How does Zedekiah's fear compare to Proverbs 29:25 about fearing man? Proverbs 29:25—The Principle in One Sentence “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” Zedekiah Under Siege—A Quick Snapshot • Babylon encircled Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37–38). • God’s word through Jeremiah: surrender and live; resist and perish (Jeremiah 38:17-18). • Zedekiah secretly summons Jeremiah, torn between obedience and optics (Jeremiah 38:14-16). What Zedekiah Actually Feared Jeremiah 38:19: “King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, ‘I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hand and they may abuse me.’” • Public humiliation by defectors. • Loss of political credibility. • Physical mistreatment. These were all horizontal fears—concerned with men, not with the LORD. How That Fear Became a Snare • Delay: indecision kept him from immediate obedience. • Deception: advisers pushed him toward resistance (Jeremiah 38:4-5). • Disaster: Jerusalem burned, sons executed, eyes put out, exile in chains (Jeremiah 39:5-7). Exactly what the proverb warns: fear of man lured him into a trap. The Road Not Taken—Trusting the LORD Jeremiah 38:20b: “Please obey the voice of the LORD… so it may go well with you and your life will be spared.” Had Zedekiah trusted: • City spared burning. • Royal family preserved. • Personal safety granted (Jeremiah 38:17). Trust in the LORD would have “set him securely on high”—precisely the promise of Proverbs 29:25. Side-by-Side Comparison " Element " Proverbs 29:25 " Zedekiah (Jeremiah 38–39) " "---------"----------------"---------------------------" " Object of fear " People " Jewish defectors, Babylonian officers " " Outcome promised " “a snare” " Captivity, blindness, loss of kingdom " " Alternative " Trust in the LORD " Surrender per God’s word " " Result of alternative " “set securely on high” " Life spared, city saved (offered but declined) " Reinforcing Scriptures • Isaiah 51:12-13—“Who are you that you fear mortal man…?” • Psalm 118:6—“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” • Matthew 10:28—“Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Takeaway Truths • Fear of human opinion or retaliation clouds obedience. • God’s warnings and promises are literal; ignoring them never ends well. • Trusting the LORD may look risky in the moment, but it is the only secure path. |
    |