Background:
Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was the last king of Judah, reigning from 597 to 586 BC. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, after the latter had exiled Jehoiachin, Zedekiah's nephew. Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability, rebellion against Babylonian rule, and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Biblical Account:
The account of Zedekiah's secret inquiry is found in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 37 and 38. During a time of great distress and impending doom for Jerusalem, Zedekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Jeremiah, albeit secretly, due to the political and social pressures surrounding him.

Jeremiah 37:17 : "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.'"

Zedekiah's inquiry reflects his desperation and the internal conflict he faced. Despite being the king, he was unable to publicly align himself with Jeremiah, who was unpopular due to his prophecies of doom and calls for submission to Babylon. Zedekiah's secretive approach underscores his fear of political repercussions and his lack of decisive leadership.

Jeremiah's Response:
Jeremiah, faithful to his prophetic calling, did not alter the message he had consistently delivered. He warned Zedekiah of the consequences of resisting Babylon and urged him to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar to save the city and his own life.

Jeremiah 38:17-18 : "Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then your life will be spared, and this city will not be burned down; you and your household will live. But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans, who will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.'"

Zedekiah's Dilemma:
Zedekiah's secret inquiry highlights his internal struggle between fear of man and fear of God. Despite Jeremiah's clear message, Zedekiah was unable to muster the courage to act on the divine counsel. His fear of the Judean officials and the potential backlash from his people paralyzed him, leading to his ultimate downfall.

Jeremiah 38:19 : "But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, 'I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may hand me over to them to abuse me.'"

Theological Implications:
Zedekiah's secret inquiry serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of ignoring divine guidance. His failure to heed Jeremiah's counsel resulted in the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's word, even when it contradicts human wisdom or societal pressures.

Historical Context:
The historical context of Zedekiah's reign was one of geopolitical turmoil. Judah was caught between the powerful empires of Egypt and Babylon. Zedekiah's decision to rebel against Babylon, despite Jeremiah's warnings, was influenced by false prophets and political advisors who promised deliverance through an alliance with Egypt. This decision proved disastrous, as Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to its destruction in 586 BC.

Legacy:
Zedekiah's legacy is one of tragic failure, marked by his inability to lead his people in accordance with God's will. His secret inquiry of Jeremiah reveals a man torn between conflicting loyalties and fears, ultimately choosing the path of least resistance rather than the path of faith and obedience.