The Agora
Bible Commentary


Jeremiah 37

Jer 37:1

Jer 37: "The gathering crisis faces Judah as the Babylonian invasion threatens to come closer. [1] The irresolute rule of Zedekiah: vv 1,2. [2] A deputation visits Jeremiah: vv 3,4. On the earlier attack of Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah had sought advice of Jeremiah; now with danger more imminent, he pleads for the prayers of the prophet, as Hezekiah did of Isaiah (Isa 37:2). This was probably followed by the covenant referred to in Jer 34, which was promptly forgotten as soon as the danger had passed. [3] Egypt advances, and the Chaldeans retreat: v 5. The news that Egypt was advancing caused Nebuchadnezzar to raise the siege and move quickly south against Egypt. [4] Zedekiah is warned that the city would fall: vv 6-10. [5] Jeremiah flees the city: vv 11-15. He acts as Christ exhorted his followers to do (Mat. 24:14,15). [6] The king seeks an audience with the prophet: vv 16,17. [7] Jeremiah seeks the king's aid: vv 18-21. The order was later reversed at the instigation of the prophet: Jer 38:9" (GEM).






Jer 37:5

THEY WITHDREW FROM JERUSALEM: Thus inspiring high (but false) hopes.

Jer 37:12

"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- let the reader understand -- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Mat 24:15,16).

Jer 37:13

HANANIAH: The false prophet whose death Jeremiah prophesied (Jer 28:1). This explains his motive.

Jer 37:15

WHICH THEY HAD MADE INTO A PRISON: There had previously been no need for a prison!

Jer 37:17

YOU WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE KING OF BABYLON: Egypt could not deliver Jerusalem (Eze 17).

Previous Index Next