My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon or cistern pit; and he is liable to die of hunger and is [as good as] dead in the place where he is, for there is no more bread left in the city.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Ebed-melech is speaking to King Zedekiah about Jeremiah the prophet who has been unfairly thrown into a dungeon. He warns that Jeremiah is in danger of starving to death because there's no more bread in the city.
Explained for Children
Imagine if a friend was unfairly put in a dark closet and you told a grown-up that your friend might starve because there's no food left. That's what's happening here with Jeremiah and Ebed-melech is the one telling the king about it.
Historical Background
Jeremiah 38:9 is part of the book of Jeremiah, written by the prophet Jeremiah around 587 BCE. The book details Jeremiah's warnings to the kingdom of Judah and his experiences during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This verse is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian siege, where food scarcity was a serious issue.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, this verse can remind us to speak up for those who are unfairly treated and are in danger. For example, if you see a coworker being mistreated and facing serious consequences, it's important to speak to someone who can help.
