Bible Study Guide/ Jeremiah 39, (24-BSG-39J)/ Questions and Answers.

[1] What happened in the ninth and eleventh years respectively of the reign of Zedekiah? — (39:1-2) the capture of Jerusalem.

[2] Name the Babylonish princes who entered Jerusalem? — (39:3) Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag.

[3] Why did foreign officials of the king sit in the city gate? — (39:3) “This was a place where city business was normally conducted (38:7). Conquering armies typically took control of the existing form of government. The Babylonian officials set up their command center in the Middle Gate, which was probably strategically located at the most accessible area of the city.” (NIV Quest Study Bible Notes/ Jer. 39:1–2)

[4] Describe the calamity that overtook Zedekiah and his army? — (39:4) When they saw the Chaldean’s (Babylonian) army, they fled and escaped for their lives at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls; and the king went out toward the Arabah (Jordan Valley). Note: The king’s garden was near the pool of Siloam, southeast of Jerusalem (see 2 kings 25:4; Neh. 3:15).

[5] What was Zedekiah’s fate? What did the king of Babylon do to him? — (39:5-7) After a long chase by the Chaldeans army:

• He was overtaken and captured in the plains of Jericho.
• He was then taken to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where he was tried and sentenced by the king.
• He was forced to watch the execution of his sons and all the nobles of Judah.
• He had his own eyes gouged out.
• He was chained and exiled to Babylon.

[6] What did the Chaldeans (Babylonian) army do in Jerusalem? — (39:8) “The Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the house of the people, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.” (Jeremiah 39:8, ESV)

[7] What did Nebuzaradan (the chief executioner) and captain of the bodyguard do? — (39:9) They took the rest of the people who remained in the city, along with those who had deserted and surrendered to him, and the rest of the [so-called better class of] people who were left and carried them into exile in Babylon.

[8] Who did the Chaldeans leave in Jerusalem? Relate an instance of mercy on the part of the captain of the guard at the destruction of Jerusalem and the carrying of the people to Babylon — (39:10) “Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.” (Jeremiah 39:10, ESV)

“Jerusalem too suffered the ignominious fate predicted by Jeremiah. The Babylonians set fire both to the magnificent royal palace and the houses of the people (cf. Jer. 21:10; 22:6–7; 32:29; 34:2, 22; 37:8–10; 38:18, 23). The soldiers also broke down the walls of Jerusalem so the city would remain defenseless (cf. Lam. 2:8–9; Neh. 1:3).” [Charles H. Dyer, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 1185].

[9] What provision were made for Jeremiah? — (39:11-12) “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, “Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you.” (Jeremiah 39:11–12, ESV)

“It is plain that Nebuchadnezzar learned of Jeremiah’s unwavering counsel of submission to Babylon either through deserters or spies, or from Zedekiah himself, and so as soon as he found out that Jeremiah had been “bound in chains among all that were carried away captive” (Jer. 40:1), he ordered the prophet released.” (SDA BC 4:491).

[10] Describe the carrying out of those instructions? — (39:13-14) “Nebuchadnezzar gave charge to Nebuzaradan to treat Jeremiah well. As a result, Jeremiah was released from his prison, given over to the care of Gedaliah (the grandson of the scribe Shaphan), the new governor of Judah under the Chaldeans, and was allowed to dwell among the people left in Judah.” [Roy E. Gingrich, The Book of Jeremiah, (Memphis, TN: Riverside Printing, 2001), 49].

[11] What was God’s message of assurance to Ebed-Melech before the taking of the city? — (39:16–18) “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in Me, declares the Lord.’ ”” (Jeremiah 39:16–18, ESV)

[12] What Bible passage in which allusion is made to the reward of those who follow the example set by Ebed-Melech? — “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matthew 10:40–41, NKJV)

Note: “Jesus described how the disciples should go about their ministry—staying in homes of worthy people. Those who would welcome the disciples would receive great reward. The word “welcomes” may refer both to hospitality (receiving the messenger) as well as conversion (receiving the message). Jesus’ representatives carry all his authority. Those who welcome the disciples welcome Jesus; those who welcome Jesus welcome the one who sent Jesus—God the Father.” [Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 216–217].