In Jeremiah 38, we find the prophet mired in the bottom of a dark and muddy pit. The critics, naysayers, and doubters convinced King Zedekiah that he was a traitor. They were permitted to silence him by whatever means. They chose an empty cistern and left him to die, either by starvation or suffocation in the mud.
Who were these mean-hearted rascals? They were right-wing, zealous nationalists fully convinced that God’s covenant favor would never allow Judah to be conquered. They were Abraham’s descendants, after all, which meant unconditional divine protection. In their eyes, nationality was more important than obedience to God’s covenant commands. For them, the answer was never heart-felt repentance but sound public policy. All Judah needed was the right king. Driven by this fervent and blind patriotism, they were sure Jeremiah was a false prophet undermining their political aspirations. So, they labeled him an enemy of the government and an underminer of nationalistic morale.
For this influential group of officials, this was their chance to silence the fly that had been buzzing about their picnic. They buried him in a hole, hoping he would disappear.
While Jeremiah withered in the bottom of a muddy cistern, God moved the heart of a friend to save his life.
Jeremiah 38:7 – But Ebed-Melek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern…
Here, we finally meet one of Jeremiah’s loyal friends and supporters. Ebed-Melek was a Cushite, an Ethiopian. He had different facial features, and darker skin. There were others, no doubt, who heard of Jeremiah’s plight but were too afraid to say anything. But Ebed-Melek was not like everyone else.
He didn’t pray about it or write a letter. He ran to see the king, who was sitting at the Benjamin Gate, probably to hear cases and administer justice. Ebed-Melek went public, putting everything on the line.
Jeremiah 38:9 – “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have thrown him into a cistern, where he will starve to death when there is no longer any bread in the city.”
King Zedekiah was a weak, double-minded leader who lacked the inner fortitude that comes from personal, heart-felt convictions. He had difficulty saying “no” because his favorite word was “OK.” He just wanted to get along and protect the peace. So easily swayed, he flipped-flopped and told Ebed-Melek to take thirty men with him to pull the prophet out.
Before jumping right to the rescue, the Bible gives us this insightful detail. On his way to the cistern, Ebed-Melek stopped to get some old rags and worn-out clothes to use as padding for the ropes. If you’ve ever pulled your foot from a muddy hole, you know how strong the suction can be. Such force would have cut into Jeremiah and crushed his bones.
Leaning over the opening of the cistern, Ebed-Melek lowered down the rope. I think the prophet squinted, and water shot from the corners of his eyes as he adjusted to the bright sunlight.
Jeremiah 38:12 – Ebed-Melek the Cushite said to Jeremiah, “Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.”
Jeremiah did so, and his friend pulled him out with thoughtfulness, courage, goodness, and care. Because of Ebed-Melek the Bible says in verse 13, “…And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.”
Do you have a friend who might be struggling this Christmas? Mired in the mud for whatever reason, you know they feel stuck. How about making a FaceTime call and having a courageous conversation? Why not encourage them and pull them up by showing you care? If a name comes to mind, don’t pray about it or write a text. Make a phone call and let them hear your voice of encouragement. You might be the ropes that lift them so they can stand on solid ground.
Psalm 40:2-3 – He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.