Jeremiah 39:15–18

We have nothing to fear but fear itself. 

We trust God to do what we cannot and to protect us from evil. When our world seems out of our control, when we are at our weakest,  He is the strongest. We can trust in God because He is worthy and He cares for us.

Jeremiah 39:15–18

15 Meanwhile the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16 “Go and speak to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for adversity and not for good, and they shall be performed in that day before you. 17 But I will deliver you in that day,” says the Lord, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. 18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.’ ” The New King James Version

Gedaliah’s name means “Yahweh is great.” His introduction with a double patronym (listing the names of both his father and grandfather) this clarifies his association with the prominent family of royal scribes descended from Shaphan. Several members of this family are depicted as offering support for Jeremiah. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of most of the population to Babylon, Gedaliah was appointed governor over the remaining population of poor farmers. He resided at Mizpah (modern Tell en-Nasbeh), about eight miles north of Jerusalem. Some of the remaining Jewish soldiers who had escaped capture supported him. He assured them that Judah was now a Babylonian province, and they were free to return to a safe and peaceful agricultural lifestyle if they accepted Babylonian rule. His governorship ended when he was assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah. Jeremiah is taken to Egypt with the group that flees after this assassination because they fear Babylonian reprisals for the death of the governor. Faithlife Study Bible

Ebed-Melech, who had carefully rescued Jeremiah from the muddy cistern in the prison court, was promised safety and deliverance by the Lord because of his assistance to Jeremiah and because he had put his trust in God.  The NKJV Study Bible

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. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Jeremiah 38:2 “Thus says the LORD: ‘He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes over to the Chaldeans shall live; his life shall be as a prize to him, and he shall live.’

Jeremiah 38:7 Now Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon. When the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin.

Jeremiah 38:12 Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Please put these old clothes and rags under your armpits, under the ropes.” And Jeremiah did so.

Jeremiah 45:5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the LORD. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.” ’ ”