Jeremiah 38:15

"If I tell you," Jeremiah replied, "you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me."

Study Bible

“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied,
Jeremiah, a prophet during the final years of Judah before the Babylonian exile, often faced hostility for his messages. His role as a prophet was to convey God's words, which were frequently warnings of judgment. This phrase indicates a moment of hesitation and fear, reflecting the dangerous position prophets often found themselves in. Jeremiah's response is to King Zedekiah, who secretly sought his counsel. The prophet's reluctance underscores the tension between speaking God's truth and the personal risk involved.

“you will surely put me to death.
Jeremiah's fear of execution was well-founded. Prophets who delivered unfavorable messages were often persecuted or killed, as seen in the case of Uriah (Jeremiah 26:20-23). This reflects the broader cultural and historical context where kings and leaders resisted messages that threatened their power or contradicted their desires. Jeremiah's life was frequently in danger, highlighting the cost of true prophetic ministry.

And even if I give you advice,
Jeremiah had previously advised King Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians to save Jerusalem from destruction (Jeremiah 21:8-10). His advice was rooted in divine revelation, not personal opinion. The phrase suggests a pattern of ignored counsel, emphasizing the king's stubbornness and the people's unwillingness to heed God's warnings. This reflects a broader biblical theme of human resistance to divine guidance.

you will not listen to me.”
This statement highlights the recurring theme of Israel's disobedience and the rejection of God's prophets. Jeremiah's ministry was marked by a lack of response from the people and their leaders, paralleling the experiences of other prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ, who lamented over Jerusalem's unwillingness to listen (Matthew 23:37). It serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine instruction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of persecution and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He often sought Jeremiah's counsel but lacked the courage to act on it due to fear of his officials and the people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians during this time. It represents the center of Jewish worship and the focal point of Jeremiah's prophecies.

4. Babylonian Siege
The historical context of this passage, where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was besieging Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall.

5. The Royal Officials
Influential figures in Zedekiah's court who opposed Jeremiah and sought to silence him, often through imprisonment or threats of death.

Teaching Points

Courage in Truth-Telling
Jeremiah exemplifies the courage required to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions, trusting God for protection and vindication.

The Cost of Disobedience
Zedekiah's reluctance to heed Jeremiah's warnings serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring God's guidance. Obedience to God's word is crucial, even when it is difficult.

The Importance of Listening
Zedekiah's failure to listen to Jeremiah highlights the importance of being receptive to God's messages. Believers should cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and acting upon God's word.

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
Zedekiah feared his officials more than he feared God, leading to his downfall. Christians are encouraged to prioritize their reverence for God over the opinions and threats of others.

Seeking Godly Counsel
While Zedekiah sought Jeremiah's counsel, he did not act on it. Believers should not only seek godly advice but also have the courage to follow it, trusting in God's wisdom and plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jeremiah's response to Zedekiah about the challenges of delivering difficult truths? How can we apply this in our own lives when faced with similar situations?

2. How does Zedekiah's fear of his officials compare to the fear of man that we might experience today? What scriptures can help us overcome this fear?

3. Reflect on a time when you sought advice but struggled to act on it. What steps can you take to ensure you follow through on godly counsel in the future?

4. How does the account of Zedekiah and Jeremiah illustrate the importance of obedience to God's word? What are some practical ways to cultivate a heart of obedience?

5. In what ways can we ensure that we are truly listening to God's messages in our lives, rather than just hearing them? How can we encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 37:17
Zedekiah previously sought Jeremiah's counsel, showing a pattern of seeking truth but failing to act on it.

2 Kings 25:1-7
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's capture, highlighting the consequences of ignoring prophetic warnings.

Ezekiel 12:2
Speaks of a rebellious house with eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, paralleling Zedekiah's inability to heed Jeremiah's warnings.

Matthew 13:14-15
Jesus references Isaiah's prophecy about people who hear but do not understand, similar to Zedekiah's situation.