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Jeremiah: The Eternal says that anyone who stays in the city will die by war, famine, or disease; but those who surrender to the Chaldeans will at least have some reward—they’ll keep their own lives. The Eternal has proclaimed that Jerusalem will be handed over to the army of Babylon’s king, who will capture it.

When these officials heard Jeremiah’s remarks, they advised the king.

Court Officials (to King Zedekiah): This man is a traitor; he should be put to death! His words border on treason; they are affecting the morale of what troops we still have in the city, as well as all the rest of the people. This man does not have the best interests of this people at heart—only their downfall.

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“This is what the Lord says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague,(A) but whoever goes over to the Babylonians[a] will live. They will escape with their lives; they will live.’(B) And this is what the Lord says: ‘This city will certainly be given into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.’”(C)

Then the officials(D) said to the king, “This man should be put to death.(E) He is discouraging(F) the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.”

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 38:2 Or Chaldeans; also in verses 18, 19 and 23