Jeremiah 38:14

Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. "I am going to ask you something," said the king to Jeremiah. "Do not hide anything from me."

Study Bible

Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet
King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, reigned during a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. His reign was marked by political instability and pressure from Babylon. Jeremiah, a major prophet, was known for his messages of impending judgment and calls for repentance. Zedekiah's summoning of Jeremiah indicates a moment of desperation, seeking divine insight amidst the crisis.

and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD.
The "third entrance" suggests a private or less conspicuous location, possibly indicating Zedekiah's fear of being seen consulting Jeremiah, who was unpopular due to his prophecies. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. This setting underscores the gravity of the meeting, as it takes place in a sacred space.

“I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah.
Zedekiah's approach to Jeremiah shows a level of respect and acknowledgment of Jeremiah's role as a prophet. The king's need to ask a question highlights his uncertainty and the dire situation facing Judah. This moment reflects the tension between political authority and prophetic truth.

“Do not hide anything from me.”
Zedekiah's plea for honesty reveals his awareness of the seriousness of the situation and his desire for unfiltered truth. This request underscores the role of prophets as conveyors of God's message, regardless of how difficult it might be. It also reflects the biblical theme of seeking truth and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:3-5, where the pursuit of understanding is encouraged.

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 and fearful of the consequences of his decisions.

2. Jeremiah the Prophet
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope. He was often persecuted for his prophecies, which were unpopular with the leaders of Judah.

3. The Third Entrance to the House of the LORD
A specific location within the temple complex in Jerusalem. This setting indicates a private and possibly secretive meeting, highlighting the tension and fear surrounding the situation.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

5. The Babylonian Siege
The historical context of this passage, where Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Zedekiah's request for Jeremiah's counsel, despite his fear, underscores the need for seeking God's wisdom through His appointed messengers.

Courage in Delivering God's Message
Jeremiah's willingness to speak the truth, even in the face of potential danger, serves as a model for believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions.

The Consequences of Fear and Indecision
Zedekiah's fear of his officials and the Babylonians led to his downfall, illustrating the dangers of indecision and lack of faith in God's promises.

The Role of Prophets in God's Plan
Jeremiah's role highlights the importance of prophets in guiding and warning God's people, reminding us of the value of Scripture and prophetic voices today.

The Sovereignty of God in History
The events surrounding Jerusalem's fall demonstrate God's control over nations and history, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Zedekiah's approach to seeking counsel from Jeremiah, and how does this apply to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does Jeremiah's courage in speaking God's truth challenge us in our own lives, especially when facing opposition or fear?

3. In what ways does the setting of the third entrance to the house of the LORD reflect the secrecy and tension of the situation, and how can this inform our understanding of the passage?

4. How do the events of Jeremiah 38:14 connect with the broader account of Jerusalem's fall, and what lessons can we draw about God's sovereignty and justice?

5. Reflecting on the role of prophets like Jeremiah, how can we discern and apply prophetic messages in our lives today, particularly through the study of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah, offering context to the events surrounding Jeremiah 38:14.

Jeremiah 1
Describes Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, emphasizing his role as God's mouthpiece, which is crucial to understanding his interactions with Zedekiah.

Ezekiel 12
Offers a parallel prophecy about the fall of Jerusalem and the fate of Zedekiah, reinforcing the themes of judgment and exile.