Jeremiah 38:12
Jeremiah 38:12 in Multiple Translations
Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so,
And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these rags and worn-out garments under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put these bits of old cloth under your arms under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
Ebed-melech the Cushite called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags and old clothes under your arms to protect you from the ropes.” Jeremiah did so,
And Ebed-melech the blacke More sayde vnto Ieremiah, Put now these olde rotten ragges and worne, vnder thine arme holes, betweene the coards. And Ieremiah did so.
And Ebed-Melech the Cushite saith unto Jeremiah, 'Put, I pray thee, the worn-out clouts and rags under thine arm-holes, at the place of the cords,' and Jeremiah doth so,
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Now put these rags and worn-out garments under your armpits under the cords.” Jeremiah did so.
And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and decayed rags under thy arm-holes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
And Abdemelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremias: Put these old rags and these rent and rotten things under thy arms, and upon the cords: and Jeremias did so.
Then Ebed-Melech called down to me, “Put these rags underneath your armpits, to protect you from being injured by the ropes!” So I did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 38:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר
עֶבֶד
מֶ֨לֶךְ
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֜י
אֶֽל
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
שִׂ֣ים
נָ֠א
בְּלוֹאֵ֨י
הַ/סְּחָב֤וֹת
וְ/הַ/מְּלָחִים֙
תַּ֚חַת
אַצִּל֣וֹת
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
לַ/חֲבָלִ֑ים
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
כֵּֽן
וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֶבֶד
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
Ebed-melech
N-proper
מֶ֨לֶךְ
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
Ebed-melech
N-proper
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֜י
Kûwshîy
H3569
Cushite
Art | Ngmsa
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
שִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֠א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בְּלוֹאֵ֨י
bᵉlôwʼ
H1094
old
N-mp
הַ/סְּחָב֤וֹת
çᵉchâbâh
H5499
rag
Art | N-fp
וְ/הַ/מְּלָחִים֙
mâlâch
H4418
rag
Conj | Art | N-mp
תַּ֚חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
אַצִּל֣וֹת
ʼatstsîyl
H679
joint
N-fp
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Prep
לַ/חֲבָלִ֑ים
chebel
H2256
cord
Prep | N-cp
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
right
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:12
וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עֶבֶד
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
"Ebed-melech"
N-proper
Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.7 § Ebed-melech = "servant of the king" an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of king Zedekiah, through whose interference Jeremiah was released from prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.
מֶ֨לֶךְ
ʻEbed Melek
H5663
"Ebed-melech"
N-proper
Ebed-Melek was an Ethiopian eunuch serving King Zedekiah, who helped Jeremiah out of prison. He is first mentioned in Jeremiah 38:7. His name means 'servant of the king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.7 § Ebed-melech = "servant of the king" an Ethiopian eunuch in the service of king Zedekiah, through whose interference Jeremiah was released from prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed-melech. See also: Jeremiah 38:7; Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:8.
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֜י
Kûwshîy
H3569
"Cushite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.
Definition: Someone from Cush Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A) § Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness" one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people (TWOT) Ethiopian
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s). See also: 2 Samuel 18:21; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Jeremiah 13:23.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
שִׂ֣ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
נָ֠א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בְּלוֹאֵ֨י
bᵉlôwʼ
H1094
"old"
N-mp
This word refers to old or worn-out things, such as rags. It describes items that are no longer useful or have been discarded, often due to age or damage.
Definition: worn out things, rags
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: old. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
הַ/סְּחָב֤וֹת
çᵉchâbâh
H5499
"rag"
Art | N-fp
This word refers to a rag or a clout, which is a piece of cloth that has been pulled or dragged around. It is often translated as 'cast clout' in the Bible.
Definition: rag, clout (stuff pulled or dragged about)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cast clout. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
וְ/הַ/מְּלָחִים֙
mâlâch
H4418
"rag"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This word describes a rag or old garment that is worn out and rotten. It symbolizes something worthless or of little value, as seen in its use to describe worthless or corrupt things. The word emphasizes the idea of something being completely useless.
Definition: rag
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rotten rag. See also: Jeremiah 38:11; Jeremiah 38:12.
תַּ֚חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
אַצִּל֣וֹת
ʼatstsîyl
H679
"joint"
N-fp
A joint refers to the connection between two bones, like the knuckle in Ezekiel 41:8. This word describes the parts of the body that connect limbs together, allowing for movement and flexibility. It is a key part of the human skeleton.
Definition: joining, joint (such as elbow etc)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (arm) hole, great. See also: Jeremiah 38:12; Ezekiel 13:18; Ezekiel 41:8.
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
לַ/חֲבָלִ֑ים
chebel
H2256
"cord"
Prep | N-cp
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 38:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:12
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:12
- Sermons on Jeremiah 38:12
Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
10So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”
11Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern.
12Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so,
13and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. 14Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:10 | Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. |
| 2 | Ephesians 4:32 | Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. |
| 3 | Romans 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. |
Jeremiah 38:12 Summary
In this verse, Ebed-melech is helping Jeremiah by telling him to put some old clothes under his arms so he won't get hurt when they pull him out of the cistern. This shows that even in hard times, God can use people to help us, like Ebed-melech helped Jeremiah (as seen in Jeremiah 38:12). Jeremiah trusted Ebed-melech and did what he said, which is an example of humility and obedience, similar to what we read in Proverbs 3:5-6. This event reminds us that God is always working to rescue and care for us, even when we feel like we're in a difficult situation, just like He promises in Psalm 37:40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ebed-melech and why is he helping Jeremiah?
Ebed-melech is a Cushite, a servant of the king, who shows kindness to Jeremiah, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, God can use anyone to bring about rescue and salvation, as seen in Jeremiah 38:12 and supported by Psalm 37:40.
Why did Ebed-melech tell Jeremiah to put rags under his arms?
Ebed-melech instructed Jeremiah to put the rags under his arms to pad the ropes, preventing injury as he was lifted out of the cistern, showing practical care and concern for Jeremiah's well-being, much like the care God shows for His people in Isaiah 40:11.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience to Ebed-melech's instructions?
Jeremiah's obedience to Ebed-melech's instructions demonstrates trust and humility, reminding us that sometimes God works through others to bring about our rescue, and we must be willing to listen and obey, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this event relate to Jeremiah's larger mission?
This rescue is a temporary reprieve for Jeremiah, allowing him to continue his prophetic ministry, including his conversation with King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 38:14, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show practical care and concern for others, like Ebed-melech did for Jeremiah?
- In what ways can I demonstrate trust and humility in my daily life, even when faced with difficult circumstances?
- How can I be more open to listening to and obeying the instructions of others, even if they seem unusual or challenging?
- What are some times in my life when I felt like I was in a 'cistern' and needed rescue, and how did God work through others to bring about my rescue?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:12
And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah,.... Being come to the dungeon, and at the mouth of it, he addressed him in a very humane and friendly manner, and directed him how to make use of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:12
And Ebed melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:12
Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now [these] old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.Ver. 12. Put now these cast clouts.] Hence some gather that the prophet was put into this loathsome hole naked, or very ill clad at least. The fathers allegorise this story to set forth the vocaation of the Gentiles and the rejection of the Jews.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:12
7–13. See introd. summary to section.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:12
12. Thine armholes — Literally, the joints of thy hands. The same word is used in Ezekiel 13:18. Here the meaning is manifestly “armholes,” and from this we may come to the true sense in Ezekiel 13:18.
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:12
| Sermon | Description | |
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Others by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio |
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(1 John #26) the Love That Casts Out Fear by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 John chapter 4 verses 17 and 18. He emphasizes that our love is made perfect through our relationship with God. He explains that because G |
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Passing Judgment by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, James Montgomery Boyce discusses the various judgments that God will impose on individuals and nations for their sins. These judgments include the final judgment of |
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The New Covenant - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by Gary Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the congregation to gather in small groups and pray for one another. He emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ and the need |
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Are You Backsliding? (Part 2) by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the prevalence of easily accessible and explicit content in today's society. He shares personal experiences of encountering inappropriate mate |
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Who Is the Cult? by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true commitment to following Jesus, challenging the congregation to reflect on their level of dedication and action in living out the teach |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasiz |