EGW WritingsJeremiah 38

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16a, 1885, par. 39

It is a beautiful morning. We have no seasickness as yet. Last evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The broad ocean was all that we could see surrounding us, and the sun went out of sight in the broad waters. We went into the dining room to attend services. Under the Episcopalian services, prayers were read, and chapters in the Old and New Testaments that were very appropriate for the occasion. The hymns sung were excellent in sentiment. The chapter read first was in Jeremiah. The second was in the New Testament in regard to the shipwreck of Paul. I wrote eight pages and prepared a reported article for the press. We were on deck most of the time.

From Splendor to Shadow

A Vacillating King’s Secret Rendezvous

SS 238.2

Jeremiah continued to advise submission to the Babylonian rule: “He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live.” Jeremiah 38:2.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 37—Carried Captive Into Babylon

PK 455.3

From the court of the prison Jeremiah continued to advise submission to the Babylonian rule. To offer resistance would be to invite sure death. The message of the Lord to Judah was: “He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.” Plain and positive were the words spoken. In the name of the Lord the prophet boldly declared, “This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.” Jeremiah 38:2, 3.

PK 456.1

The cowardly king knew that the charges were false; but in order to propitiate those who occupied high and influential positions in the nation, he feigned to believe their falsehoods and gave Jeremiah into their hands to do with him as they pleased. The prophet was cast “into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.” Verse 6. But God raised up friends for him, who besought the king in his behalf, and had him again removed to the court of the prison.

PK 456.2

Once more the king sent privately for Jeremiah, and bade him faithfully relate the purpose of God toward Jerusalem. In response, Jeremiah inquired, “If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?” The king entered into a secret compact with the prophet. “As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul,” Zedekiah promised, “I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.” Verses 15, 16.

PK 457.1

“I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans,” the king replied, “lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.” But the prophet promised, “They shall not deliver thee.” And he added the earnest entreaty, “Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.” Verses 17-20.