August 25
Read Jeremiah 37:1
In Today's Reading:
Jeremiah imprisoned in a dungeon; his counsel rejected; Jerusalem destroyed; Jeremiah set free; Ishmael's plan to assassinate Gedaliah
During the 11th year of evil Zedekiah's reign, the armies of Nebuchadnezzar surrounded Jerusalem and Zedekiah frantically said to Jeremiah: Inquire . . . of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadnezzar . . . makes war against us (Jeremiah 21:2). The answer from the Lord was firm: I have set My face against this city . . . the king of Babylon . . . shall burn it with fire (21:10). Neither Zedekiah, nor the people of the land, did hearken (give heed, obey) to the words of the LORD, which He spoke by the prophet Jeremiah (37:2).
Believing that Egypt would protect his kingdom from the Babylonians, Zedekiah sent his officials to Egypt to make an alliance. Because it also seemed wise to show "good will" to the prophet, Zedekiah the king sent . . . (a) priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now to the LORD our God for us (37:3). Instead of praying, Jeremiah replied: Thus says the LORD; Deceive not yourselves . . . The Chaldeans shall. . . . burn this city with fire (37:9-10).
When the Chaldean army retreated from Jerusalem, the Israelites believed their alliance with Egypt had been successful without the prayers of the prophet. Yet Zedekiah was uneasy. He removed Jeremiah from prison and the king asked him secretly in his house . . . Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is . . . you shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon (37:17).
The fortified city of Jerusalem held out for nearly a year and a half. During this time the people suffered the horrors of famine and pestilence, and some even resorted to cannibalism, as God had foretold through Moses (see Leviticus 26:23-29). When Zedekiah finally attempted to escape the city at night, he was captured near Jericho (see Jeremiah 39:5), where Joshua had victoriously begun the conquest of the promised land (see Joshua 2:1-6:27).
Zedekiah was blinded, taken to Babylon, and imprisoned (see Jeremiah 39:7). He is an example of the consequences of those who refuse to seek the Lord's forgiveness for their sins. Regarding such, the Apostle Paul wrote: The god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not (II Corinthians 4:4).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah, who stood as a faithful witness to the revealed will of God (Jeremiah 38:2-9). Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death ( Matthew 26:59).
Word Studies:
37:16 cabins = cells; 38:4 weakeneth the hands of = discourages; 38:12 cast clouts = worn-out clothes; 38:19 mock me = abuse me; 39:18 for a prey = as a prize; 40:4 forbear = do what you prefer.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton · Government Official: Rep. Nathan Deal (GA) · Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe · Major languages: Luxembourgish and German · Religious freedom · 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede fervently in prayer for others (James 5:16).
Optional Reading: 3 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 2:11
