Jeremiah 38:15 - Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Jeremiah 38:15" mean?
This verse from Jeremiah 38:15 reveals a tense and distrustful relationship between the prophet Jeremiah and King Zedekiah of Judah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death?" Jeremiah is expressing his fear for his life. He suspects that if he tells Zedekiah the true message he has received from God, a message that is likely unwelcome (probably a warning of defeat and exile), Zedekiah will have him executed. He is acknowledging the king's power over him and the potential consequences of speaking truth to power. He recognizes that Zedekiah is not open to hearing news that contradicts his desires or political calculations.
"If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me." This part highlights Zedekiah's stubbornness and unwillingness to heed divine warnings. Jeremiah knows from past experience that even if he survives conveying the message, Zedekiah will likely ignore his advice. This is a crucial aspect of their relationship – Zedekiah seeks Jeremiah's counsel, perhaps hoping for a favorable prophecy, but is unwilling to act upon it when it's unfavorable. He is looking for validation, not guidance.
In essence, the verse underscores:
Jeremiah's precarious position: He is a prophet in a hostile environment, facing personal danger for delivering God's message.
Zedekiah's weakness as a leader: He is indecisive, fearful of his own court (as evidenced in later verses in the chapter), and unwilling to listen to unwelcome truth. He would rather appease his advisors than obey God.
The impending doom of Judah: The verse foreshadows the kingdom's downfall, as the king's refusal to listen to God's warnings ensures their destruction.
This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating the tragic disconnect between divine guidance and human leadership, and the dire consequences of ignoring God's word. It encapsulates the tragic dynamic between a prophet bound by duty and a king trapped by political expediency and pride.
Jeremiah 38:15 - Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.”
What does "Jeremiah 38:15" mean?
This verse from Jeremiah 38:15 reveals a tense and distrustful relationship between the prophet Jeremiah and King Zedekiah of Judah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death?" Jeremiah is expressing his fear for his life. He suspects that if he tells Zedekiah the true message he has received from God, a message that is likely unwelcome (probably a warning of defeat and exile), Zedekiah will have him executed. He is acknowledging the king's power over him and the potential consequences of speaking truth to power. He recognizes that Zedekiah is not open to hearing news that contradicts his desires or political calculations.
"If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me." This part highlights Zedekiah's stubbornness and unwillingness to heed divine warnings. Jeremiah knows from past experience that even if he survives conveying the message, Zedekiah will likely ignore his advice. This is a crucial aspect of their relationship – Zedekiah seeks Jeremiah's counsel, perhaps hoping for a favorable prophecy, but is unwilling to act upon it when it's unfavorable. He is looking for validation, not guidance.
In essence, the verse underscores:
Jeremiah's precarious position: He is a prophet in a hostile environment, facing personal danger for delivering God's message.
Zedekiah's weakness as a leader: He is indecisive, fearful of his own court (as evidenced in later verses in the chapter), and unwilling to listen to unwelcome truth. He would rather appease his advisors than obey God.
The impending doom of Judah: The verse foreshadows the kingdom's downfall, as the king's refusal to listen to God's warnings ensures their destruction.
This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating the tragic disconnect between divine guidance and human leadership, and the dire consequences of ignoring God's word. It encapsulates the tragic dynamic between a prophet bound by duty and a king trapped by political expediency and pride.