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Jeremiah is preaching the destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. For this, the patriotic state worshiping Israelites hate him. Patriotism is alright so long as you don’t mistake patriotism for godliness. But these Israelite patriots knew they were one nation under God and for Jeremiah to talk about God destroying their capital city and the region of Judah was out of line. So they cast Jeremiah into the dungeon to die.
Certain heathen are attracted to the light
- The reality that some heathen Gentiles come to the light is true throughout old and new testaments.
- Ebedmelech has heard Jeremiah’s preaching for a while now. By this time, Jeremiah has been preaching for forty years. Ebedmelech may not have been there for all forty, but he’s certainly heard enough to know what he needs to know about the God of Israel and his preacher, Jeremiah.
By faith Ebedmelech visits Jeremiah in prison
- This heathen Gentile feels a certain camaraderie and responsibility for Jeremiah because he believes the words of Jeremiah’s God and loves God’s prophet.
- It’s a risky and bold move to aid a man who is condemned as a traitor to his nation. If you’re a statist, then it’s about politics. If you’re a lover of the God of Israel this is about God’s words and God’s preacher.
Righteousness by faith delivers from death
- As we move to Jeremiah 39 we see much of the book coming to fruition. King Zedekiah is judged for not believing the words of God. The city of Jerusalem and the land that belonged to the tribe of Judah is utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.
- But Jeremiah, who has been faithful to the words of God, is treated kindly by the Babylonians. And Ebedmelech, a heathen brother joined in the fellowship by faith, is delivered from death.
- Proverbs 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
- Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
- How was this righteousness imputed to Ebedmelech? Is it because he maintained Israel’s law? Is it because he was sinless? Here’s why God’s grace was dispensed to him. Look at 39:18.
- What did Ebedmelech’s faith look like? It looked like his love for Jeremiah because of the spirit in Jeremiah.
- John 15:17-19
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Judgment of Jesus Christ
- Matthew 25:31-41
