Jeremiah 38:10

So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, "Take thirty men from here with you and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies."

Study Bible

So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite
Ebed-melech, whose name means "servant of the king," was a Cushite, indicating he was from the region of Cush, often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. His position in the royal court suggests a level of trust and responsibility, despite his foreign origin. This highlights the inclusivity of God's work, as He uses individuals from diverse backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. The king in question is Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who was often indecisive and swayed by his officials. This command shows a moment of courage and justice, as Ebed-melech advocates for Jeremiah, who was unjustly imprisoned.

“Take thirty men from here with you
The number thirty may indicate the seriousness of the task or the potential resistance they might face. It underscores the danger and urgency of the mission to rescue Jeremiah. The presence of thirty men also suggests the cistern was in a public or guarded area, requiring a significant force to ensure the prophet's safe extraction. This reflects the political tension and fear of backlash from those who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies.

and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," was thrown into a cistern for his prophecies against Jerusalem, which were seen as demoralizing during the Babylonian siege. The cistern, likely a deep pit used to collect rainwater, was muddy and could lead to death by starvation or drowning. This act of pulling him out symbolizes deliverance and God's protection over His prophets. It also prefigures the resurrection theme, where God's chosen are lifted from the pit of despair or death.

before he dies.”
The urgency in the king's command highlights the dire situation Jeremiah was in. It reflects the value of life and the importance of preserving the voice of God's prophet. This moment of rescue can be seen as a divine intervention, ensuring that Jeremiah's mission and message continue. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His servants, even in the darkest times. The phrase echoes the biblical theme of God delivering His people from death, as seen in the stories of Joseph, Daniel, and ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He is depicted as a weak leader, often swayed by his officials but occasionally showing concern for Jeremiah.

2. Ebed-melech the Cushite
A foreigner and a servant in the king's palace, Ebed-melech demonstrates courage and compassion by advocating for Jeremiah's release from the cistern.

3. Jeremiah the Prophet
Known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to Judah. At this point, he is imprisoned in a cistern, facing death.

4. The Cistern
A pit or well used to store water, which in this context, becomes a place of imprisonment and potential death for Jeremiah.

5. The Thirty Men
These men were commanded by King Zedekiah to assist Ebed-melech in rescuing Jeremiah, indicating the seriousness of the task and the potential resistance they might face.

Teaching Points

Courage in Advocacy
Ebed-melech's actions teach us the importance of standing up for justice and righteousness, even when it involves personal risk.

Divine Providence
Jeremiah's rescue from the cistern is a testament to God's protection and faithfulness to His servants, reminding us that God is in control even in dire circumstances.

The Role of Outsiders
Ebed-melech, a foreigner, plays a crucial role in God's plan, illustrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His purposes.

Leadership and Responsibility
King Zedekiah's decision to rescue Jeremiah, albeit under pressure, shows the impact of leadership choices and the importance of listening to wise counsel.

Faith in Action
The account encourages believers to act on their faith, demonstrating that true faith often requires taking bold steps to help others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ebed-melech's courage inspire you to stand up for what is right in your own life?

2. In what ways can you see God's providence at work in difficult situations you have faced, similar to Jeremiah's experience in the cistern?

3. How can the account of Ebed-melech encourage you to embrace your unique role in God's plan, regardless of your background or status?

4. What lessons can we learn from King Zedekiah's leadership, and how can we apply them to our own decision-making processes?

5. How does the account of Jeremiah's rescue challenge you to put your faith into action in practical ways today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:5
This verse highlights Jeremiah's divine calling, emphasizing that his life and mission were ordained by God, which provides context for his perseverance despite persecution.

2 Kings 25:7
This passage describes the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah, illustrating the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies and the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.

Acts 8:27-39
The account of the Ethiopian eunuch, another foreigner who plays a significant role in the biblical account, drawing a parallel to Ebed-melech's faith and action.