Old Testament
Jeremiah 38:16
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So King Zedekiah swore an oath to Jeremiah in secret, saying, "As the LORD lives, who made us this soul, I will not put you to death, nor will I hand you over to the men who seek your life."
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So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.
What Jeremiah 38:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Zedekiah makes a secret promise to the prophet Jeremiah. He swears by the name of the Lord, affirming that he will not kill Jeremiah or hand him over to those who want to harm him. This moment highlights the tension between Zedekiah's fear of the people and his recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic role. Despite the pressure from his advisors and the threat of violence, Zedekiah seeks to protect Jeremiah, showing a glimpse of his internal struggle. The phrase 'who made us this soul' emphasizes the sacredness of life and the divine authority behind it. Zedekiah's oath reflects a moment of integrity amidst chaos, revealing his desire to do what is right, even if it is not the easiest path. This interaction underscores the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs and the value of life, even in dire circumstances.
How to apply Jeremiah 38:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with pressure from others. It reminds us of the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and making promises that reflect our values. We should strive to act with integrity in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 38:16
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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
What does Jeremiah 38:16 mean?
Jeremiah 38:16 describes King Zedekiah secretly promising Jeremiah that he will not kill him or hand him over to those who want to harm him. This reflects Zedekiah's internal conflict between his fear of the people and his recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic role.
What is the significance of Zedekiah's oath in Jeremiah 38:16?
Zedekiah's oath in Jeremiah 38:16 signifies a moment of integrity as he swears by the Lord to protect Jeremiah. It highlights the tension between his responsibilities as king and his moral obligation to safeguard a prophet.
What does 'who made us this soul' mean in Jeremiah 38:16?
The phrase 'who made us this soul' in Jeremiah 38:16 emphasizes the sacredness of life and acknowledges God's authority over it. It reflects Zedekiah's recognition of the divine value of human life in his promise to Jeremiah.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 38:16?
Jeremiah 38:16 presents themes such as oath and promise, divine authority, protection, integrity, and the value of life. It illustrates the conflict between personal beliefs and external pressures.
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