Jeremiah narrowly escapes a gruesome death, aided by the boldness of Ebed—melech, and continues to proclaim God’s message within a city on the brink of judgment.

Zedekiah privately seeks God’s truth through Jeremiah but remains hesitant and fearful, demonstrating the tension between wanting divine counsel and fearing its cost.

Jeremiah exhorted Zedekiah to surrender to Babylon for the city’s survival, warning that disobedience would lead to ruin, captivity, and the downfall of Jerusalem.

The private encounter in Jeremiah 38:24-28 highlights the uneasy alliance between a prophet who faithfully proclaims God’s word and a troubled king who is torn by political pressures but unable to embrace true obedience.