Jeremiah 37:3
And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 22
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ
Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ
Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
14 of 22
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
הִתְפַּלֶּל
Pray
H6419
הִתְפַּלֶּל
Pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
17 of 22
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
18 of 22
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בַעֲדֵ֔נוּ
H5704
בַעֲדֵ֔נוּ
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
19 of 22
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Jeremiah 52:24And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:Jeremiah 29:25Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,Jeremiah 42:20For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.Jeremiah 2:27Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.1 Kings 13:6And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.Acts 8:24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.Jeremiah 38:1Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,Jeremiah 29:21Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;Exodus 8:8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.Exodus 10:17Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
Historical Context
This occurred during the siege of Jerusalem around 588 BC. Zedekiah was a weak king who feared his officials more than he feared God.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you ever ask for God's help while ignoring His counsel in other areas?
- What does it mean to pray in submission to God's revealed will rather than your desires?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even wicked King Zedekiah recognized Jeremiah's prophetic authority enough to request prayer, yet he wouldn't obey the prophet's counsel. This reveals the inconsistency of seeking God's help while rejecting His word. Many desire God's blessings without submitting to His lordship. Prayer without obedience is presumption. Zedekiah wanted deliverance on his terms, not God's.