What is the meaning of Jeremiah 37:18? Then Jeremiah asked King Zedekiah • Jeremiah speaks directly to the monarch, showing courage similar to Nathan before David (2 Samuel 12:7) and Paul before Felix (Acts 24:24-25). • Prophetic authority stands above royal authority; Jeremiah obeys God first (Acts 5:29). • His respectful address underscores that rebuke can be firm yet courteous (1 Peter 3:15). How have I sinned against you • Jeremiah invites specific evidence, mirroring David’s plea of innocence before Saul (1 Samuel 24:11). • He knows personal sin would justify discipline, yet his record is clean (Jeremiah 2:35). • This highlights a faithful servant’s confidence when walking blamelessly (Psalm 26:1). or your servants • The prophet denies wrongdoing against the king’s officials, paralleling Joseph’s refusal to wrong Potiphar (Genesis 39:9) and Paul’s defense before Festus (Acts 25:8). • Even under hostile authority, God’s people pursue peace (Romans 12:18). or these people • Jeremiah has spoken truth for their welfare, not harm (Jeremiah 26:15). • He embodies the watchman who warns to save lives (Ezekiel 33:7-9). • Like Jesus before the crowd—“What evil has He done?” (Matthew 27:23)—Jeremiah’s only “offense” is proclaiming God’s word. that you have put me in prison? • The confinement is unjust; Jeremiah is suffering for righteousness’ sake (Jeremiah 37:15-16; 1 Peter 3:14). • His chains resemble those of Paul, “yet the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). • The scene exposes Zedekiah’s fear of men over fear of God (Jeremiah 38:5; Proverbs 29:25). summary Jeremiah 37:18 records a righteous prophet calmly confronting an unjust king. With a clear conscience toward God, officials, and people, he exposes the baseless nature of his imprisonment. The verse teaches that fidelity to God often meets opposition, yet innocence before Him grants boldness, and even chains cannot silence divine truth. |
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