Jeremiah 38:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 38:6
6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 38 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, salvation, holiness. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 38:6
6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
Analysis
The princes cast Jeremiah into a muddy cistern where 'he sank in the mire.' This attempted murder through exposure and slow death shows the depths of opposition to God's word. Yet God preserves His prophet through Ebed-melech's intervention (38:7-13). Faithful witnesses often face death threats, but God's purposes prevail. The cistern foreshadows Christ's burial and resurrection.
Historical Context
Cisterns were deep pits for water storage. When empty, they became prisons or execution chambers. Jeremiah's rescue from the miry clay echoes Psalm 40:2.
Reflection
- How do you persevere when opposition to God's truth becomes life-threatening?
- What does Jeremiah's deliverance from the cistern teach about God's faithfulness to His servants?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 37:16, 37:21, 38:22, Genesis 37:24, Psalms 40:2, 69:2