Canonical Reading Plan for Aug 23, Jer 38-41

Today's readings are Jer 38-41.

In Jer 38, Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar's rule. Jeremiah warns king Zedekiah to surrender and allow the city to be taken captive. "Zedekiah" is the name given to Mattaniah by Nebuchadnezzar, who made him king of Judah with the understanding that he would fall under Nebuchadnezzar's rule. Zedekiah seems to sympathize with Jeremiah but is indecisive upon hearing the counsel of his advisers, a pattern that repeats itself throughout the siege with the king alternately showing Jeremiah mercy and punishment.  Zedekiah's lack of willingness to exhibit strong leadership becomes a blessing and curse to Jeremiah and ultimately will lead to the fall of Jerusalem.

The Egyptians begin to intervene on behalf of Jerusalem, and the Babylonians turn their attention to Judah's apparent allies, giving Jerusalem a respite. Jeremiah warns Zedekiah that this is only temporary and Jerusalem will fall. He again encourages the king to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. The king's advisers counsel him that Jeremiah is wrong. Ultimately, Babylon turns its focus back on Jerusalem, nearly destroying it and Zedekiah is taken captive with disastrous results. The Babylonian army takes Judah captive and marches them into exile in Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar's man, Nebuzaradan (apparently there are lots of "Nebus-" in Babylon😊), recognizes Jeremiah's counsel would have avoided a lot of bloodshed and affords Jeremiah, who almost gets caught up with those being taken into exile, tremendous latitude, allowing him to stay in Judah and do as he pleases, turning him over to Gedaliah, an influential political ruler.  Ebed-Melech, the Ethiopian who helped Jeremiah get out of the cistern is spared as well. 

Meanwhile, survivors and outcasts return to a decimated Jerusalem and Judah (Jer 40:7-12).

The Babylonian governor, Gedaliah is assassinated by Ishmael, who is working for the king of the Ammonites, who were anti-Babylonian. Ishmael kills the governor, a group of Babylonian soldiers and some Judean soldiers as well. Then Ishmael kills a group of men who are trying to worship at the Temple ruins. Ishmael takes the remaining people of Mizpah (about eight miles north of Jerusalem) hostage and sets out for Ammon.

Johanon, the soldier that tried to ward Gedaliah, rescues the hostages but Ismael and ten of his men escape.

Once again, we see the awesome sovereign authority of God as He does exactly what he said He would do to Judah. He uses not only good and godly people but faithless ones, pagan armies and leaders to accomplish his divine will and purpose.