Jeremiah 38

2 he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans. Jeremiah was no deserter (xxxvii. 13), but he did counsel a policy of surrender to the Chaldeans (see 17, 18).

5 the king is not he, etc. Zedekiah was evidently a weak prince (see 24). His history shows how moral imbecility may involve a man in crime and ruin: see notes on 1 Kings xxi. 19; xxii. 2.

6. Malchiah the son of Hammelech. As the word “hammelech” in Hebrew means “the king,” some (as R.V.) translate “Malchiah the king’s son.”

no water. These “dungeons” or “pits” were probably used as cisterns during part of the year. Jerusalem was supplied with water by large cisterns hewn in the rock under the houses.

7. Ebed-melech. i.e., “the servant (slave) of a king.” It has long been the practice in Eastern courts to entrust the guardianship of the royal harem to foreign slaves, the chief of whom derives great power from his opportunity of gaining access to the king at all times. In the present case, this influence was possessed by a kind negro (9, 12), who was afterwards rewarded by Divine protection when others were punished (xxxix. 18).

11 old cast clouts, etc. “Old torn and worn-out garments.”

15 wilt thou not hearken? Rather, “thou wilt not hearken,” as R.V.

16 that made us this soul. i.e., “who gave us this life.”

17 the king of Babylon’s princes. Because Nebuchadrezzar himself was absent, at Riblah: see xxxix. 5.

19 that are fallen to the Chaldeans. Those who had already surrendered themselves would only taunt the king for at last following their example.

22 the king of Judah’s house. i.e., in thy house. Instead of escaping the mockery which he dreads, he shall be reproached by the women of his own palace.

26. I presented my supplication. This we find he had done (see xxxvii. 20). It was a part of the truth; the whole they had no right to know.

27 for the matter was not perceived. The French version has “car on n’avait rien su de cet affaire” (“for nothing was known of this affair”). Moffatt translates: “For the interview had been quite private.”

28 and he was [there] when Jerusalem was taken. Rather, as the commencement of a new paragraph, continued in the next chapter: “And it came to pass when Jerusalem was taken.” Then follows a parenthesis to the end of ver. 2; see R.V.