Jeremiah 39

Jeremiah 39 describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians and the subsequent fate of King Zedekiah and the city's people. After a long siege, Babylon’s forces finally breach Jerusalem’s walls. Zedekiah attempts to escape but is captured and punished severely by Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and take many of its inhabitants captive, though some are left behind. The chapter also highlights the rescue of Jeremiah by Nebuchadnezzar’s orders, showing God’s protection over His prophet amidst the city’s destruction.

Jeremiah 39:1-10 (NKJV)
1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it.
2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the city was penetrated.
3 Then all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag, with the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.
4 So it was, when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, that they fled and went out of the city by night, by way of the king’s garden, by the gate between the two walls. And he went out by way of the plain.
5 But the Chaldean army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had captured him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him.
6 Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah; the king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah.
7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him with bronze fetters to carry him off to Babylon.
8 And the Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the houses of the people with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive to Babylon the remnant of the people who remained in the city and those who defected to him, with the rest of the people who remained.
10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left in the land of Judah the poor people, who had nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

The siege and fall of Jerusalem fulfill God’s warnings of judgment due to Judah's disobedience. After a lengthy siege, the Babylonians breach the city’s defenses, marking the end of Zedekiah's reign. Zedekiah and his soldiers attempt a night escape but are captured. Nebuchadnezzar severely punishes Zedekiah, making him witness the death of his sons and nobles before blinding him. The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem, burn the royal palace, and break the city walls, exiling the population except for the poor, who are allowed to stay and care for the land. This illustrates both the severity of God's judgment and His mercy in preserving a remnant.

Jeremiah 39:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
12 “Take him and look after him, and do him no harm; but do to him just as he says to you.”
13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon’s chief officers;
14 then they sent someone to take Jeremiah from the court of the prison, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he dwelt among the people.

Even as the city falls, God protects Jeremiah. Nebuchadnezzar, having heard of Jeremiah’s prophecies, orders that he be treated well. Nebuzaradan and the officials follow these orders, taking Jeremiah from his confinement and placing him under the care of Gedaliah, who will govern the remaining people in Judah. Jeremiah is freed and provided for, a testament to God’s care for His faithful servant amid destruction.

Jeremiah 39:15-18 (NKJV)
15 Meanwhile the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,
16 “Go and speak to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for adversity and not for good, and they shall be performed in that day before you.
17 But I will deliver you in that day,” says the Lord, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid.
18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.’”

God also promises protection to Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian servant who courageously defended Jeremiah earlier. Because of Ebed-Melech’s faith and compassion, God assures him that he will be spared during the city’s devastation. This promise emphasizes that those who trust and act in righteousness, even in dark times, receive God’s favor and protection.