This verse is a part of Jeremiah's interaction with King Zedekiah, who is secretly consulting with the prophet about the future of Jerusalem. The verse reveals Jeremiah's fear for his life. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then you shall tell them...": King Zedekiah is instructing Jeremiah on what to say to the princes who are questioning him about his private conversation with the king.
"'I presented my supplication before the king...": Jeremiah is to say that he begged the king.
"...that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.'": This is the core of the verse. Jeremiah is terrified of being sent back to the house of Jonathan the scribe. Why? Because, according to Jeremiah 37:15-16, he was imprisoned there. It was likely a harsh and potentially deadly situation. He fears that if returned there, he will die from the conditions.
In essence, the verse reveals that Jeremiah is afraid of being sent back to a place of harsh imprisonment where he fears he will die. He has pleaded with the king to not let that happen. This verse highlights Jeremiah's vulnerability and the difficult position he is in, trying to deliver God's message to a king who is both curious and fearful.
The verse also reveals the following:
Jeremiah's Prophecy is Unpopular: He is in danger because his prophecies of doom are not welcome by those in power.
The King's Weakness: Zedekiah is caught between Jeremiah's message and the demands of his officials. He's trying to appease both, but ultimately lacks the strength to fully protect Jeremiah.
Secrecy and Deception: The need for Jeremiah to lie to the princes shows the precariousness of the situation and the lack of trust within the government.
This verse is a part of Jeremiah's interaction with King Zedekiah, who is secretly consulting with the prophet about the future of Jerusalem. The verse reveals Jeremiah's fear for his life. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then you shall tell them...": King Zedekiah is instructing Jeremiah on what to say to the princes who are questioning him about his private conversation with the king.
"'I presented my supplication before the king...": Jeremiah is to say that he begged the king.
"...that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.'": This is the core of the verse. Jeremiah is terrified of being sent back to the house of Jonathan the scribe. Why? Because, according to Jeremiah 37:15-16, he was imprisoned there. It was likely a harsh and potentially deadly situation. He fears that if returned there, he will die from the conditions.
In essence, the verse reveals that Jeremiah is afraid of being sent back to a place of harsh imprisonment where he fears he will die. He has pleaded with the king to not let that happen. This verse highlights Jeremiah's vulnerability and the difficult position he is in, trying to deliver God's message to a king who is both curious and fearful.
The verse also reveals the following:
Jeremiah's Prophecy is Unpopular: He is in danger because his prophecies of doom are not welcome by those in power.
The King's Weakness: Zedekiah is caught between Jeremiah's message and the demands of his officials. He's trying to appease both, but ultimately lacks the strength to fully protect Jeremiah.
Secrecy and Deception: The need for Jeremiah to lie to the princes shows the precariousness of the situation and the lack of trust within the government.