Old Testament
Jeremiah 38:11
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Ebedmelech took the men with him and went into the house of the king under the treasury. He collected old cast-off clothes and worn-out rags, and lowered them by ropes into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
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So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
What Jeremiah 38:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in King Zedekiah's court, shows compassion for the prophet Jeremiah, who is imprisoned in a dungeon. Recognizing Jeremiah's dire situation, Ebedmelech gathers a group of men and goes to the king's treasury to find old clothes and rags. He then uses these items to create a makeshift rescue plan, lowering the rags into the dungeon with ropes so that Jeremiah can use them to help lift himself out of the mud. This act of kindness highlights Ebedmelech's bravery and loyalty, as he risks his own position to save a man who is unjustly suffering. It also illustrates the importance of helping those in need, even when it may not be the popular or safe choice. Ebedmelech's actions serve as a reminder that compassion can lead to significant change, and that we should be willing to stand up for others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.
How to apply Jeremiah 38:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to act with compassion towards those who are suffering. Like Ebedmelech, we can look for ways to help others in difficult situations, even if it requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: In the Dungeon (Jeremiah 38:1–13)
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Jeremiah
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Keep studying Jeremiah 38:11
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Ebedmelech in Jeremiah 38:11?
Ebedmelech was an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the court of King Zedekiah. He is noted for his compassion towards the prophet Jeremiah, who was imprisoned in a dungeon. Ebedmelech took action to help Jeremiah by gathering old clothes and rags to assist him in escaping the mud of the dungeon.
What does Jeremiah 38:11 teach about compassion?
Jeremiah 38:11 illustrates the importance of compassion through Ebedmelech's actions. Despite the risks to his own position, Ebedmelech chose to help Jeremiah, demonstrating that true compassion often requires bravery and a willingness to support those who are suffering, even when it may not be the popular choice.
How can we apply Jeremiah 38:11 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Jeremiah 38:11 by looking for opportunities to help those in need around us. Like Ebedmelech, we should be willing to step out of our comfort zones and offer support to marginalized individuals. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life.
What is the significance of Ebedmelech's actions in this verse?
Ebedmelech's actions are significant because they highlight the themes of bravery and loyalty. By risking his own safety to help Jeremiah, he exemplifies how one can stand up for justice and support the oppressed. His willingness to act in a difficult situation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of individual kindness.
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