse focuses on the humble materials—"old cast clouts and old rotten rags"—used for the rescue. These discarded items became instrumental in saving a life, illustrating that acts of kindness don't require grand resources but rather a willing and thoughtful heart.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ebedmelech (Hebrew: עֶבֶד-מֶלֶךְ, ‘Eved-Melekh) literally means "servant of the king." While it functions as a personal name here, it also signifies his position and loyalty within the royal court. The description of the materials as "old cast clouts and old rotten rags" (Hebrew: בְּלוֹיֵי סְחָבוֹת וּמְלָחִים, bəlōyê səḥāvōṯ ūməlaḥîm) emphasizes their utter worthlessness and discarded nature, yet they were repurposed for a vital, life-saving act, highlighting Ebedmelech's resourcefulness and care for Jeremiah's physical well-being as he was pulled from the mire.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 38:11 offers a powerful lesson on the importance of acting with compassion and courage, even when it involves personal risk or goes against popular opinion. Ebedmelech's example challenges us to:

  • Intervene for the Oppressed: To speak up and act on behalf of those who are suffering or unjustly treated, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone (Proverbs 24:11).
  • Utilize Humble Means: To recognize that God can use even the most ordinary or discarded things, and the simplest acts of kindness, to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
  • Embody Selfless Service: To prioritize the well-being of others, demonstrating practical love and care, as Ebedmelech did for Jeremiah. His actions stand as a testament to faithfulness and humanity amidst widespread hostility.

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Cross-References

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