Jeremiah 39:16
Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.
Original Language Analysis
הָל֣וֹךְ
Go
H1980
הָל֣וֹךְ
Go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 26
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 26
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
H6635
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
10 of 26
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 26
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 26
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֵבִ֨י
Behold I will bring
H935
מֵבִ֨י
Behold I will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
14 of 26
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרַ֜י
my words
H1697
דְּבָרַ֜י
my words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
16 of 26
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָעִ֥יר
upon this city
H5892
הָעִ֥יר
upon this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
18 of 26
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְטוֹבָ֑ה
and not for good
H2896
לְטוֹבָ֑ה
and not for good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
22 of 26
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְהָי֥וּ
H1961
וְהָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
23 of 26
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
24 of 26
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Daniel 9:12And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.Zechariah 1:6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Historical Context
Ebed-melech risked his position to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern. His courage and kindness in the king's court stood in stark contrast to the officials' cruelty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God remember and reward acts of mercy done to His people?
- What does Ebed-melech's faith teach about God's salvation extending to all who trust Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-melech receives a personal prophecy of deliverance for his kindness to Jeremiah (38:7-13). God notices and rewards those who show mercy to His servants. While Jerusalem falls, this foreigner is saved because he 'put his trust in the LORD.' Faith, not ethnicity, determines one's standing before God - a preview of gospel inclusivity.