Jeremiah 38:18

Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern · Jeremiah 38:1–28
Read Jeremiah 38

Translations

Modern
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”
Traditional
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
Literal
And if you do not go forth to the princes of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape from their hands!’”
Latin
Si autem non exieris ad principes regis Babylonis, tradetur civitas hæc in manus Chaldæorum, et succendent eam igni: et tu non effugies de manu eorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”

Notes

Jeremiah explained the Lord's command. Zedekiah could save the city by surrendering, or he could see it destroyed by the invaders.

The focus now returns to Zedekiah, who became king of Judah after his nephew Jehoiachin. These chapters describe meetings between Zedekiah and Jeremiah, highlighting Zedekiah’s struggle to fully commit to God's word (compare Deuteronomy 10:12–13). Zedekiah is a classic example of a person with divided loyalty (James 1:6–8).

Theme notes and profiles

Jeremiah God Protects His Servant Persecution

Events

Places

Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city, capital of Babylonian Empire, site of the Tower of Babel Chaldea: Ancient Mesopotamian empire; known for astrology and wisdom

Glossary

Book of Jeremiah Courts and Trials Guard, Courtyard of the Jehoiachin

Topics

Babylon: Empire of Prophecies of Conquests By Prisoners: Jeremiah Prisoners: Kindness To by the Prison Guard to Jeremiah Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar by Jeremiah Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Imprisons Jeremiah on Account of his Denunciations Zedekiah: Made King of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar: Seeks the Intercession of Jeremiah with God on his Behalf