Jeremiah 38:7 - Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate),
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What does "Jeremiah 38:7" mean?
Let's break down Jeremiah 38:7 to understand its meaning:
"Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house..."
Ebedmelech: This is a Hebrew name that means "servant of the king." He's the main character in this verse.
The Ethiopian: This indicates that Ebedmelech was from Cush (ancient Nubia, roughly modern-day Sudan and southern Egypt). This is important because it highlights that he was a foreigner in the Judean court.
A Eunuch: This likely indicates he was a high-ranking official, possibly with responsibilities related to the royal household. Eunuchs were often trusted servants in ancient courts.
Who was in the King's House: This emphasizes his position of access and influence within the royal court of King Zedekiah.
"...heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon..."
This refers to the prophet Jeremiah, who was imprisoned because he was prophesying the downfall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. His prophecies were seen as demoralizing the people and the army.
The Dungeon: The Hebrew word for dungeon, "bor," describes a cistern or pit. It wasn't just a regular prison cell; it was a dark, muddy, and dangerous place where Jeremiah would likely die.
"(the king was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate)..."
Benjamin's Gate: This was a gate in the wall of Jerusalem. The king was likely holding court or conducting official business there, indicating a public setting.
The fact that the verse mentions where the king was located is important because it sets the stage for Ebed-Melech to approach him and it highlights that this was during a time where the King was publicly conducting business.
In summary, the verse sets the scene for Ebedmelech's intervention to save Jeremiah. It establishes:
Ebedmelech's character: A foreigner and a eunuch (likely holding a high position)
Jeremiah's situation: Unjustly imprisoned in a deadly dungeon.
The political context: The king is present and accessible, and Ebedmelech must act quickly.
The verse highlights the courage and compassion of Ebedmelech, who, despite being a foreigner and potentially facing risks to his own position, was moved to help Jeremiah. It sets up the narrative for the subsequent verses, where Ebedmelech appeals to the king and ultimately secures Jeremiah's release.
Jeremiah 38:7 - Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon (the king was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate),
What does "Jeremiah 38:7" mean?
Let's break down Jeremiah 38:7 to understand its meaning:
"Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the king’s house..."
Ebedmelech: This is a Hebrew name that means "servant of the king." He's the main character in this verse.
The Ethiopian: This indicates that Ebedmelech was from Cush (ancient Nubia, roughly modern-day Sudan and southern Egypt). This is important because it highlights that he was a foreigner in the Judean court.
A Eunuch: This likely indicates he was a high-ranking official, possibly with responsibilities related to the royal household. Eunuchs were often trusted servants in ancient courts.
Who was in the King's House: This emphasizes his position of access and influence within the royal court of King Zedekiah.
"...heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon..."
This refers to the prophet Jeremiah, who was imprisoned because he was prophesying the downfall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. His prophecies were seen as demoralizing the people and the army.
The Dungeon: The Hebrew word for dungeon, "bor," describes a cistern or pit. It wasn't just a regular prison cell; it was a dark, muddy, and dangerous place where Jeremiah would likely die.
"(the king was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate)..."
Benjamin's Gate: This was a gate in the wall of Jerusalem. The king was likely holding court or conducting official business there, indicating a public setting.
The fact that the verse mentions where the king was located is important because it sets the stage for Ebed-Melech to approach him and it highlights that this was during a time where the King was publicly conducting business.
In summary, the verse sets the scene for Ebedmelech's intervention to save Jeremiah. It establishes:
Ebedmelech's character: A foreigner and a eunuch (likely holding a high position)
Jeremiah's situation: Unjustly imprisoned in a deadly dungeon.
The political context: The king is present and accessible, and Ebedmelech must act quickly.
The verse highlights the courage and compassion of Ebedmelech, who, despite being a foreigner and potentially facing risks to his own position, was moved to help Jeremiah. It sets up the narrative for the subsequent verses, where Ebedmelech appeals to the king and ultimately secures Jeremiah's release.