Jeremiah 39:11-14

D. The Command of Nebuchadnezzar Jeremiah 39:11-14

TRANSLATION

(11) Now Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had commanded Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard concerning Jeremiah, saying, (12) Take him and keep your eye on him and do not do any harm to him, but do with him as he tells you. (13) And Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard, and Nebushasban the Rab-saris, and Nergalsharezer the Rab-mag, and all the officials of the king of Babylon (14) sent and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he might escort him home; and he dwelled in the midst of the people.

COMMENTS

Nebuchadnezzar had given specific orders to the captain of his guard with regard to the welfare of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 39:11). No doubt Nebuchadnezzar had learned of the preaching of Jeremiah through some of those who had defected during the siege. He must have regarded Jeremiah as a friend and ally and so consequently ordered that he be given this special treatment. Upon arriving in Jerusalem Nebuzaradan consulted with the Chaldean officials on the scene[336] in order to prevent any possible harm to Jeremiah by conflicting orders or ignorance of the royal decree (Jeremiah 39:13). Thereafter Jeremiah was removed from the court of the guard (Jeremiah 38:28) and committed into the care of Gedaliah who had been appointed or would shortly be appointed as governor of the land (Jeremiah 40:5). Gedaliah was instructed to carry him home[337] (Jeremiah 39:14). This phrase suggests that Jeremiah was physically infirm at the time of his release from confinement. His age coupled with the deprivation and hardship which he had suffered during those last few months had left the venerable man of God frail and emaciated. And so Jeremiah dwelt among the people. The prophet was free at last.

[336] Nebushasban seems to have replaced Sarsechim in the position of Rabsaris by the time that Nebuzaradan arrived (cf. Jeremiah 39:3)

[337] This has been taken to be (1) Gedaliah's house; (2) the (chief) house, i.e., the king's palace; (3) Jeremiah's own house. The last is probably the best interpretation.