MPV Commentary

Jerusalem Taken. Zedekiah's Fate. Jeremiah Cared for.

This chapter consists of two parts: the first describes the capture of Jerusalem, the removal of its people to Babylon, and the fate of Zedekiah and Jeremiah. The second part tells of Ebed-melech's assurance of safety.

The ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day (Jer 52:4; 2Ki 25:1-4), marked the beginning of Jerusalem's fall. However, from Jer 39:2, we know that the siege lasted one and a half years, interrupted by Pharaoh's intervention. Nebuchadnezzar was present at the start of the siege but was in Riblah when it ended (Jer 39:3, 6; compare Jer 38:17).

The Chaldeans encamped near the middle gate, which connected the upper and lower cities. Zedekiah fled through the opposite gate, heading south (Jer 39:4). The leaders who accompanied him were Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Rab-saris, and Rab-mag. These names are derived from idols, indicating their allegiance to false gods.

The king's garden was a secure area accessible only by stairs leading down from Mount Zion and the palace (Ne 3:15). Zedekiah might have held out longer in the upper city but was forced to flee through the double wall south of Zion, towards the plains of Jericho (Jer 39:5), in an attempt to escape beyond Jordan into Arabia-Deserta. He broke a hole in the wall to make his escape (Eze 12:12).

Nebuchadnezzar judged Zedekiah at Riblah, north of Palestine (see Jer 1:14; Nu 34:11), and Hamath is identified with Antioch in Syria (Jer 39:5). The king was brought to trial as a common criminal for violating his oath (Eze 17:13-19; 2Ch 36:13).

Zedekiah's sons were slain before his eyes, a gruesome act often depicted in Assyrian sculptures. This event reconciles Jer 32:4 and Eze 12:13. All the nobles of Judah were also executed (Jer 27:20). The city was burned, but not immediately after its capture; instead, it occurred a month later, in the fifth month (compare Jer 39:2).

The remnant of Jerusalem's population, excluding the poorest, was spared by Nebuchadnezzar. However, those who had defected to the Chaldeans were distrusted or removed at their own request to avoid being targeted by the people as traitors.

Nebuchadnezzar left behind a portion of the population that remained in Jerusalem, which he had not destroyed. He also spared the poor, who had nothing to lose and were thus compensated for their losses. The wealthier Jews had previously stripped them of their possessions.

Jeremiah's prophecies were known to Nebuchadnezzar through deserters (Jer 39:9; Jer 38:19) and those carried to Babylon with Jeconiah. This knowledge led the king to show kindness to Jeremiah.

Nebuchadnezzar instructed his officials to care for Jeremiah, providing for his well-being. He was sent by Nebuzara-dan from Ramah (Jer 40:1). Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, a former supporter of Jeremiah, was appointed as the leader over the remnant in Judea.

Gedaliah's residence was at Mizpah, where Jeremiah could remain safely. As Jeremiah had been bound in chains when he came to Ramah among the captives (Jer 40:1), this release is thought by some to be distinct from his later freedom in Jer 40:5-6.

A separate passage, inserted here because it was now relevant, tells of Ebed-melech's good deed (Jer 38:7-12; Mt 25:43). He had saved Jeremiah from death, and this act would now be rewarded with his deliverance.