Jeremiah’s message from the Lord during the siege of Jerusalem was that the people needed to accept that surrendering to Babylon was the best course of action and God’s will (v2-3). A group of men (v1) saw such teaching as treacherous and go to the king calling for Jeremiah to be put to death (v4). With the king’s permission they lower Jeremiah into to a muddy cistern to die (v5-6). Here we see that being faithful to the Lord and His word will bring opposition and even hatred. This is something we need to be prepared for.

Jeremiah is rescued by the intervention of Ebed-melech who was an Ethiopian (v7-13). This reminds us that those who may respond more positively to us when we’re faithful to the Lord, might surprise us. Those we expect more from can often disappoint us, while does we have little expectation of may respond favourably. This should encourage to not hold back from witnessing for Christ to those we expect little of.

After his near death encounter, Jeremiah returns to proclaim faithfully to the king what would happen (v14-23). Despite opposition to the Gospel, we need to continue being faithful in sharing this life-saving truth.

Jeremiah agrees not to tell the officials what he told the king (v24-28). Was this Jeremiah being wise or was this compromise. I’m not sure, what do you think?