Jeremiah 36-38

Again we see a distinction.  It is between the two kings who rejected Jeremiah’s preaching: Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.  The distinction is in the way they demonstrate their unbelief.  In the end there is no distinction in their judgment: both rejected God’s word and thus both were rejected by God.

In the case of Jehoiakim, the story involves Jeremiah’s word in written form.  Having recorded his sermons (36:1-3), written by Baruch (Jeremiah’s associate), and then read publicly by Baruch (36:4-10).  The words, calling the people to turn themselves up to the Babylonians, came to King Jehoiakim’s attention and he was given a special reading of the book as he sat on his throne (36:11-20).  But as the scroll was read, he would cut off the part that had been read and throw it in the fire (36:21-26).  What arrogance!  Jeremiah re-wrote the book (36:32), but as for Jehoiakim God pronounced on him a terrible judgment (36:27-31).

There are people today who have such a bold disregard for the word of God.  In the way they reject and ridicule it they the pride of Jehoiakim.  Those who reject the Bible will in the end be judged by its words.

Perhaps you would say that you are not such a person.  Maybe you see yourself as having great desires to obey your Creator.  Yet you tell yourself that following Christ is hard, that there are pressures in your life that keep you from following Christ.  You may even hope that God is aware of your difficulties and that He will show you mercy in judgment.  For you Jeremiah 37-38 is written.

Zedekiah’s problem was that he feared what people thought.  His life was very political.  In 37:3 he sent aides to ask Jeremiah to pray for the nation.  That seems noble.  But of course Jeremiah refused because God told him not to pray for the people.  The next thing we know Jeremiah is arrested on suspicion of defecting to the Babylonians (37:11-15).  Zedekiah has Jeremiah removed from the dungeon, and at the same time asks Jeremiah if he has a word from the Lord (37:16-21).  Again, how noble.  And again, Jeremiah’s word does not change.  

Later others attack Jeremiah, and Zedekiah won’t stand up for him for fear of the princes (38:1-6).  Yet later he removes Jeremiah from his painful imprisonment (38:7-13) and seeks a word from God (38:14-23).  Again, this seems like Zedekiah wants to do right. But again, when Jeremiah’s message is the same, the king will not humble himself before God.  Now he is afraid of the Jews who had defected (38:19).  Zedekiah doesn’t remember: “The fear of man brings a snare; but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Prov. 29:25).

Jesus put it this way: do not fear those who can destroy the body but fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28).  In the end neither of these kings feared the Lord.  That is why their judgment was the same.  Do not think that your half-hearted desires will impress God.  The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death (Prov. 14:27).