Why did Nebuchadnezzar command care for Jeremiah, according to Jeremiah 39:11? The Text in Focus—Jeremiah 39:11 “Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given orders through Nebuzaradan captain of the guard concerning Jeremiah: ‘Take him and look after him; do not let him suffer harm; but do for him whatever he requests.’” The Immediate Reason Stated Nebuchadnezzar’s own command: • “Look after him.” • “Do not let him suffer harm.” • “Do for him whatever he requests.” The verse itself shows the king’s deliberate, positive concern for the prophet’s welfare. Why Would a Pagan King Protect a Hebrew Prophet? 1. Jeremiah had consistently urged submission to Babylon. • Jeremiah 27:12–13—“Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon… live!” • Jeremiah 38:17–18—To Zedekiah: “If you surrender… your life will be spared.” Nebuchadnezzar would naturally favor the one voice in Judah that promoted peaceful surrender. 2. Reports of Jeremiah’s accurate prophecies reached the throne. • Jeremiah 32:28–29—He foretold the very siege fires the Babylonians set. • Jeremiah 34:2—Declared the city would fall to the king of Babylon. Fulfillment of these prophecies during the siege confirmed Jeremiah’s reliability. 3. Nebuzaradan’s testimony highlights divine recognition. • Jeremiah 40:2–3—“The LORD your God decreed this disaster… and He has fulfilled it.” The Babylonian commander openly acknowledged that Jeremiah spoke for the LORD, and kings heed what their trusted officers report. 4. God’s promise of protection for His prophet. • Jeremiah 1:8—“Do not be afraid… for I am with you to deliver you.” • Jeremiah 15:20–21—“I will redeem you from the hand of the wicked.” The king’s order is the human instrument God used to keep those promises. How Information Likely Reached Nebuchadnezzar • Military intelligence: Babylonian officials inside Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:7) could relay Jeremiah’s counsel. • Captured documents: letters like Jeremiah 29 addressed to the exiles already in Babylon. • Diplomatic reports: surrounding nations (Jeremiah 27:3) carried word of Jeremiah’s warnings. Key Takeaways for Today • Faithful obedience to God’s message can bring surprising favor, even from unlikely sources (Proverbs 16:7). • God can move pagan rulers to accomplish His protective purposes (Ezra 1:1). • The accuracy of God’s word authenticates His messengers; truth ultimately commands respect, even among unbelievers. |
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