Jeremiah 38:22

"But if you refuse to go out, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:"

Key Reflection

If the people of Jerusalem refused to follow Zedekiah's advice and surrender to the Babylonians, Jeremiah foretold that their wives and children would be taken captive anyway. The Lord’s word indicated that despite their resistance, they would not escape the Babylonian forces, highlighting the futility of rebellion against overwhelming military might.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

All the women that are left -Belonging to the harems of former kings (compare1 Kings 2:22), attendants, and slaves. Thy friends ... -This satirical song (compareObadiah 1:7) should be translated as a distich: Thy friends have urged thee on and prevailed upon thee: Thy feet are stuck in the mire; they have turned back. Thy friends -literally “men of thy peace,” thy acquaintanceJeremiah 20:10. They urge Zedekiah on to a hopeless struggle with the Chaldaeans, and when he gets into difficulties leave him in the lurch.

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