Jeremiah 38:17
Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:
Jeremiah 38:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Prophet Jeremiah is conveying a message from the Lord to King Zedekiah, urging him to surrender to the king of Babylon in order to save himself, his family, and the city of Jerusalem from destruction. The message emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will, as following His commandments will lead to protection and preservation. By submitting to the Babylonian rulers, Zedekiah would be ensuring the safety of his soul and the city, escaping the impending devastation that would come from resistance. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of heeding God's word. It highlights the concept of divine intervention and the idea that ultimate protection and salvation come from following the path laid out by the Lord. The narrative illustrates the power of faith and trust in God's plan, emphasizing the importance of humility and submission in order to receive His blessings and deliverance.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord to King Zedekiah, urging him to surrender to the king of Babylon to avoid the destruction of Jerusalem. The phrase "the God of hosts, the God of Israel" emphasizes the power and authority of the divine message being delivered. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of obedience to God's will and the consequences of rebellion. By obeying the command to submit to the Babylonian authorities, Zedekiah and his household would be spared, along with the city of Jerusalem. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's guidance and the blessings that come from aligning one's actions with His word.
Jeremiah 38:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: If thou wilt go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thy house.
World English Bible
Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: If you will go out to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and you shall live, and your house.
Douay-Rheims
And Jeremiah said to Sedecias: Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: If thou wilt take a resolution and go out to the princes of the king of Babylon, thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burnt with fire: and thou shalt be safe, and thy house.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sayd Ieremiah vnto Zedekiah, Thus sayth the Lord God of hostes, the God of Israel, If thou wilt goe foorth vnto the King of Babels princes, then thy soule shall liue, and this citie shall not be burnt vp with fire, and thou shalt liue, and thine house.