Jeremiah 38–40; Psalm 74, 79
Common Theme
Both Jeremiah’s account and these psalms highlight God’s sovereign judgment over nations and His people, while also pointing to His mercy as the only hope for restoration. God allows Jerusalem’s destruction because of sin, yet He preserves His prophet and hears the desperate cries of His people.
Questions
- How does God’s preservation of Jeremiah during Jerusalem’s fall display His faithfulness even in judgment?
- In Psalm 74 and 79, what does the psalmist’s appeal to God’s covenant teach us about how to pray in seasons of devastation?
God Shot
God is the righteous Judge who allows destruction when His people persist in rebellion, yet He is also the covenant-keeping God who hears the cries of the afflicted and preserves a remnant. He is both just and merciful, holding nations accountable while remaining faithful to His promises.
Deeper✝
Jeremiah 38-39
In Jeremiah 38:1–28, the officials express anger towards the prophet Jeremiah for his discouraging messages about Babylonian dominance, leading them to lower him into a muddy cistern as punishment. This act reflects the dire circumstances of the siege, highlighting water scarcity. An Ethiopian eunuch, Ebed-Melek, bravely intervenes, persuading King Zedekiah to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern, using rags to prevent injury during the extraction. Although Jeremiah is freed, he remains confined under guard. Zedekiah seeks Jeremiah’s spiritual counsel, revealing his concerns for both his safety and the city’s fate. Jeremiah presents Zedekiah with the choice of surrendering to the Babylonians or facing destruction. Zedekiah’s request for secrecy indicates his internal conflict and lack of trust in those around him. The chapter concludes with Jeremiah still in custody until Jerusalem’s fall, setting the stage for future events. The narrative emphasizes the impact of fear on decision-making and the importance of discerning and trusting God’s will amidst difficult choices.
The passage from Jeremiah 38:28b–39:18 recounts the fall of Jerusalem and the fate of its leaders, particularly Zedekiah, who attempts to escape but is captured by the Babylonians. The city is burned, including the royal palace, while some of the poorest inhabitants are left behind to tend the land. Nebuchadnezzar orders Jeremiah’s release, recognizing his prophetic role, and hands him over to Gedaliah, who will become governor of Judah. The narrative also highlights Ebed-Melek, the eunuch who saved Jeremiah, receiving a divine promise of life. The text reflects on the nature of tragedy and judgment, suggesting that while Jerusalem’s fall was foretold, it embodies both divine judgment and tragedy. It emphasizes God’s grace amidst judgment, illustrating that new beginnings can arise even in dire circumstances, affirming God’s sovereignty over history and personal lives.
Jeremiah 40
In Jeremiah 40 Nebuzaradan, a Babylonian official, informs Jeremiah that God has handed Judah and Jerusalem to Babylon for judgment. Jeremiah chooses to stay with the remnant in the land rather than go to Babylon, indicating his commitment to renewal. Gedaliah, appointed governor, gathers remnants of Judeans at Mizpah, including Ishmael and Johanan, who will play crucial roles in the unfolding events. Johanan learns of a plot by Ishmael, who is allied with the Ammonite king Baalis, to assassinate Gedaliah, but Gedaliah dismisses the warning.
Psalm 74
Psalm 74 expresses the anguish of the psalmist over God’s perceived rejection and the destruction of Jerusalem. The opening verses question why God has abandoned His people, highlighting their identity as His flock. The psalmist laments the assault on the temple and the silence of God, feeling lost without prophetic guidance. Despite the despair, the psalmist acknowledges God’s unchanging power over chaos. The latter part of the psalm calls on God to remember His covenant and the suffering of His people, urging Him to act against their enemies. The text encourages communal discernment of God’s presence in difficult times and understanding one’s role in faith.
Psalm 79
Psalm 79 reflects on the suffering of God’s people following the fall of Jerusalem and their exile. The psalmist reminds God of the cost of these events, emphasizing Israel as His inheritance. While acknowledging their deserved punishment, the poet urges God to respond to the injustices faced by Judah. The prayer seeks both mercy and justice, highlighting the need for restoration and the importance of God’s reputation among nations. Ultimately, the psalm underscores the significance of prayer as a means of relationship with God, beyond merely seeking outcomes.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.