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1 In the ninth yeere of Zedekiah king of Iudah, in the tenth moneth, came Nebuchad rezzar king of Babylon, and all his armie against Ierusalem, and they besieged it.
2 And in the eleuenth yeere of Zedekiah, in the fourth moneth, the ninth day of the moneth, the citie was broken vp.
3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sate in the middle gate, euen Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
4 ¶ And it came to passe, that when Zedekiah the king of Iudah saw them and all the men of warre, then they fled and went forth out of the citie by night, by the way of the kings garden, by the gate betwixt the two walles, and hee went out the way of the plaine.
5 But the Caldeans armie pursued after them, and ouertooke Zedekiah in the plaines of Iericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him vp to Nebuchad-nezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gaue iudgement vpon him.
6 Then the king of Babylon slewe the sonnes of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Iudah.
7 Moreouer he put out Zedekiahs eyes, and bound him with chaines, to cary him to Babylon.
8 ¶ And the Caldeans burnt the kings house, and the houses of the people with fire, and brake downe the wals of Ierusalem.
9 Then Nebuzaradan the captaine of the guard caried away captiue into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the citie, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.
10 But Nebuzaradan the captaine of the guard left of the poore of the people which had nothing, in the land of Iudah, and gaue them vineyards and fieldes at the same time.
11 ¶ Now Nebuchad-rezzar king of Babylon gaue charge coucerning Ieremiah to Nebuzaradan the captaine of the guard, saying;
12 Take him, and looke well to him, and doe him no harme, but doe vnto him euen as he shall say vnto thee.
13 So Nebuzaradan the captaine of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergal-Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the King of Babylons Princes:
14 Euen they sent, and tooke Ieremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him vnto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the sonne of Shaphan, that hee should carie him home: so hee dwelt among the people.
15 ¶ Now the word of the Lord came vnto Ieremiah, while hee was shut vp in the court of the prison, saying;
16 Goe and speake to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus sayth the Lord of hostes the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring my words vpon this citie for euill, and not for good, and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.
17 But I will deliuer thee in that day, sayth the Lord, and thou shalt not be giuen into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
18 For I wil surely deliuer thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a pray vnto thee, because thou hast put thy trust in me, sayth the Lord.
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Commentary for Jeremiah 39
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People Mourn over the Destruction of Jerusalem
The taking of Jerusalem. (1-10) Jeremiah used well. (11-14) Promises of safety to Ebed-melech. (15-18)1-10 Jerusalem was so strong, that the inhabitants believed the enemy could never enter it. But sin provoked God to withdraw his protection, and then it was as weak as other cities. Zedekiah had his eyes put out; so he was condemned to darkness who had shut his eyes against the clear light of God's word. Those who will not believe God's words, will be convinced by the event. Observe the wonderful changes of Providence, how uncertain are earthly possessions; and see the just dealings of Providence: but whether the Lord makes men poor or rich, nothing will profit them while they cleave to their sins.
11-14 The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
15-18 Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.