11 Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard , saying , 12 "Take him and look e after him, and do nothing e harmful to him, but rather e deal with him just as he tells you." 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard sent word, along with Nebushazban the Rab-saris , and Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag , and all the leading officers of the king of Babylon ; 14 they even sent and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guardhouse and entrusted him to Gedaliah , the son of Ahikam , the son of Shaphan , to take him home . So he stayed among the people .
15 Now the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse , saying , 16 "Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian , saying , 'Thus says the Lord of hosts , the God of Israel , "Behold , I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity ; and they will take place before you on that day . 17 "But I will deliver you on that day ," declares the Lord , "and you will not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread . 18 "For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword ; but you will have your own life as booty , because you have trusted in Me," declares the Lord .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 39:11-18
Commentary on Jeremiah 39:11-14
(Read Jeremiah 39:11-14)
The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
Commentary on Jeremiah 39:15-18
(Read Jeremiah 39:15-18)
Here is a message to assure Ebed-melech of a recompence for his great kindness to Jeremiah. Because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. God recompenses men's services according to their principles. Those who trust God in the way of duty, as this good man did, will find that their hope shall not fail in times of the greatest danger.