Jeremiah 39:18
For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲמַלֶּטְךָ֔
For I will surely
H4422
אֲמַלֶּטְךָ֔
For I will surely
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
אֲמַלֶּטְךָ֔
For I will surely
H4422
אֲמַלֶּטְךָ֔
For I will surely
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
וּבַחֶ֖רֶב
by the sword
H2719
וּבַחֶ֖רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 15
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִפֹּ֑ל
thee and thou shalt not fall
H5307
תִפֹּ֑ל
thee and thou shalt not fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וְהָיְתָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נַפְשְׁךָ֙
but thy life
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֙
but thy life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 34:22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.Jeremiah 21:9He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.Jeremiah 38:2Thus saith the LORD, 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.Ephesians 1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.Psalms 84:12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.Psalms 147:11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.1 Chronicles 5:20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.Psalms 37:3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Psalms 33:18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Historical Context
While Jerusalem was destroyed and most inhabitants killed or exiled, this Ethiopian servant was specifically protected by God's providence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to put your trust in the LORD rather than in circumstances?
- How does God sometimes make your life 'a prey' - preserved from destruction around you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The reason for Ebed-melech's deliverance is stated explicitly: 'because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.' This is the heart of saving faith - trust in God Himself, not in circumstances, nationality, or religious pedigree. His life becomes 'a prey' (spoils of war retained) - he survives amid general destruction. Faith secures what nothing else can.